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Tuesday November 6, 2012

2:45

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Hey everyone. Should be a fun few days with lots of action expected at the GM Meetings. I'll be at the meetings in California starting tomorrow but for now I am here looking forward to your questions. Lots to discuss since we last chatted with qualifying offers in and free agency fully underway.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 2:45 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:01

[Comment From JonJon: ]

What's the Giants chance of resigning Pagan?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:01 Jon

3:02

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I don't know what their chances are. So many variables in play at this point. He's clearly a fit on that team. I'm actually surprised that they didn't make him a qualifying offer. For $13.3MM and one year that's not a bad deal. And if he leaves you get a draft pick. I get that he was a borderline guy though.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:02 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:02

[Comment From DeanDean: ]

Not convinced Cody Ross is deserving of a 3 year $25 mil contract after one year. Anywhere besides Fenway wouldn't be as friendly to him. Look at his road BA compared to Fenway.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:02 Dean

3:04

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I would probably offer Ross close to that kind of money if I were the Red Sox. He does hit really well in Fenway. I don't expect him to be a full-time player or a plus center fielder, but he is useful for sure. If I were a team outside of Boston I'd be cautious about Ross and certainly wouldn't expect him to replicate those numbers outside of Fenway.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:04 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:04

[Comment From AlexAlex: ]

What are the chances that the Dodgers go for Greinke?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:04 Alex

3:05

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I can't envision a scenario that doesn't have the Dodgers front office at least checking in on Greinke. It looks like the Dodgers, Angels and Rangers will all have strong interest based on their needs and some early reports.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:05 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:05

[Comment From Jack ZJack Z: ]

Mariners a darkhorse for Hamilton? Not paying Ichiro $18MM anymore, need offense/corner OF desperately, said their payroll will increase in 2013...

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:05 Jack Z

3:06

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Darkhorse, yes. But I think it's highly unlikely. They're a fringe suitor in that they have the need.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:06 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:06

[Comment From McCannMcCann: ]

Ellsbury for Andrus - who hangs up first?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:06 McCann

3:06

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I don't think the Rangers would be all that interested in that trade.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:06 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:07

[Comment From DevonDevon: ]

When do you expect a slew of minor leaugue signings?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:07 Devon

3:07

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

All offseason long! They don't really stop.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:07 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:07

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Do the Tigers add a closer via FA or Trade?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:07 Mike

3:07

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I think it's more the Tigers' style to spend on a free agent.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:07 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:07

[Comment From Christian W. ConnorsChristian W. Connors: ]

Who would cough up $25 million with the splits Ross has? He's Jason Bay 2.0

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:07 Christian W. Connors

3:08

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Hey it's the MLB offseason. Crazy things happen with regularity! Doesn't mean they're all good deals and, to be honest, that's part of the fun as someone who follows it.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:08 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:08

[Comment From MatthewMatthew: ]

Can we please get one Orioles question answered this chat? Do you see them getting a LF upgrade? Maybe Melky on a 1 year deal?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:08 Matthew

3:10

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I do see them getting an LF upgrade. I see Melky as a great option for them -- a potential bargain. Why not check in and see if Torii Hunter is at all interested? Ryan Ludwick and Shane Victorino could also be among the free agent fits who aren't overly expensive.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:10 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:10

[Comment From SeanSean: ]

Are these GM meetings the annual "winter" meetings?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:10 Sean

3:10

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

No, the Winter Meetings will take place a month from now, in early December.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:10 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:10

[Comment From John MozeliakJohn Mozeliak: ]

Most underrated GM in baseball? He doesn't seem to get enough credit as a lot of other GM but the Cardinals are stacked at the MLB and MiLB levels.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:10 John Mozeliak

3:11

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I wouldn't argue with you on that one.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:11 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:11

[Comment From ZachZach: ]

Where does Haren land and for how long?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:11 Zach

3:12

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I think Buster Olney and Dave Cameron made good points about Haren this week. They explained that Haren's reps will have to do a heck of a job convincing teams that Haren is healthy. Why else would the trade with the Cubs have fallen apart? And why didn't some other team step in and acquire him? It's enough to make you worry and could be enough to limit Haren to a one-year deal.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:12 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:13

