I'm not the most plugged in guy on Bucs prospects, but hard to imagine Taillon being relied upon this coming season. Maybe Glasnow is ready, but let's remember that this organization is going to make sure that he is and is also going to be very sensitive to service time.

So, to some extent, sure, they are. But it's also entirely possible that both will be in the rotation all year.

There were a huge number of big players, and the pitching market went first. That's the main thing.

Then, I think, we are just seeing a stand-off at the top of the OF market. Who's going to blink first? Will one of the top guys take a somewhat less than ideal contract to make sure they aren't frozen out? Does some team decide to pay up to get the guy they like best?

Yeah, I think so. There's still a ton of talent there.

What's interesting, though, is that despite quite a bit of activity already, it's still possible to imagine Rizzo swinging a handful of meaningful moves before the spring. Fun offseason in D.C.

They are in a nice spot to provide a soft landing for a number of free agent position players -- basically, all of the top guys remaining on the board. Hard to predict anyone in particular, as I think Hahn and co. are waiting for something to fall to them.

Weird schedule for New Year's Eve and this is when I happened to be taking over.

I'd have started earlier, but I was ice skating with my daughter. Trust me, you don't want me to tell her that you were responsible for interfering with that.

I think the Astros are another team that can act opportunistically, though unlike the White Sox I'm not as convinced they'll do anything significant. Doesn't seem like they are really interested in opening the payroll throttle completely.

What'll be interesting is to see whether they have any willingness to punt a draft pick to add a QO-bound guy.

I could see that, if the Nats don't do something else in terms of an OF. I mentioned Revere in the Nats offseason outlook post, and he makes sense as a platoon piece to go with Taylor.

This would essentially be a repeat of last year's Clippard-Escobar swap.

Chat with you guys and watch for baseball transactions and rumors. Might crack a couple beers later tonight though!

(Actually, that's a good reminder ... need to ask my loving wife to make a run.)

I still see Baltimore as the best fit for Davis. They obviously have really significant interest and were willing to go way beyond the team's previous spending levels to sign him. Still not clear that any other club will beat that, though Boras is obviously still committed to trying.

Hmmm ... now that you mention it, I could probably pose for an image like that and look pretty darn close to that dude. But no.

If I were to be featured on the MLBTR home page -- and, now that this has been suggested, I will demand it -- I'd be in full catcher's gear.

prophetic

Is he a bigger name than Maeda?

I don't get that whole utility thing, honestly. At least not for the first couple years of a deal. Why does his bat profile better in the corner outfield? And why roll the dice that he'll transition well when he's already an average SS despite the mental gaffes?

I feel you. I'm at work, too.

I don't know that there is a real weakness, per se. You could probably say an impact pen arm and another quality outfielder would be nice. Miguel Montero isn't the most inspiring regular catcher. But those are relative soft spots.

I don't know why, but I feel like Cespy has the greatest odds of signing a big, really late deal. He had such a big year but has a good bit of downside. Could see an owner saying "screw it" in, like, just before camp opens and opening up the wallet.

So, no, I don't foresee that happening during this chat, ha.

Yeah no choice at this point but to keep him and hope he bounces back.

I was confounded by the signing at the time.

An Ozuna trade could still come together -- his market move after some free agent developments, to some extent -- not that it would necessarily be more than a parallel move.

I still think they have something up their sleeves. Remember, they tried to get Chapman.

No idea, but there are worse players to roll the dice on. I do think he'll end up on the chopping block, because they are more committed to Melky and can plug him at DH.

If ALR were a free agent right now, someone would probably throw 5 mil at him, so I think he would draw interest. (Obviously, CWS would eat cash.)

Marlon Byrd?

Lots of guys go back and forth all the time. I think a lot of players enjoy making some extra money and having the experience, but want to come home eventually -- even if they don't have the greatest chance at reviving their MLB careers.

So, really, anyone who goes over is a candidate to come back. And, increasingly, there's just a ton more interaction between the markets. Same for the KBO, of course.

It's really interesting, actually. I know that many players/agents are more and more alert to the chance to get their guys paid and possibly re-launch. Heck, teams even see the benefit b/c they often negotiate release fees for guys they control. (The Twins have been particularly active in this regard.)

I don't see that. Already stretched to get Iwakuma and have like 7 OFers under contract.

Unless you were thinking of the Angels, in which case -- that's a question for the owner.

Yeah, Detroit seems a prime candidate to bang out a huge contract with one of these guys. The Angels could also potentially do it. Nationals as well, though I don't like the fit as well with this crop of premium guys (with Heyward off the board).

I really liked the Mets' Niese-for-Walker trade. Totally expendable piece going for a nice short-term add in an area of need.

Sure, why not? Then again, they already declined to pay Chris Carter, what, five mil or so. Maybe they just didn't want to commit the cash then and would do so now, or would like the fit better with a LHB, but it could still come down to how much $$$ it would take.

Like the idea of Gardner to the Nats. Don't see any scenario where such deal involves Giolito.

That's a reasonable scenario, though I'm guessing he keeps his last name as-is.

I wouldn't count them out until the players sign elsewhere.

Well, Puig makes sense for just about any team in theory. Huge ceiling, still, though obviously some might not want to roll the dice.

I'm in favor of this purely so we can watch the experiment unfold in Yankee Stadium. But it doesn't seem very plausible.

He's probably going to wait to sign until it's clear which teams have 5th starter spots or legitimate rotation battles available.

Withholding judgment.

Dying to see Cliff Lee do it. I seem to be bullish there, but who wouldn't love to see if he is still an ace? He was just that not long ago.

Dude I could match your volume. I challenge you to a beard-off, starting from a common starting point.

Meyer took a huge step back last year. Way light, though I don't think Lucroy's value would be maxed out right now if they decided to put him up in an auction scenario.

Chris has been right on quite a few things. Of course, we never know for sure until it's announced.

But man, that's interesting! He is young enough, of course. Fascinated to see how that is structured if it's starting off with 8 years.

Wood has far more value. Melancon is expensive and only controllable for one season. Also showed some areas for concern last year.

You've asked this question about 42 times. That level of harassment of agents and random friends/family of players could turn up some info. Good luck!

Tough question. Might be Dickerson if he wasn't out all last year. If you believe in CarGo (I kind of don't) then it has to be him, even with just two years of control. If you don't believe in either of those guys, maybe it's Blackmon.

I think in practice, right now, I'll lean CarGo.

Well, Latos has a higher ceiling, but let's just say that I think a lot of teams have real character concerns.

No, because you just can't give up a guy who could -- emphasize could -- be one of the league's best starters next year for that kind of bullpen upgrade. Even if the guy you are getting rid of tried to strangle your best player late last year.

Twins. Not close.

It's certainly an interesting idea.

Hmm ... I kind of like it!

Trout, easily imo. Imagine the bidding. I'll take a clean half-bil.

Kershaw ... man, that's a big jump for a pitcher, but he is special. I'll take the under on that, though.

Well I don't know how GMs feel, but check out the recent piece from Scott Miller (we linked to it on the site) about Puig. It's really interesting, REALLY well done, and sheds some light on why it could be a legitimate concern.

Fowler or Span look like the most likely outcomes to me among the higher-end guys.

Nah, not seeing it. I mean, you never know, but that just doesn't seem likely with Stras having the possibility of hitting the open market with no competition next winter.

Three more and I've gotta run!