You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
MLBTR Live Chat With Jeff Todd
powered byJotCast
Jeffrey Todd
2:26
Go ahead and pop some questions in the queue while I grab a snack, and we'll get going in a couple minutes.
Patrick-11
2:29
Hi,Jeff How many home runs does Neil Walker have by the end of May?
Jeffrey Todd
2:30
Wouldn't be surprising at all if he ends the year with a career best - maybe 25? - but I wouldn't expect much more than that. (I realize I didn't directly answer your question.)
Mike
2:30
AJC is even calling for Fredi to be fired, still no chance? I like the argument, but Cubs and Astros had similar records to start the season in their rebuilds. May looks so much better than April for the team.
Jeffrey Todd
2:31
I think there's a chance. There's a reason teams use managers as scapegoats, and it's easy to imagine the argument. "May not have expected a playoff team, but needed to be playing better and it was time for a change." Etc.
But I don't think it matters all that much. He'll likely be replaced at some point soon regardless.
Tyler
2:32
Any solutions to Dodgers early pitching struggles?
Jeffrey Todd
2:32
Haven't looked at the league leaderboards, but they seem to be within range of expectations up and down the staff. A few outliers in both directions, but it's early. They'll stay the course for now.
Mike
2:32
Should I be worried about all the injuries the Angels pitching has right now?
Jeffrey Todd
2:33
Yeah. That was supposed to be an area of depth, and even a bit of upside with Skaggs returning, Heaney hopefully emerging, Richards turning into a full-on ace, etc.
2:34
Still possible it all holds together, but it's fair to have concern.
Tom
2:34
Are the White Sox for real? Their pitching has been incredible with solid defense and timely hitting, though the offense still has some question marks.
Jeffrey Todd
2:35
To an extent, sure. Nice that they're doing this even with Abreu off to a slow start. But there's no way Latos keeps this up, and the fifth starter spot is still a question.
Great start, though, both in terms of building out a nice record to work from and in terms of how they've shown.
Nate
2:35
Which promoted pitcher are you more excited about: Sean Manaea or Michael Fulmer?
Jeffrey Todd
2:36
Manaea for me, he seems to have a bit more upside with the live left arm.
2:37
Not sure why I decided to take a prospect question though, I have no idea!
Mark
2:37
When Yu Darvish comes back from the dl who is out of the starting rotation
Jeffrey Todd
2:38
These things usually work themselves out. If not, perhaps a phantom DL stint for whoever is struggling. It's not terribly likely that Griffin and Lewis will keep up what they are doing.
Todd
2:38
Could the pirates bullpen be this bad, since it was one of leagues best the previous years, or is there a high level of concern
Jeffrey Todd
2:40
Well, it is possible for multiple pitchers to take wrong turns at the same time, so it's certainly possible in theory. In actuality ... yeah, still possible. Watson is headed in the wrong direction in K/BB, Caminero is walking everybody.
There's so much more variability in this than people tend to realize, especially the pen.
Guest
2:40
what are your thoughts on jose berrios first start?? Will he figure it out?
Jeffrey Todd
2:41
Obviously pretty uninspiring, but yeah, I think he will. He's been extremely consistent in the minors and has a well-rounded repertoire, so even if he doesn't hit his ceiling (or just doesn't do so early) he should at least be a serviceable starter this year.
Jose Reyes
2:41
What happened to expecting my suspension in 'days not weeks' a month ago?
Jeffrey Todd
2:42
I'm beginning to reach the stage of being just completely confused. Maybe when it is announced we'll get some indication of why it took so long.
Stinger
2:42
Are you a Rawlings or Wilson dude?
Jeffrey Todd
2:42
Nokona
Mike T.
2:43
Jeff - what would you do to get the Jays offense going?
Jeffrey Todd
2:43
Other than inserting my power bat in the cleanup spot, I'd probably just trust the track record and offer plenty of encouragement.
Abe
2:44
How does Austin Hedges' injury affect the chances of the Padres trading Norris
Jeffrey Todd
2:44
Would be more of an impact if it had happened later in the year and the club had any hope of contending. As it is, I don't think it changes the calculus too much.
Moose
2:44
Do Phillies maintain their high level of (pitching) strikeouts throughout the season? Will they lead MLB at year's end like they did for most of April?
Jeffrey Todd
2:45
I don't know, but it's been really impressive.
2:46
Even better, they're doing it without issuing many walks. Nola and Eickhoff are both below two BB/9, and VV is just over. Pretty promising for what that org is looking to accomplish this year.
Aaron
2:46
Any word when Trea Turner might be getting the call?
Jeffrey Todd
2:47
No but I'm thinking it has to come soon, especially with the Nats hitting a little lull here at the plate.
Or, not "has to" but "ought to."
Moose
2:47
Are the Phillies still hanging around .500 at the All-Star break? Even if they are, would it still make sense to shed pieces if they can (i.e. Hellickson)?
Jeffrey Todd
2:48
Let's not forget that the Braves started well last year. On the one hand, the pitching has been just as impressive under the hood as in the bottom line results. On the other, that lineup ... not so hot.
Load More Messages
Connecting…