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Wednesday January 23, 2013

2:58

Hey everyone! Lots to talk about with many arbitration agreements in the books, the Delmon Young deal and the never-ending Upton rumors. Plus, what will happen with the remaining free agents? Let's hear your questions and I'll get to as many as I can...

Wednesday January 23, 2013 2:58

3:01

[Comment From JoeyJoey: ]

Who's the Indians dh on opening day?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:01 Joey

3:02

I've got to think it's someone not currently in the organization. Hafner to me doesn't seem likely. And do they go with Thome at age 42? My bet would be a different free agent.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:02

3:02

[Comment From MeMe: ]

Where does Hairston end up?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:02 Me

3:02

At some point maybe the Mets will pay up for him. The Yankees would still be a fit, but the Phillies no longer look like an option. The availability of Alfonso Soriano, Jason Kubel and Vernon Wells isn't helping his market.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:02

3:03

[Comment From AlexAlex: ]

do you think mariners will extend the king before he hits free agency

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:03 Alex

3:03

I won't be surprised if they lock him up. But I will be surprised if they lock him up for just $100MM in additional commitments. I think a pitcher of his stature would be positioned to earn much more.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:03

3:03

[Comment From Baseball#1Baseball#1: ]

Who is the most complete team in baseball?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:03 Baseball#1

3:04

I'm answering a question per minute here, so don't take this answer too seriously -- it's not as well researched as it should be. But the first team that comes to mind is the St. Louis Cardinals.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:04

3:04

[Comment From TobyToby: ]

will the jays sign another reliever? how will their bullpen shape up?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:04 Toby

3:05

I won't be surprised if they add someone. I will be quite surprised if they commit to anything more than a one-year deal, however.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:05

3:05

[Comment From TomTom: ]

Washington is the most complete team.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:05 Tom

3:05

Good point. The Nationals are another really great looking team.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:05

3:05

[Comment From bj uptonbj upton: ]

Is my brother coming to atlanta soon?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:05 bj upton

3:06

It certainly seems possible. I think the Braves could make a play for Upton or even Bourn. It just doesn't seem like Wren is desperate, so he's not going to overpay for these guys.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:06

3:06

[Comment From DylanDylan: ]

Buster says Arizona wants to make upton/kubel decision by Friday? Chances he upton is with his brother?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:06 Dylan

3:07

At this point should we believe everything coming out of Arizona about Upton? I certainly don't. It's dragged on for a while and I won't be surprised if it continues to be a story for weeks.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:07

3:07

[Comment From NickNick: ]

any idea what will happen with Lohse?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:07 Nick

3:08

I don't. Here's my guess though -- Scott Boras, his agent, is lobbying various MLB owners to sell them on Lohse. Perhaps a team like the Phillies, Nationals or Rangers decides he's the final piece for them. Maybe multiple teams get involved. Whatever it is, Boras doesn't seem to want much out there publicly. There have been few Lohse-related rumors this winter.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:08

3:08

[Comment From TomTom: ]

If the Orioles sign Saunders and trade Kubel, does that change your outlook on the Orioles' offseason?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:08 Tom

3:09

Definitely. I think both Kubel and Saunders would strengthen the team for 2013.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:09

3:09

[Comment From Brandon RBrandon R: ]

Will the yanks add another player?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:09 Brandon R

3:09

I definitely expect them to.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:09

3:09

[Comment From JayJay: ]

will rotoauthority be hosting chats this year?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:09 Jay

3:09

I expect so, though I'm not sure when they'll get going. You can also check out Luke Adams' chats at Hoops Rumors every Thursday at 4pm CT.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:09

3:10

[Comment From Old DudeOld Dude: ]

Will Carlos Lee play for cheap in 2013?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:10 Old Dude

3:10

Well no one's going to pay him big bucks, so it's play for cheap or not at all, I'd expect.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:10

3:10

[Comment From Tom GTom G: ]

Chances of Mets signing Hairston and Bourn?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:10 Tom G

3:10

I'd guess they'd be something like 1/50.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:10

3:11

[Comment From DevinDevin: ]

Who do you think the Rays will pick up for their outfield? I heard they are talking wtih Luke Scott, but they did deny is 2013 option earlier

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:11 Devin

3:12

The Rays could add Scott (presumably for less than the value of his $6MM option), but if they do, I expect he'd DH. They could potentially use a DH and an outfielder, though. Position player-wise they seem thin to me.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:12

3:12

[Comment From JimBeau99JimBeau99: ]

Any trade interest out there for A Cabrera, Masterson or U Jiminez?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:12 JimBeau99

3:13

I expect they would draw trade interest, but based on recent reports it doesn't seem as though the Indians are interested in trading those players.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:13