[Comment From RyanRyan: ]

What would you give Grienke and for how many years? And do you think the Angels could look towards other options?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:13 Ryan

3:13

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I don't think it'd be unreasonable to spend $120-140MM on Greinke for six or seven years.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:13 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:13

[Comment From JSJS: ]

News out of NY says Mets OF Lucas Duda broke his wrist... does that kill all chances that they could trade him this winter?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:13 JS

3:14

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

It certainly won't help their chances of striking a deal. I wonder if it'll affect Ike Davis' availability as well.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:14 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:14

[Comment From Dayton MooreDayton Moore: ]

Do I lose out on Guthrie and Soria?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:14 Dayton Moore

3:15

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Too early to say. Both are obviously fits in KC though. I do think the Royals still need pitching, even after claiming Volstad and acquiring Santana. It's easy to envision Volstad pitching poorly again, and if Santana's struggles continue the Royals would once again be really thin in the rotation.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:15 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:15

[Comment From Adam WainwrightAdam Wainwright: ]

What's an extension for me look like? 5/$105MM?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:15 Adam Wainwright

3:15

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Just a guess here, but I don't see it going quite that high.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:15 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:15

[Comment From NickNick: ]

Will anybody give Delmon young a multi year deal? It seems like a bad investment

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:15 Nick

3:17

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I certainly won't be surprised if he gets one. Keep in mind -- it's the total commitment that we should really be watching for. If Young gets $6MM over two years I consider that a decent deal for the team, even though it's a multiyear deal. If he gets $12MM for one year, I'd consider that an awful deal for the team even though it's not a long-term contract.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:17 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:17

[Comment From Scott MScott M: ]

What's the word on Jeff Keppinger?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:17 Scott M

3:17

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Silence so far. Most teams are checking in with other teams and agents at this point. The market for free agents such as Keppinger hasn't fully established itself yet.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:17 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:18

[Comment From unclejesseunclejesse: ]

Any word who might seriously be looking at Bonderman?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:18 unclejesse

3:18

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

No word so far. Olney suggested the Tigers might have some interest. Wouldn't hurt for a team like the Twins or Royals to take a chance on him.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:18 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:18

[Comment From Drew JDrew J: ]

Melky Cabrera to the Rays? Seems like a good fit to me.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:18 Drew J

3:18

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I'm with you.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:18 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:18

[Comment From Bobby CoxBobby Cox: ]

Do you expect any Braves news coming from the GM meetings this week?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:18 Bobby Cox

3:19

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

At the very least we'll get official word that Michael Bourn declined his qualifying offer.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:19 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:19

[Comment From Dan HarenDan Haren: ]

Why dont the Cubs want me? Im a # 1 who throws 175+ every year and they unload a reliever who cant throw strikes sometimes

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:19 Dan Haren

3:20

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Haren sure seemed like a great fit for the Cubs. I don't know what happened there, but it's clear we don't know the full story.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:20 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:20

[Comment From JCJC: ]

$6M guaranteed to Peralta seems too much to me. Who are the Rays targets for offense???

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:20 JC

3:22

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I think the Peralta deal is reasonable. Not a steal, but fair for the team. I think the Rays will have to play the waiting game for a while on the free agent market. The deals signed so far haven't been outrageous, but you don't usually find great bargains in early November. Wait until January and the Rays figure to zone in on some options.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:22 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:22

[Comment From Blue Jays FanBlue Jays Fan: ]

Kyle Lohse to the dodgers for 3 years, 30M?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:22 Blue Jays Fan

3:22

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Doesn't strike me as a pitcher who would win over the Blue Jays' front office. And Lohse will get more in terms of years and total dollars.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:22 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:23

[Comment From BrianBrian: ]

Vance Worley and Darrin Ruf for Mike Moustakas...good deal

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:23 Brian

3:23

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Yes, for the Phillies. Royals aren't interested though.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:23 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:23

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

Any chance Cardinals could match up with a trade with Indians for A. Cabrera?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:23 Adam

3:24

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I don't see the Cardinals pursuing top shortstops that aggressively in trades. I could be wrong, but I see more of a short-term answer at the position if they go for outside help. The asking price on available shortstops will be sky-high this winter.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:24 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:24

[Comment From BobbyBobby: ]

Do you think Hamilton really gets the 7 years he apparently is looking for? I personally can't imagine going over 5 years for him, considering age/risk.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:24 Bobby

3:25

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Yes I think he'll get seven years. Combine MLB owners and elite free agents and you don't usually want to bet the 'under.'

