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Live Chat with MLBTR's Steve Adams: 5/9/17
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Steve Adams
3:02
Greetings. Chat shall commence in a minute or so, but feel free to start firing away with questions!
Nombre
3:03
How late does it have to get for it not to be "too early" for the Yankees' success?
Steve Adams
3:05
Well, consider that at this time last year the White Sox had the best or second-best record in baseball -- a lot can still happen.

In the Yankees' case, they're getting best-case-scenario performances from the majority of their offense and the pitching staff. And there's really no predicting injuries... if Severino goes down for a couple of months or something, they're looking at a rotation with CC, Montgomery and Chad Green? That's a dicey outlook.

Generally, though, the Yankees look like a team that'll be pretty damn good so long as they stay healthy.
3:06
One second -- Jays DFA'ed Neil Ramirez, going to get a quick post on the site
Zach M
3:08
How do you see Zack Cozart's July trade market shaping up?
Steve Adams
3:09
I really dig Cozart as a fit for the Nationals -- move Turner to CF for half a season and get a premium defender (and solid bat) at shortstop to help the club out for the stretch run. There may not be a huge demand at shortstop, but injuries will always create some holes, and there should be an unexpected contender or two that is open to a short-term addition.
The Urf
3:09
Hiya, Steve! What do you think of this: Matt Harvey to the Cubs for Ian Happ and a pitching prospect? Am I close? Thanks for your time.
Steve Adams
3:10
Most recent circus act aside, I don't think the Mets are looking to move Harvey.
They're already perilously thin on pitching... subtracting Harvey from the equation isn't the answer.
Joe Kerr
3:11
I know its early but it is looking like Greg Holland was the best FA pickup over this past off-season, or am I missing someone?
Steve Adams
3:13
Eric Thames would probably object to that statement. Trevor Cahill has been shockingly good, for the Padres, as well. But yeah Holland's early success has him in the running anyway. I still don't love any contract that gives a reliever an easy avenue to a $15MM player option though.
Ghost of Kevin Malone
3:13
Is it realistic to think that when AGon is read to come off the DL that they will DFA Kiki to keep Bellinger on the roster?
Steve Adams
3:15
It's realistic to assume that there's no way they're optioning Bellinger back to ABQ. Whether that means Hernandez or someone else fringey on the 25-man roster remains to be seen. Hernandez does have an option remaining, so they could just send him down and DFA someone that's not currently with the MLB club. (Eibner?)
JS
3:15
Is the braves rebuilding effort in jeopardy now with Swanson not hitting and starters not pitching well?
Steve Adams
3:16
The fruits of the Braves' rebuilding effort is the deepest or second-deepest farm system in all of baseball. They're stacked with pitching throughout the minor league ranks, and looking at five weeks of data doesn't tell us much about Swanson or lend much credence to the notion that he won't still be a very, very good big leaguer.
James
3:17
I keep reading that Cain should net about the same as Zobrist from a few years ago. Sounds expensive to me since he's an OF only and has been so-so at the plate lately. Would the Nats be able to land him with a package of Voth and Franco? Don't think he's worth one of their top 5 prospects.
Steve Adams
3:18
Zobrist template makes some sense. He's a premium outfield defender that has a .390ish OBP and provides baserunning value as well. Putting 2015 Zobrist on a higher pedestal than Cain is selling Cain short.
John
3:18
Should the Cubs sign Fister?
Steve Adams
3:19
I'd imagine they'll just patch it together with the upper-level depth options they have. By the time Fister's ready to join an MLB rotation, there may be teams willing to just trade with the Cubs. I'm also not really optimistic that FIster is ever going to be of much help to an MLB rotation again, but it doesn't hurt for the Angels or D-backs or whoever to roll the dice at this point in the season.
Slint
3:19
did the Jays DFA Neil Ramirez to make room for DOUG FISTER?
Steve Adams
3:20
Mike Bolsinger. I don't think Fister's getting a big league deal when he's signing in mid-May and needs 3-4 weeks to ramp up in the minors.
Cards fan
3:20
Cardinals in first place somehow?
Steve Adams
3:22
Quite the turnaround after Cardinals fans were up in arms a week into the season. April baseball is fun but leads to a lot of illusions -- they're a good reminder this year. That said, the team still has some issues. Could use some better outfield depth for instance, especially with Piscotty and Fowler banged up.
Big Blue
3:23
Most talk about the Red Sox and Cubs but the Dodgers have to have one of the brightest futures with Seager, Urias, Bellinger, Pederson and so on. Why not so much love for them?
Steve Adams
3:24
Guys in Boston and Chicago all performed in the Majors last season -- Urias opened the year in the minors and Bellinger didn't debut till late April. But plenty to like in L.A. too. Don't think too many would claim they're under-represented in the national media. Not a knock on your comment -- just saying they're pegged as division favorites with regularity.
For the Ladies
3:24
My name is Steve Adams and I think ________ has the best facial hair in the majors.
Steve Adams
3:25
Bring back Danny Espinosa's outrageous facial hair.
Cookie Monster
3:25
Isn't it time to give Berrios another shot in the Twin rotation?
Steve Adams
3:26
They may very well do so in the near future, but I'm sure they're also cognizant of the fact that he was doing this same thing in AAA this time last year and then collapsed in the Majors. They're looking at more than just his Rochester box scores (not that the last regime didn't -- just saying they're considering a lot of factors that don't show up in his stats when determining if he's ready so that the next time he comes to the Majors, he sticks).
KingLouieLouie76
3:27
Speaking of facial hair, any chance Archie Bradley will eventually join the Dbacks rotation?
Steve Adams
3:27
Ha. Either Hazen or Lovullo said recently that he's sticking in the 'pen for the time being. They've said they do think he's a starter long term, though, so perhaps later this year or in 2018 and beyond.
beisball fan
3:27
Any news on Luis Robert?
Steve Adams
3:28
Had his workouts with the ChiSox, Padres and Cardinals.... same teams are being linked to him. I don't think there'll be much more in the way of big news until he's eligible to sign on the 20th. Maybe a couple interesting bits on him the day or two before that date.
RedsRocket
3:29
Will the MLB ever allow teams to trade draft picks and slot money?
Steve Adams
3:29
Hopefully. Technically they can already trade Competitive Balance picks and the slots that are associated with them, but it'd be nice to see them work that into the next CBA. Got another five years before we need to consider that as a possibility though.
Nats
3:30
Is Matt albers for real?
Steve Adams
3:31
He's a competent reliever but obviously any pitcher can look great in a sample of 11 innings. He doesn't miss tons of bats, has good control, keeps the ball on the ground. He's a serviceable, but not elite bullpen arm.
3:32
Dodgers claim Justin Marks. Ethier to 60-day DL. One second.
Ryan
3:35
Cozart to the O's?
Steve Adams
3:36
More likely if Hardy ends up on the DL with a significant injury. They're paying Hardy pretty handsomely, though relegating him to a bench role would be a nice means of sidestepping his vesting option even if he's healthy. And based on how he's hitting thus far, it'd be justifiable.
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