JotCast | Travis Sawchik FanGraphs Chat

Travis Sawchik FanGraphs Chat

Travis Sawchik

12:00

Greetings!

Let's talk ...

The Average Sports Fan

12:01

When Cespedes comes back, how do you think the Mets OF situation plays out?

Travis Sawchik

12:01

If it were up to me, it would include every day reps from Conforto with him often playing CF

Charlie Morton

12:01

So I'm good now?

Travis Sawchik

12:03

Morton earned the nickname "Electric Stuff" in Pittsburgh -- when his stuff was good -- and his stuff was never more electric than it was last night. Morton touched 99 mph, painted 98 on the corners. Great curve. Yeah, he still needs to figure out LHHs, but his stuff has taken a big leap forward. I suppose it actually did last year in Philly before he was hurt

Terry's Sarape

12:03

Most pleasant surprises as of May 15?

Travis Sawchik

12:04

The Rockies, as a team, although some liked them as a sleeper entering the year

Then, of course, Thames/Judge/Zimmerman/Yonder

Many FanGraphs authors liked a number of these players, but to the extend that they've broken out is surprising

12:05

And I don't know that it's a surprise, but it's pleasant to see Bryce Harper back to his 2015 (or better) self

And, what the heck, I'll throw in Charlie Morton and Devenski, who has carried over his success

Herb

12:05

If the Rockies stay in contention do they try to trade for a SP like Darvish? Or do are they inclined to not invest in their rotation because it is neutralized by the altitude.

Travis Sawchik

12:06

Good question, Herb. I don't think altitude would cause them not to look at SP help

Harish

12:07

Is Barrel a new thing in MLB statistics? I hear people talking about it a lot

Travis Sawchik

12:07

Barrel is a thing, but the newest thing is wxOBA

12:08

What's cool is we are gaining a better understand of batted ball quality an expected outcomes

Hot Taek

12:08

Cubs v. Cards will be closer than people think in September... thoughts?

Travis Sawchik

12:09

This would have been a hotter take in March

I still think Cubs will find their way to top of the division but it's going to be a race

http://www.fangraphs.com/coolstandings.aspx

Mel

12:10

Aaron Hicks worth holding in 10-team?

Travis Sawchik

12:10

I think so. The improvement in zone discipline is really intriguing

Terry's Sarape

12:10

Any idea what the average length of a major league career is? from a handful of days to 20 years, what is the average? (bonus: how long is the average minor league career?)

Travis Sawchik

12:10

Great question. I do not know for sure. I suspect it's much briefer than many realize

Blackburn

12:11

What should the Pirates do with Cole? Seems like he could be traded in the next year or so. If he does get traded, what would a return look like for the Pirates?

Travis Sawchik

12:12

I think he could very well be traded at some point since he's an unlikely (impossible?) extension candidate ...But I suspect the club will hold until at least next deadline. But if the Pirate are out of it in July, and Cole is pitching well, his value will never be higher so I'd listen and hope for a monster return. Yankees?

mtsw

12:12

Is McCutchen hurt? Or has he really fallen off a cliff permanently?

Travis Sawchik

12:14

He did have a knee issue in 2015, but he never cited health as an issue last season. So apparently he's healthy. But, to me, he really looks to have lost explosiveness and athleticism. The good news is his plate discipline is still largely there and his BABIP seems unlucky

I don't think he's returning to superstar status, though. But I think he will wRC+ better than his current 83

Hooha

12:14

What do the bucco's do from here? Cole would fetch quite a prospect haul.

Travis Sawchik

12:15

I think you have to explore it in July if the Pirates are out of it or on the fringe of the race

Hannah Hochevar

12:16

Like the Buxton piece. Seems like you can't do much better for longevity hitting advice than Molitor and Hunter.

Travis Sawchik

12:17

Thanks, Hannah. Yeah, I think Buxton is surrounded by some good advisors. I think in the past he was listening to too many voices. But hopefully his May is indicative or a truly improved - and more relaxed - approach

Did anyone catch his overall play in CF this weekend? He was incredible