JotCast | MLBTR Chat: 3/23/22

MLBTR Chat: 3/23/22

Anthony Franco

5:21

Hey everyone, happy to talk about non-lockout stuff for the first time in a while!

5:22

Let's get going

Royals Fan

5:22

Any chance we could be competitive this year? I feel like there’s a chance but I’m not sure if that’s just wishful thinking…

Anthony Franco

5:22

I wouldn't say it's likely but definitely not impossible

5:23

Need guys like Witt and Pratto to hit the ground running, which is never a guarantee. But there's a path to contention there if you get steps forward from a young arm or two and the top prospects are good from the jump

Elvis

5:23

Any news on Pujols? Also where might Matt Batty Go?

Anthony Franco

5:24

Nothing really on Pujols since the report a couple weeks ago that he was attracting moderate interest

5:25

I figure Beaty will end up somewhere. Feels like a D-Backs kind of move to me but like half the league could plausibly take a look

Time to Shine

5:25

Who is more likely to start in the MLB, Lowe or Brujan?

Anthony Franco

5:26

This is Josh Lowe, I'm assuming. I think Lowe's got a cleaner path to playing time, particularly if they trade Meadows in the next couple weeks

367

5:26

What kind of deal is Conforto looking for and with who is he mostly likely to sign with at this point?

Anthony Franco

5:27

I think he'll wind up with a two-year guarantee with a first-year opt-out. Works as something of a pillow deal

Where? Idk, tough to find great fits at this point. White Sox, Padres both have on-paper needs but payroll concerns. Guardians in that same bucket

5:28

I guess I'd say one of those three teams just bites the bullet and does it

Red Sox

5:28

Do you think we are making another move to bring in an outfielder and or a starter?

Anthony Franco

5:29

I think they're done. Got the impact position player they were seeking. The pitching that's left isn't better than the guys they brought in before the lockout

Maybe they add a middle reliever or something but I think the hefty lifting's over with there

Bòomer

5:29

Are the padres going to get a left fielder?

Anthony Franco

5:30

Should still be trying to, at least. They make a ton of sense on Meadows, although grabbing Voit at least deepens the overall lineup a bit

But yeah, I wouldn't want to open the year with Jurickson Profar or Nomar Mazara in LF and try to go toe-to-toe with the Dodgers and Giants

Rocko’s Twin City Life

5:30

Do the Twins add a starter like Sean Manaya and if so is that enough to get a playoff spot with 6 spots open in the AL

Anthony Franco

5:31

I think they're likely to get one of the A's guys, yeah. I'd probably have them as a playoff team if they do, but they're right on the border

5:32

If they get Manaea, are they better than the Red Sox, Mariners or Angels? I don't know, but those are the kind of teams I'd expect to be in the back of the Wild Card mix

Guardians

5:32

Looks like our backup catcher is out. Chance of a trade withe the Cubs for Contreras?

Anthony Franco

5:33

I don't think so. Can't see Cleveland devoting like $14MM to their two catchers

Jed hoyer

5:33

What moves can I make to make my cubbies more better?

Anthony Franco

5:34

I think they're basically done. I'd want to upgrade over Ortega in CF but don't really see who's available to do that at this point

5:35

Maybe they throw a couple million bucks to bring Chris Archer back? The back of the rotation is still pretty rough

The Final Boss

5:35

Which player + contract do you think has the most value out of Correa, Seager, Story, Semien, Baez?

Anthony Franco

5:35

Correa

Hahn

5:36

I trade Kimbrel right?

Anthony Franco

5:36

Eh, kind of seems like that's been the plan all winter but nobody's bit to this point. I thought it was inevitable he'd be moved in November but it seems like they might just carry him into the year now

Chris Illitch

5:36

What do you make of the Tigers Miguel Cabrera situation? They're trying to compete for the division, but will most likely bat a negative-war player in the 3 or 4 spot because, you know, he used to be good 5 years ago, and legacy, and whatever.

Anthony Franco

5:38

Yeah it's not great. If Ryan Kreider mashes for a month in Toledo, I think you have to give him a look at second base and work Schoop in at DH at Miggy's expense

Tough conversation to have, I'm sure, but now that they're trying to contend, one that needs to happen

Stone Cold

5:39

Do you see any trades happening before Opening Day? And if so what names do you think could be involved

Anthony Franco

5:39

Manaea's going, Montas maybe. I still think the Cubs could trade Contreras

Mackenzie Gore

5:39

Incredibly small sample size, but your thoughts so far on how he looks?

Anthony Franco

5:39