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:25 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:25

[Comment From Carlos MarmolCarlos Marmol: ]

Am I still getting moved this offseason, even if the Haren trade fell apart?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:25 Carlos Marmol

3:25

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

If the Cubs can find a taker for Marmol they should move him.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:25 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:26

[Comment From DonaldDonald: ]

Seems to me like Melky would be a really good fit for the Tigers.... Thoughts?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:26 Donald

3:26

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I'll say this about Melky then move on to other topics: the guy will probably be a bargain no matter where he signs. And with so many teams in need of outfield help I like him as a target for probably 15 of the 30 teams.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:26 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:27

[Comment From DanDan: ]

Where does Napoli end up and for how much money?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:27 Dan

3:27

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Hard to say how much he'll end up earning, but I can see the Pirates, Rays, Red Sox, Rangers and even Astros as possible fits.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:27 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:27

[Comment From HosmerHosmer: ]

Trade bait this year?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:27 Hosmer

3:28

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I doubt it personally.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:28 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:28

[Comment From Phils in 2013Phils in 2013: ]

Please tell me why the Phillies would want BJ Upton? We don't need another Jimmy Rollins type player, especially at the top of the lineup. Also, would Pagan be a better fit?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:28 Phils in 2013

3:28

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

They'd want Upton because he's a good player who fits what they need. Upton is a flawed player and Pagan could end up being a better bargain, but I wouldn't rule either player out for the Phillies. Bourn and Hamilton could also be targets in Philly.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:28 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:28

[Comment From BenBen: ]

Any chance the Braves end up with Swisher?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:28 Ben

3:29

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Sure. I mention him as a possible fit for Atlanta in my offseason outlook piece for the Braves (will be published later today).

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:29 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:29

[Comment From JeffJeff: ]

Who, in your opinion, is the best middle reliever on the market?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:29 Jeff

3:30

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Jason Grilli intrigues me most. Sean Burnett and Jeremy Affeldt are also going to be solid additions.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:30 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:30

[Comment From LarryLarry: ]

I like to see Lance Berkman go back to the Astros for DH

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:30 Larry

3:30

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I can see it happening. They need someone and Berkman obviously has a long history there.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:30 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:31

[Comment From MattMatt: ]

In your opinion, which Rays pitcher besides Price has the most value?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:31 Matt

3:31

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

The most trade value? Hellickson or Moore.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:31 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:31

[Comment From JSJS: ]

Any talk of the Marlins doing some more unloading of salary? Josh Johnson still being shopped?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:31 JS

3:32

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

No talk of the Marlins trading Josh Johnson so far, but I'll be very surprised if we haven't heard lots of rumors about him within the next month.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:32 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:32

[Comment From AaronAaron: ]

Torii to the tigers isnt a bad idea right

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:32 Aaron

3:33

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I know I've pointed out Hunter's flaws in these chats in recent weeks and I stand by those comments -- he's not going to repeat his 2012 success. But that's OK. He can still be a good player and he's not tied to draft pick compensation. So I'm fine with him on a one or even a two-year deal. Yes, the Tigers are a fit.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:33 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:33

[Comment From GMDMGMDM: ]

Thoughts on the Ervin Santana trade?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:33 GMDM

3:34

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Small gain for the Angels. I can see why the Royals made the move as well. If Santana pitches at a league average level in 2013, they break even with this deal.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:34 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:34

[Comment From HowBoutThemGiantsHowBoutThemGiants: ]

Giants release Wilson then resign him for 3-4M?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:34 HowBoutThemGiants

3:34

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Seems possible. He's a definite non-tender candidate.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:34 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:34

[Comment From FrankWrenchFrankWrench: ]

If Napoli bounces, who plays catcher for Texas in 2013?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:34 FrankWrench

