MLBTR Chat
 
Wednesday January 16, 2013
3:02
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
Hey everyone sorry I'm a bit late. Busy day here! What's on your minds today?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:02 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:02
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
Blue Jays, by the way, just announced Darren Oliver will return for 2013.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:02 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:03
[Comment From billbill: ] 
who hangs up firrst porcello for johnson
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:03 bill
3:03
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
I dont' see Baltimore making that move.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:03 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:04
[Comment From Jack Z.Jack Z.: ] 
With the Upton trade being shot down, what's next?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:04 Jack Z.
3:05
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
More Upton trade rumors, what else? In all seriousness I do expect the Upton rumors to continue. Those will keep us busy in January, plus Lohse and Bourn rumors.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:05 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:05
[Comment From JoeJoe: ] 
Closer for Nats?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:05 Joe
3:05
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
I don't think they spent $14MM per season on Soriano to make him a setup man.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:05 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:05
[Comment From DannyDanny: ] 
Are the Indians done signing major league contracts?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:05 Danny
3:05
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
It's possible, but I wouldn't be surprised if they added a starter. That could happen with a minor league commitment, though.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:05 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:06
[Comment From Chris H.Chris H.: ] 
Does signing Colby Rasmus to a one-year deal show a lack of trust in him by the Blue Jays? Could we see him dealt and Anthony Gose called up?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:06 Chris H.
3:07
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
Not at all. Plenty of players and teams go year to year in arbitration all the time. That said, Rasmus' disappointing finish in 2012 could have created some skepticism in Toronto.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:07 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:08
[Comment From Concerned White Sox FanConcerned White Sox Fan: ] 
Sale for Stanton? Who says no?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:08 Concerned White Sox Fan
3:10
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
The Marlins don't make that trade.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:10 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:11
[Comment From Brian CashmanBrian Cashman: ] 
What about Cano for Espinosa, Morse, and Storen?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:11 Brian Cashman
3:11
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
No, I don't see Cano getting traded.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:11 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:11
[Comment From bobbob: ] 
will the brewers look to add lohse?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:11 bob
3:11
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
No, Doug Melvin has said he's confident in his young arms. I don't expect Lohse's price to drop to the point where Milwaukee would be comfortable.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:11 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:12
[Comment From MattMatt: ] 
Phils more likely to add Scott Hairston now?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:12 Matt
3:12
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
He certainly would be a fit, and it doesn't sound like either New York team is close to landing Hairston, so I'll say yes.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:12 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:14
[Comment From Tim LincecumTim Lincecum: ] 
Well the Giants are talking to me again about a long term contract. What do I end up getting from them?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:14 Tim Lincecum
3:15
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
The way I interpreted Schulman's tweets I got the sense the Giants are open to re-signing him (or potentially extending a qualifying offer) next winter, when Lincecum hits free agency. I didn't interpret the SF Chronicle report to mean that they'd talk extension now.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:15 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:16
[Comment From AngelfanAngelfan: ] 
Vernon Wells to anyone?!
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:16 Angelfan
3:16
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
The Phillies had some interest, but it doesn't appear that anything is close to happening.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:16 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:17
[Comment From ScottScott: ] 
Are the Cardinals through with trades or signing?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:17 Scott
3:18
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
I still think a Wainwright extension is possible. Other than that I doubt we'll see them do much more than add a utility type (they're apparently looking for a Nick Punto type).
