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Wednesday February 20, 2013

3:01

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Hey everyone. Lots of questions in already so I'll get right to them...

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:01 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:01

[Comment From GaryGary: ]

Who do you see signing Kyle lohse.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:01 Gary

3:02

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

There's no clear fit for Lohse. The Brewers, Orioles, Red Sox, Nationals and Rangers are among the teams that seem like possible fits, but that's about all we're going on now.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:02 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:02

[Comment From MattMatt: ]

Provided David Price's recent comments, is he playing for a new team next without a doubt?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:02 Matt

3:03

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I think he'll likely be playing elsewhere by Opening Day 2014. The Rays probably won't spend to keep him long-term and he'd have tons of trade value. A trade seems likely.

That said you never know and he could stay in Tampa Bay.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:03 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:03

[Comment From milesmiles: ]

Do you see Mike Carp having a big bounce back season?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:03 miles

3:03

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

No, I see him as a role player at this stage.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:03 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:04

[Comment From BryceBryce: ]

Who do you see winning the 3rd base job for the Braves

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:04 Bryce

3:04

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I can see them relying on both Johnson and Francisco.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:04 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:04

[Comment From Matt D.Matt D.: ]

Question: Why didn't the Brewers go harder for Mike Carp when him and Mat Gamel are very similiar.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:04 Matt D.

3:05

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I'm not sure. You'd think a team with so little depth at first would want to take a look at Carp. I guess they know they'll be able to pick someone up at the end of Spring Training if no one else emerges internally. Still, I thought Carp was worth a shot for the Brewers.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:05 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:06

[Comment From Jose ValverdeJose Valverde: ]

How much money did that blowup in Game 1 of the ALCS cost me? I'd have a job if not for that right?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:06 Jose Valverde

3:07

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I think we can safely say Valverde's postseason performance cost him millions. Not tens of millions, but likely a few million in my view. That said he's pitching in the WBC and could re-build his value with a strong performance.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:07 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:07

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]

Dodgers waiting for injuries to other teams to start dealing pitchers?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:07 John

3:08

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Seems likely to me. Plus, there's always the chance the Dodgers will have an injury in which case the depth will be useful. As Buster Olney wrote today that hurts Kyle Lohse's leverage. Teams seeking starters can turn to the Dodgers.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:08 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:08

[Comment From MattMatt: ]

If Cleveland signed Lohse, would that make them a legitimate threat to the tigers?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:08 Matt

3:09

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I think their rotation would still be much worse than Detroit's even if they were to sign Lohse. Yet their rotation would look much better with Lohse in it, I think.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:09 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:10

[Comment From MichaelMichael: ]

odds of seattle signing Lohse

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:10 Michael

3:10

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I don't see it happening.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:10 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:10

[Comment From MattMatt: ]

Does the Carp trade signify the end of the Overbay era in Boston?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:10 Matt

3:10

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Not necessarily. Both will compete for a roster spot.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:10 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:10

[Comment From BrockBrock: ]

Do you think the Twins have any shot at competing this year?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:10 Brock

3:10

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Other than the Astros, the Twins are the least likely AL team to contend in my view.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:10 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:11

[Comment From JCJC: ]

Over/under Rays 90 wins?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:11 JC

3:11

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Under.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:11 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:11

[Comment From TroyTroy: ]

Could the Cardinals sign Lohse because of Carpenters injury.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:11 Troy

3:11

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

It sounds like the Cardinals will pass on Lohse. They'd like to get the draft pick they'll obtain if he signs elsewhere.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:11 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:11

[Comment From Dodgers Front office.Dodgers Front office.: ]

Do you think we have enough money to sign Cano and Price on next years free agency?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:11 Dodgers Front office.

3:12

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Price isn't a free agent until after the 2015 season, so save some money for that winter!

As for Cano, it certainly seems as though the Dodgers could be a major bidder after the 2013 season. And I doubt Mark Ellis' presence will stop them from expressing interest.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:12 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:13

[Comment From JeremyJeremy: ]

What team do you think has been "over-hyped" this offseason?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:13 Jeremy

3:13

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

The Dodgers and Blue Jays could qualify.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:13 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:13

[Comment From Jerry DipotoJerry Dipoto: ]

If Lohse drops his demands to a 2 year contract, should I sign him?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:13 Jerry Dipoto

3:13

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Yes, I think that'd be a good move.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:13 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:13

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]

I understand the theory behind Lohse waiting until after the draft to sign, but just don't see it happening. What are your thoughts?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:13 John

3:14

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I agree with you. I expect Lohse to sign sooner, rather than later. If he waits until after the draft he'll only be contributing for half a season or so. That will limit teams' bids just as much as draft pick compensation would, right?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:14 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:14

