JotCast | Winter Meetings Live Blog, Day 1

Winter Meetings Live Blog, Day 1

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Travis Sawchik

1:14

Waiting for response ...

1:15

'Maybe this energy bar'

[I look on in horror]

Bryan in Boise

1:15

Which available Free Agent is going to sign for less than expect? My guess would be Eric Hosmer

Travis Sawchik

1:15

Agreed. He's going to get far less than his ask of 8y/$200 million

1:16

I think Hosmer might make sense to a club on a deal of half that in terms dollars and years

Lunar verLander

1:16

Reports of Astros considering pursuit of top starters + Boras representing Keuchel = almost zero chance of extending Keuchel. Think this means that the Astros FO doesn't like their chances to re-sign Keuchel in 2018, or just making sure they're set up beyond 2018 regardless of Keuchel's decision?

Travis Sawchik

1:16

That doesn't seem to bode well for retaining Keuchel

ATCQ

1:17

Would Nyy rather have a short-term piece like Lowrie, or a younger guy like Cesar H who might end up blocking Wade/Torres/Andujar?

Travis Sawchik

1:17

I'd love Lowrie in NYY. Fly-ball guy

Dub

1:17

Why would anyone take on Ellsbury's contract? The prospects Yanks would have to part with would be top 3 in their org, Ellsbury has a ton of $$ remaining and isnt a starter on any MLB team

Travis Sawchik

1:18

There's always a price

It would have to include significant prospect talent

1:19

Ellsbury has $68 million owed

A 65 FV grade hitter is worth $70 million https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/valuing-the-2017-top-100-prospects/

There's a starting point

Brent

1:20

Saw post on Baseball America this morning that MLB players that have faced Ohtani report a flat fastball that hitters will be able to square up. Any truth to this? I assume if we had data and graphs on very/hort movement, I would have already seen it on here.

Travis Sawchik

1:20

It has above-average spin. Mike Petriello noted it's very similar in terms of spin and velocity to Severino .

Matt

1:22

I was pretty convinced that the Yanks would move Ellsbury this offseason. Rumors now though, seem to indicate that he is quite intent on earning his job back and doesn't want to move. If that's the case, what would entice him to accept a trade, and would it necessarily be after losing his job (for sure) in Spring Training?

Travis Sawchik

1:22

The no-trade is a significant obstacle

But it could be accept a trade and playing time, or become a reserve outfielder

Dan

1:23

Isn't the biggest impediment in trying to deal Ellsbury is his NTC? What would really motivate him to leave a franchise that is on its way up? He might just be happy as a PT player. Would the Yanks just release him if he refusing to accept a deal out of NY? Thanks.

Travis Sawchik

1:23

That is a significant impediment esp if he's OK as a reserve player

Mikey

1:24

Tell the GMs around there to get going!!! It's after 1 PM and nothing!!!

Travis Sawchik

1:24

I will let Eno know to bother them!

John S

1:25

What do you make of the Padres reportedly interested in FA first basemen? Makes zero sense from where I sit.

Travis Sawchik

1:25

It seems a little early for that

Brian

1:26

So...what actually happens at the Winter Meetings? Are there seminars? Is it mostly just private meetings about this stuff that we rumor about? What's everyone up to right now?

Travis Sawchik

1:27

There are seminars, there are opportunities for job seekers to arrange interviews, the media sits around, chases rumors and meets with GMs and managers...Much of the baseball industry is under one roof

John Jaso Jingle Heimer Schmidt

1:28

Name one prospect you'd ask the Yankees to throw in just to take Ellsbury's contract

Travis Sawchik

1:28

I'd start with Gleyber Torres

1:29

I assume Cashman would hang up

I'd call back and work down the list

1:30

The Yankees have enough prospect to get something done without Torres being involved ... the no-trade clause complicates matters of course

Fat Matt

1:30

If he can help similar improvements happen for Judge, this will be amazing to watch. (It already will be)

Travis Sawchik

1:30

Yep. I could see Judge making contact gains. I don't assume he is done developing

Kevin

1:31

Can you tell me why the Braves are seen as a team that is going to continue to struggle for a long time? Freeman, Acuna, Ender, Albies and Swanson (hopefully) make a good/great core. 5,000 high end pitching prospects just cracking MLB or will soon. Very little finanical commitments going forward.

Travis Sawchik

1:32

Nightmare of an offseason but as you outlined, the Braves have a number of assets. I think they could be relevant again very soon

Tiss

1:33

% chance Stanton is great and then opts out? % chance Stanton struggles with injuries and stays, leaving the Yankees with 7 years of a bad contract?

Travis Sawchik

1:33

45/55

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