JotCast | Live Chat With Tim Dierkes

Tim Dierkes

1:39

The Red Sox and Cubs are a collective 6-15. Can't predict baseball! Let's get chatting.

Bethany

1:40

What team looks the best right now?

Tim Dierkes

1:41

The Dodgers have a good combo of the expectation of being an excellent team and actually being one. So I'll say them.

Dark

1:41

Who do you think is the front-runner to replace Lester in the Cubs rotation?

Tim Dierkes

1:43

I honestly don't know what the Cubs are thinking for Sunday. Tyler Chatwood could be an option, with the expectation of a short start, so somewhat of a bullpen game. If they bring someone up I imagine the preference would be someone already on the 40-man.

jas

1:43

Hear any rumors on which starting pitchers the Padres may be targeting?

Tim Dierkes

1:45

It's generally too early for deals, but names to watch could include Marcus Stroman, Mike Minor, maybe a Matt Shoemaker...could probably name 40 reasonable SP trade candidates.

Alan

1:45

Any fit with kimbrell and the nats?

Tim Dierkes

1:46

When your bullpen has a collective 10.17 ERA, yes, you take a look at all options. But given financial constraints it's easy to see Bud Norris as a more reasonable pickup.

PICK ME PICK ME!

1:46

Boy my Jays are worse than even I thought. Already down 2-0 today so looks like that's another loss with that anemic offense. Do you think it's a matter of time before Stro and Sanchez are gone? Seems like they should just get rid of any remaining veterans at this point and stock up for the future. They are must NOT watch TV this year!

Tim Dierkes

1:47

Between their division/league and slow start, the Jays have virtually no chance at the playoffs. Stroman, Shoemaker, Sanchez, and when healthy, Clay(ton)s Richard and Buchholz are all fair game.

1:47

The Indians are pathetic at the plate right now, just suffered a big hit to the rotation that's supposed to carry them to an AL Central title, and have their owner publicly commenting on how they won't be extending or re-signing their MVP caliber shortstop. How much worse do things have to get before they start shopping Frankie Lindor?

Tim Dierkes

1:50

This team has at least a 90% chance of making the playoffs. So now, they're not going to shop Lindor this year. Today's five-run outburst has been few and far between, but bear in mind they've been missing both Lindor and Kipnis and Jose Ramirez has yet to show up. Obviously once those three guys are rolling, this offense will score more than 3 runs a game. Plus, Jake Bauers should be a league average type hitter in time. That said - Santana and Hanley will definitely fall off from what they've done, and they're kind of punting at CF, RF, and C on offense. This team is primed to bring in a bat or two once inventory becomes clear in July.

Giants guy

1:50

Rough game for the g-men last night. Will they be able to unload any of the bad contracts?

Tim Dierkes

1:53

Tough to see a suitor for Samardzija, who is 34 and will still be owed $24 mil through 2020 at the deadline. I think you're stuck with guys like Longoria and Melancon as well. Brandons Crawford and Belt are decent-sized contracts that I think could be moveable with solid halves.

mlbfan

1:53

is any team almost legitimately "already out of it"?

Tim Dierkes

1:54

The Orioles, Marlins, Royals, and White Sox are out of it. The Tigers, Rangers, Blue Jays and Giants are just about right there with them. The chance that even one of these eight could make the playoffs is quite remote.

Steven

1:55

Do you think jd davis has done enough to stay in the majors even when fraizer and lowire return?

Tim Dierkes

1:56

It's only 28 PA, but Davis has scalded the ball among the best in the game. He's hitting the ball harder than guys like Joey Gallo and Aaron Judge. I don't know what you can do with Todd Frazier, but Davis is the better option at 3B.

This guy

1:56

I'm going to laugh my ass off when the Padres or Giants take the division from the dogturds

Tim Dierkes

1:57

If only I knew who this anonymous fellow was...we could place a bet.

1:57

While we don't know how much money Kimbrel and Keuchel are holding out for, how much do you think they should be willing to sign for at this point?

Tim Dierkes

1:58

This is just my guess, but I think each of them would take the pro-rated version of a one-year, $18MM deal at this point. I don't know what that is, maybe $17MM in actual money, but I think that's the bar. I can't remember a free agent signing a multiyear deal in mid-April or later.

CubFan

1:58

Being a fan yourself, how much did you react to the almost comically bad start for the Cubbies?

Tim Dierkes

2:00

Mild frustration. I was already annoyed ownership's decision not to turn over the bullpen. I know Theo took responsibility for this, and it is his fault in that he made bad signings in previous offseasons, but the Ricketts family tied his hands for this winter and no real improvements were made. Overall I'm not too emotional about it though. With four kids you can't devote too much of your life being mad about a baseball team.

George 'Taco' Bell

2:00

Will the Bluejays sign Vlad Jr. to a contract extension like Acuna?

Tim Dierkes

2:00

It would definitely make sense for them to try to convince Vlad to sign such an incredibly team friendly deal. I have no idea what his appetite is for that.

Baaaston

2:00

Can we breathe a small sigh of relief that Sale has been sick recently or is this simply a distraction from the fact his shoulder still isn't right?

Tim Dierkes

2:01

If I were a Red Sox fan I would not breathe any sighs of relief until he strings together a good five strong starts with reasonable velocity. It's incredible how bad all five starters have been for that team.

This Bud is for you

2:01

Can Bud Norris be a valuable contributor to a contender?

Tim Dierkes

2:02

I think so. His numbers the last few years have been solid, but he doesn't have a reputation as a great clubhouse guy. So I imagine if a team has the right manager and veteran players in place, and also a good idea of why Norris has that rep (other than narcing on Jordan Hicks or whatever), then he's worth a flyer.

Rays Fan

2:02

We look more legit than I thought. Can they keep pace in AL East and what addition makes sense to keep up? We have some $ to pursue add ons.

Tim Dierkes

2:05

The Rays are more likely than not to make the playoffs, with the WC game obviously more likely. I think DH is one of the more clear places to upgrade. Nicholas Castellanos, Jose Abreu, or Edwin Encarnacion (should the Mariners' fortunes turn) would be nice additions. Even a Shin-Soo Choo could be good.

Joe

2:05

When will Giants deal MadBum? Will there be a market at all for Longoria?

Tim Dierkes

2:05

July, and no.

Mariner

2:05

Can we get a poll on if Mariners are proving they are a contender?

Tim Dierkes

2:06

Do the Mariners have a 10% or better chance of reaching the playoffs?

Yes (62.9% | 364 votes)

No (37.1% | 215 votes)

Total Votes: 579

2:07

For the record, FanGraphs says it's 11.0%.

Clay B.

2:07

At what point will Cody Bellinger be recognized as an elite player? The kid has it all. Or am I being biased?

Tim Dierkes

2:08

Like anyone, he just needs to be elite for more than a year. I might call 2018 "very good" or something like that. If his first 51 PA are any indication, maybe this is the year he cements himself.

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