Howdy. Start asking some questions and we'll get rolling momentarily.

11/02/2016 20:50
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

F8d623a78c27641412debac4080ece7a?d=identicon

Joey

News/thoughts on possibility of Desmond to ChiSox?

That'll be up on the site momentarily, I imagine.

I have always liked the fit. Sure, you have a prospect coming up at SS, but even on a multi-year deal it can still make plenty of sense. Prospects aren't sure things, Desmond could slide into an outfield slot in year 2, etc, etc. Makes all the more sense if we're talking one-year pillow contract, and that goes for Desi as well.

They took a shot on Latos, why not have a crack at a guy who could be a 4 to 5 win player? If things broke right, they could be a real force.

11/02/2016 20:54
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Jeff Todd

8a2aa6665c2b9105507ee5eb5f671aac?d=identicon

Zack

Will o's get gallardo

Seems that way, but I'm less of a fan of that than the Sox getting Desmond.

And the idea that Gallardo can wait around and find 3/40 while Desmond might have to settle for less -- that's just me speculating, mind you -- is just crazy to me. Even last year, Desmond was good enough to put up about 2 wins, so it isn't as if you're looking at a guy with no floor. But Gallardo could well finally fall apart with the plummeting K's and velo.

11/02/2016 20:55
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

68e4d1b8800337e0133d5914e528d1d9?d=identicon

J.P. Crawford

When do I get to the bigs? June too soon?

Probably. He only just turned 21 and hasn't reached Triple-A. I really don't see much reason tacking on service time, even if you wait until you think you're safe from Super Two, because there's a good enough chance he spends more time in the minors after this season that you don't want to run up the meter unnecessarily. Phillies can afford to be a bit more cavalier about this than most orgs, but still.

For me, a traditional Sept call-up seems more likely unless he lights the world on fire and the Phils have a little buzz that leads to some fan demands.

11/02/2016 20:58
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

C0738e0b9281f9d1d660fcfe001fccb1?d=identicon

Chandler

Thank you guys so much for doing these chats, they always start when I am on the commute home from work, but it gives me something to read later at night when I am relaxing.

Glad you're a fan!

11/02/2016 20:58
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

Ba0e0cde1bf72c28d435c89a66afc61a?d=identicon

Sam

Are you in favor of robotic umpires?

NO! I get the arguments in favor, and I'm very inclined toward statistical evaluation and don't find that it takes away from the game. I'm cool with protecting catchers and middle infielders.

But especially as someone who plays catcher in an old man league, I find that idea just hard to fathom. I think it would mess with the entire aesthetic of the game. Catchers would either be lazy as heck with no runners on or flailing around to get into blocking/throwing position with runners on base. Whatever buzzers and flashes would signal a strike seem futuristic in an awful way.

Not worth the tradeoff, IMO. Probably. Would be cool to see the KBO try it first.

11/02/2016 21:01
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

0b7daef120bb807198744606c72acad1?d=identicon

Anonymous

Are the Dodgers done acquiring players?

The Dodgers are never done acquiring players!

11/02/2016 21:01
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

7efd721c8bfff2937c66235f2d0dbac1?d=identicon

Adam

Thanks for the chat, Jeff. Alex Guerrero's on the block...any chance ATL goes after him?

Unless LAD is just dumping him and paying his salary, no. He isn't a long-term piece at all and is a bat-only player who doesn't seem to fit.

11/02/2016 21:02
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

4c905fba155409b0c64d6239c5b9fcc0?d=identicon

Baltimore Chop

Thoughts on the O's signing Gallardo and Fowler?

I like the idea of punting #14 a lot better if they are also getting Dex.

11/02/2016 21:02
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

E8db74e6d5f9475480092914caa7b76a?d=identicon

Cremer

Would Alex Guerrero make sense on the Yankees being he'll need a year to develop and can take a bench/minors role and eventually take 3B from Headley

Folks don't see to realize that Guerrero can opt out of his contract the winter after a trade. So, he's really only a one-year piece.

11/02/2016 21:03
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

1dbfe4cc821d7ea885fdfef795f3bcc1?d=identicon

pinesol

what happened to the new software steve used

Okay, I'm getting enough questions on this that I realize I must have missed something. I don't know about any new software. Steve and Tim are keeping me in the dark, apparently.

