Think I have this working once again for week two! We shall see.

29/09/2015 19:03
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Steve Adams

Victory! I am a master of all things technology.

29/09/2015 19:03
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Steve Adams

414d946d441680630c3b96cdb3fd2e58?d=identicon

Bret

Do you think the Reds will be open to trading Joey Votto this offseason? If so, would they be looking for a big return, or more of a salary dump?

I think a team in their position has to be open to it, but I have a hard time seeing anyone taking on the remainder of that deal. It, like all other 10-year deals, is just going to be so, so terrible at the end. Maybe there's some win-now team out there that's willing to take it on, but I don't think Cincinnati can get a huge return and shed the entirety of the contract.

29/09/2015 19:05
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Steve Adams

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Concerned Fan

Do you see the Rangers and Astros making the playoffs no matter who wins the division?

Not a given -- Twins are still within striking distance of Houston, even though I believe Houston's schedule is easier down the stretch.

29/09/2015 19:05
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Steve Adams

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Hutch

Name the team and players given up who could legitimately get Sonny Gray this off season?

It's pretty tough to envision him being traded after an on-record denial from Billy Beane. That said, Red Sox are the most commonly mentioned team, and with good reason -- nice farm system, clear need. Moncada, Devers, Margot, Owens, Johnson, etc. -- pick a few of the top usual suspects there and fill in around it with complementary pieces.

29/09/2015 19:08
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Steve Adams

9e9e32e415194a8466e14bf12c8a7cfb?d=identicon

Russ99

Considering who they signed last year and this year's subpar position player FA crop, is there any chance the White Sox dump salary and go younger next season?

Nah I don't think so -- they feel like they're in their window to contend during the primes of Abreu and Sale right now. Re-tool and try again. They might still dump someone like LaRoche, but I don't think they're going to tear it down and do any kind of dramatic rebuild.

29/09/2015 19:09
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Steve Adams

E1271e594ea53336c212f2febc2ccdd6?d=identicon

Josh

Do you think Donaldson or Trout will win the AL MVP?

I'd vote for Donaldson, personally, but either winning it would be OK with me.

29/09/2015 19:10
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Steve Adams

5257e05cde806e07b405ddcce85114d2?d=identicon

Bradley

Looks like Yonder Alonso might find himself elsewhere next season due to injuries and a lack of power production. Will there be much interest in him if that is the case? I could see Billy Beane maybe taking a flier on him and his nice career OBP. Thoughts on Alonso's future?

Yeah he has a Billy Beane type of feel to him. There'd be interest -- it's not like he's a bad hitter, he just lacks power and didn't develop into the force many expected him to. Houston has needs at first base (though they have a pair of nice prospects in AJ Reed and Tyler White), O's will need a Davis replacement, Pirates could use some help there, Rays if they can find somewhere else to send Loney.

29/09/2015 19:12
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Steve Adams

1b83d5da74032b6a750ef12210642eea?d=identicon

Mike

Any way Tigers can get Tori Hunter back next season?

He's pretty much said he's returning to the Twins or retiring. I don't see that.

29/09/2015 19:12
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Steve Adams

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Shawnb

Who is your pick for AL Rookie of the Year

1. Lindor 2. Correa 3. Sano

29/09/2015 19:12
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Steve Adams

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Jadon

What do you see AA doing at this years winter meetings? Sign Chris Davis?

I expect Davis to be more expensive than the Blue Jays would like. Really, their 1B/DH spot isn't terrible with a rotating carousel of Encarnacion, Smoak and Colabello. I don't expect that to be a priority -- Anthopoulos will be more focused on pitching, I'd imagine. Price, Buehrle and Estrada are all free agents. Norris and Boyd traded. He'll have work to do there.

29/09/2015 19:14
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Steve Adams

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Anonymous

Given his propensity to trade rather sign free agents, who do you see Dave Dombrowski seeking to fill his pitching needs this offseason?

I did like the point someone made at one point that for all of his free-agent endeavors, Dombrowski never went ahead and made a pitching mega-signing. He held firm on their offer to Scherzer, Verlander was an extension and even that might not have been full market value. Anibal Sanchez is his biggest pure free agent signing.

I still expect them to be linked to the top names on the market, specifically Price, but Zimmermann and some of the not-quite-top-tier arms will be in there too. I wonder if he'll try for Fister on a one-year, make good deal.

29/09/2015 19:17
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Steve Adams

381f153a0e6e6dc7d3bf5dbef251b370?d=identicon

SMC

Does this trade make sense: CarGo, LeMahieu, and Hundley to Angels for Wilson, Newcomb, and Jewell/Prospect?

I don't see why the Rockies are taking CJ Wilson back in that deal. I don't think it's enough going to Colorado.

