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Mark P
7:17
Hi everyone, welcome to the MLBTR Weekend Chat (trademark pending).  Let's wait a minute or so to let the questions filter in, and then we can begin
Squints
7:18
What's next for Mike Trout and the Angels as a whole?
Mark P
7:20
It seems possible that Trout might request a trade this winter, as having nothing but losing seasons during the Ohtani era might count as a last straw for him.  If the Angels decide that a rebuild is necessary, trading Trout will obviously be a key plank in that process, and suddenly that's one of the offseason's biggest stories
7:21
If the Angels decide to retrench and try to contend again....well, I can't stay I agree with that direction, but Arte Moreno has consistently tried to contend, even if the execution of that plan has been flawed.  The Angels are under no obligation to actually trade Trout if he requests a deal, of course.
Life long M's fan
7:21
The wheels have officially falling off the M's wagon.  Not signing a decent bat is proving problematic.   Where do we go from here? Scott and jerry on the hot seat
Mark P
7:22
As a Jays fan who thought they were finished after a Rangers sweep, don't necessarily fret that Seattle will miss the playoffs.  After all, Houston is suddenly struggling mightily as well, and the Jays and Rangers are both so hot-and-cold that their playoff tickets aren't exactly booked.
7:24
In the bigger picture, however, you're right in that the Mariners are likely to be more aggressive in adding a bat or two this winter.  Whether that translates into a push for someone like Ohtani or not remains to be seen, but I would bet that Dipoto and Servais remain in charge
Nacho
7:24
Is David stearns gonna come in hot and launch everyone or are the Mets in a good position to compete in 2024?
Mark P
7:25
I wouldn't be shocked at all if the Mets get back into contention in 2024.  I made this point on the MLBTR podcast this week (cheap plug), but remember that the Brewers didn't even go into a rebuild when Stearns took over, like many expected.  He made some canny moves on the fly and almost immediately make the club competitive without the need for a full rebuild/step back/etc.
Padres Season
7:26
While the result on the field obviously hasn't been ideal, I'd say all the money invested in the roster has not been a waste. They sold out 61 of 79 home games and had 3 million fans attend games this year - baseball is thriving in San Diego.
Mark P
7:27
That's all well and good, but this underwhelming season might not do much to spur ticket sales for 2024
Berny
7:28
Thoughts on evan carter?
Mark P
7:28
Looks like a fantastic young player, and a big part of the Rangers' future
Frustrated Dodger Fan
7:28
Every season it seems like the Dodgers dominate the marathon of the regular season, only to fail in the playoffs. While I understand there are many reasons for that, one of the most glaring seems to be the feeling they need to change the way they play and over-manage in the playoffs. It happens every year. They ask players to do things they didn't do during the regular season, and Roberts and the front office make move after move based on statistics and data. Why not just let the guys play? it is MADDENING to see this year after year. They've already started preparing the fan base by mentioning over and over again that they'll be managing differently during the playoffs, particularly with pitching. FANS DON'T WANT TO SEE THIS!!!
Mark P
7:29
I'd say that this year's pitching situation does require the team to take a different approach to their rotation mix in the playoffs, but you're not wrong --- this seems to be a consistent issue for the Dodgers, no matter how many of their pitchers are healthy in October or not.
Cashman
7:30
Is my off-season priority an impact lefty bat? I have to make a big move don’t I?
Mark P
7:32
The Yankees have been strangely nonplussed about having a righty-heavy lineup for a few years now, so while it would seem natural for them to add even a couple of lefty bats, it's no guarantee.

Even beyond the short porch at Yankee Stadium, it's generally a good move for every team (regardless of ballpark) to have lineup balance.  It keeps the other team having to make adjustments, keeps their pitchers from getting into a groove, etc.
Cards Fan
7:32
Same as the Cashman question in regards to a big move...does a big trade make sense for the Cards for a young, controllable, but already good starting pitcher?
Mark P
7:34
It does, and while a Goldschmidt/Arenado-level blockbuster probably isn't in the cards, John Mozeliak has mostly preferred trades to big free agent swings when it comes to improving the team.