[Comment From jackjack: ]

justin upton, ryan howard, who has a better season?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:14 jack

3:14

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I'll take Upton.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:14 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:15

[Comment From andrewandrew: ]

More likely to sign this spring Livan Hernandez, Dallas Braden, or Derek Lowe?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:15 andrew

3:15

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Lowe strikes me as the most likely based on recent rumors.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:15 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:16

[Comment From JasonJason: ]

Do you think the Brewers will sign Lohse for a one year contract?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:16 Jason

3:16

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I still think he'll get a multiyear deal.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:16 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:16

[Comment From andrewandrew: ]

Whats up with Roy Oswalt?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:16 andrew

3:16

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

He hasn't retired and he continues considering opportunities to start. Doesn't sound like he'd pitch out of the bullpen.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:16 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:17

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Any chance the Dodgers would trade SS Dee Gordon

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:17 Guest

3:17

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Sure -- they seemed to consider the possibility as recently as December.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:17 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:17

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

What's with so much weight being put on draft picks when they rarely turn out and the draft is particularly weak?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:17 Guest

3:18

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

It's also a question of the money you're allowed to spend on draft picks in total. The more high picks you have the bigger your team's budget.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:18 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:18

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

could porcello go to colorado?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:18 Guest

3:18

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I think he'd be a fit from Colorado's perspective. But I wonder if the Tigers may decide to keep him to be sure they have some depth.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:18 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:18

[Comment From SteveSteve: ]

Are the Braves better than they were last year?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:18 Steve

3:19

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

It's debatable. The Uptons are going to be fun to watch, though it's easy to forget they're losing Chipper Jones, Martin Prado and David Ross. But hey, even if they stand pat at 94 wins they'll be looking good.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:19 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:20

[Comment From JCJC: ]

Any MLB acting as their own agent?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:20 JC

3:21

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Daniel Nava was his own agent for a while, but he recently hired SFX per Alex Speier. I am not sure of any other players who represent themselves -- it'd be tricky to do once you reach arbitration.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:21 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:21

[Comment From TomTom: ]

Do you see the mets trading Santana before or after the all-star break? ?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:21 Tom

3:21

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I don't see them trading him before the All-Star break. It's not hard to imagine them trading him after the break though.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:21 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:22

[Comment From Mets Fan CTIMets Fan CTI: ]

If Valverde does good in the WBC, Parnell struggles as a closer in ST, and Francisco is not healthy, will the Mets go after Valverde?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:22 Mets Fan CTI

3:22

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

That's a lot of 'ifs' but sure, in that situation I can see them going after Valverde.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:22 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:22

[Comment From mark imark i: ]

Who hangs up first? Dee Gordon for Erick Aybar?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:22 mark i

3:22

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

The Angels hang up.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:22 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:22

[Comment From GaryGary: ]

Could Kyle Lohse be a possible fit In Detroit? If the Tigers dont feel that they can resign Justin Verlander.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:22 Gary

3:23

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

No I don't see that happening. And I do think the Tigers will find a way to lock Verlander up.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:23 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:23

[Comment From Mickey MouseMickey Mouse: ]

Mike Trout reported to camp at 240 lbs. As an Angels fan, should I be worried?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:23 Mickey Mouse

3:24

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

29 other teams would love to have that 'problem.' I think Trout will be fine. Long term though you have to think he'll lose some of that speed.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:24 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:24

[Comment From BruceBruce: ]

What is your opinion on sabermetrics?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:24 Bruce

3:24

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I think they're extremely valuable and I use them every day. Like any other tool, you need to know how to use them.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:24 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:24

[Comment From AlexAlex: ]

Was the Campana trade a complete overpay on the Dbacks side?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:24 Alex

3:25

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

No. First of all it's not as though they gave up blue-chip prospects. Secondly Campana could add value as a bench baserunner if used properly, as Dave Cameron recently explained.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:25 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:26

[Comment From ATL fanATL fan: ]

Do you think Cano will be a yankee in 3 years

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:26 ATL fan

3:26

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Yes, I think so.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:26 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:26

[Comment From SandySandy: ]

August 1 2013: Is Giancarlo Stanton still a Marlin?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:26 Sandy

3:26

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Yes, I think the Stanton rumors will really get going in December 2013.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:26 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:27

[Comment From SotoSoto: ]

If Valverde is still a free agent when the season officially starts is he still tied to draft pick compensation?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:27 Soto

3:27

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Valverde is not tied to draft pick compensation now.

