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MLBTR Chat With Mark Polishuk
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Mark P
2:02
Hi everyone, we're here for a special Saturday afternoon chat this week.  The usual Sunday night chat won't be taking place due to scheduling conflicts, but what better time than here, what better place than now?
Daniel G
2:02
Chris Davis got a hit!!!!!
Mark P
2:03
He sure did!  Good for Davis, what an awful stretch.
Logan
2:03
Are the Cubs  going to stick with Taylor Davis until Victor Caratini returns.
Mark P
2:05
Francisco Arcia might become a factor as well, though that's another internal choice.  The Cubs had been looking around for a veteran catcher even before Caratini went down, so I'd expect that search is still ongoing to some extent.
Charles Keane
2:06
Do the Padres look at a trade for a front line Starting Pitcher or do they look a Keuchel
Mark P
2:07
The Padres explored trades for seemingly every veteran starter on the market over the winter, and I'd guess they'll keep doing it until the trade deadline (assuming they stay in contention).  

That might be a wiser scenario than signing Keuchel, who has to be considered an X-factor at this point.  No Spring Training, he'll need time to ramp up...Padres might prefer a starter who can hit the ground running
E Z P Z
2:08
What would an early retirement from Pujols do for the Angels Organization?  Obviously free major money to build around Trout, but what else in your opinion?
Mark P
2:09
It would be an absolute godsend for the team to get all that money off their books.  But early retirement isn't going to happen.  Pujols is absolutely not going to leave $87MM on the table.  There's a reason Gil Meche was such a rarity --- players (like anyone) aren't likely to voluntarily surrender money that they're rightfully entitled to earn.
Freddie
2:11
What do you think the Phillies will do once Roman Quinn is done his rehab?
Mark P
2:12
My guess is Altherr will be DFA'ed, and the Phils will hope nobody claims him on waivers.
Jimmy's Cracked Corn
2:13
Rays and M's, totally for real or just pounding terrible teams?
Mark P
2:14
I think the Rays are definitely for real.  90 wins last season, and I had them winning a wild card this year.

Mariners are maybe a bit more suspect to be an actual contender, but I wouldn't be shocked by a winning record.  Still very early, however.
BravesWS2019
2:15
Would you take Machado and Tatis Jr for the next 5 years or Acuna Jr and Albies?
Mark P
2:16
If contracts are a factor, Acuna/Albies in a heartbeat.  

In terms of just pure talent, I think I have to say Padres just because Machado is a proven elite talent.  Acuna certainly looks like he's at that elite level too, though it has been just one season and change
Billy Pilgrim
2:16
What do you think the Tigers could get for Greene at the deadline? Is hoping for a top 100 guy too optimistic?
Mark P
2:17
Yep.  Greene doesn't have the kind of track record to demand a top-100 guy.  If a team is willing to give up that type of prospect for a closer at the deadline, they'd aim for a more proven stopper than Greene
neal huntington
2:18
archer for glasnow/meadows doesn't look that great right now.
Mark P
2:19
It was a strange deal at the time, and it looks even stranger now since it didn't herald any major push for the Pirates to add veteran talent.
Woad Raider
2:20
What is wrong with the Rockies?
Mark P
2:21
Haven't been able to hit whatsoever, and their rotation hasn't been very good either.  Hard to win many games when your starters and almost the entire lineup is scuffling
Slammin Sammy
2:21
When do HOF votes ease up on PEDS?
Mark P
2:24
It seems like the younger writers that enter the BBWAA pool of Hall voters are more open to considering guys with PED histories.  Whether enough turnover will happen in time for Bonds or Clemens to make it via the writers' vote seems doubtful, however.  

Plus, Bonds/Clemens were thought to be easy HOFers before their alleged connections to PEDs began.  It'll be harder for guys like Manny Ramirez who actually failed tests, or for guys like Sosa whose value was so strictly tied to power-hitting
Bored in Toronto
2:25
in a lost season, what do veterans look to accomplish by playing for non-contenders
Mark P
2:26
Non-contenders are still offering jobs on a big league roster, and their money is still good.
Flushing Flash
2:27
NYM have a whole new direction.  What do you think is their next move(s) ?
Mark P
2:28
Exciting times for Mets fans!  Their first step will be figuring out how to incorporate Frazier and Lowrie into the lineup, since pretty much everyone is playing well.  Guillorme will be sent down to make room for one of Frazier/Lowrie, but finding the other spot will be interesting.
2:29
Beyond that, there's always a rotation or bullpen upgrade to be explored at the trade deadline
Chris
2:30
A lot of people eating crow talking bad on C.C. today I know it’s the white Sox but he just pitched 5innings of shutout ball
Mark P
2:32
CC has been very solid over the last three seasons, the Yankees love him both on the field and in the clubhouse, and he's pretty inexpensive at only $8MM bucks.

Some NY fans have a tendency to look down on any Yankee who isn't a perennial All-Star, but Sabathia has been a very good piece of the roster.
Sox in the City
2:32
Is this the make or break year for the ChiSox rebuild? In other words, if there is not significant improvement does Reinsdorf start replacing management?
Mark P
2:33
The focus is still on player improvement, moreso than the White Sox making a big jump in the standings.  Moncada and Rodon each getting off to a strong start is a promising step
2:34
Also, as Bulls fans can attest, Reinsdorf is very loyal to his front office people, possibly to a fault
Dansby
2:35
Is it to early to consider extending me now?
Mark P
2:36
It's a great start, though the Braves probably want more evidence than just two hot weeks that Swanson has really turned the corner.

Then again, the Braves seem to be able to talk anyone into a below-market extension.  "Hey Dansby, we'll offer you a seven-year extension for $100K and a roast beef sandwich."  "Deal!"
Bruce Bochy’s retirement fund
2:37
If Mookie tests free agency; likely good SF makes a strong push for him
Mark P
2:37
Seems pretty likely.  They were willing to break the bank for Harper last offseason, so I don't see why they wouldn't do the same for another superstar-level free agent
Dude Gwynn
2:38
Can the Cards just admit the Fowler mistake and take him out of the lineup?
Mark P
2:39
O'Neill and Martinez haven't done much this season to really press the issue, however.  If either get hot, Fowler seems like the clearest candidate to lose playing time
Chris Sale
2:39
What's wrong with me? Am I pitching hurt but not telling anyone?
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