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Chat With MLBTR's Steve Adams: 3/23/21
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Steve Adams
2:00
Opening Day is just around the corner, so expect to be inundated with waiver activity, minor league transactions and plenty more over the next week. Let's chat while things are still calm!
Montreal Expos Orphan
2:01
Maikel Franco: $800,000 deal (28 y. old, last season hit for .278 + .778 OPS). Another sign that the MLB's middle class is inexorably being squeezed? BTW, I love your chat!
Steve Adams
2:02
I mean, Franco isn't great, but he was a solid bat two of the past three seasons. I think it's partly what you described and partly a product of teams not spending post-pandemic. In a normal winter he probably gets a few million bucks ... but it wouldn't be that long ago that he probably wouldn't have been non-tendered coming off the 2020 season he had.
Paul
2:02
I’m watching the Mets spring training game and I think it’s more evident they need to extend lindor. Thoughts.
Steve Adams
2:03
I don't think his spring performance impacts it one way or another. Whether he'd hit 12 home runs this spring or zero, it'd still be a major priority for them. I lean toward a deal getting done. Too much PR riding on Cohen getting a marquee move done after they didn't go nearly as big in free agency as most fans hoped.
Adam
2:04
I don't understand the hate around last year's extra innings rule. Brings value to relievers who can get Ks, and hitters who can bunt/move runners over. Shouldn't that increase the better hitters' value?
Steve Adams
2:06
I think the hate generally spans from it being a change that fundamentally alters the actual rules of play. Fans can gripe about pitch clocks, the three-batter minimum, limiting mound visits, protecting defenders from collisions, etc. ... but the core of the game is unchanged with all those. Putting a runner on the basepaths, by default, is another story.

That was my read on much of the initial dislike for the rule and, candidly, why I wasn't a huge fan either. I understand the spirit of the rule and see how some could like it. It's not for me.
Not the Angel's FO
2:06
What does TB want for Glasnow?
Steve Adams
2:07
For him to go out there and shove for 150-plus innings. The Rays are a "listen on anyone team" -- I mean, every team is, but they are more so than others it seems -- but I don't think they'd move him.
Rowland Office
2:07
Freddie Freeman extension gonna happen before the season starts?
Steve Adams
2:08
I'll be surprised if he's not extended. I would think they'd all prefer to get it done prior to Opening Day, but I doubt a player in Freeman's situation -- franchise icon, hundred million-plus in career earnings already, clear mutual interest -- would cap negotiations on Opening Day
Crochet Fan Club
2:09
In my dynasty league, I have too many OF and need/want to move someone - between Meadows, Robles, and Kirilloff, who should I unload, based on trade value now vs later in the year?  Obviously Meadows likely has the best numbers but could get me a better return.  Also curious for thoughts on Kiriloff vs Robles overall
Steve Adams
2:10
I love Robles as a player, but a huge portion of his value is tied to his defense. I don't think he's ever going to hit for a high average or get on base at a strong clip. Stolen bases are increasingly rare and thus more valuable than ever in fantasy, in my eyes, but if you're looking to move one I'd go with Robles at the moment. I think both Meadows and Kirilloff have higher fantasy ceilings.
DCSF
2:10
Can we assume 2021 is the last season the NL is without the DH?
Steve Adams
2:10
I expect that to be the case.
Captain Dunsel
2:11
Does a $100K retention payment count towards the luxury tax?
Steve Adams
2:12
Interesting question that I haven't really considered. Article XXB free agents who receive the retention bonus aren't on the 40-man roster, so my expectation is no, it does not.
BrewCrew
2:12
With the addition of JBJ, are any of the Brewers other fringe outfielders (Billy McKinney, Tyrone Taylor, or Derek Fisher) of interest to other teams?  What teams may be looking for 4th or 5th OF types?
Steve Adams
2:15
If they are, they're not going to generate much of a return in a trade. McKinney was a waiver claim, which means the Jays basically couldn't find anyone to give anything up in a trade. Fisher came over for cash or a PTBNL.
Gwynn .394
2:15
Do players at Major League camp use an option when they are outrighted to a Minor League camp?
Steve Adams
2:16
Outrighting a player is different than optioning them. If you're outrighted, it means you've gone unclaimed on outright waivers and been assigned to a minor league affiliate at the expense of your 40-man roster spot. No option is used there.

A player who is optioned to minor league camp does use a minor league option, yes. (So long as they ultimately spend at least 20 total days in the minors)
PS
2:16
While the Salvador Perez extension was obviously an overpay for his production, I liked the Royals' comments that it was a reward for what he has done for the organization. Why don't more teams treat their players like this?
Steve Adams
2:18
Because most teams are focused on efficient use of their resources. I get that the Perez deal was almost a lifetime achievement type of contract for him -- one that the Royals hope will buy goodwill both with him and with future players. ("These guys took care of Salvy; they'll take care of me, too!")

It's still very likely going to hurt them a lot in 2024-25.

I agree that I wish fewer teams were so bottom-line oriented and willing to splash some cash around. It makes Hot Stove stuff more fun to follow. I also understand why they are that way, though. The Royals kind of march to their own beat.
Jon
2:18
Best girl scout cookie? Thin mints, right?
Steve Adams
2:18
Tagalongs 4 life
B
2:18
The Nats were denied a 4th option on Fedde.  Does that mean that all other players that have been in limbo regarding their option status have been denied that option too?
Steve Adams
2:20
I don't want to assume that. The cases vary for a number of circumstances, and the fact that Dougherty's report on Fedde suggests that an arbiter ruled in his favor, specifically (as opposed to "ruled in favor of the players" or something broader), suggests to me that each case was heard individually.
Maybe I'm reading too much into that, but that was my inference.
Adam
2:20
Whose 5-10 year outlook looks the most promising: SFG, DET, SEA?
Steve Adams
2:21
I'm most bullish on the Mariners' farm, payroll capacity and the context of their division.
Of that trio anyway
Jeffrey Todd Helton
2:22
Why didn't the Mets make the Lindor trade contingent on an extension (like the Reds with Sonny Gray)?
Steve Adams
2:22
Because 99.9% of baseball trades don't operate that way. The Indians probably didn't want to be limited in such capacity, and I doubt Lindor would've been keen on being forced into negotiations in that manner.
DTownWarrior78
2:23
Would you be worried if you were a Tigers fan about the way Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson performed in ST this year? I mean I know that they are young but 12 Ks for Torkelson and Greene not hitting well either?
Steve Adams
2:23
In a word: nope.
Rick
2:23
Who will be the White Sox DH to start the season? Any chance the Sox grab Cespedes?
Steve Adams
2:25
Even if they did sign him, he wouldn't be ready for Opening Day by this point. I imagine they'll just rotate Zack Collins, Grandal and whoever needs a day off in the field (with Leury subbing in) through that spot until they want to give Vaughn the look.
Sox Wolf
2:25
does Vaughn get the same extension Robert got and Break camp With the Team?
Steve Adams
2:26
Doubt he'd get as much money because he doesn't have the same all-around ceiling due to his position. Center fielders provide more defensive value than first basemen.
Mike E.
2:27
What do you think the ceiling is for Austin Riley.  Only really played a seasons worth of games so far but some are souring on him.
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