29/09/2015 19:17
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Steve Adams

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Keegan

Do you see Dipoto making any big splashes this offseason for the Mariners? If not, where do you think he can make the biggest impact to get this team out of their playoff drought

First off, I'll say I thought Dipoto rocked that intro press conference today. Came across as intelligent, personable, articulate -- really nailed it. I've had the opportunity to speak to him in the past and had similar impressions of him. I think it was a great hire.

That out of the way, he specifically mentioned trades as an area he excels and a means of both building a farm system up and supplementing a core he believes is already in place. He didn't explicitly state it, but he seemed to hint at an emphasis on pitching and defense, which I think is a good call given the home park. I'd look for possible trades for pitching, signing some second-tier arms and overhauling the defense, specifically in the outfield.

29/09/2015 19:20
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Steve Adams

6766992ca3827afeb1181bf1c123b230?d=identicon

Tanner

Listening to the Dipoto press conference, he mentions a solid core. I don't see a major league outfield, terrible bullpen, thin rotation, and holes at 1B and catcher. Do you believe that the M's need only a few pieces or should they be overhauled?

I think they do have a small core in place. Felix, Cano, Seager, possibly Marte. Cruz has a good year or two left most likely, and Trumbo has been fine -- he's even drawing some walks for once. I think there's the basis for a contending team there, particularly if Paxton and Walker remain healthy, but I agree there's work to do.

They'd need a lot to go right for them in 2016, but I think people forget how much went wrong for them this year. 60% of the rotation has been injured, Cano had a terrible first half before rebounding quite well... they'll need some breaks, but most teams do.

29/09/2015 19:24
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Steve Adams

Fb47bb2639a2df6c3b4d36ab33a274ff?d=identicon

elaine

Do you think the Nats will keep Papelbon? Who might have interest in him if they don't?

I don't know who would have interest in him. I think they'll try like hell to move him, but I can also see them having no takers and just sucking it up and putting him in the 'pen.

He's not a bad pitcher or anything, so the contract isn't some kind of albatross, but man who in their right mind wants to take that persona on? On paper, I'd say maybe the Rangers make some sense, and maybe the large veteran presence they have there keeps him from going too crazy, but I honestly don't have a very good answer. He's a mess, and it's an awful situation for them.

29/09/2015 19:26
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Steve Adams

131b98dac8609f781484f08c22a8abaa?d=identicon

Ryan

What would a potential Ryan Howard trade to the Orioles look like?

The Phillies paying nearly all of his remaining salary and the O's finding a cheap platoon partner. Philly wouldn't get anything of note in return.

29/09/2015 19:27
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Steve Adams

E9d4b1949a5e3f1eb1c4cb65d18554c8?d=identicon

Eager Mets fan

With all the animosity that has been built between Matt Harvey any chance the Mets trade him? What kind of return do you think they could get Correa a possibility?

I wouldn't trade Correa for Harvey. His name will probably come up, but the whole thing is overblown to me. They have a clear window to win on the strength of a dominant young rotation that's marketable to the whole city. If Harvey pitches like he's capable of next season and wins a Cy Young or comes close to it, is anyone still going to care about the innings limit? Doubt it.

29/09/2015 19:28
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Steve Adams

760617ef9eaa2f4aebdaede9edded2db?d=identicon

Voluntaryist

Everybody knows that the Pirates are not big spenders on the market; and, as a Pirate fan, I support their current philosophy in that regard. However, this is the 3rd year in a row in second place beyond the Cardinals. There are roster spots that will need to be filled next season, but there are also a few spots that could use a significant upgrade--particularly if they want to make a push for 1st place in the NL Central. Do you see the Pirates making any sort of significant market activity this offseason for upper-tier players? If so, who do you think would be the most likely targets

You said it yourself -- it's just not how they operate. If Huntington's not getting the money from ownership, he can't play at the top of the market. I'd look for more reclamation projects for Searage and Benedict to resurrect (Mat Latos, Mike Pelfrey, Rich Hill?) and more piecing it together around the rest of the roster.

It'll be interesting to see what comes of Mark Melancon. His arb salary is going to be enormous -- probably way more than the Pirates are comfortable with. I can see him being traded, so maybe they could get some MLB-ready help for the 'pen, first base, back of the rotation in that way.

29/09/2015 19:31
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Steve Adams

3a368818b7341d48660e8dd6c5a77dbe?d=identicon

Joe

Anything to the albatross contract deal of James Shields for Pablo Sandoval?

I never liked that notion, because Shields' deal isn't all that ridiculous. He's signed for $21MM in 2016, and if he has a good season he'll probably opt out. He'll be a bit old, sure, but if he can top 2/44 as a free agent, even with a lower AAV, then he'd probably opt out and do so, especially if the Padres aren't winning yet.

