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Wednesday December 26, 2012

1:03

Happy Holidays everyone. Just give me a minute to get caught up following the Hanrahan deal and we'll get started.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:03

1:05

Okay, here are today's rules: I'm going to answer one question about all 30 teams before we start doubling up. Fair? Let's go.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:05

1:06

[Comment From BuccoFan182126BuccoFan182126: ]

Who wins the Hanrahan deal?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:06 BuccoFan182126

1:06

Eh, not really a fan of saying someone "won" a trade. I will say that I think there's a decent chance Melancon is better than Hanrahan in 2013. This counts as the Pirates question.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:06

1:06

[Comment From PetrusPetrus: ]

What's your opinion on the job that Cherington has been doing? Even as a Sox fan I can't help but think he's been shelling out a lot of dollars for mediocre players. I'm embarrassed by the Victorino signing :(

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:06 Petrus

1:07

I understand his approach. Didn't love the Victorino deal, but the Gomes, Uehara, and Napoli (assuming it gets done) deals were fine. Getting Dempster for two years in this market was nice.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:07

1:08

[Comment From OscarOscar: ]

Are the seattle mariners done dealing for offence?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:08 Oscar

1:08

I don't believe so. I think they'll be in on Kubel and Morse (if LaRoche re-signs), maybe even Bourn if he's willing to take their money.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:08

1:08

[Comment From Cubs QCubs Q: ]

% Chance they can move Soriano? Who are the best suiters at this point?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:08 Cubs Q

1:09

Still think it's small if they want to market him as a 2/10 player at his age and with a sub-.300 OBP so close in the rearview mirror. The Yankees, Rays, Braves, Phillies, and Rangers could all be fits.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:09

1:09

[Comment From Mr. MetMr. Met: ]

What do you see being the Mets next move? Do you see any big moves on the horizon for this year?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:09 Mr. Met

1:10

I think the Dickey trade was their big move. They'll bottom-feed for outfield depth (I liked the Cowgill pickup) and bullpen help. Signing Wright was important, but I don't think you'll see Alderson dump any young players (Niese, particularly) without a strong return.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:10

1:11

[Comment From George WashingtonGeorge Washington: ]

if LaRoche re-ups what are the nats looking for in a Morse deal?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:11 George Washington

1:12

They're pretty well set, aren't they? They need a left-handed reliever, but will need more than just that back for Morse. Maybe a strong LHRP plus a strong prospect. They got two prospects (an MLB ready RP and a AA guy) for one year of Willingham two years ago, and that's a pretty comparable trade.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:12

1:12

[Comment From ChrisChris: ]

Do you see the Reds dealing Leake or a minor league prospect pitcher before the start of the season or hanging onto them for insurance in case Chapman can't be a starter or injury? What is the value of Leake?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:12 Chris

1:13

Leake has an option left (I believe), so I assume they'll keep him unless someone blows their socks off. Their top five starts (one of which was Leake) made a combined 161 starts last year, you can't count on that happening again regardless of Chapman.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:13

1:13

[Comment From MattMatt: ]

Did the Indians overpay this offseason for a .500 win percentage?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:13 Matt

1:14

The Swisher deal was fine in terms of the contract, but I'm not sure if it was the smartest move given where they are right now. The Bauer deal was brilliant. I don't think they overpaid for anything, it's more of a timing issue.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:14

1:14

[Comment From AaronAaron: ]

In your opinion should the Rockies trade Tulo for a nice package of prospects considering they don't have the talent to win in the next couple years?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:14 Aaron

1:15

Yes, I think they should. He's a great player but a little injury prone. I don't think his peak years line up with their chances of contention. They could jump start a rebuild (which is much needed) by moving him, CarGo, and Fowler.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:15

1:16

[Comment From Paul JordanPaul Jordan: ]

Are the Yankees going to go with 3 rotating back-up, right-handed catchers (cervelli/stewart/romine) or choose 2?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:16 Paul Jordan

1:16

I think they'll stick with two. Tough to carry three catchers when you have a seven-man bullpen. I think they'll go with Stewart and Cervelli in MLB with Romine playing everyday in Triple-A.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:16

1:16

[Comment From VicVic: ]

I'd love to see the Orioles get Billy Butler. Any chance at this point?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:16 Vic

1:17

Nah, KC already made their hitter for pitcher swap this winter. They're all-in right now, relatively speaking. I'm surprised Baltimore hasn't done anything (of note) yet after such a strong season.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:17

1:17

[Comment From Cecilio GuanteCecilio Guante: ]

If you're the Rangers, would you trade Profar for Upton?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:17 Cecilio Guante

1:18

Would I? Sure. There's a pretty good chance Profar will never be as good as Upton is right now. I don't think they'll do it unless they get desperate, which I don't see happening.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:18

