JotCast | Meg Rowley FanGraphs Chat

Meg Rowley FanGraphs Chat - 2/4/2020

Meg Rowley

2:01

Hi everyone, and welcome to the chat.

Any news that's of interest?

2:02

Let's get a couple of Kiley-related questions out of the way.

2:02

Meg, thanks for taking the time to chat. Will Kiley's departure affect Prospect Week and the release of the rest of the team prospect lists?

Meg Rowley

2:02

Prospects Week will kick off as planned on February 10 - it'll feature Eric's Top 100 among other things, and we're really excited for it.

2:04

Obviously the prospect team going from two people to one person will have some effect on the lists, but we're working on a good pace (Orioles will drop tomorrow) and have been planning for Kiley's potential and eminent departure for a little while now.

2:05

So while this is the first you are hearing about it, it isn't new news to us. And Eric is still alive, and well, and committed to producing freakishly deep prospect coverage.

2:06

As for potential additions to the staff to backfill Kiley's position, that'll be sorted out in good time. And don't fret - if/when we have news on that score, we won't be shy about sharing it.

2:07

So while we hate to see Kiley go, we're continue to be really proud of and confident in our prospect coverage. I think the breadth and quality of Eric's analysis, coupled with what The Board does now (and some new features that are coming soon) make our coverage pretty special, even if after today, it is less concerned with kitchen remodels than it has been lately.

JSDee

2:08

Biggest surprise free agency deal of the off season?

Meg Rowley

2:09

Remain surprised by the length of Mike Moustakas and Drew
Drew Pomeranz's deals.

Nick

2:11

Do you have a favorite entry in the SABR writing awards?

Meg Rowley

2:13

This is like asking me to pick a favorite child, especially since Jay and Rachael are nominated in the same category. I think that the variety of pieces and authors is really cool, and they are all worthy of consideration.

2:14

(sorry, as you might imagine, the number of notifications that I am receiving on a day like today is non-trivial)

jamesdakrn

2:15

With the astros scandal, Cole and Rendon saga and now the impending Mookie trade, MLB F5 season this year is muuuch better than last year

Meg Rowley

2:15

I would argue that one of those things is not like the other ones, because free agent signings are fun, and scandals and trades of franchise players are kind of a bummer.

HS sports editor

2:15

Whats the worst thing about editing (mine is not getting to write as much)

Meg Rowley

2:16

That ranks highly on my list. I think generally, and this very rarely happens with our staff but, not knowing how to fix a piece that needs fixing is a bummer, because I feel like I've let the writer down.

Bobby

2:17

When will fangraphs post its projected standings for 2020?

Meg Rowley

2:17

Mid part of this month - gotta fold ZiPS into the Depth Chart projections (which are powered entirely by Steamer right now) and then we're off to the races.

mike

2:18

which is worse? hall of fame voting or iowa caucus?

Meg Rowley

2:19

Iowa. Baseball matters a lot to all of us, but matters objectively less than a reliable and accessible democratic process of voting.

Logan

2:19

What are your favorite and least favorite uniforms among all MLB teams?

Meg Rowley

2:19

I never thought I would say this but, I am genuinely offended by the swoosh on the Yankees unis. Just truly wounded by them.

2:20

The Padres' brown unis are great, and I love every. single. version of the D-backs unis.

You're thinking to yourself, "Even the ugly ones, Meg?" and to that I say, those most especially.

Dog mutton

2:20

Happy for Marco, But would you not agree thats a pretty team friendly extension? With better defense, a slightly less rabbity ball, and slightly more 4-seamer usage, this could wind up being good value for Seattle. Thoughts?

Meg Rowley

2:22

It is but one that isn't particularly surprising given his age and injury history. Which isn't to say that some yucky leverage doesn't exist here, but that it is of a slightly different favor.

Sorry, asking for my fantasyteam

2:22

sorry if this is already posted somewhere or if it's misdirected, but do you know when full pre-seasons ZiPS will be posted? Or thebat? Seems like Dan's pacing for the end of next week

Meg Rowley

2:22

Mid-Feb as well.

2:23

Dan's almost done as you noted.

2:23

Will we hear from Sheryl Ring this season? I really enjoyed her law-focused articles.

Meg Rowley

2:23

Sheryl took her talents to Beyond the Box Score last June, and has been doing good work over there.

Marc

2:24

I don't understand one thing, about the Red Sox's reported offer including Price- presumably they're going to at least TRY to contend for a wild card this year, right? Their rotation would be Sale, Eovaldi, ERod, Perez, and ?? Johnson? They're all injury risks too

Meg Rowley

2:24

Would imagine there might be some major league pitching going the other way, too.

bartosz

2:25

Where does Puig end up?

Meg Rowley

2:25

Give. Me. Puig. In. Pittsburgh.

Honestly there are and Cleveland feel like the best fits.

2:26

Very excited to spend another season being told that actually, that Cleveland outfield is good.