Sandoval's deal looks infinitely worse to me. He brought nothing to the table this year -- genuinely one of the worst all-around players in baseball. Shields has had a decent season and actually contributed positive value, his deal is shorter and less expensive.

29/09/2015 19:33
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Steve Adams

In short, no. I never bought that rumor.

29/09/2015 19:33
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Steve Adams

092f2ba9f39fbc2876e64d12cd662f72?d=identicon

Ben

Any chance the Orioles deal for Adam LaRoche if they lose Chris Davis?

Wouldn't be a bad buy-low candidate. Sox would probably eat some cash to make it happen, and the O's can't aim too much higher since they don't have much of a farm system. A LaRoche/Christian Walker platoon could, theoretically, be reasonable productive at a cheap price.

29/09/2015 19:34
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Steve Adams

09ebfe231f9936e4ef6ae997abcd5fe0?d=identicon

Geoff

Who gets the nod for a playoff rotation spot behind Lackey and Wacha... Jaime Garcia or Lance Lynn?? No C-Mart means one of these guys will pitch. Lynn has labored through his last 3-4 starts and looks tired. Garcia hasn't thrown much this year but looks solid every time out. Your thoughts??

I'd go with Garcia -- Lynn's traditionally too susceptible to left-handed hitters for me to want to run him out there in a postseason series anyway. I'd go Garcia and use Lynn in high-leverage spots against a team's best right-handed hitters, as he carves up same-handed batters in pretty dominant fashion.

29/09/2015 19:37
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Steve Adams

0e6fc146d3df089b02812f1183de24c0?d=identicon

Quinn

Should the blue jays extend qualifying offers to mark buehrle and marco estrada

I'm really liberal with qualifying offers in general, so I might make one to Buehrle if the team thinks he can contribute in 2016. He's worn down a bit late in the year, with his velo dropping quite a bit, but if you think an offseason of rest fixes that, go for it. They need the arms, and his accepting wouldn't be the end of the world.

I think I'd pass on Estrada simply because I don't think he's a $16MM pitcher and his earning power on a multi-year deal isn't THAT much greater than $16MM. He could pull in $20MM+ on a two-year deal, perhaps, but the QO would hurt him pretty substantially, and he'd be the rare player I think would actually have a chance of possibly accepting.

29/09/2015 19:40
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Steve Adams

648c4b84114609edf619be0de4e27fad?d=identicon

Theo

Will Shark get a QO and will he take it if he does?

He'll absolutely get one and absolutely reject it.

29/09/2015 19:41
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Steve Adams

D52e32f3a96a64786814ae9b5279fbe5?d=identicon

James

Do you think Alexei Ramirez could still stay with the White Sox even if his option isn't picked up?

Yeah I could see them trying to re-work a lower contract with some incentives. His nice second half might get him more elsewhere, though, if the Sox are set on one year.

29/09/2015 19:42
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Steve Adams

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michael

any chance matt williams gets fired

I'll be surprised if he isn't.

29/09/2015 19:42
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Steve Adams

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Prich

Logan Morrison, Jesus Montero, Mark Trumbo... all serviceable to an extent, some more than others, and beyond Montero getting a bit expensive for what they do provide. Any guesses based on Dipoto's philosophy/past experience who he will hold onto and who he will send elsewhere?

I think Morrison's the non-tender threat between him and Trumbo. Dipoto has a past with Trumbo, who has been more productive.

I do think Morrison's a nice buy-low candidate that can be a serviceable platoon option elsewhere (Pittsburgh, Baltimore?)

29/09/2015 19:44
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Steve Adams

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Bob

Do you think the Diamondbacks pursuit of Chapman is a fool's errand?

I don't get the fascination, but Stewart seems to really want to bring in a dominant closer. They have bigger needs, to me, and should focus their money on other areas -- namely the rotation behind Corbin and perhaps evening out the rest of a questionable 'pen.

29/09/2015 19:46
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Steve Adams

I don't mean to imply I don't get the fascination with Chapman, in a vacuum, by the way. He's amazing, and maybe the best reliever in baseball. I just don't get Arizona's fixation on an expensive closer who's a year from free agency, even if the intent is to extend him.

29/09/2015 19:47
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Steve Adams

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Mike

When it's all said and done, are Adrian Beltre and Carlos Beltran hall of famers?

I think both should go in. I'd call Beltre the likelier of the two.

29/09/2015 19:47
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Steve Adams

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swiss

How much would a 2015 Cy Young win for David Price increase his contract next year?

