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Jeffrey Todd
1:58
Hey there ... hit me with some questions and I'll start answerin' in a few.
Matt
2:01
Free conforto
Jeffrey Todd
2:02
I trust some enterprising Mets fan has made such a t-shirt.
Ethan
2:02
Does the struggles of Danny Valencia speed up the "reclamation" project of Daniel Vogelbach?
Jeffrey Todd
2:02
Given the demotion, I think Vogelbach is on his own timeline. He'd be in the bigs now if they thought he was ready for it. Could look outside the org.
Eric L
2:03
Are the Reds for real
Jeffrey Todd
2:03
Are the Reds for real?

Yes (10.2% | 33 votes)
 
No (89.8% | 290 votes)
 

Total Votes: 323
Probably should have waited til more people showed up before doing a poll. But whatever.
Ethan
2:04
Think Rays will trade any big arms by the deadline?
Jeffrey Todd
2:04
At this point I'm expecting them to be more of a "hold" unless it really falls apart. They already moved a few starters.
2:05
That said, Cobb would be a deadline possibility if he's in form and the team isn't. He'll be a FA after the year.
2:06
With 31 votes in, we are now projecting that the Reds are not for real.
Two more votes. We can call it. Not for real. But kinda more interesting than might have been expected. Have to love the ultra flexible position players and relievers they have compiled.
M's
2:06
What happens if we can't turn this around?
Jeffrey Todd
2:07
It gets blown up at the deadline and there's lots of self-examination.
This isn't like, say, the Astros last year, where they weren't going to be deconstructing the core regardless. If this year is a disaster, Seattle will kinda be forced to do some serious selling. Obviously too soon to know, but these games do count, so it's a big hole.
Eric L
2:08
Will the Cardinals win 80 games last year
Jeffrey Todd
2:08
I vote yes.
Ned Yost
2:08
Should I be worried on how the Royals are doing this year with a record of 2-6? What can I do to improve it?
Jeffrey Todd
2:09
It's more a reflection of the concerns that already existed, but yeah, it's also concerning. Not much they can do at this point but keep plugging away though.
Dustin
2:10
Hello, Steve laid out an idea of Otani signing for smallish bonus and then signing an extension, such as Longoria did, shortly after making his big league debut. Do you think this is the way teams will be able to get around the new International bonus rules? If anyone has the stones to do it, I could see the Padres taking a shot at this arrangement.
Jeffrey Todd
2:10
I don't know what the supposed loopholes are, exactly, but my assumption was that they would involve a deal that allows him to become a free agent after two or three years. That's fairly common in international deals, though I am not sure if the new rules would impact that too.
2:11
That would possibly dovetail with Steve's idea. The league would not be pleased with something that just completely makes an end run around the rules, I'd have to think.
Chris
2:12
Isn't Kap's injury about the worst thing that could happen wrt the Yanks' youth movement, given they are much deeper in high end position player prospects, and given the timing of their top 3 starters being (potential) FAs after the season? Even if he comes back, it won't be til the start of 2019 at full strength, they almost have to pay exorbitant price either in $ or prospects for pitching over the next 2 years.
Jeffrey Todd
2:13
I guess it'd arguably worse if he just completely tanked as a prospect, because at least this doesn't reflect on his talent. But it's not good. You can never count on any single pitcher, especially those of the prospect variety. And I'm sure they know that and were also building in some added possibility of Kaprielian going down given the preexisting arm issues.
That said ... yeah, there are a lot of rotation spots to fill. That's probably a decent portion of the reasoning behind trotting out some of these younger guys in the rotation now rather than signing short-term veterans. See what they got.
Ryan C
2:14
Are the Angels for real
Jeffrey Todd
2:15
It would have been foolish to write them off before the year. There's a lot of talent there and also Mike Trout, who is too talented even to be called talented. But the pitching is still worrisome. Really just going to have to see whether it holds up.
Ultimately I'd be surprised if they can hold off the Astros, but crazier things have happened. And they look like a solid WC contender.
Jack
2:16
Are the Dodgers over-rated? I know their depth is lauded but with arguably the best player /pitcher shouldn't the collection of talent of around him not have so many question marks, platoon splits, etc? I am not sure this kind of roster construction work in the playoffs. Take away Kershaw, Jansen what do you have?
Jeffrey Todd
2:17
Postseason is when there'll be matchups galore. I don't see why it can't work then if it does in the regular season. They knocked out a strong Nats team last year and hung in with the Cubs.
Brad
2:17
Think Shohei Otani really does sign this off season? With the cap on international free agents under the age of 25, wouldn't every team be in contention for him? Who do you see as the front runners? Thanks, Jeffrey!
Jeffrey Todd
2:18
Seems to be leaning that way, but I can't handicap it. As far as what teams? Yes, every team. He is perhaps an unprecedented player to come available in this manner. And the oddball rule situation could open things up yet more.
Remember the Tanaka sweepstakes? That'll be boring compared to Otanifest. Should be fun.
DMoney
2:19
Even though it's only 8 games into the season for the Blue Jays at 1-7. Only 3 teams in the last 39 years have made the playoffs when starting 1-6. So my question is, should the Jays already be looking to deal(internally for now) when the deadline roles around? Maybe start listing who to move/target in return
Jeffrey Todd
2:20
That statistic reflects the fact that many such teams are legitimately bad. I think there's good reason to think the Jays are at least average or somewhat above. So it is too soon to panic, though the games (as stated already) do already go onto the loss side of the ledger.
But it is far too soon to start laying the groundwork to sell. Last thing they need is rumors about Josh Donaldson being shopped or something.
Miracle Max
2:21
Is Khris Davis early season approach to the ball different or is it just small sample size that seems to increase walks and base hits?
Jeffrey Todd
2:22
He has 10 Ks and 3 BBs ... seems in line with typical numbers, no? He's obviously crushing the ball right now, but that'll probably settle out.
Pine Marten
2:23
Which do you see lasting longer, the dominance of the Rockies and/or Padres bullpens or the utter failure of the Rangers and or/Cardinals bullpens?
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