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Jeffrey Todd
2:05
Hey all. Send some questions on in and we'll get moving here shortly.
Brewers
2:07
Is there any chance we can fix our slumping offense? Or is this just more or less who we are?
Jeffrey Todd
2:08
As always, try to keep the focus on the big picture while enduring short-sample swings. It's always frustrating, but the true talent level assessment hasn't changed much over the course of the year, right? If anything, the needle has crept up on a few guys (and down, I guess, on Villar).
2:09
@chelsea_janes
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Brian Goodwin had a setback with his injury, which is what prompted Nats to call on Robles, according to person familiar with situation.
So that's interesting.
Indicates it's at least possible he'll be considered for the postseason roster. And that Goodwin might not really be ready.
Rob
2:09
Do the Astros hold on to Cameron Maybin after this season?  He seems like an ideal 4th-5th OF, but there's also a plethora of OF prospects in AA/AAA he could be holding back.
Jeffrey Todd
2:10
He's a free agent and won't be particularly cheap. Always possible they fall in love with one another, but from the outside there's no particular reason to think the relationship will continue.
Michael
2:11
What are your thoughts on Niasco?
Jeffrey Todd
2:11
(Nicasio)
2:12
I honestly am less up in arms over it than most. I mean, look at the Braves shipping out Phillips for a 4A catcher. Nobody batted an eye at them wanting to save $200K.
2:13
The way it played out, it looks bad, and maybe the Bucs should have kept him and tried to deal him in September. But who knew what kind of market there'd be? It's such an unusual trade.
Bruce
2:13
What is a realistic timeframe for the Braves to transition from rebuilding to .500? Is 2018 realistic?
Jeffrey Todd
2:15
Where are they going to improve? You can hope for some strides from some young guys, sure, and for Freeman to be fully healthy. But they are likely to get some regression in some areas (say, behind the plate), still have questions in the outfield corners with older players, and the rotation is totally unsettled.
So ... sure, maybe they can get to .500, especially if they spend. But this season looks somewhat disappointing given how poor the division has been and the money they invested in starters.
Ryan H
2:17
Does any playoff team possess a better rotation than Keuchel, Verlander, McCullers?
Jeffrey Todd
2:18
A few have rotations that are as good or better. Indians, Dodgers, Nats jump to mind. Depending upon what day of the week, the DBacks and Red Sox could be in that convo. Not to say that's not a quality top 3 -- it is -- but I don't think it's clearly above the rest of the pack or anything.
M.J.
2:18
Hey Jeff. Why didn't the White Sox release Derek Holland before Aug. 31? At least, he would've had a chance to land on a playoff team looking for a lefty? Also, he could've come out of the pen to show his stuff as a reliever to give himself more options during free agency.
Jeffrey Todd
2:19
I imagine they were already pretty aggressive in marketing him and would've done just about any deal if there was one to be made. So, it's likely a moot point that he won't be postseason eligible.
Nstale
2:19
With the Astros rotation now beijg Keuchel/Verlander/McCullers/Morton/McHugh, and Fiers already being sent to the pen, what happens to Peacock?  Does Fiers get left off of the post season roster in favor of him or do the Astros carry two long men?
Jeffrey Todd
2:20
This is where the HOU staff becomes more interesting. When you think of those starters as multi-inning relievers or piggyback options (esp for McCullers, who doesn't often go deep), then it's a very different overall pitching picture.
Nats Fans
2:20
What do you think of the Robles call up?
Jeffrey Todd
2:21
As I hinted in the post, really indicates they think he's part of the picture next year. Otherwise, no reason to tie up that 40-man spot.
That's not to say he'll necessarily make the Opening Day roster, but this makes it plausible. And makes it seem that they are more or less hoping he'll force his way into a steady MLB job next season at some point.
mikeleelop
2:22
do the jays trade Donaldson to make room for VladJr?  or do they just trade him period??
Jeffrey Todd
2:23
Decisions on JD won't be related to VJ. He's still a few steps away from the majors -- in development as well as levels -- so I doubt they'll just assume he's simply ready to roll late next season or early 2019.
2:24
Now, Vladdy could impact the team's interest in extending JD, I guess, but I just don't know that I see that regardless.
mikeleelop
2:24
would Jays get any kind of return form trading Smoak this offseason?
Jeffrey Todd
2:25
I see them holding there and hoping to continue to make out like bandits on the extension.
Jake
2:25
The White Sox future rotation is looking formidable with Giolito, Lopez, Rodon, and Kopech.  Do you think they can add a front line starter and frontline bat after 2019 to put them over the top?
Jeffrey Todd
2:26
It's a pretty nifty aggregation of talent they have cooking, but you are getting ahead of yourself with talk of adding pieces for 2019. Chances are, guys will continue to rise and fall a bit as they develop.
HeyMiggy
2:26
With all the dumping of Tigers vets, what happens to Miguel Cabrera in '18?
Jeffrey Todd
2:27
He stays. Not sure how they can trade the contract after this season. Just have to hope he rebounds.
Chelsea
2:27
Do my STL "Memphis" Cardinals have a true shot at a spot in the playoffs or is this just a cute little run? Thanks for answering!
Jeffrey Todd
2:28
Well, the Memphis team was pretty good before it up and promoted itself. Look, any time a club is within ready striking distance like this, it has a chance just because that's how baseball works. Definitely think there's enough talent for the Cards to make a push for the WC ... where they'd likely run into a pretty interesting DBacks team. But hey, it's only one game and the Cards can throw one of the game's best pitchers.
Jake
2:29
With each passing start by Giolito and Lopez, the White Sox future looks brighter and brighter, agree?  Still 2020 or an eye on 2019?
Matt
2:29
Any change in the white sox timetable given the promising early returns on Lopez and Giolito?
Jeffrey Todd
2:29
Had already seen the one question posed above, but ... seeing these makes me want to emphasize it all the more.
2:30
That said, it was a notable feature of the CWS deals that most of the players acquired were near the majors. So, it is plausible to hope that they could be filling out the MLB roster -- and doing so fairly well -- sooner than later. Just ... you still need so many things to break right to truly expect contention in the next two seasons.
OffTopic
2:30
(Potentially) unrelated to this season, but just curious.
Who would you put as the best August waiver claim of the last 5 years?
Best Rule 5 pick?
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