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VF314 Live Chat - 3/23/2022
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Derek
12:01
Hey everyone, thanks for joining. Let's jump right in.
Alan
12:01
This is the earliest I have felt this pessimistic going into a season at least since the Judge era began. Give me the glass half-full view, if such a thing is possible. What would have to happen, besides guys staying healthy, for this year's team to contend for a title? Given Hal's, um, fiscal restraint, are there even any midseason moves you could see Cash making to improve our chances?
Derek
12:02
So I think we can feel like this was a disappointing offseason but also recognize that this is still a very good team. I don't think they're as good as PECOTA suggests (98 wins), but I think they are a slam dunk 90 win team. The defense is better, there should be positive regression for the offense, and I think the pitching staff is deeper than people believe. I don't know that it's enough for a title run, but I don't think there are any other AL teams that are head and shoulders better than them.
Mark Finke
12:02
With so much money coming off the books after this season and next season, the Yankees are getting ready to spend big in the future for a deGrom or Soto, right? Right?
Derek
12:03
deGrom isn't gonna happen, but if Soto actually hits the open market when he's what, 26, there will be no excuse for the Yankees not to write a blank check.
12:04
That said, the Yankees just don't do the big FA contract that often any more. Before Cole...who was the last one? Unless I'm forgetting, feels like it was Tanaka and then the Beltran/McCann/Ellsbury splurge?
Drew
12:04
Sure seems like Gardner is not coming back, no? We are now two weeks away from Opening Day and not even a single rumor.
Derek
12:05
Never say never, but there was a Blue Jays rumor the other day. Maybe we're getting close to the point where he stops waiting on the Yanks.
Drew
12:05
Seems like there is a ton of unnecessary pressure now on Volpe to develop into a super star, now that the Yankees have passed on the greatest SS FA market in my lifetime (I am 34). If he doesn't come up and contributes from day one, the fans and the media are going to eat him alive.
Derek
12:07
It seems like there's a lot of pressure but we also can't just assume that will negatively affect Volpe. Maybe he'll thrive under it. Who knows. He's a great prospect and maybe he legitimately can handle it. I'm not worried about the fan/media reactions at the moment.
Tim
12:07
Assuming no other moves, what the heck is the bench looking like?
Derek
12:09
It sounds like we'll see expanded rosters to start the year, FWIW, so there could be more than four players on the bench. But for the four at the minimum: one will be a backup catcher if Rortvedt hits the IL (think Rob Brantly), Locastro, LeMahieu, and maybe Andujar?
PerenniallyDisappointed
12:10
So, do we think this is it? This is our full roster? After all the speculation, no more secret moves? (Besides when Gardner is re-signed)
Derek
12:10
They still could be in on Montas/Manaea, but there hasn't been much on that over the last few days.
12:11
Maybe another catcher if Rortvedt's injury is a bigger issue.
Joe
12:11
Jasson Dominguez and Austin Wells for Contreras. What do the Cubs say ?
Derek
12:11
I think they'd probably do that? I'm not sure the Yankees would.
David Williams
12:12
With German out, who breaks camp as the fifth starter?
Derek
12:12
Nasty Nestor.
Aaron
12:12
Are people so focused on Volpe and potential trades that they've forgotten about Peraza? He might not be a spectacular bat, but if he can provide at leat average offense to go with his glove, that, and his speed should provide real value if he makes the team this year.
Derek
12:13
I don't think people have forgotten about Peraza. I'm not sure I agree with at least league average offense right out of the gate though. THat's a lot to ask. Feels like more of a 85-90 wRC+ guy to start.
RBI_M_N
12:13
Fangraphs says that Chris Stewart somehow put up 2.7 WAR in 109 games for the Yankees in 2013. Is pitch framing so valuable and so hard to see that we really can’t tell who is a good catcher by just watching them play?
Derek
12:14
Keep in mind that those were the days of teams not all being in the know about pitch framing's value, which I think benefited Stewart's WAR a good deal. The Yankees were early adopters going back to Jose Molina.
John
12:14
Think this team can surprise us and beat out Tor or Bos for the division?
Derek
12:15
Sure, why not? Have you seen Boston's rotation? Toronto's pitching doesn't worry me all that much either, but their homefield advantage because of vax status for road teams could be a separator.
Down on the Yanks
12:15
i just dont get the sanchez and gio trade...i still cant make sense of it.  Donaldson will be chase hedley...watch, you heard it here first!
Derek
12:16
I don't love the trade either but Donaldson>>>>>Headley.
Jim
12:16
What's your projected ETA on Peraza? Feels like he's ready based on scouting reports an the situation in the middle of the infield is far from settled. Could we see a 2018 Gleyber-style call up?
Derek
12:16
He'll start the year in Triple-A, and if IKF is downright bad or hurt, he could be the first man up. I'd much rather see him than Marwin.
12:17
Also, I don't know that he's ready offensively. There are concerns about his pitch recognition.
Sam
12:17
Judge's (and any other non-vaxxed yankee) deadline is Thursday right? Do you think Judge misses opening day because of this? This is already such a stupid yankees club.
Derek
12:18
As far as I understand, yes, they have to get the J&J shot by Thursday, 2 weeks out from opening day. It's too late for the two shot series. I really have no idea what's going to happen.
Ace
12:19
Does it feel like prospect across baseball are getting a shot a lot earlier then in the past?
Derek
12:20
Not sure how to answer that, but in theory maybe? They are cheaper to pay than the early to mid 30s vets.
Dansby SwanSong
12:20
Is the arbitration standoff between the Yankees and Judge just a prelude to a long term contract?  I can't believe the team would let Judge walk after this year.
Derek
12:21
I'd be really surprised if they don't get a deal done, whether that's before the hearing or in the offseason. They've made it clear that everything they've done this offseason is because they want to keep him.
Jeremy
12:21
There's no way this was "the plan" right? It would be embarrassing. I will hold off judgement until we get to opening day, but hopefully there are a few more moves.
Derek
12:21
I definitely don't think their offseason was centered around getting Donaldson, lol.
Dan
12:22
With the caveat that my trade proposal sucks, I had a thought. Clearly the Yankees FO is targeting short-term commitments that create a better team. Looking at the Cubs, Kyle Hendricks (this year and next) sure seems like the type of player/contract they would pursue. Maybe try to squeeze Wilson Contreras in as well. Thoughts?
Derek
12:22
Doubt it's gonna happen. That would push them over the 270M tax threshold.
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