JotCast | MLBTR Live Chat With Jason Martinez: January 25, 2017

MLBTR Live Chat With Jason Martinez: January 25, 2017

Jason Martinez

4:32

According to my count, we have just over 9 weeks until Opening Day! Someone has to sign Matt Wieters, right? Let's get started.

Joey

4:32

What are the Nats Gonna end up doing at the back end of the bullpen?

Jason Martinez

4:33

At this point, I have to think they're comfortable with Kelley or Treinen, but I imagine they'll sign a Sergio Romo or Joe Blanton to help the setup crew. I guess there's always a chance they trade for David Robertson before Opening Day, especially if Kelley/Treinen aren't all that impressive this spring.

Meech

4:35

The White Sox can't be done getting prospects? Can they?

Jason Martinez

4:35

Not at all. They just don't have to make every trade in one offseason. I would think that Frazier will almost certainly be traded by 7/31 but they can wait for a better offer for Quintana and Abreu, even if it's next offseason.

Dave D

4:37

With Brock Holt being invaluable as a super utility player, does Rafael Devers get a shot if Panda tanks?

Jason Martinez

4:38

Nope. He hasn't even played a game in AA yet. If Panda struggles or is hurt, they go short term with Rutledge, Holt and maybe even Matt Dominguez. If we get to the All-Star break and the 3B situation isn't solidified, I imagine they'd look at the trade market (Frazier, Yunel Escobar, etc.).

Jerrod

4:39

Will Forsythe end up being a better choice for the Dodgers than Dozier would have?

Jason Martinez

4:40

If Dozier regresses back to who his track record says he is, they're similar. But if Dozier continues to hit 30+ HR, then we probably won't say Forsythe was the better choice. Not as costly (only 1 top prospect instead of 2). But not quite as productive. I do like Forsythe, though. Very solid player. Good fit.

Frances Martes

4:42

Will I be in the starting rotation at the beginning of the season?

Jason Martinez

4:43

Nope. Rotation is pretty much set with Joe Musgrove next in line if someone gets hurt. Now if 2 guys go down, then we can say "maybe", but still not. Guys like Peacock can fill in short-term and a guy like Brady Rodgers and David Paulino (both on 40-man roster) would probably be next. Young pitching prospects are handled with care. Even the Dodgers are discussing leaving Julio Urias in extended ST to keep his innings down.

Rangers fan

4:45

Who blinks first: Rangers or Napoli?

Jason Martinez

4:45

I think Napoli is the best available and also offers the leadership and post-season experience. So it's understandable that he's holding his line. But the Rangers will have a few other options (Chris Carter, Brandon Moss, Logan Morrison) if Napoli doesn't sign with them. And if Napoli doesn't sign with Texas, he's running out of options.

Longoria

4:46

Do you think my teammate Archer gets traded? And to who, for who?

Jason Martinez

4:47

I think he stays put in 2017, but only because the price tag is and should be really high. If the Rays have a really bad season, I can see it happening next offseason.

Andrew

4:49

More likely: Rays trade Odorizzi for a bat or they sign one of Napoli/Carter/Moss/Reynolds for cheap?

Jason Martinez

4:50

I think they sign a free agent. Even if most people don't think they'll compete, it's worth it for them to go into the season and find out if they are good enough to stay above .500. It wouldn't be a major surprise, especially if Cobb comes back strong. If they trade another SP, they'll be relying too much on the young guys. I think they'll hold off until June or July.

Orioles

4:51

Any chance Hammel falls into our lap?

Jason Martinez

4:52

Sure. On paper, it's a weird fit because Miley or Jimenez would likely be moved to the bullpen. But if it makes the roster better, I don't see why not. They've been pretty good at waiting out the free agent market and getting guys at reduced rates.

Steve

4:54

Loney was solid for the Mets outside of a terrible August (15 wRC+). Do you agree that he could be a solid player for Texas if given the chance?

Jason Martinez

4:55

Yep. He'd be good for a .720-.745 OPS, solid defense and a decent number of doubles. I think they see him as a Plan B, though, in case they somehow don't end up with Napoli, Moss, Carter or even Morrison. It sounds like they're not ready to give Joey Gallo a starting job yet, which makes people who like HRs really sad.

cashman

4:56

Any chance Napoli would sign a 1 year 5 million deal to be a Yankee?

Jason Martinez

4:56

Nope. They already have Matt Holliday as the DH. And I think Napoli will get at least $10MM.

Guest

4:59

Boone Logan, where does he land...

Jason Martinez

4:59

I'm thinking the Blue Jays have to get either Logan or Blevins. Maybe Logan goes back to the Yankees. Mets, Mariners and Phillies seem like fits.

Garrett

5:03

I'm not high on iwakuma as a #2, what is a possible option for the Mariners to acquire to fill that void and push him to #3?

Jason Martinez

5:03

Sounds like they had interest in Hammel earlier in the offseason, but I think they're going with what they have. At least for now. They're probably hoping that Paxton takes a big leap forward and takes hold of the No. 2 spot, just in case Iwakuma continues to regress. They also need Smyly to bounce back from a bad season.

cardinals fan

5:05

Are the red birds finished adding to the 2017 roster? If not, who do they pursue? Third base seems like a weakness with an aging Jhonny Pheralta and Jedd Gyrko as the only other option now that Carpenter seemingly making the move to first.

Jason Martinez

5:05

Jedd Gyorko as the only other option isn't a bad thing. In fact, I think he wins the everyday job. He had an .855 OPS with 23 HRs in the 2nd half. He's streaky and will look bad at times, but I think they'll be happy with his overall production.

Bat Boy

5:07

Chipper sure thing next year HOF?

Jason Martinez

5:07

I think so. One of the best switch-hitters of all time. I don't know if it matters to voters or if it should, but playing his entire career with one team is a pretty unique thing these days.

Brett Lawrie

5:09

Will Moncada run me out of town by the all star game?

Jason Martinez

5:09

He proved that he has still has a ways to go, so I don't think they rush him even if he's crushing the ball down in Triple-A. I don't think Lawrie's presence will have any impact on when they call him up. When he's ready, no one will stand in his way.

Jason Martinez

5:12

Will I ever make a prediction that is true

Jason Martinez

5:13

When I do make predictions, they're usually bold because I like to gamble on upside. So when I do hit on something, it's a really big deal. I don't keep track of my predictions, but I know I've had my moments.

Wade

5:14

Odds of a BIG trade for any team happening before spring training?

Jason Martinez

5:15

Since the odds are high that at least a few impact players will be lost to injury during the spring, I'd say the odds are pretty good that something big can still happen in reaction to one of those injuries.

Petr

5:17

Are the Tigers going to pick up a major league CF?

Jason Martinez

5:17

Pretty sure Austin Jackson was the last guy available that might have been considered an upgrade over their current situation and he signed a MiLB deal with the Indians. Unless they really like Michael Bourn, I think they're planning on a Tyler Collins/Mikie Mahtook platoon.

Hayden

5:19

If the Blue Jays sign Jerry Blevins and Sergio Romo, do you see them being a legitimate contender?

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