1:19

[Comment From RudyRudy: ]

Has Toronto done enough to be in the mix for the AL East title?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:19 Rudy

1:19

Definitely. I thought they were on the bubble prior to the Dickey move.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:19

1:19

[Comment From DodgerDodger: ]

What are the chances the Rays move Price since they probably can't lock him up? Any chance the Dodgers for him?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:19 Dodger

1:19

I think he's gone within 14 months for a massive, massive haul. It'll make Myers-Shields looks like child's play.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:19

1:20

[Comment From dan from FLdan from FL: ]

are cards going to deal from all that minor leauge talent to get a big time shortstop?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:20 dan from FL

1:21

They really should. So many power arms ... you'd think they could work out a trade for Asdrubal Cabrera. I know they have Furcal locked up, but he gets hurt all the time. Their contending right now, before Waino and Yadier and Holliday start to decline. I say go for it.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:21

1:21

[Comment From I dont like fish smellI dont like fish smell: ]

What type of package would it realistically take to pry Stanton away from the Marlins?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:21 I dont like fish smell

1:22

A Herschel Walker package. It has to be a franchise-altering deal. A stud 3B prospect, a stud SP prospect, a stud OF prospect. A Teixeira type of trade package, but more since he's under control for four more years.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:22

1:23

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Do the Tigers have an in-house closer or will they trade to get one? If so, who?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:23 Mike

1:23

I still think they're going to sign Soriano. C'mon, you can't spend all that money (Prince, Torii, Anibal) and go with Bruce Rondon as your ninth inning guy with those minor league walks rates. Give up the pick for Soriano and go for broke.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:23

1:24

[Comment From JoseJose: ]

Should the Dodgers focus all their effort this remaining offseason in acquiring a shortstop? Andrus or Asdrubal Cabrera should be those priorities, no?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:24 Jose

1:25

Yes, I think they should. Asdrubal makes sense and should come cheaper than Andrus. The left side of the infield is the only place where they can still make a big upgrade.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:25

1:25

[Comment From DannyDanny: ]

The Braves still need a LF. Do you think they'll target Scott Harrison or Delmon Young? There's a lot of noise coming out on Evan Gattis. Could he be a realistic option. Dexter Fowler makes too much sense but the Rockies want too much in return.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:25 Danny

1:26

Prado gives them flexibility, but the 3B market is so weak that sticking him at the hot corner and going for a LF makes more sense. Hairston fits moreso than Delmon just because he's a better player. I'm not sold on Gattis,

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:26

1:27

[Comment From Cecilio GuanteCecilio Guante: ]

Minnesota should be shopping Willingham aggressively, no? He could net quite a prospect package right now.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:27 Cecilio Guante

1:28

Agreed completely. Gut the team. They're not going to contender during the life of Willingham's contract and his value is never going to be higher. They should be able to fetch a ton given how cheap he's signed ($14M between 2013 and 2014).

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:28

1:28

[Comment From JoeJoe: ]

Are the Phillies going to get a right handed power bat for one of their corner outfield positions?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:28 Joe

1:29

Depends on what they really think of Ruf. They need a warm OF body more than anything.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:29

1:29

[Comment From ScottScott: ]

so any chance the Astros make any moves whether it be signings or trades before the season starts?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:29 Scott

1:31

It won't be anything drastic, more Carlos Pena-esque signings. Guys they could flip at the deadline. Lowrie is a candidate to be moved at anytime though. The Astros are going to be awful next year, but their fans should be optimistic because Luhnow's a smart dude and they're heading in the right direction.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:31

1:31

[Comment From Senecas BaneSenecas Bane: ]

Are the Angels back on top in the AL West?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:31 Senecas Bane

1:31

Not for me, but they're close. Still want to see some more rotation help because I'm not optimistic about Hanson.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:31

1:32

[Comment From KyleKyle: ]

If you had to guess who will the Padres end up with as their final SP pick-up?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:32 Kyle

1:34

They're willing to spend money and Marcum is out there to be had. He makes a ton of sense. I could see them bringing back Moseley and Stauffer (maybe on MiLB deals), and both Jurrjens and Dice-K make sense. Reclamation types even with the Petco walls coming in.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:34

1:35

Still need ChiSox, Royals, A's, Brewers, and Giants questions.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:35

1:35

[Comment From RobRob: ]

What sort of LH bat do you see the wsox getting? I know they were connected to kubel, but I just don't see that happening since their outfield is filled up.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:35 Rob

1:36

Right, they don't have anywhere to put these guys. It's basically 2B or 3B or bust. I suppose they could move De Aza and stick Rios in CF, but there's not much flexibility there. Kubel makes a ton of sense.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:36