Roll with me today and we'll get it sorted. The fact that I'm using Dilmot doesn't mean anything, ha.

11/02/2016 21:04
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

9b938710211168f2902f9ed4357cd05c?d=identicon

sean

Do you like Inciarte to the braves as a breakout candidate this year?

I don't see him as a real breakout type player so much as a pretty darn good and pretty darn cheap player who can be a first-division regular when he's on his game. Not sure there's a ton of upside, but he's one of those guys who is sneaky valuable.

11/02/2016 21:05
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Jeff Todd

Af1b08e09ce26c7efdf3f0b3f5f2934b?d=identicon

Spencer

I am doing fantasy baseball and I just traded Degrom for Hosmer, and Brandon Phillips. Did I make a good trade?

Not going to do fantasy questions.

But no, I don't think you did.

11/02/2016 21:06
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

8b691bce1b024092db2af36c19d44de0?d=identicon

Sawyer

Chances of Bruce going to the Orioles? Do they have what it takes to get the deal done?

Won't take much, really, though Cinci could hold him and hope for a big first half.

11/02/2016 21:06
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

067a4d140ec4b2e9214773579a235613?d=identicon

Cameron

What's all the hype on Shohei Ohtani for

He's really young and looks to be a stud pitcher (and also quite a good hitter). He's got a big frame, big arm, great numbers in a very legitimate league. Dude seems to be quite legit and has been on the prospect radar for quite a long time. (Believe there was some suggestion he might bypass NPB and come straight to a MLB org years back, but obv that did not occur.)

11/02/2016 21:09
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Jeff Todd

204921cb62d51c8a604a5dc7b1d589e7?d=identicon

Adam warren

Do you see me replacing Jason hammel or Kyle Hendricks in the first couple months if either struggles?

They won't hesitate to deploy their depth at the back of the rotation.

11/02/2016 21:09
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

7e3fceb10594a451e0741d4c536646fb?d=identicon

Dustin

Who's the best fit for David Freese anymore?

Indians, maybe, though we haven't heard that connection. Angels, of course. Tough to guess at this point what'll happen.

11/02/2016 21:10
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Jeff Todd

E541a8f5c50f21ba571638fa3dc36ccd?d=identicon

Ramone

How excited are you guys for MLB The Show?

Too old for the video games. Is that on Sega Genesis or Super Nintendo?

11/02/2016 21:11
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

0d76e7273cb910e56d351db3cc01ccd4?d=identicon

Koh

Do the Dodgers trade a package of Wood and Guerrero?

I don't really see any particular reason those two would be packaged together.

11/02/2016 21:11
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

Picture

Michael Gogerty

Will I be the next Jeff Todd hired by Tim Dierkes?

With that darling avatar, you have a great shot. Tim has kids (as do I) and is a big softie.

11/02/2016 21:11
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Jeff Todd

45daf622c44e6dcc5bd56a1fbd594dee?d=identicon

Evan

As long as Harper is a National will they try and contend?

Yeah, and not just because of Harper. There's no particular reason to think that org won't be in contention for the next 3 years or so. There's still controlled talent all over the place.

11/02/2016 21:13
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

6b34fe24ac2ff8103f6fce1f0da2ef57?d=identicon

chris

do you play softball?

I play baseball. Old guy baseball.

11/02/2016 21:14
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

166ee015c0e0934a8781e0c86a197c6e?d=identicon

jeff

Who is still on the marker that no one is really talking about that could make an impact?

There are a lot of guys who could conceivably be 2-WAR type contributors, even after the QO players. But not being talked about? I'm doubling down on Cliff Lee!

11/02/2016 21:16
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

D5217991a5c7374b110deb03905676f7?d=identicon

Travis

What do you think of Keith Law leaving Jon Gray off of his top 100 prospect list?

I don't have an opinion, since I haven't gone through that process and don't have the expertise to do so, but Gray has put down a track record in the upper minors and majors and it hasn't all been pretty. So this isn't just "I didn't like what I saw one time," or "he's not my guy coming into the draft."

11/02/2016 21:17
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

C899a91880ee511c03f5810cf9eaa022?d=identicon

Ricardo

What would the Dodgers get in return if Guerrero is traded?

Don't see any reason to think they'd really get much of a return at all.