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:18 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:18
[Comment From MattMatt: ] 
Scherzer for Upton. Who hangs up first?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:18 Matt
3:19
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
I don't think that deal would address the Diamondbacks' needs.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:19 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:19
[Comment From JPCJPC: ] 
Morse to the Rays for prospects, make sense?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:19 JPC
3:19
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
I do think that deal would make sense.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:19 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:19
[Comment From Aaron SAaron S: ] 
Brian Wilson to Motown, your thoughts?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:19 Aaron S
3:20
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
I think it'd make sense for both sides. Though I'm not sure the Tigers would be willing to guarantee him a big league deal.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:20 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:20
[Comment From ReburdReburd: ] 
Lohse coming back to STL on a short term contract?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:20 Reburd
3:20
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
I imagine the Cardinals would rather have a compensatory draft pick.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:20 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:21
[Comment From SeanSean: ] 
You are Mike Rizzo... build a trade for Robinson Cano that both sides say yes to.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:21 Sean
3:21
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
It's simply not happening in my view.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:21 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:21
[Comment From ken bken b: ] 
Miami should take the mariners package for stanton
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:21 ken b
3:21
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
I disagree personally. I think they can enjoy his 2013 production for essentially the league minimum and do even better a year from now.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:21 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:22
[Comment From Poynter34Poynter34: ] 
What do you see the rest of the Rangers offseason? Trades or FA's
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:22 Poynter34
3:22
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
I can definitely see it going either way. I don't think they're close to done, and I can see Daniels pursuing a free agent or completing a trade depending on the cost of each move.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:22 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:24
[Comment From Scott BorasScott Boras: ] 
How did I get Soriano 28mil over two years when no one else was bidding?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:24 Scott Boras
3:25
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
Teams like the Dodgers and Tigers were at least lurking, so that helps Boras' leverage. But he does deserve credit for finding $28MM for Soriano at a time that teams are hesitant to a) spend big on relief and b) surrender draft picks.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:25 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:25
[Comment From Mike MorseMike Morse: ] 
Where am I playing on Opening Day?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:25 Mike Morse
3:26
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
In the American League. Still not sure where though.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:26 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:26
[Comment From RickRick: ] 
Since the Mike Napoli contract has not been finalized, can other teams contact him, or is this frowned upon in baseball?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:26 Rick
3:26
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
Other teams can contact him and, according to reports, they have done so. No guarantee he signs with Boston now per reports.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:26 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:26
[Comment From JindocleseJindoclese: ] 
Since Oliver re-upped, will the Jays still go for more real bullpen help?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:26 Jindoclese
3:27
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
I can imagine them adding one more low-cost RH arm.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:27 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:28
[Comment From John MozielokJohn Mozielok: ] 
Do I offer Waino 6/114M (19 per) and hope he takes it or do I have to go to 6/126(21 per)?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:28 John Mozielok
3:28
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
I don't think the Cardinals will have to spend at that level to land Wainwright, though I could be wrong.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:28 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:28
[Comment From Red Sox FanRed Sox Fan: ] 
After seeing what guys on one-year deals, like Dickey and Choo, are bringing in trades, is there any reason for the Red Sox not to pull the trigger on an Ellsbury deal?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:28 Red Sox Fan
3:29
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
Yes. While Choo and Dickey had excellent, healthy seasons in 2012 Ellsbury didn't. This would affect his trade value considerably.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:29 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:29
[Comment From Poynter34Poynter34: ] 
What names FA or Trades to you see ending up with Rangers?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:29 Poynter34
3:30
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
I think Upton, Bourn and Lohse could all be options for the Rangers. It's just really hard to say whether there will be an alignment in terms of asking prices and what Texas is willing to pay.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:30 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:30
[Comment From David PriceDavid Price: ] 
Where am I playing by the end of 2015?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:30 David Price
3:31
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
I highly doubt it'll be for the Rays. The Rangers seem like on possible fit, but you can bet that 10-20 other teams will check in if Price is really available a year from now.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:31 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:31
[Comment From PT Writer PositionPT Writer Position: ] 
Did you guys end up making a selection?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:31 PT Writer Position
3:31
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
Still in the process of going through applications, so no, not yet. Thanks to all who applied!