Lohse is the only remaining player linked to compensation. He'd have to wait until after the June draft if he doesn't want to be linked to compensation.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:27 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:27

[Comment From JaredJared: ]

Who will the Orioles get as a middle of the order bat?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:27 Jared

3:28

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I don't think they're getting one any time soon. Looking at the options available there isn't all that much out there.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:28 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:28

[Comment From Roger SmithRoger Smith: ]

Do the Royals have a realistic chance of .500 this year?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:28 Roger Smith

3:28

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Yes.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:28 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:28

[Comment From SandySandy: ]

How good a job has Theo done with the Cubbies?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:28 Sandy

3:29

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I like what the Cubs are doing. I think they'll be competitive by 2014 and remain competitive for a while.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:29 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:29

[Comment From ZachZach: ]

Next year, Granderson staying or going?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:29 Zach

3:29

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

It sounds like the Yankees may simply let Granderson walk, like they did with Swisher.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:29 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:29

[Comment From BruceBruce: ]

Will the Cardinals make the playoffs this year?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:29 Bruce

3:29

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

They sure look like a playoff team to me.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:29 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:30

[Comment From SandySandy: ]

Why do we never hear about the Marlins' GM Michael Hill?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:30 Sandy

3:30

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Larry Beinfest, Miami's president of baseball ops, is more prominent publicly and in the media.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:30 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:30

[Comment From ClarkeinAKClarkeinAK: ]

Mike Carp or Lyle Overbay...Who do you keep?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:30 ClarkeinAK

3:30

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Carp.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:30 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:31

[Comment From TaylorTaylor: ]

Do you see the Rockies trading Tulo this year?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:31 Taylor

3:31

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I don't think they'll trade him during the season. But a trade next winter seems possible depending on how the 2013 year unfolds.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:31 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:31

[Comment From Roger SmithRoger Smith: ]

Will Roy Halladay rebound this year? Or is his carrer on a downward spiral?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:31 Roger Smith

3:32

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

All great pitchers cease being great at some point. But as someone who's watched Halladay for years, I've learned it's unwise to bet against him.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:32 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:32

[Comment From CarlCarl: ]

Does AROD ever play again?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:32 Carl

3:32

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I expect he will.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:32 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:33

[Comment From JayJay: ]

On the heels of Texeiria stating that there's no way to earn a $20 mil contract, will we ever..EVER.. see a premium player intentionally sign for the minimum for 'the love of the game'?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:33 Jay

3:34

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I highly doubt that. A) What player would walk away from the kind of money that could set his family up for generations? B) What agent would be willing to give up that kind of commission? C) Why would the MLBPA allow this?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:34 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:34

[Comment From ChrisChris: ]

What impact does the Michael Bourne deal have on Jacoby Ellsbury pending free agency? Could it help keep him in Boston?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:34 Chris

3:35

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I don't see Bourn and Ellsbury as being closely linked. If anything, Bourn's deal reminds us that center fielders who don't hit for some power have trouble getting giant offers. I wonder how many homers Ellsbury will hit in 2013.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:35 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:35

[Comment From LarryLarry: ]

Biggest overpay this season?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:35 Larry

3:35

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Regular readers of these chats won't be surprised to see me list Brandon League's deal here.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:35 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:36

[Comment From BillBill: ]

Do you see Posey becoming the highest paid player in baseball?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:36 Bill

3:36

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

It's possible, but won't happen for a while, since he's still in his arb years.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:36 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:36

[Comment From ChrisChris: ]

Yankees change their policies on facial hair so they can compete for David Price's service?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:36 Chris

3:37

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I wondered this myself. I expect they'll consider it if Price reaches free agency and they're bidding for him.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:37 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:37

[Comment From West Coast Met FanWest Coast Met Fan: ]

I think we all agree the Mets outfield looks like the worst in the majors, what team is next?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:37 West Coast Met Fan

3:38

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Fernando Martinez, Chris Carter and Justin Maxwell might be in the running.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:38 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:38

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Eric Hinske probably doesn't have a spot on the Diamondbacks roster; is he a fit for the Brewers?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:38 Guest

3:38

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Interesting thought. Seems like a possible fit.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:38 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:39

[Comment From ShempShemp: ]

Next big contract extension?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:39 Shemp

3:39

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Verlander, Kershaw and Posey are in the running here.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:39 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:39

[Comment From DJDJ: ]

If Cubs pick up 2/3 of Soriano's $$ remaining on his contract, do yanks go for him as RH DH? Still seems like too many $$ for part timer.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:39 DJ

3:39

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Jon Heyman of CBS reported today that the Yankees might be willing to pick up $10MM of the $36MM remaining on Soriano's deal.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:39 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:40

[Comment From Jason CastroJason Castro: ]

Who is going to lead the Astros in Home runs this season?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:40 Jason Castro

3:41

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Carlos Pena or Chris Carter I would guess.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:41 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:41