I don't really think it would -- it's not an arb hearing he's going to. Teams have seen Price 30+ times this season and a hundred or so over the past 3-4 years. They know who and what he is. A bunch of sportswriters saying he's the best pitcher in the league isn't going to drastically alter any team's opinion of him. He'll get $200MM+ with or without the hardware, in my eyes.

29/09/2015 19:49
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Steve Adams

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Simon

will the yankees seriously pursue david price ?

I expect them to be involved, yeah.

29/09/2015 19:49
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Steve Adams

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Cody

Do you think the Cardinals will resign Lackey

Seems reasonable -- He's enjoyed it there from everything I can gather, he's a nice presence and their younger arms (plus Garcia) have some injury question marks. If they're at two years and other clubs are willing to do three, though (which I think is possible), I don't really see St. Louis staying in at that point.

I'd QO Lackey without much thought, though. Not like having him back at 1/16 would be a bad thing at all.

29/09/2015 19:51
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Steve Adams

229979fce5174c17d4645bf8752dae1e?d=identicon

austin

who wins MVP in the NL if not Harper

It should be Harper, and I don't think it's all that close. I'd probably put Greinke, Arrieta, Goldschmidt and Posey behind him in some capacity on my very imaginary ballot.

29/09/2015 19:52
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Steve Adams

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Jacob

I firmly believe the era of spending large sums of money for free agents will eventually come to and end. Too many of these contracts end up causing more problems than solving. Do you see a shift in baseball where more clubs go the Cardinal way and avoid signing large contracts and instead focus on drafting talent year after year

The Cardinals gave Matt Holliday a seven-year deal -- it's not like they're above spending in the right circumstance.

29/09/2015 19:53
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Steve Adams

D50c7ccabc416771d25ec7c3e51a7c9f?d=identicon

J.T. Snow

Could the Giants package up belt and Heston in a deal for a front end starter?

They could use that to get a starter better than Heston, but I don't think anyone's giving up a No. 1 type guy for two years of Belt and a back-of-the-rotation arm.

29/09/2015 19:54
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Steve Adams

083d9a270e6e16b2fbb08d35067aae5f?d=identicon

Dave

If Lind is traded, Logan Morrison seems like logical pickup to platoon with Jason Rogers in Milwaukee. Thoughts?

I can get behind that thought process, yeah. Take this with a grain of salt, but Morrison ranks somewhere around 50th in the league in exit velocity among hitters with 100 ABs. That's not a bad trend -- he makes good contact and has power vs. RHP, he just is brutal against lefties.

29/09/2015 19:56
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Steve Adams

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Andy S.

Any notable international players in the coming offseason?

Kenta Maeda (RHP), Byung-ho Park (1B), Jae-gyun Hwang (3B) all come to mind.

29/09/2015 19:57
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Steve Adams

23c253b43cbd46f193343457fc7b9494?d=identicon

Mooney

Any trade targets out there for the Tribe?

Marcell Ozuna makes some sense for them if/when Miami shops him.

29/09/2015 19:57
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Steve Adams

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Chris

Any thoughts on the Phillies GM search? Kim Ng perhaps?

If Kim Ng gets hired because she's the best interview, that's great. But I dislike the notion of Internet commenters assuming that she's passed over only due to her gender. She should not be given or denied a job based on that. I don't know enough about her to speak to her candidacy or chances for this position, though I do believe she has some history working with MacPhail, which can't hurt.

Matt Klentak makes a lot of sense to me and also has a history with MacPhail.

29/09/2015 20:00
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Steve Adams

229979fce5174c17d4645bf8752dae1e?d=identicon

austin

if you could take over GM or head of baseball operations for any team, who would you choose

Thought I had the Mariners job in the bag! Not going to lie, I'm pretty disappointed. Jerry if you're reading this -- I'll settle for an AGM position.

Joking aside, pick a club that has a huge prospect reserve and is positioned for long-term success. Cubs, Cardinals, Astros -- Dodgers because of that payroll would be nice. But I don't think I'm at the top of many clubs' lists. Just a hunch.

29/09/2015 20:04
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Steve Adams

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Thero

Do you think that a tear down is necessary to win games and have a good farm?? Or the Yankees method of spending millions in FA can help sustain a team??

It varies from team to team and it depends how bad a spot they're in. The Phillies needed a tear-down. The Rays never seem to tear down but continually field winners. There's no one way to run any team, as market size, payroll, farm strength, etc. all factor into each unique situation. It's not the answer you were looking for, but it's how I see it -- there's no magic formula that will work for any and all teams.

29/09/2015 20:06
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Steve Adams

I've got to wrap up for the week. You can ask further questions on Twitter (@Adams_Steve) or email the MLBTR Mailbag (mlbtrmailbag@gmail.com), which runs on Mondays. Thanks for chatting everyone!

29/09/2015 20:07
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Steve Adams

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