11/02/2016 21:17
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

1bfe70cfe0f869e85d62a719e7d53e7a?d=identicon

Chris George

I've sent in my resume for the MLBTR part-time job posting 3 times and nobody has gotten back to me! What's the secret to getting the job, Todd?

We get hundreds of applications, so we can't respond to everyone. But we do look at all of them, so sending it in multiple times isn't going to help.

The secret is to know baseball and baseball transactions, be reliable, and have an ability to read closely and write precisely. (And, well, demonstrate all of that in your application materials and in the writing competition process.)

11/02/2016 21:19
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

D69403e2673e611d4cbd3fad6fd1788e?d=identicon

steve

Surprised there have not been any whispers on Dom Brown... you would think someone would take a shot, right? Maybe the change of scenery would help help?

He's had a lot of chances. But someone will take a shot, yea.

11/02/2016 21:19
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

243ecd413501f7fc735a4544fd72bf19?d=identicon

Trade!

Harvey for Andrew Miller and Brett Gardner.....who hangs up first?

Tough to say.

Alderson might be inclined to scream some obscenities at Cashman rather than dramatically hanging up -- which isn't quite as fun as it once was since you can't slam down the phone anymore -- and that might prompt Brian to hang up first, technically.

But the Mets, is who would really, in substance, be hanging up.

11/02/2016 21:21
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

Picture

Ben Schroeder

What's your opinion on the signing of Dae-ho Lee?

No risk, he's a fun player and no reason not to give him a shot for a west coast team that has ready connections to Asia. Dude is a legit hitter, too, so he could contribute.

11/02/2016 21:22
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

9ced73b8525de1db8e232ad575baa9dd?d=identicon

Caleb

Isn't 3/40 - 45 too much for Gallardo? Right now I don't see the O's as legitimate contenders, if they added Gallardo and/or Fowler would it significantly change the picture?

Seems like a lot to me. We predicted like 4/52 coming into the winter, which is Garza/Ubaldo/Nolasco money, and that is, too, more or less. But I never actually liked him at that price, and at this stage of the winter it hurts to give that much up to add him.

But let's wait and see how that plays out.

11/02/2016 21:24
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

45bc0878adb2064fbd6688243fd3c8d6?d=identicon

Reid

Bryce Harper to the Yanks?

Hum? Why would that happen?

11/02/2016 21:24
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

9ad18f11d667dca8accf2d29a9187e47?d=identicon

Aroldis Chapman

Think I'll get a suspension? If so, how long?

Seems less likely that he'll get a substantial suspension after the case was dropped. I don't think the league will let the legal process dictate things, but it makes it harder to seek info and weakens the case against him. So, it stands to reason he's looking at a lower likelihood of a major ban.

11/02/2016 21:25
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

0d76e7273cb910e56d351db3cc01ccd4?d=identicon

Koh

Any news on Lazarito?

Nothing new that I've seen.

11/02/2016 21:26
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

B1925470503c4dac803aed99d4a88b80?d=identicon

JaysFan

Jays can't keep both Bautista and EE beyond this coming season - even an extension for each at a reasonable $20 mil per season would see the team enter 2017 with almost $100 mil committed to just 5 players (Martin, Tulo, Donaldson, Bautista and EE). So who do the Jays let walk - EE, JB or both?

I know some have argued they can, but I don't think it would be wise. Mark Polishuk went through this months ago in an extension candidate post on Joey Bats.

Assuming they agree with this (but aren't coming out and saying it), I think they have two options:

1) dangle team-friendly deals to both and say that only one can get it, so act fast! (PR blowback potential)

2) target one or the other (my $ on Bautista) and then move on to the secondary target if a deal isn't worked out ... if they get their target to sign, then they tell the other one there's only $X left.

11/02/2016 21:29
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

1f04a6807ccf6719d55fb9e8dc9c9a61?d=identicon

Buck the Duck

Always ask questions but haven't got one answered ever, hm...?

Well let's change that right now.

Nothing personal, I'll keep an eye out for you.

11/02/2016 21:29
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

692828c206bace7cc97c99e931e9901a?d=identicon

Juan Uribe

Likely destination for me?

Indians seem to want him, so I'll go ahead and guess that gets worked out one way or another.

11/02/2016 21:30
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

3e06fa3927cbdf4e9d93ba4541acce86?d=identicon

Michael

Matt Holliday has been taking grounders at first base. Why?