1:36

[Comment From HochevarHochevar: ]

How do the Royals get rid of Hochevar? Seems like they won't cut him since they already missed the opportunity to non-tender.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:36 Hochevar

1:37

I was stunned they didn't nontender him. He'll make like $5M through arbitration and might have to eat like $4M to facilitate a trade (Padres?). Very weird situation.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:37

1:37

[Comment From David BDavid B: ]

What will the Brewers do to fill their rotation given their owner wants them to cut payroll by 20%?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:37 David B

1:37

I could see a Marcum, though they're seeking quality over quantity. They have plenty of back-end types and want a real #2 behind Gallardo. I'll be surprised if they dole out the cash for Lohse.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:37

1:38

Oh wait, I need a D'Backs question as well. Them, Oakland, and SF. That's it.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:38

1:38

[Comment From JonathanJonathan: ]

Will Giants improve their lineup because they don't have big bats?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:38 Jonathan

1:39

They're not going after Bourn, so their lineup is pretty much set with Blanco in LF. They're still very, very good, I would have liked them to be a little more aggressive though. Not a fan of bringing everyone back after winning a title. You don't have a magic formula, make some changes.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:39

1:39

[Comment From RyanRyan: ]

Do the D-Backs look content with their roster at the moment? What other potential moves do you see them making?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:39 Ryan

1:40

Have to think they're going to move an outfielder, Kubel most likely. A 3B could be in order as well, though Johnson isn't awful. Not great, but tolerable.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:40

1:40

[Comment From Billy BeaneBilly Beane: ]

Are the A's still in a position to contend in the AL West?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:40 Billy Beane

1:41

Yes, I think so. Rotations that young can be scary, but they have the depth to replace guys who underperform or get hurt. Parker's going to be a star, love him. They have a good offense (which strikes out a ton) and bullpen depth. They'll contend this year barring injury.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:41

1:41

And that's all 30 teams. On to the rest of the questions...

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:41

1:42

[Comment From PatPat: ]

Where do you see Kyle Lohse ending up? Does he project as a solid 2 or a low-end ace?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:42 Pat

1:43

I think he's more of a high-end three or a low-end two, to be honest. Not a ground ball guy, not a strikeout guy. That can go south quick. I really have no idea where he'll end up. Rangers?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:43

1:43

[Comment From fanfan: ]

Is rick porcello on the move?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:43 fan

1:44

I think they'll wind up keeping him. I love him as a buy-low guy -- strikeouts and grounders trending upwards, FB velocity spiked last year, still so young -- but he needs a good IF defense to be successful. Detroit doesn't have that. Tons of teams (Marlins, Padres, Angels, Rangers, Mariners) should be in on him.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:44

1:45

[Comment From CaseyCasey: ]

If Jean Segura doesn't work for the Brewers, what do you see them doing?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:45 Casey

1:45

Too early to worry about that. Give him a full season's worth of playing time first.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:45

1:45

[Comment From Waiver SharkWaiver Shark: ]

Any strong bounce back candidates next year, in your opinion?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:45 Waiver Shark

1:46

Drew Stubbs if used properly. Still mashes LHP, steals a ton of bases, plays strong defense. Lots to like there. Would much rather give up a prospect for him that sign Scott Hairston for two years.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:46

1:46

[Comment From Andre EthierAndre Ethier: ]

Although the Dodgers say he stays, do you think Ethier gets moved soon? What kind of deal do you think they can get for him?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:46 Andre Ethier

1:47

They'd have to eat a ton of money. 8/85 for Ethier looks crazy in a world where Swisher gets 4/56. I think they keep him for at least this year, until Puig forces their hand really.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:47

1:47

[Comment From Christian86Christian86: ]

Cargo to Tex for oltt buckle and Perez/Garcia ?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:47 Christian86

1:47

I think the Rockies should ask for more. I know about the home/road splits stuff, but Texas isn't exactly a bad place to hit. Still a young, dynamic player signed long-term and affordably.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:47

1:48

[Comment From JCJC: ]

Is Lance Berkman a fit in Boston? He could platoon between LF and 1B with Gomes and Napoli.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:48 JC

1:48

He is. Also a fit for the Yankees and Rays. It's entirely up to Berkman and his knees, I don't think he'll jump for the biggest payday.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:48

1:48

[Comment From EDDIEEDDIE: ]

Any CHANCE Jays pick up Rafael Soriano?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:48 EDDIE

1:49

I could see it. They're already all-in, might as well beef up the bullpen if they have the money (they do).

