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Jeffrey Todd
2:13
Hey all, thanks for joining. Go ahead and start sending in your questions and we'll get moving in a bit.
(Sorry for the late start, too.)
Duh
2:17
Opinions on the Mike Maddux hire for the Cards?
Jeffrey Todd
2:17
What I've said re managers applies with all the more force to pitching coaches and the like. It's all but impossible to assess from the outside.
2:18
He seemed to have a good rapport with the Nats staff and was obviously quite well-regarded before that. And Nightengale just said most of the rest of baseball tried to hire him. So I gather it's a good hire, but have no idea.
2:19
Exciting way to start a chat eh?
@BNightengale
now
Mike Maddux will be huge loss for the #Nats, who badly wanted Maddux back after Dusty Baker dismissal
It will be interesting to see how the Nats sort themselves out this winter. Yikes.
Scott
2:19
Chances Cubs go against their typical mindset and pay Wade Davis?
Jeffrey Todd
2:20
I know Theo has said his preference isn't to give big contracts to FA pitchers. But he has done so (Lester). And every other team thinks and even says that, too. So I'm not sure there's any particular aversion to it with the Cubs FO.
2:21
As for Wade, sure,  they have to consider it. Especially after the rest of the pen faltered in October. And since they have already dealt from their excess prospects, and also need to find a starter, "overpaying" a veteran closer (likely Davis) has to be on the table.
Guy Smiley
2:22
Otani - Do you think the team that lands him will lean more toward roster flexibility (DHing, PHing) or asset management (one role, reduce injury risk)?
Jeffrey Todd
2:23
I think that question will weigh into his decision on where to sign. If he truly does value the ability to do both, then he'll go some team that has a good plan in place to allow him to do so.
Gas-House Gorilla
2:23
Seriously Girardi got fired?! So who’s Up Next… Mattingly? A rod? Giambi?
Jeffrey Todd
2:24
No idea, but it would be shocking to see them go with some former player that has never before run a dugout (let alone ARod!). I suppose in theory Mattingly could be a consideration but who knows. Maybe the Marlins will trade him for some front office talent? Now that'd be fun to see.
Ryan
2:24
Orioles fan here. Do you think we will get Wade Miley back or will we let him go?
Jeffrey Todd
2:24
Bye bye
Brandon Kintzler
2:24
What kind of contract do you see me getting? Are the Blue Jays a realistic suitor?
Jeffrey Todd
2:25
2/12?
Mostly every contender-ish team in baseball is a conceivable suitor. Any reliever that's good enough is a fit with just about any team. And he's a unique pitcher (low-whiff, huge GB) so he adds a different element for most staffs.
Brian C
2:26
Is Paul Dejong a clone of Aledmys Díaz. Had a great year and will be sent to the minors in April or May?
Jeffrey Todd
2:27
No reason at all to think that. They have very different offensive profiles. Of course, Aledmys seemed like a safer bet after a one-year breakout since he has excellent contact skills. So that may not exactly ease your mind.
Mad At Yankees
2:27
Was the desire to get under the luxury tax threshold a major factor in letting Girardi go?
Jeffrey Todd
2:28
Whoops sorry, wrong question.
I mean... I don't see the connection? Mgr salary has nothing to do with luxury tax if that's what you're asking.
Nick
2:28
Who do you think is the #1 SP the Cubs should go for? (FA or Trade)
Jeffrey Todd
2:28
Meant to click this one.
2:29
I thought Theo was pretty forthcoming in hinting at a willingness to deal young MLB talent. Presumably, that'd be Happ, Javy, or Russell. So I think they will really explore deals for a controllable SP with those assets on the table. We'll see if something gets done.
2:30
Otherwise, it's really anyone's guess. At a certain price point, they could bring back Arrieta. They have had their eye on Cobb in the past. And they have also pursued shorter-term guys before (Lackey, Anderson). So the whole universe of players is still open here, really.
That said, I think they need another quality rotation piece.
O's in MT
2:31
Would you rather have the remainder of Jason Hayward or Chris Davis? Both awful contracts
Jeffrey Todd
2:31
I think I'd take Heyward b/c he's younger and is at least a higher-floor player. Hard to imagine he won't be worth a roster spot for the next 5-6 years. But yes, both deals are looking ugly.
Brian Wilson's Beard
2:32
Where am I now?
Jeffrey Todd
2:32
Are you even sure Brian Wilson still has a beard? I'm not.
SFG
2:32
What would a Joe Panik Trade look like?
Jeffrey Todd
2:34
I still have a bit of a hard time seeing it. Who is going to be hot after Panik? He's two years removed from a big season at the plate. Overall, he's a slightly above average hitter and solid defender. Nice player. But at second base that's not a big selling point right now ... Cesar Hernandez is comparable and could be had. There are gobs of short-term veteran types out there (Kinsler, Lowrie, maybe Forsythe via trade; Walker, Kendrick, etc via FA).
YankeeDoodle
2:34
Take care Joe, you will be missed! Betances for Schwarber? Seems like a high risk high reward for both sides, but worth it.
Jeffrey Todd
2:35
I want to dismiss this trade idea but find it oddly enticing. I do think Schwarber has greater value b/c of the extra control and Betances's major struggles late, though.
Torrey
2:36
What kind of deal do you see Bautista getting, and from what team?
Jeffrey Todd
2:36
Have to think it's an AL team. The Rays were mentioned previously and could take a risk. I'm guessing he's in the $5MM range on a one-year term.
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