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Jeffrey Todd
3:06
Hey all, thanks for joining! I'll let the room fill up and then we'll get started.
Padre fan
3:08
How will the Padres afford to add a pitching free agent?
Jeffrey Todd
3:10
I wouldn't assume they can afford another big salary, or at least that they really want to. I saw the Arrieta note but don't really find that much worth getting excited over unless the Pads are going to begin operating at a higher payroll level. They are at like 90 mil right now for 2018. Have never gone much over 100. And now they have some pretty decent sized numbers on the books with the Myers and Hosmer contracts.
3:12
I guess they could go after Lynn or Cobb, but I'm not sure I see how that makes a whole lot of sense unless they really like one of those guys and/or get a screaming value.
Alex Cobb
3:12
If the Orioles offer 3/33...should I take it?
Jeffrey Todd
3:13
Unfortunately, we just don't have a clear idea of where the offers stand for those top three remaining starters. There's indication that Cobb had 3/42 on the table earlier, but that doesn't mean as much can still be had. On the other hand, maybe it's an indication there is a higher level of interest.
3:14
Generally, I don't think 3/33 would be the worst outcome for Cobb. It's obviously at the low end of what might have been expected for him, but it wouldn't be the biggest surprise of the winter by any stretch.
Mike
3:14
I don't want to put much stock into Spring numbers, but are you buying the change to Mac Williamson's swing?  I always thought he had potential to be a very good player.
Jeffrey Todd
3:15
Only way to find out is to get regular season reps and build up that sample size. If the Giants only had acquired a center fielder instead of a corner outfielder it would be pretty easy to just throw him out there to open the season. As it stands, they'd have to sit Cutch or Pence quite a bit to give Mac a run ... or, I guess, use Cutch in center?
Bob Pollard's No HItter
3:16
Guesses on a Donaldson next contract years/$?
Jeffrey Todd
3:17
It'll be before his age-33 season, so there are limits. Just spitballing ... maybe something like 5/135 if he puts up another monster year?
Don't hold me to it, just made it up.
Amazin99
3:18
What do the Braves do with Austin Riley?
Jeffrey Todd
3:18
Send him to Triple-A and wait for him to force himself up.
3:19
Even if they now suddenly believe he's just ready for the bigs, they should delay the clock. Remember, he had never even played at High-A before 2017.
TammieB
3:19
Any chance that the Pirates might surprise with a big free agent signing?
Jeffrey Todd
3:19
No.
The Bullpen Catcher's BFF
3:20
Favorite minor league signing of the off-season?
Jeffrey Todd
3:20
This is cheating since he's evidently looking good, but Wade Miley could be a smooth pickup.
Timbo
3:21
Does Jose Abreu bring back a top 25 prospect+?
Jeffrey Todd
3:21
No.
Meat Puppets
3:21
If Klentak doesn't sign at least one starting pitcher of note heading into the season, can we indict him for criminal negligence?
Jeffrey Todd
3:23
I guess it would be a bit odd for them to spend what they did on Santana and then sit out the SP market. Thing is, though, the Phils do have a pretty large group of SPs at the MLB level. Perhaps they don't really think Cobb or Lynn would even move the needle all that much and would just block young/cheap guys they want to look at?
Certified Agent 0
3:24
Did the MLBPA course of action to throw international and young players under the bus backfire by making them so cheap in comparison to free agents while only offering marginally worse production?
Jeffrey Todd
3:25
It's an interesting question. I had wondered about the degradation of the amateur market before but never thought about it too closely until this winter's zaniness.
3:26
Honestly, I still haven't thought about it too closely since I don't have an answer to this. But I have advocated for the notion that shifting aging curves and the lack of growth of early-career salaries was an issue for the union.
Curly W.
3:26
I read Mike Rizzo just bought a $2+ million home blocks from the Nats Park.  Can we who want to see him stay the Nats' GM take any solace in that?
Jeffrey Todd
3:26
If true, then yeah, probably.
Todd
3:28
Odds Angels put Ohtani in the minors for two weeks for an extra year of control?
Jeffrey Todd
3:28
That would be a good way to tee up a full-blown labor war.
Mike
3:29
Is there any FA pitcher who the Reds could add that would allow them to contend for a playoff spot?
Jeffrey Todd
3:30
I suppose a hypothetical acquisition of Clayton Kershaw would put the Reds into the conversation for a wild card.
So, no.
Tito
3:30
Will players start dropping Boras as an agent if he doesn’t get the remainder of his guys signed at decent value?
Jeffrey Todd
3:32
Boras has done deals that he didn't really want to do for players. Carlos Gomez extension comes to mind. It would be unethical not to bring offers to a player's attention and let him know the risks of waiting for more. I generally assume these guys are doing all this with eyes wide open.
He has not notably suffered from past swings and misses. But I guess if they add up, sure, his reputation could ultimately suffer.
Todd
3:33
Jo Adell, Brandon Marsh +2 fringe prospects for Brad Hand who hangs up?
Jeffrey Todd
3:33
Padres, from a pure baseball perspective. Beyond that, there is no chance they trade a guy they just extended. You just can't do business that way.
Greg Holland
3:35
With Gregerson injury, do the cards finally cave in and offer me a contract?
Jeffrey Todd
3:36
It is the kind of thing that Holland may need to get his market moving. Hard to say whether the Cards like Holland enough and/or are worried about about Gregerson, though.
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