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:31 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:32
[Comment From LouisLouis: ] 
Made a bet that the Cubs would not win 76 or more games in either of the next two years. Did I make a mistake?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:32 Louis
3:32
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
I think they'll win more than 76 at least once in 2013-14 personally.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:32 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:32
[Comment From DD: ] 
Would you like to see the DH in both leagues?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:32 D
3:32
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
No, I like seeing pitchers hit. I grew up watching more AL than NL, so pitchers hitting is pretty novel for me.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:32 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:33
[Comment From Justin UptonJustin Upton: ] 
Will I be standing with my brother, BJ, in the Braves outfield on Opening Day?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:33 Justin Upton
3:33
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
It's definitely a possibility. I think it'd be a really nice move for the Braves and others do as well. ESPN.com's Buster Olney suggested today that the Braves could end up trading for Upton.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:33 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:34
[Comment From Frank WrenFrank Wren: ] 
Who is going to be this years "Mike Trout"?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:34 Frank Wren
3:34
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
If there was a Mike Trout every year it wouldn't be that remarkable. The odds say it's overwhelmingly likely that there won't be a Mike Trout this year.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:34 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:35
[Comment From dandan: ] 
did you hit your rangers question quota yet?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:35 dan
3:36
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
There's no quota! I'm going to talk lots about teams like the Nationals and Rangers since there's more intrigue/action with those teams than with a club like the Dodgers at this stage.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:36 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:36
[Comment From JohnJohn: ] 
Will Cubs trade Soriano? Who would be trade partners, and what's the likely return?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:36 John
3:37
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
The Phillies jump out as a possible fit. Other teams could pursue Soriano if they don't like the DH options available in free agency. I imagine the Cubs would either get a decent but not great prospect or salary relief if they made a deal.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:37 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:37
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
When do you think we'll see a female GM or Manager?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:37 Guest
3:38
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
Good question. Kim Ng of MLB was part of the GM Candidates series we ran in 2011, and has been viewed as a GM candidate for a while. It won't be surprising if she becomes a GM at some point. As for field managers, I don't know of any female candidates for jobs in the near future.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:38 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:39
[Comment From Wade WarrenWade Warren: ] 
how about the Orioles?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:39 Wade Warren
3:39
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
I'm surprised the Orioles haven't done more this winter. Not that the winter is over, but I expected them to find a way to add a bat and deepen their pitching staff.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:39 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:40
[Comment From johnjohn: ] 
Could Delmon young end up a Astro?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:40 john
3:40
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
I won't be surprised if the Astros sign a DH, and Young could appeal to Houston at the right price.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:40 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:40
[Comment From Wade WarrenWade Warren: ] 
morse for the Orioles?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:40 Wade Warren
3:40
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
Yes, I do think he's a fit in Baltimore.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:40 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:41
[Comment From AdamAdam: ] 
Do the Nationals make the Soriano deal to help Strasburg with his innings?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:41 Adam
3:43
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
I don't think the two are related. I expect they made the move because they want a stronger bullpen. Soriano will improve their bullpen, though the deal is certainly not a bargain from a team standpoint. That said, I'm fine with the move for the Nationals. They are trying to win now, and Soriano should help them. Plus, the draft pick they lose was a relatively late one.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:43 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:43
[Comment From Rays fanRays fan: ] 
Where does Bourn go
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:43 Rays fan
3:44
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
To me it really is a mystery. The Rangers, Mariners, Cubs and Braves seem like possible fits. Really though none of those fits seem ideal. We'll see if Boras can come up with a decent deal here.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:44 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:45
[Comment From PJPJ: ] 
Lohse to Pittsburgh?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:45 PJ
3:46
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
It's a connection I've wondered about. I mean if the Liriano deal falls through it could be a match that works. That said, free agents typically target teams they view as winners. No disrespect to the Pirates, but they have obviously struggled in recent years.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:46 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:46
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
Bourn to the White Sox?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:46 Guest
3:47
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
I've wondered about that possibility as well, and mentioned it here:
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/12/potential-suitors-for-michael-bourn.html
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:47 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:47
[Comment From GMDMGMDM: ] 
Can the Royals be a dark horse for the playoffs this year?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:47 GMDM
3:47
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
I think that's a safe way of looking at the Royals entering the 2013 season.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:47 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:47
[Comment From PJPJ: ] 
Any chance the Tigers could be in on Bourne?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:47 PJ
3:47
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
I highly doubt that. If anything I see the Tigers adding relief help or a right-handed hitting part-time outfielder.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:47 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:48
[Comment From HoustonHouston: ] 
Didn't we already cover our DH when we signed Carlos Pena? Not sure why there are reports of interest in guys like Hafner and Young.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:48 Houston
3:48
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
My thinking is that Brett Wallace may not have an iron grip on the first base job and Pena could move to first if Houston finds the right DH out there.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:48 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:49
How do you assess the Nationals' deal with Rafael Soriano?
