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Mark P
11:06
Good morning, and welcome to the Weekend Chat!  Let's see what questions are cooking now that March is underway...
Guest
11:08
Who signs first: Snell or Montgomery?
Cubs fan
11:08
Snell to Phillies on short term, I doubt it personally.
Matt
11:08
Where do you ultimately see Snell signing?
Mark P
11:08
Who signs first?
Jordan Montgomery (40.9% | 482 votes)
 
Blake Snell (59.1% | 696 votes)
 
Total Votes: 1,178
11:11
I also doubt Philly is Snell's landing spot.  Any of the Yankees, Giants, or Angels make sense, and SF would probably be my pick of that trio.

If you're looking for a dark horse, I kind of wonder if the Padres might potentially still be in the mix if they can move a bit of salary.  Their luxury tax number is around $215MM so there's some flexibility to stay under $237MM and reset their tax status, though an average annual value of $20MM or so probably isn't of great interest to Snell
11:12
As with every other time I look at the Padres' payroll, things would be a lot easier financially on this team if Cronenworth hadn't been signed to that extension
Natitude
11:12
I know it’s only a few games into spring training but goodness James Wood looks the part so far.  ETA on his arrival in DC?
Mark P
11:14
Midseason debut most likely
Wood hasn't played any Triple-A ball yet so the Nats aren't going to rush him, but if he keeps hitting, he won't have much left to prove in the minors
Bye Bye Baby
11:15
Giants seem to have too many infielders for the infield…package with Davis to Seattle for a pitcher could work?  Anyone there they may have an eye on?
Mark P
11:16
Davis to Seattle makes a lot of sense, but it might be for a low-level prospect or something rather than a prominent return
Guest
11:16
Do you see the Phillies making a late play for Montgomery or Snell?
Mark P
11:17
Probably not either, but of the two, Montgomery would seemingly make more sense as a preferred choice.  The Phillies value durability and playoff pedigree, plus Montgomery isn't tied to any QO compensation.
Brew Crew
11:18
Odds the brewers sign a FA starting pitcher now that Miley may not make OD roster?  Maybe Lorenzen?  Or one of the two big fish?
Mark P
11:20
Someone akin to Lorenzen is far likelier than Monty/Snell, though it doesn't sound as if Miley's injury is too too serious.  Pat Murphy's comments two days ago sounded more dire, but Murphy kind of walked it back yesterday saying Miley "just" has some shoulder soreness
Unclemike
11:21
How could the Cubs get rid of Smyly's 11 million dollar contract? Would help a lot of things. I would attatch a low A prospect with him, The Cubs could afford it.
Mark P
11:21
Why not just keep Smyly around for depth, since you can never have too much pitching?  Smyly's salary isn't going to make or break the Cubs either way.
Carl
11:21
Does Brandon Belt retire?
Joey Votto
11:22
I’m I done?
Mark P
11:23
Belt was reportedly 'close' to signing, but that was a month ago and still no deal.  Belt was good enough at the plate in 2023 that I'm surprised he's still available, since even in a part-time 1B-only role, he adds a lot of pop to a lineup.
11:24
Votto is a trickier case, since the production hasn't really been there over the last two seasons.
I'd love to see Votto back in the majors for another season, but I can also understand why teams aren't exactly rushing to make him offers
Ranger Fan
11:25
Do you see the Rangers signing Montgomery to a contract like Chapman and Bellinger or is Montgomery off the table for the Rangers?
Mark P
11:26
I've long guessed at a reunion between Montgomery and Texas, though even with the Rangers' TV deal getting some resolution, it appears there still hasn't been much or any movement in this direction.  

If Montgomery starts being open to short-term, opt-out-heavy deals, then the possibility exists that Texas might get involved at that price.  But it's surprising to me that the Rangers might not go a bit higher to secure a guy who was such a help for them in their title run
Kevin
11:27
Do the Cubs have a shot at going to the playoffs this year?
Mark P
11:28
Absolutely.  I've got them making the postseason, in fact
11:29
I forget if I've given my actual playoff picks in one of these chats or not, but here goes....

AL: Astros, Rangers, Tigers, Orioles, Yankees, Rays
NL: Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Cubs, Reds, Braves, Phillies
Jake
11:30
How many NL teams are truly out of the race in 2024? I feel like past the Rockies and Nationals it's not so clear-cut.
Mark P
11:31
Teams like Miami, Pittsburgh, or New York seem like longer shots, though you're right....any of those three making the playoffs wouldn't count as a true shock or anything.  Heck, the Marlins made it just last year.
Chuck S
11:33
No mariners in the playoffs in 2024? Why?
Mark P
11:33
Had to make a tough cut somewhere.
55 Tacos
11:34
Angels get Burnes and Fried next offseason… or should I keep that to myself ?
Mark P
11:34
Given Arte Moreno's aversion to long-term pitching contracts, this would be a longshot of a scenario
Zaidi and Putila
11:35
Getting Chapman is finally a relief. What's the likelihood, though, if we don't add a SP this is our last year in SF?
Mark P
11:36
Zaidi just signed an extension that runs through the 2026 season (same as Melvin).  If the Giants absolutely crater in 2024 he'll be in trouble, but obviously ownership is for now okay with the job Zaidi is doing
Gene Brabender
11:36
What's with all the blown out elbows?  Why is nobody concerned?   Didn't used to be this way.   Maybe pitchers should just be satisfied throwing 90 and aiming for weak contact.
Mark P
11:37
Pitchers used to blow out their elbows all the time in the old days.  Before Tommy John surgery, any kind of UCL damage was basically a career ender.
Brent
11:38
If new owners in Baltimore green light more spending, what’s the first priority?  Extending Adley?  Extending Henderson/Holliday?  Resigning Burnes?
Mark P
11:39
Identifying and extending the two or three of your many youngsters that you see as the true building blocks.  Henderson, Rutschman, and Holliday certainly seem to fit the bill, though locking up Rodriguez or Westburg might also work.
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