3:14

[Comment From JackZJackZ: ]

Do you think I've been acting desperately this winter? If you do, do you blame me?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:14 JackZ

3:14

No, the Mariners haven't acted desperately. They've made moves that will increase their offensive production, a serious weakness in recent years. The question I have is whether the offensive additions will cost the team on defense.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:14

3:15

[Comment From Robinson CanoRobinson Cano: ]

Am I still going to be in NY this time next year?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:15 Robinson Cano

3:15

Fair question. I think the Yankees will find a way to re-sign him. If they can't, and a team like the Dodgers steps in, we'll really have to start viewing the Yankees differently.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:15

3:15

[Comment From Michigan KenMichigan Ken: ]

Tell me Jon Daniels has something left up his sleeve for this winter?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:15 Michigan Ken

3:16

I can't guarantee anything, but I definitely don't think Daniels and the Rangers are done. Could be Upton or Bourn, could be Lohse or another starter, but I think we'll see something.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:16

3:16

[Comment From WilWil: ]

Do you see an contentious arbitration hearings on the horizon? What "arbitration drama" should I pay the most attention to?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:16 Wil

3:17

It's hard to know which hearings, if any, will prove contentious. We're still almost a month away from potential hearings. I'm paying close attention to the David Freese case, since he and the Cardinals are quite far apart.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:17

3:18

[Comment From RyanRyan: ]

Would Bourn accept a 1 year deal from Atlanta for around that 13 million mark to play LF? It seems like other poosible landing spots are teams that will not contend anytime soon.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:18 Ryan

3:18

I very much doubt that Bourn will accept a one-year deal. That would be an incredibly good contract for the Braves in my view.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:18

3:18

[Comment From WesselWessel: ]

Thoughts on the Napoli deal? Seems like the Red Sox played that one well?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:18 Wessel

3:19

The Red Sox did what they had to do once they learned about Napoli's hip condition. There's no way they could have made a $39MM commitment with that knowledge about Napoli's hip, so they re-negotiated. Napoli said yesterday that he wanted to be in Boston, so he's in place there at a reduced rate. Big year coming up for him.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:19

3:20

[Comment From Arbitration EligibleArbitration Eligible: ]

Who's the oldest player you can remember to be considered arbitration eligible?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:20 Arbitration Eligible

3:20

Good question. Scott Atchison is 36 and arb eligible, but I'm sure there have been older players.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:20

3:21

[Comment From Chipper JonesChipper Jones: ]

will i be baseballs Brett Favre?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:21 Chipper Jones

3:22

I hope not, and based on everything I've heard and read Chipper will stay retired. He ended his career in a great way, with a strong season that was celebrated across the country. To come back now would diminish his great farewell season.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:22

3:22

[Comment From Jose ValverdeJose Valverde: ]

Is it really a surprise nobody is showing interest in me? Why does Boras think interest in me will jump now that Soriano has signed? I'm not that good....

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:22 Jose Valverde

3:23

I'm not surprised that Valverde appears to be drawing little interest. It's an open question as to whether he deserves a guaranteed roster spot. His postseason performance was as poorly timed as it was unproductive.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:23

3:23

[Comment From TwinsTwins: ]

Should we give Saunders three years? We sure need him...

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:23 Twins

3:24

I probably wouldn't offer Saunders a three-year deal at this stage, unless the yearly salaries were quite modest. Two years I wouldn't have a problem with.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:24

3:24

[Comment From MM: ]

Matt garza. What are the chances he gets traded?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:24 M

3:24

Getting a lot of Garza questions today. I think he has to show he's healthy (at least in Spring Training games) before he's a serious trade candidate.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:24

3:25

[Comment From Brian McCannBrian McCann: ]

The Braves will almost certainly trade me come the trade deadline, right? If I'm back to my usual self, what could I bring back?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:25 Brian McCann

3:26

I disagree with your first premise. I find it hard to envision a trade involving McCann this summer. He's either healthy and a key performer for Atlanta, or struggling in which case his value is limited.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:26

3:27

[Comment From SDDEWSDDEW: ]

Headley and Padres are fart apart in arb numbers. Do you see that posing a problem on agreeing on a deal, or souring the relationship?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:27 SDDEW

3:28

No, I think it's a reflection of the arb process in general, not of Headley's relationship with the team. Headley owes himself the chance to earn as much as he can and Padres execs owe it to ownership to keep costs down. I expect they'll work out a deal.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:28

3:28

[Comment From DevinDevin: ]

I know what arbitration is, but how does that fit into the contract? Can a player be arbitration eligible every year? Or how does that work?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:28 Devin