He is on the record as saying that the Cards are looking to add three arms to the 2024 rotation, so just speculation here, but I could see STL getting one by trade, one via a decent-sized free agent acquisition, and then the third in a lower-level trade or signing
7:35
Obviously it's easy to just say "trade for a decent starter" when not knowing what deals and offers will be available this offseason, but St. Louis has enough prospect depth and depth in younger big league-ready players to get attention in trade talks
Tom
7:36
Atlanta suddenly has some big question marks in the rotation. Same with the Dodgers. So I guess what I'm asking is...Phillies got a shot?
Mark P
7:36
Anyone in the playoffs have a shot, and the Phillies are playing some good baseball right now.  

That being said, if the Braves' pitching doesn't hold up and they have to rely on winning slugfests in the playoffs.....that lineup of sluggers welcome the challenge
Dylan
7:37
Will the A’s hold onto Rooker next season after a 29 homer season?
Mark P
7:38
I don't think Oakland's approach will much change, in that they'll certainly be open to all offers for basically anyone on their roster.  Rooker's inconsistent but solid year will raise their asking price, and if another team meets that price, the A's will make the trade.
7:39
Remember, the A's aren't trying to win in 2024.  They might not be full-on "trying to win" until they're actually in Las Vegas, though the front office has done some great things in the past to amass talent despite minimal support from ownership
red sox fan
7:39
How long do you think the Red Sox search for a PBO/Gm will last? do you think Kim Ng is a possibility?
Mark P
7:41
Ng is seemingly going to be staying with Miami, so she probably isn't an option.  The Sox have said they'll made a wide search in picking their next PBO/GM/CBO, but I'd be surprised if someone wasn't in place by the time of the GM Meetings in early November
Seager MVP
7:41
Since Texas will most certainly make the playoffs and has over an 80% chance of winning the West according to Fangraphs, will you admit being wrong about assuring everyone Texas would be 3rd or 4th in the West?
Mark P
7:43
Is "assuring" the right way to describe an inaccurate prediction?  Like I'm Frank Drebin in front of the exploding building saying "don't worry folks, nothing to see here, go about your day"?

And technically, my prediction isn't inaccurate yet since there's a week to go.  Texas might still finish third, and still make the playoffs.
I do recall having the Angels in my preseason playoff bracket, so.....oops
Baseball fan
7:43
What are the chances the Baltimore Orioles follow the John Hart/Alex Anthropolus model of locking up their good young players to long term, team friendly contracts?
Mark P
7:45
John Angelos' recent comments about the Orioles' finances would seem to throw some cold water on this idea....

https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-john-angelos...
7:46
The ideal time to lock some of these kids up might have been last winter, except who knows what ownership's financial position actually is.  Or, if the Orioles get their lease situation sorted out, maybe then the team will suddenly feel better about extending some of this very exciting young core.
bmcferren
7:46
would Josh Hade consider a one year deal if it shattered the record for a reliever salary? like $26mil for the year? Is this the type of creativity the Pirates need instead of spreading out the free agent budget on Santana, Choi, Velasquez, Hill and Jarlin Garcia?
Mark P
7:47
Hader isn't taking a one-year deal when this is an ideal time to score big on a multi-year deal for quite possibly nine figures.  If Hader were to get injured next season after taking a one-year splurge of a deal, he would've left a ton of money on the table
7:49
As for the Pirates, I actually think spreading out money to address several needs is a smarter play than going all in on one singular star.  Naturally the Bucs need to allocate those funds wisely, but elevating the team's talent floor is a better method towards getting the Pirates back into contention
Miggy
7:50
Now that we know Detroit has some talent albeit mostly platoon players, what moves can they make to improve themselves even more? Obvious needs are a second baseman, third baseman, and a corner outfielder that has some really good power. What do you see as have to have needs?
Mark P
7:52
Hey, speaking of a team that should raise the talent floor.....

Adding power is a good idea, but the Tigers should perhaps try to play to their ballpark's strengths with a lineup that prioritizes speed and contact hitting.  Vierling and Short in combination can handle probably third base, so second base might be more of a priority (and could be an easier position to address)
7:53
The free agent infield market isn't exactly teeming with everyday talent, but that might help a team like Detroit that might not be necessarily looking for a full-time guy, with Vierling and Short in the mix.
Ted
7:53
What was the point in activating Triston McKenzie? I get that they want him to go into the offseason on a good note, but he was downright horrible today. Do you think it would’ve been best for him to just say forget it on the season and not start today?
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