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August Fagerstrom FanGraphs Chat -- 3/29/16
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Erik
12:37
How much value is there in having an IF/OF guy on the bench? It seems like it could bring a lot of added flexibility, but the bench is usually big enough to fill all the roles you need. Have any teams used this "extra" bench spot in an interesting way?
august fagerstrom
12:37
Mike Aviles allowed the Indians to carry an 8-man bullpen for much of the last two years. The Cubs could do the same if they wanted this year because of Javy Baez
12:38
I don't think the flexibility has a ton of value (less than a win) but it's a nice preference thing
Matt
12:38
If I'm taking a flyer between the two of Adam Conley and Sean Manaea, who am I more likely to win with? Manaea isn't breaking camp, but he should be there soon.
august fagerstrom
12:38
Conley more certain for innings, Manaea higher upside
Depends what you need
Just answered a fantasy question
Slew
12:38
Expected slash line for Naquin?
august fagerstrom
12:39
Steamer's projection looks fine to me. .260/.317/.374 with plus defense
Josh
12:39
Dont get me wrong were not talking about stellar talent here, but how do you see playing time going in Oakland with Crips, Cahan, and Billy Butler?
august fagerstrom
12:40
No idea -- this is why I think they make a trade
Milo
12:40
I have a few Chris Bassitt and Rich Hill shares, but I'm not liking what I see so far this spring. I tend to be a patient owner, but I may need to drop one before the season as no one is liking them in trade talks. Who would you keep of the two?
august fagerstrom
12:40
Man. I guess Hill. You'd be kicking yourself if you pass up on what you saw at the end of last year and he ends up being really good
mtsw
12:40
Given Orioles paucity of plausible starters, could we see something wacky like a Matusz/Bundy tandem later in the year?
august fagerstrom
12:40
I don't think Matusz ever makes another start
Could see Bundy in there
JV
12:41
Predictions for Byron Buxton this season? 10 homers, 25 steals and a 320 OBP? Along with the great D obviously
august fagerstrom
12:41
That's definitely possible, and I'd even take the over on steals
He's an 80 runner with great base stealing instincts.
Kvn
12:42
Some are already preemptively criticizing the Oriole's reaction to Hyun-soo Kim's ST struggles by invoking Kang's similar line last year in PIT. How bad does an international guy you expect to start have to be in ST to justify jettisoning him?
august fagerstrom
12:42
I think it would be foolish to give up on him already
Curtis
12:42
What do you think happened with the Ms and Montero? had a good AAA season...only 26...new regime cutting old regime loose?
august fagerstrom
12:42
What happened was Montero is a designated hitter and he can't hit. He has literally no value
Jay
12:43
Some questions: Is Profar still on the radar as a solid or better major leaguer? Is he trade bait for the Rangers? What do you think of Shane Greene? And Bracho in Ariz.?
august fagerstrom
12:43
Yes he is and given the Rangers middle infield situation, I think he's definitely a trade possibility, especially when the Rangers realize their rotation is not a competitive one
Mike
12:43
August, it's hindsight now but if they could, would the Jays like to undo the Chavez-Hendriks trade?
august fagerstrom
12:45
Yeah, I don't love that move. If Chavez spends > 75% of his time in the bullpen, which he will if things go according to plan, then they'd be better off with Hendriks. Not to mention Chavez is a FA after this year while Hendriks isn't even arb-eligible until next year
12:46
That being said, Chavez's ability to move seamlessly between the rotation and bullpen has its value, and the Blue Jays have enviable starting pitching depth, especially given some of the uncertainty that surrounds their rotation
Plus Storen/Osuna/Cecil is a nasty, underrated back end of a bullpen
12:47
I guess it's close to a wash. I could definitely see the argument for undoing it, though.
Playing with the Young Team
12:47
Look at you bragging about about your switch hitting
august fagerstrom
12:47
Not like I was very good from either side
Slew
12:48
Nah. It's Randy. You're just hoping for a walk. You're not hitting either of them.
august fagerstrom
12:48
Maybe this was actually the correct answer
Bubba
12:48
Do you think Conforto will be the everyday LF or is he platooning with someone? Also do you think he hits in the middle of that lineup this year?
august fagerstrom
12:49
Think he's an everyday talent, but the appeal of getting Cespedes out of CF vs. LHP in favor of Lagares probably moves him to the bench more often than not
Milo
12:49
Could you see Justin Turner possibly having a breakout year? Granted, he's always a health risk, but if he gets 550 AB's this season, I could see him being REALLY good. Am I just a Dodgers homer?
august fagerstrom
12:49
Depends what your definition of a "breakout year" is -- I'd argue he had it 2 seasons ago
12:50
He already has been REALLY good. Just hasn't been able to stay on the field
12:51
Since joining the Dodgers, he has the same wRC+ as Anthony Rizzo and Edwin Encarnacion
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