3:29

Players can't be arb eligible every year. Their eligibility depends on their service time. Players with between three and six years of service are arb eligible. So are the players at the top of the two to three years service class (super twos). After you have six years of service, you're a free agent.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:29

3:29

[Comment From Alfonso SorianoAlfonso Soriano: ]

Should the Cubs play me @ 2nd base this spring, and add trade value for a team that needs middle infield help/power?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:29 Alfonso Soriano

3:29

No, I doubt other teams would take such a move seriously. It wouldn't help his trade value.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:29

3:29

[Comment From RichRich: ]

whats the chances of the mets getting bourn

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:29 Rich

3:30

I still imagine they're very slim. They've no doubt discussed it internally, but I think they value that #11 pick enough not to bid aggressively on him.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:30

3:30

[Comment From JerryJerry: ]

I keep hearing how the Dodgers are the team to beat but I like the D'backs, how do you think they'll do?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:30 Jerry

3:31

How about the Giants, your defending World Series champs! But to answer your question I like the Diamondbacks for sure. This team has the chance to surprise people just as the Dodgers have the chance to disappoint.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:31

3:32

[Comment From AdrianAdrian: ]

Most untouchable player not named Trout or Harper

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:32 Adrian

3:32

Guys like Verlander/Cabrera/Braun/Wright aren't getting traded, so they're in that next level.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:32

3:32

[Comment From BenBen: ]

Could the redsox surprise. People and sign bourn

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:32 Ben

3:33

I doubt it. So far they've focused on players not linked to draft pick compensation.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:33

3:33

[Comment From Rick PorcelloRick Porcello: ]

Who am I with at the start of the season?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:33 Rick Porcello

3:34

I still think the Rockies would be a fit, but perhaps they'll simply rely on free agency.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:34

3:34

[Comment From FridgeFridge: ]

Have any big signings or trades happened during one of these chats?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:34 Fridge

3:34

Definitely. But Zach Links is watching our Twitter/email right now, so we'll have any breaking news if it happens.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:34

3:35

[Comment From BoBo: ]

The Braves and Prado are only $400K apart on arb numbers, yet the Braves are set on going to arb. What does this signal?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:35 Bo

3:35

It's just club policy. I wouldn't read into it too much.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:35

3:36

[Comment From EricEric: ]

Best catcher in baseball is?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:36 Eric

3:36

Posey.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:36

3:36

[Comment From AllenAllen: ]

Tired of hearing about Upton yet?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:36 Allen

3:37

In a sense, yes. If it's the same stuff it doesn't exactly get the pulse racing. But when there are real developments like the Mariners' proposed trade, it's tons of fun to follow.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:37

3:37

[Comment From NorthNorth: ]

Mariners obviously need another SP. Who's still available that would be within their price range?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:37 North

3:37

Saunders seems like a fit, but I doubt Seattle would offer a three-year deal. Perhaps they could trade for a starter, maybe someone from the Dodgers.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:37

3:37

[Comment From Buster OlneyBuster Olney: ]

I just reported that the Braves made a substantial offer for J. Upton and the Braves are now the front runner for Upton. Thoughts? Expected?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:37 Buster Olney

3:38

Interesting stuff. I would really enjoy watching the two Upton brothers in the Atlanta outfield. It'd give the Braves a heck of a team.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:38

3:38

[Comment From Ruben AmaroRuben Amaro: ]

I didnt think D Young was right piece but for that price cant pass it up... which one of my new bats will have biggest impact in lineup (Revere,D. Young,M. Young)?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:38 Ruben Amaro

3:39

I agree, there's no harm in spending $750K on Young, as long as they limit his exposure to right-handed pitching and try not to overexpose him in the outfield. Which bat will have the biggest impact? I'll say Revere.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:39

3:39

[Comment From ECBucsECBucs: ]

McCutchen and Alvarez - can they combine for 70 homers in 2013?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:39 ECBucs

3:40

That'd be a whole lot. If I had to guess I'd say more like 55.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:40

3:40

[Comment From Buster PoseyBuster Posey: ]

Ben: I;m 25, have been named ROY and MVP, and already have two World Series rings. Doesn't that qualify me for your "Most Intouchable" list?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:40 Buster Posey

3:41

Posey, Yadier Molina, Stephen Strasburg also among the most untouchable players in MLB as commenters have noted. There are more, too! Just listing a few.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:41

3:41

[Comment From SnowballSnowball: ]

Do you think any team will relocate in the next 10 years?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:41 Snowball

3:41

I'd guess no.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:41

3:42

[Comment From TimTim: ]

Are draft picks more valuable than ever?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:42 Tim

3:42

I'm going to say no. I think they've always been valuable. Perhaps there's now a greater appreciation for the value they have.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:42

3:42

[Comment From CardsCards: ]