[Comment From RyanRyan: ]

Is there really a team other than the Yankees that would give cano 200+ mill/ 10 yrs given his age and position

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:41 Ryan

3:41

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I think the list starts with the Dodgers. And if the Mets really are serious about spending, you have to wonder about them as well.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:41 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:42

[Comment From gopherdudegopherdude: ]

Any chance the Twins will fire Ron Gardenhire before the season. Twins fans are sick of him as manager?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:42 gopherdude

3:42

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Managers don't get fired in Spring Training, but the Twins lost 96 games last year. If they lose 95-plus again in 2013 it wouldn't exactly help Gardenhire's job security.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:42 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:43

[Comment From Chris FChris F: ]

Assuming Yanks make the luxury tax, what are the odds that they sign FA's Verlander, Kershaw and Price in 2015?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:43 Chris F

3:44

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I think there's a good chance Verlander and Kershaw sign extensions that delay their free agency. Even Price could sign long-term if he's traded to a team other than the Rays.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:44 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:45

[Comment From andrewandrew: ]

Is Aceves worth the headaches?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:45 andrew

3:46

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

If the answer is yes it's not by much, that's for sure.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:46 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:46

[Comment From Chris FChris F: ]

How many years until players begin to trust the Marlins again? They look like an MLB farm team for the foreseeable future

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:46 Chris F

3:47

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Players may not fully trust the Marlins for a while. But they'll still sign with Miami. The Marlins can still offer two things: playing time at the MLB level and millions of dollars (though not quite as many millions as other teams).

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:47 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:47

[Comment From GMDMGMDM: ]

Is it fair to call the Royals a legitimate dark horse this season?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:47 GMDM

3:48

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Yes that's fair. Their roster has question marks -- the rotation and Eric Hosmer to name a couple -- but it also includes lots of upside.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:48 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:48

[Comment From GiantsGiants: ]

Does Pence get a contract extension?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:48 Giants

3:48

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

It doesn't sound like a multiyear deal for Pence is on the horizon.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:48 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:49

[Comment From andrewandrew: ]

Does Carlos Lee find a job?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:49 andrew

3:49

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I expect he'll find a job, though at this point it may be a minor league deal.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:49 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:49

[Comment From Drake B.Drake B.: ]

What could Aceves net for the Sox?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:49 Drake B.

3:49

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I don't think they'd be able to get anything valuable for him. Salary relief perhaps.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:49 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:51

[Comment From JJ Redick and Carlos BoozerJJ Redick and Carlos Boozer: ]

Do the Mets sign Pence next offseason?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:51 JJ Redick and Carlos Boozer

3:51

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Seems possible, but we're getting ahead of ourselves now.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:51 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:51

[Comment From Matt EMatt E: ]

Do you read all of the submitted questions even if you can't answer them all?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:51 Matt E

3:51

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Not always, depending on how busy it is, but I read as many as I can. Thanks to everyone who is submitting questions. Lots of good ones today.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:51 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:51

[Comment From AdrianAdrian: ]

is B.J. Rains a full time writer for MLBTR?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:51 Adrian

3:52

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

No, but he's writing two series on MLBTR that we debuted this week. They've been really good reads.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:52 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:53

[Comment From Bo PorterBo Porter: ]

Besides Bud norris who is my best starting pitcher?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:53 Bo Porter

3:53

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Erik Bedard if healthy. Maybe Lucas Harrell.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:53 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:53

[Comment From mikebkmikebk: ]

Hey Ben, how come the NBA doesnt have as many trades as MLB?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:53 mikebk

3:54

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Well first off rosters are smaller. But it's a crazy time for NBA trades right now with the trade deadline coming up tomorrow. Luke Adams has all of the details at Hoops Rumors and on Twitter:
http://www.hoopsrumors.com/
@HoopsRumors

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:54 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:55

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Time for a few more...

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:55 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:55

[Comment From Mr.Met5Mr.Met5: ]

I think offense is a little overrated, why don't the Rockies trade some of their monster offense for pitching ?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:55 Mr.Met5

3:56

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

It sounds as though the Rockies are considering doing just that. Per Ken Rosenthal they're aiming for a Josh Fogg type. No offense to Fogg or the Rockies, but it sure seems like they're aiming low.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:56 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:56

[Comment From T.O Braves FanT.O Braves Fan: ]

Has working for MLBTR made you more of a fan of the game but less a fan of a specific team?

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:56 T.O Braves Fan

3:56

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Definitely. I enjoy watching and following all 30 teams now in a way I didn't before.

Wednesday February 20, 2013 3:56 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:57

[Comment From CorreyCorrey: ]

Cano to the cubs next offseason makes too much sense doesn't it?