JotCast | MLBTR Live Chat

MLBTR Live Chat

Mark P

7:47

The red-hot White Sox, the Twins' lucky sausage, Aaron Judge's flailing hands....these topics and more in this edition of the Weekend Chat!

John Z

7:49

Your opinion on the Aaron Judge “block”?

Mark P

7:49

It pretty clearly should've been called interference, even if it was an unintentional act on Judge's part.

Chuck R.

7:50

Hey, Mark. If you were running the Angels, what would you do at this point? It feels like there's no direction for the franchise at all. They don't have many tradeable assets and any help from the minors is likely years away. Help!

Mark P

7:53

If I had carte blanche to take over the Angels, first things first, I'd say sorry to Jo Adell for printing so many questions over the years about him being traded.

Secondly, a rebuild seems necessary. This organization has a lot of root problems that start from the minor league and developmental systems upward, so it seems like a near-total overhaul is needed to re-evaluate everything about how the Angels identify and develop their players. As for the big league roster, start by telling Trout that the team won't be ready for win for at least 3-4 years, so if he wants to compete in the near future, he is free to request a trade.

Idon't read

7:53

Typical Brewers good April (18-10 last year, 15-7 the year before) or actually indicates a better team than a lot thought?

Mark P

7:54

The Brewers' great luck in one-run games isn't likely to last, though I hesitate to call it "luck" since this team has been traditionally so good with the relief corps. Even with Williams out, the pen has remained strong.

In short, I fully expect Milwaukee to be in the running for the remainder of the year, and a return to the postseason should surprise no one.

Charlie

7:56

Is Ryan Jeffers underrated? What would an extension look like for him?

Mark P

7:59

The Twins' broadcast contract situation might preclude any pricey extensions for the near future, and Jeffers has surely performed well enough that "pricey" will be necessary to lock him up.

Jeffers has two remaining arb-eligible years, so he isn't a free agent until after 2026. He also turns 27 in June, and locking up a part-time catcher when Christian Vazquez is still making a significant salary through 2025 doesn't seem like something the Twins have on their radar. I could see Minnesota basically just going year-to-year on Jeffers and evaluating things on an annual basis, if his production drops or until they know more about his defensive future.

Brett

8:00

What do you think went wrong with Vlad Jr? Got off to great start April 2022 after a huge 2021 then has not been good since

Mark P

8:01

It seems like the league has simply figured out how to pitch to him, and how to neutralize his hard contact by turning that contact into grounders. Guerrero hasn't yet made that next adjustment, to the point that his production has been in alarming decline.

8:02

Whether or not he can figure things out (either on his own or via coaching or what) remains to be seen, but his lack of offense is really hurting the Jays. Guerrero is far from the only struggling Toronto hitter, but it draws more eyeballs when the centerpiece star is hitting so poorly

Trader Jerry's

8:03

The Mariners have extended quite a few players in the past couple of years, do you see any more of their young core being locked up this season?

Mark P

8:05

Any of the Gilbert/Kirby/Miller/Woo group seem like logical candidates, with Miller and Woo the less expensive options of that quartet for now. Seattle is another team with questions surrounding their TV future, yet their case is a little different than the Bally Sports teams since the Mariners own their own network

Stroswoes

8:06

Think the stros have turned a corner or just took advantage of Mexico ?

Mark P

8:06

While I do think Houston will get on track and contend this season, two games against the Rockies isn't exactly clear evidence

Jays fan

8:07

Are you a Leafs fan Mark? If so how disappointed in the team so far this spring? Both they and the Jays have been a tough watch.

Mark P

8:07

I actually decided to end my Leafs fandom after an even 30 years last summer, and adopted the Red Wings as my new favourite hockey team. Despite this frustrating Wings season, I haven't exactly regretting my choice to abandon the Leafs

Giant Gonzales

8:09

It stinks when you're entire starting rotation and lineup is on the IL before May rolls around. I knew this was gonna be a bridge year, but Boston should start selling as soon as someone wants to make a trade, no? I'll take Ragans for Jensen thank you very much, and Martin, ONeill and if someone wants to blow the doors off for Durran, let's go

Mark P

8:09

Hey, it's only April 28 and the Red Sox have managed a winning record despite all the injuries. While it might be a lot to expect them to keep this up, it's too early yet to wave the white flag

Snakes fan

8:10

can Corbin get back on track?

Mark P

8:11

A sophomore slump isn't out of the question for Carroll, so even though I think he'll be fine over the long haul, it also wouldn't be a shock to see him take some level of step backwards in 2024

Up in the Air

8:11

While I don't believe Kimbrel is done, the O's need a co-closer. What are your thoughts on Baltimore's bullpen situation.

Mark P

8:12

The O's will definitely add some bullpen help at the deadline, though I'm not sure a "co-closer" is really necessary. Kimbrel has been pitching well and today's blowup looks like it was injury-related

8:13

Now, if he's hurt, then obviously all bets are off. And, Baltimore could look to obtain if not a "co-closer," but someone with closing experience if Kimbrel has another late-season fade.

Tiger universe

8:14

Is Skubal a CY Young candidate?

Mark P

8:14

He got a lot of dark horse Cy Young buzz heading into the season and has only improved his chances. Detroit looks like they've got an ace in Skubal

Ben Cherrington

8:15

Am I going to survive the season? I’m in year 5 or my rebuild. Should I fire my hitting coach or let the chips fall where they lay

Mark P

8:16

The Pirates have enough good young pieces in place that it would be very premature and even unfair to fire Cherington.

Marky Mark

8:17

Jed Hoyer us spending close to the luxury tax and so far it's looking a lot like last year, in terms of the bullpen being a problem. If they fall short of the playoffs again, is he on the hot seat?

Mark P

8:18

Quick question....how many fans actually like the GM of their team? Talk about a tough crowd! The Cubs are in first place, seem to be in good shape despite a ton of injuries, and you're still calling for Hoyer's ouster?

HoosierSox

8:20

White Sox appear to be going the route of giving any veteran PT in hopes of trade value rather than playing your guys more. Thoughts on the strategy?

Mark P

8:21

In fairness, Benintendi's trade value is going to rise pretty quick if he keeps getting six RBI a game

Chicago's younger players are going to be getting a whole lot of playing time after the deadline, so it's not an illogical move to showcase (in the loosest sense of the word) the veteran players you'll want to shop at the deadline.

Mike T

8:22

But even if I did request a trade, would any team actually want my contract? It seems like I'm un-tradeable.

Mark P

8:23

Mike Trout would absolutely have a lot of trade value. His contract certainly limits the number of teams that can feasibly trade for him, but an interested party would find a way to make it work.

Gadzooks

8:24

With Elly being represented by Boras, no shot at an extension?

Mark P

8:24

Some Boras clients sign extensions, but odds are, EDLC "probably" won't sign such a deal with Cincy

Breslow

8:25

Yoshida traded at the deadline(or at seasons end)?

Mark P

8:25

Boston would have to eat a big chunk of that contract to swing such a trade, or take on another unfavorable contract in return