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Jeffrey Todd
4:24
Hey all ... sorry for the late start here but there was a little flurry of activity!
Nice to be able to say that again!
Drop some questions and we'll get this thing cooking shortly.
4:35
Yooo sorry, had to run off.
Here we go.
Barrelman
4:35
Expanded playoffs: will they make for a more active or less active trade market?
Jeffrey Todd
4:36
In concert with the shortened season and bizarro times, I expect less movement for sure.
Donald McRonald
4:36
Biggest surprise team of the season Jeff?  Angels?
Jeffrey Todd
4:36
I wouldn't consider the Angels a surprise team. They have immense core talent.
Scott
4:37
Do you think the Braves can make a run at Dodgers for top record in NL?
Jeffrey Todd
4:37
Braves are in a pack of like 6-8 other teams that are a big step back of the Dodgers in talent.
4:38
So, sure, but doesn't seem especially likely for ATL as opposed to one of those other clubs.
Big fan
4:38
Do you think the Jays should have been priority #1 for Manfred after Canada said no? It seems pretty insane they only found a "home" today and that isnt even their only "home"
Jeffrey Todd
4:39
It is rather wild. Have to assume the league was involved to the extent it was necessary, but there's only so much anyone can do to push state governments whose leaders are understandably worried about inviting a big mess.
Andrew
4:40
Do you think the expanded playoffs will have an effect on the value of rental players at the trade deadline?
Jeffrey Todd
4:40
There are some interesting potential incentives going in all directions.
4:41
The larger postseason field does make it easier to justify a buy-side move, to some extent, b/c you can be more confident you'll at least get into the postseason and have a chance.
But obviously supply will be a challenge.
And I expect there'll be a desire to avoid salary and it'll be tougher to trade prospects.
4:42
So, effect? Absolutely. But it's a bit difficult to pin down exactly how it'll shake out.
Sally
4:42
16 / 30 teams in playoffs. Even in a 60 game season this is too much.
Jeffrey Todd
4:42
Agree but it is more justifiable in the short-season sprint format.
Harry Klit
4:43
A's get new ballpark before or after 2030?
Jeffrey Todd
4:43
I think this effort will work out, though it is quite the undertaking.
Kev
4:43
Is there any chance that the players allow teams to manipulate service time like they are doing now in the next CBA?  Should teams really trying so hard to save that extra year?  The Dodgers?  Really?
Jeffrey Todd
4:43
I've yet to hear anyone propose a workable solution to the problem.
Dman
4:44
It does appear that the Angels pitching has improved considerably this year! What's your opinion?
Jeffrey Todd
4:45
There's a path to a good rotation. If Ohtani is a front-line arm, that's a huge step. You can imagine Bundy/Heaney/Canning as solid middle rotation pieces. There are other arms there.
But it's not like it jumps off the page as a strength, obviously.
4:46
The real path for the Angels is to line up monster years from Trout, Rendon, Ohtani, Upton, Simmons and get just enough from everyone else.
Playoffs
4:46
A 72-90 team would have made the playoffs last year under this system.
Jeffrey Todd
4:47
But we're not getting a full 162-game test to set the field. So it makes sense to treat the whole season as a large tournament of sorts.
Junebug#12
4:48
Think the Braves get a deal done with Puig once he has two consecutive negative results for COVID 19? I really hope so because I feel he can definitely help.
Jeffrey Todd
4:48
No clue whether that door will be closed or not.
Ricky goes boom
4:49
Do teams run more this year in the attempt to 'steal' runs / games ?
Jeffrey Todd
4:49
Expanded roster is giving teams a chance to put burners on there, so that could create more such opportunities in late-game scenarios.
bob
4:49
The ballparks are so big is there any reason why you can't spread out a few hundred people to watch the game live?
Jeffrey Todd
4:50
I think the issues lie more in getting people to/from and into the parks, having them gather and interact on concourses and at vendors, etc.
Not to say it can't be done, but there are a lot of logistics and governmental hoops. First priority is to ensure the core season occurs.
Jaz
4:51
Was expanded playoff format agreed to get Mike Trout into playoffs and if Angels don't make it, does that mean end of Billy Eppler Era
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