JotCast | MLBTR Live Chat With Jason Martinez: April 19, 2017

MLBTR Live Chat With Jason Martinez: April 19, 2017

Jason Martinez

4:31

Thanks for joining me. I'll answer as many questions as possible in the next 90 minutes. If I don't get to your question, feel free to tweet at me here ... @mlbdepthcharts

Victor from NY

4:31

When will Moncada be called up ?

Jason Martinez

4:33

I'm thinking no earlier than mid June. I believe that would push back free agency and arbitration by a year. Crushing the ball in AAA but striking out too much (15 K in 51 PA).

Eric L

4:33

Do you think the St Louis Cardinals should make Trevor Rosenthal the closer again

Jason Martinez

4:34

I think Oh gets 1-2 more shaky outings before it can happen. Oh's leash is shorter than it should considering how good he was last season and that's because of Rosenthal, who was dominant before injury-plagued '16. Looks back on track and Oh has not looked good early on.

Andrew

4:35

Who do you believe will be the first player traded off the Brewers?

Jason Martinez

4:36

I'll go with Braun since there's a sense of urgency with his 10-5 rights kicking in next month. Doesn't hurt that he's off to a great start. Both of those factor in to the Brewers likely wanting to make a move early in the season.

Brendan

4:36

Do you think the Nats acquire a closer at the trade deadline?

Jason Martinez

4:37

Could be much sooner if Kelley or Glover aren't able to solidify things quickly. David Robertson's price is only getting higher after his strong start.

4:38

Do you think Braun eventually gets traded to LAD?

Jason Martinez

4:40

I think it's possible. I like Toles in LF, but adding an impact bat to the middle of the lineup could be a priority if they have a hard time scoring runs. Not sure the Dbacks and Rockies have enough pitching to stay atop the division, but the Dodgers shouldn't take any chances. They might need to make a big move.

Hopeful A's Fan

4:40

How long until Barreto is called up?

Jason Martinez

4:42

He's only 21 and just getting his feet wet in AAA. I'd guess August, at the earliest. More likely a September call-up. Marcus Semien could still be a valuable trade chip when he comes back, but it's less likely he's traded now, which would've opened the door for a youngster like Barreto.

Johnah

4:43

Will Córdoba be the starting SS by July?

Jason Martinez

4:44

I don't see why not. Doesn't need any more pressure early, but I think it's very possible they let him play every day at some point to see how he handles it. Doesn't seem overwhelmed, even though he probably should at his age and with his limited experience.

Chris

4:44

Another mediocre outing by Kyle Hendricks, how long until there should be legitimate concern?

Jason Martinez

4:47

Problem with low velocity guys is there very little room for error. If he's not perfect, he'll get hit hard. Very impressive that he was so dominant for a full season. I've seen some soft-tossers (high 80's fastball) have very good stretches where they dominate. Pinpoint control. High confidence. As long as he's healthy, I think he can find it again.

Guest

4:48

Do you see the Reds sustaining? Maybe sustaining isn't the right word, but at least finishing in top-3 of division?

Jason Martinez

4:48

Nope. Not even close to enough starting pitching. Even if all the youngsters pitch better than expected, can't count on them to carry the load for a full season.

tad_2B_13

4:50

What about Braun to the Giants? Do they have the pieces to acquire, and if so, would they be willing to pay what it would take? Thanks.

Jason Martinez

4:50

I don't think they have the prospects and I don't think they want to add any more big contracts to their payroll. Christian Arroyo is a prospect on the rise, but he's pretty much all they have. Tyler Beede is also a good prospect. I don't think those 2 would even be enough for Braun.

Richard

4:52

Little early in the season, but what teams do you think will have a major impact on the trade market if they sell off free agents? Angels, Blue Jays, Royals come to mind...

Jason Martinez

4:52

Royals would be the team to watch. Hosmer, Cain, Moustakas, Vargas. I think they'd also make Herrera available.

Shellhammer

4:52

How many games doesMattCain have left in the tank? Full season

Jason Martinez

4:54

I watched his 1st start. Looked done. Bounced back nicely, though. Only 32 yrs old. Still, I think the best-case scenario is that he's a solid No. 5 starter for 2-3 more years.

Mike

4:55

Is it too early to get excited about the dbacks? I want to be excited but they have broken my heart so many times before...

Jason Martinez

4:57

No, I think they have a chance. The rotation is talented and they're off to a great start. Shelby Miller definitely looks a lot better than last season. I don't like their bullpen, but guys
like J.J. Hoover and Jorge De La Rosa look good and Archie Bradley could emerge as a late-inning guy. With that said, I think they'll be shopping for relief help by next month.

Luke Hochevar

4:58

Any rumors about me yet?

Jason Martinez

4:58

Sounds like a 2nd half return is possible, but a team would be taking a flyer because no guarantee you'll be back to full strength this season. Could get a deal with an '18 option. Thoracic outlet syndrome sucks.

Mac

5:00

Speaking of hot starts, this Rockies bullpen is legit, right? It's not a fluke?

Jason Martinez

5:01

Bullpen is legit. It's the rotation I'd be worried about. Not a lot of depth before losing Bettis. Can't replace 175 IP from a good starter with rookies. Now Gray goes down. If the Orioles can make the playoffs with homers and a good bullpen, the Rockies have a chance. But it will be difficult.

Jake

5:01

What else would the Palehose need to throw into a hypothetical deal to get a player of Juan Soto's caliber back in a Robertson trade?

Jason Martinez

5:03

They just have to hope that the Nats become desperate enough. Could also throw in Dan Jennings if Solis is expected to be out for an extended period of time. Still don't think that's enough to net a Top 100 prospect, so they'd still need to balance it out somehow.

Trevor

5:05

Who gets the biggest return for the Padres at this year's deadline?

Jason Martinez

5:06

I think Maurer and Capps have the potential to net the best return, but it really comes down to how they're pitching in June and July. Hand and Buchter should have good value and Cahill looks pretty good so far. If he keeps it up, I think there will be some interest.

Cy Keuchel

5:07

Who has a better chance of winning comeback player of the year me? Or Charlie Morton?

Jason Martinez

5:08

You didn't have a good season in '16, but it wasn't awful. Morton only made 4 starts last season. If he makes 25+ starts and wins at least 12 games, I think he's a favorite.

5:09

Surprised to see the Blue Jays call up Latos?

Jason Martinez

5:09

Not at all. He was the favorite after looking over their AAA roster once Happ went down. I think the other options were TJ House, Brett Oberholtzer and a few other similar guys.

MT Fan

5:10

How much longer is Buxtons leash? Yeah there is working out kinks but he is just awful at the dish this year

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