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:49

1:49

[Comment From bmcferrenbmcferren: ]

Who is worth more in trade? Garret Jones or Jason Kubel?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:49 bmcferren

1:49

That sounds like a poll question.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:49

1:50	Who has more trade value? Garrett Jones ( 28% ) Jason Kubel ( 72% ) Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:50

1:50

[Comment From GsonGson: ]

Asdrubal/Marson to St Louis for Lance Lynn/Joe Kelly & the two Matts, Adams and Carpenter?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:50 Gson

1:51

I think the Indians could get a little more. Love Lynn and Kelly (I assume this trade scenario is either/or, not both) and Carpenter's solid, but Adams doesn't do it for me. I see one impact piece in that trade for Cleveland.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:51

1:51

[Comment From Mike CarpMike Carp: ]

Am I headed to a new team ?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:51 Mike Carp

1:52

Seems inevitable, doesn't it?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:52

1:52

[Comment From Jurassic Park is Real.Jurassic Park is Real.: ]

Parra for Floyd, who hangs up first? What about Kubel for Floyd?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:52 Jurassic Park is Real.

1:52

Arizona after Floyd's elbow problems. The D'Backs aren't in desperate need of an SP now.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:52

1:53

[Comment From TillyTilly: ]

Raul Ibanez - quite a big overpay by the M's?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:53 Tilly

1:53

Yeah I thought so. He was a minor league contract guy until he started hitting all those clutch homers in September and October.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:53

1:53

[Comment From N. HuntingtonN. Huntington: ]

I did the right thing by signing Liriano, right?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:53 N. Huntington

1:53

I thought the two years was excessive, but I love the upside play. Solid signing, not great nor awful.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:53

1:54

[Comment From TGTG: ]

Who fills the Mets rotation spot?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:54 TG

1:54

Chris Young. Just a hunch. He's an Alderson guy dating back to the Padres.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:54

1:54

[Comment From GsonGson: ]

Mariano Rivera: Comeback player of the Year?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:54 Gson

1:55

Seems inevitable, no?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:55

1:55

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

is there an answer for the cubs at 3rd base in the future? prediction?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:55 Guest

1:55

The magic eight ball says: No Way!

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:55

1:55

[Comment From CubsCubs: ]

Garza traded at deadline or extended?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:55 Cubs

1:56

Traded. Good as gone. He'd already be an ex-Cub if not for the injury.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:56

1:56

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

pirates need to trade of's tabata presley or snider

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:56 Guest

1:56

In order, I'd keep Snider, Tabata, Presley.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:56

1:56

[Comment From JTJT: ]

jason grilli 30 plus saves in 13?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:56 JT

1:56

Sure.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:56

1:57

[Comment From TomTom: ]

Does Capuano or Harang get traded now that they have Grienke?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:57 Tom

1:57

For sure. I'd be all over Capuano if was the Brewers.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:57

1:57

[Comment From AndrewAndrew: ]

Will the braves get a leadoff hitter before the season begins?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:57 Andrew

1:58

Prado can leadoff, no? They should just look for a quality player rather than try to fill a specific lineup spot.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:58

1:58

I need to wrap up in a minute or two, so just a few more.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:58

1:58

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Will the Twins add another SP? How about a quality SS?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:58 Guest

1:59

Yes, they'll add another SP. Another Correia, Pelfrey type. Nothing sexy. I think they'll go internal at SS.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:59

1:59

[Comment From DanielDaniel: ]

jays have best SP in the AL?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 1:59 Daniel

2:00

I think they could be, but there's a lot of risk. Need Johnson to stay healthy, Morrow to stay healthy, Romero to bounce back, Buehrle not to get his brains beat in in the AL East. Lots of risk, but also lots of upside. On paper, I'd take Detroit's rotation over Toronto's.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 2:00

2:00

[Comment From DodgerDodger: ]

Who has the best lineup in MLB?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 2:00 Dodger

2:01

Have to say the Angels right now even though the 6-9 spots in the lineup are sneaky weak. Trout + Pujols + Hamilton is untouchable.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 2:01

2:01

[Comment From WheelerWheeler: ]

Am I better than Harvey or will Vegas eat me up?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 2:01 Wheeler

2:02

I like Harvey more, but that's no knock on Wheeler. He's awesome. I have no idea how they could send him to Vegas though, that's not ideal at all.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 2:02

2:02

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Is MLB lame enough to make both leagues use the DH? If so, when?

Wednesday December 26, 2012 2:02 Guest

2:03

Lame enough? Watching pitchers hit is awful. I don't think it'll happen anytime soon, but eventually the DH will be universal in MLB. The NL is the only professional baseball league on the planet that requires pitchers to hit.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 2:03

2:03

Okay, that's all for today. Enjoy the rest of the holiday season everyone.

Wednesday December 26, 2012 2:03

2:03