Do we get tulo if he is on the block

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:42 Cards

3:42

As I've said before Tulo is not on the block now. But if he is a year from now, I expect the Cardinals to come calling.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:42

3:43

[Comment From GregGreg: ]

if Justin upton is traded to the braves, where does that leave jason heyward in the outfield?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:43 Greg

3:43

This is a guess, but I imagine Justin Upton in left field in that scenario.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:43

3:44

[Comment From NYNY: ]

Are d'Arnaud and Wheeler the greatest living battery in history?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:44 NY

3:44

Oh yeah. They have Seaver and Bench beat by a mile.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:44

3:44

[Comment From Mike RizzoMike Rizzo: ]

Now that I siged Soriano, do I sell high on either Storen or Clppard?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:44 Mike Rizzo

3:45

It's possible. I think the Nats would deal an extra righty reliever under the right circumstances.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:45

3:45

[Comment From KyleKyle: ]

Your pick for comeback player of the year?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:45 Kyle

3:45

I'll go with Lance Berkman.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:45

3:46

[Comment From Martin PradoMartin Prado: ]

I've got Arbitration problems son but are my brave jersey wearing days nearly done?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:46 Martin Prado

3:46

No, since Prado could play third if the Braves get an outfielder.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:46

3:46

[Comment From PATigersFanPATigersFan: ]

Has fantasy baseball made us all hyper-critical of real-life GMs? Haven't we come to expect trades to be as simple as they are in Fantasy?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:46 PATigersFan

3:47

Good question. I think fantasy baseball does impact the way we view real-life trades. It probably clouds our judgment to an extent, so it does make sense to appreciate the complexity of completing a real-life deal.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:47

3:47

[Comment From Padres New OwnsershipPadres New Ownsership: ]

Is Jason Marquis are big pick up this offseason?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:47 Padres New Ownsership

3:48

It's looking like Marquis will be the biggest move of the winter for the Padres. This isn't exactly on par with the spending habits of the Dodgers' new owners, is it?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:48

3:48

[Comment From CraigCraig: ]

What do you think the chance of an LA/LA World Series?\

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:48 Craig

3:49

That'd be a fun series, and it's not that hard to imagine.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:49

3:49

[Comment From ScottScott: ]

Do the Reds make any more big moves?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:49 Scott

3:49

I don't expect them to.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:49

3:50

[Comment From KayleeKaylee: ]

Do Morse & Morales finish the year in Seattle?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:50 Kaylee

3:50

I expect so. The Mariners acquired them since they want their bats, not since they want to trade them.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:50

3:51

[Comment From CJCJ: ]

Do the Rockies sign Carl Pavano

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:51 CJ

3:51

They're said to be pursuing him aggressively and they've liked him in the past. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Mets sign Pavano, as they continue seeking a fifth starter.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:51

3:52

[Comment From jamie moyerjamie moyer: ]

Will I play Baseball this year. I can still go!

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:52 jamie moyer

3:52

It's not looking like it, but that was a great story in 2012.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:52

3:52

[Comment From KennyKenny: ]

Where does Shaun Marcum sign? I'm surprised there hasn't been more interest in him.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:52 Kenny

3:53

I don't know where he'll sign. Teams like the Orioles, Mariners, Rangers, Mets and Padres continue seeking starting pitching, so there's still demand. That said, there haven't been tons of rumors about Marcum in 2013.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:53

3:53

[Comment From TrevorTrevor: ]

Why do so many people hate minor league signings? They can turn out to be great! (Moss, Ciriaco)

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:53 Trevor

3:53

Minor league signings are great for teams in general. It's a very low-risk move and the reward is potentially high as you say.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:53

3:53

[Comment From WIN14WIN14: ]

If Posey gets an extension will it look like 7yrs 120 million

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:53 WIN14

3:54

Ken Rosenthal suggested those terms this morning, and his reasoning seems sound to me.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:54

3:54

[Comment From Vernon WellsVernon Wells: ]

Will Pujols and Hamilton be good for 85 big flies this year?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:54 Vernon Wells

3:54

You guys are optimistic about these home runs totals. I'd peg the expected Pujols-Hamilton total around 65.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:54

3:55

[Comment From AdrianAdrian: ]

Do teams have Kelly Johnson's agent phone #? Very little reported interest

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:55 Adrian

3:55

I'm sure they know his number. I gather they weren't impressed with his 2012 performance. I won't be surprised if he ends up settling for a minor league deal or modest one-year deal.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:55

3:56

Time for a couple more...

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:56

3:56

[Comment From ChrisChris: ]

Which would u rather have Price or Stanton?

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:56 Chris

3:56

Stanton. He's younger, more affordable and there's typically reduced risk with position player.

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:56

3:56