He's old and has some injury questions and was never a great fielder to begin with and the Cards have two left-handed-hitting options at first who have questions of their own. And he might want to be a good sport and possibly open up some possibilities for when he becomes a free agent.

Makes sense to me.

11/02/2016 21:32
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

3e06fa3927cbdf4e9d93ba4541acce86?d=identicon

Michael

Are the Cubs overhyped in your opinion?

Of course they are, just in that the media loves to pick one or two teams and make them out to be favorites. It's baseball, there's never a time where you can really say one team should win it all, IMO.

Doesn't mean they aren't the best team on paper -- they might well be -- but you still have to play the games and absorb some luck (good or bad), and they have some variability in some areas like any other team.

11/02/2016 21:33
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

Picture

Michael Gogerty

How depleted is A-Rod's hot corner D that Headley is untouchable?

Cashman said very clearly recently that he is simply not an option in the field, at all. Third, first, wherever. So, I guess quite a bit.

11/02/2016 21:34
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

Fxiz8ntj normal

Hey Buddy

Do you see the Cubs trading Soler or Coughlan at the trade deadline or before the end of spring?

More likely the latter than the former.

11/02/2016 21:35
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

3e06fa3927cbdf4e9d93ba4541acce86?d=identicon

Michael

Any chance Cubs trade for Buster Posey, an article I read the other day suggested it...?

Seriously? That's not happening as things stand right now.

11/02/2016 21:35
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

C106ee357a4aa36858d5d412458c47ad?d=identicon

Dan S

Why aren't the Mets at least looking at Ian Desmond?

Just can't see how he would fit at all. That ship has sailed, I think.

11/02/2016 21:36
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

Picture

Jeff Homan

If the Tiger's are not contending and have alot of injuries like last year, could you see any other team trading for a Miguel Cabrera and taking on the entirety of the contact monetarily?

Seems very unlikely.

11/02/2016 21:36
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

8ff32489f92f33416694be8fdc2d4c22?d=identicon

joe

Feelings on mat latos signing

Tough result for him, great move by CWS. Dude has been really good for most of his career and is barely 28. I know there are some real questions in other areas, but it's worth the risk for that org.

11/02/2016 21:37
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

Pirates get O'Flaherty on minors deal. Going to get that on the site quick and be right back.

11/02/2016 21:38
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

4d236810821e8e83a025f2a83ea31820?d=identicon

Brian

Do you think Phillies have a legit shot at Lazarito?

Sure, why not?

11/02/2016 21:41
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

Ff908566f87bbf82c9830e5e3e2fbc10?d=identicon

Faherty

Is there any gas in the ranks of Lincecum and Lee?

Here's how I see it with these guys. Lincecum has been pitching poorly for some time and just had hip surgery. Lee has been fantastic when healthy and just had a lengthy absence with a serious arm issue.

Even though Cliff is older, you're asking whether he can return to being awesome, which he was even in his most recent MLB time. Lincecum just hasn't done it lately, so you're hoping for him to return to like 2011 vintage, and that just feels like a longer shot to me.

11/02/2016 21:42
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

7b810ffac668b0f875b44e2d394e56eb?d=identicon

Jimmy Rollins

Doesn't anyone want me?

For sure. Not sure where he'll land, but pretty marginal utility guys are getting multi-year deals these days, so it's hard to imagine someone won't throw some money and a decent opportunity at Rollins.

11/02/2016 21:43
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

3e06fa3927cbdf4e9d93ba4541acce86?d=identicon

Michael

Will Steve Bartman thow out first pitch on Opening Day in 2017 if the Cubs win the World Series in 2016?

Can't remember if I have spouted off on this here or not, but .... why do Cubs fans blame Bartman when there were poor managerial decisions and a ridiculous bad error by Alex Gonzalez that were not only far more responsible for the collapse, but were committed by people actually employed by the team?

So, regardless of how or why, I would love to see the team make a gesture of some kind to absolve him. Especially since he's legitimately been through some stuff over this, which is ridiculous.

11/02/2016 21:46
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd

3c2288a466394523a28b029dafcae421?d=identicon

Grayson Wells

There is now no chance Delmon Young gets back into baseball right?

Not looking good, no. But you never know, we love redemption stories in this country.

11/02/2016 21:47
Dilmot avatar

Jeff Todd