Player wins deal
 ( 67% )
Team wins deal
 ( 3% )
Good for both sides
 ( 29% )

Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:49 
3:49
[Comment From FranconnaFranconna: ] 
You excited to read my book?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:49 Franconna
3:50
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
I'm surprised he's releasing it now, given that he's an American League rival of the Red Sox with Cleveland. The timing would have made more sense last year in my view. I'm interested to know the highlights.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:50 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:50
[Comment From HankHank: ] 
how about Lohse to the Angels
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:50 Hank
3:50
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
Seems possible. I imagine his price would have to be reasonable for the Angels to be seriously involved.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:50 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:51
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
Wow... so far 96% of you like the deal for Soriano.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:51 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:51
[Comment From ChrisChris: ] 
I read that the braves may take a "file and Trial" strategy this arbitration season. What could the benefits of that be? The compromise seems better to me.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:51 Chris
3:52
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
The effect is that the sides are likely to file closer together. If they know they can negotiate a deal before a hearing, they could file far apart with the expectation of meeting in the middle. If no such negotiations will take place, the sides need to file at a number they can defend in a hearing. Changes the tenor of the talks.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:52 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:52
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
How would you grade Boras and the deal he for Soriano from the Nats?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:52 Guest
3:53
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
A
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:53 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:53
[Comment From EdwinEdwin: ] 
Do you see minn twins signing saunders?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:53 Edwin
3:53
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
They've had interest in him for a while. It could be a fit, but other clubs are also interested in Saunders (not the Padres, but the Orioles and others have been linked to him).
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:53 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:53
[Comment From Chris KChris K: ] 
what is it going to take to lure quality hitters to the Mariners?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:53 Chris K
3:54
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
The usual: some combination of winning and money (though probably not in that order). In Seattle's case it'd help if the dimension changes at Safeco add offense in 2013.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:54 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:55
[Comment From MattMatt: ] 
Rays dark horse candidate for Hairston? He could play LF-
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:55 Matt
3:55
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
Interesting idea. I haven't seen them connected to him, but it does make a certain amount of sense.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:55 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:55
[Comment From [T][T]: ] 
Are there any good LH relievers left in free agency?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:55 [T]
3:56
[Comment From Rudolf ValentinoRudolf Valentino: ] 
How many questions have you received today?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:56 Rudolf Valentino
3:56
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
Haven't counted, but it's usually a few thousand. Thanks to all of you who sent them in. I have time for two or three more.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:56 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:56
[Comment From PJPJ: ] 
Where is Papa Grande going?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:56 PJ
3:57
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
Not sure, but it's looking more and more like a modest one-year deal.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:57 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:57
[Comment From Tom GTom G: ] 
What major league signings do the mets make this offseason?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:57 Tom G
3:57
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
I expect they'll sign a starter to an MLB deal. Maybe an outfielder, though it doesn't seem like they're willing to bid aggressively on Hairston.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:57 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:58
[Comment From Boby de vBoby de v: ] 
Are the mariners done
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:58 Boby de v
3:58
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
I doubt it.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:58 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:58
[Comment From GobGob: ] 
Marcum's a perfect fit in San Diego on a one-year deal, right?
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:58 Gob
3:59
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
They're apparently not in on him, which surprised me.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:59 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:59
Ben Nicholson-Smith: 
Thanks for chatting everyone! We'll do it again next week.
Wednesday January 16, 2013 3:59 Ben Nicholson-Smith
3:59
 

 
 
 Writer: Ben Nicholson-Smith
 
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