3:35

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

It's one of the primary questions facing Jon Daniels & Co. this offseason. They could pursue a free agent like Pierzynski or go after someone in a trade.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:35 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:35

[Comment From WillWill: ]

Will Kyle Lohse be overpaid?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:35 Will

3:35

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Maybe not in 2013, but a few years from now I expect he will be.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:35 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:36

[Comment From JMJM: ]

Best ballpark you have been to?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:36 JM

3:36

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

PNC Park definitely comes to mind. I almost caught a home run ball there one time.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:36 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:36

[Comment From RichRich: ]

When do non-tender decisions have to be made?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:36 Rich

3:36

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

By the end of November.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:36 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:36

[Comment From DanDan: ]

What do you think will be the biggest move that happens at the GM Meetings?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:36 Dan

3:37

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I wish I could give you a satisfying answer here, but the reality is even the 30 GMs couldn't answer that question right now.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:37 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:37

[Comment From JacobJacob: ]

Yankees Catchers in 2013?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:37 Jacob

3:37

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I can definitely still see Martin re-signing.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:37 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:37

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

Will the Yanks be creative and offer Hamilton a 1 year 30 mill deal?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:37 Mike

3:37

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

It'd be a great idea in my view. I doubt he'd accept though.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:37 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:38

[Comment From ConnorConnor: ]

Show some love for Oakland! What's your guess they do at shortstop? Asdrubal seems like a perfect fit.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:38 Connor

3:40

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I wrote about the A's yesterday -- definitely not ignoring them! I agree that Asdrubal would be a nice fit. He'll be expensive in terms of prospects/young players though. I can see them signing an Alex Gonzalez as a one-year stopgap. Drew is a fit, but now that he's on the open market anything can happen.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:40 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:40

[Comment From melk manmelk man: ]

who gets michael bourn stays with braves or leaves somewhere else

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:40 melk man

3:41

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I don't think he's going to re-sign. If I'm Scott Boras I look to the Nationals, Phillies and Rangers as teams that could spend big on Bourn,. I'm also looking to the Reds and Giants just in case.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:41 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:41

[Comment From Royalsin2038Royalsin2038: ]

Crazy idea. In Crasnick's article, he said an NL GM thinks the Royals would land Hamilton. It's intriguing if they got him, then traded Gordon + prospects off for say a Josh Johnson? I could handle that. Maybe re-sign Melky on a 1 year, "prove yourself" contract..

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:41 Royalsin2038

3:42

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I definitely don't see the Royals signing Hamilton. It's not their style to bid at the top of the free agent market. I don't think they've ever committed $100MM to a player.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:42 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:42

[Comment From Knuckles McgeeKnuckles Mcgee: ]

Does Vmart catch now or will he strictly be a dh?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:42 Knuckles Mcgee

3:43

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

The plan is for Martinez to DH. So the Tigers will still be looking for a right-handed hitting backup behind Avila.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:43 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:43

[Comment From Free agent cropFree agent crop: ]

Is this the weakest FA class you can recall?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:43 Free agent crop

3:44

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I suppose it is, but I'm constantly adjusting -- that is to say lowering -- my expectations about how deep a free agent class 'should' be. So many top players sign extensions that cover their prime seasons.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:44 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:44

[Comment From MattMatt: ]

Any chance the Tigers trade Prince Fielder?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:44 Matt

3:45

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I'll estimate the chance are 0%

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:45 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:46

[Comment From DalekDalek: ]

if texas wanted to get Mauer, what will it cost?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:46 Dalek

3:46

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

This is a good question. I don't see the Twins trading Mauer -- they showed little interest in doing so this past summer -- but the Rangers could certainly use and afford Mauer. I wonder if the Rangers have discussed this possibility.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:46 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:46

[Comment From TonyTony: ]

Do you see the brewers making a move for josh hamilton or is it all a rumor

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:46 Tony

3:47

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

There's a legitimate connection to Milwaukee, where the Narron brothers coach. But I don't see it happening. Why would Hamilton, the top position player available in free agency, have to take so much of a discount that he becomes affordable to Milwaukee? I don't think he'll be a Brewer.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:47 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:48

[Comment From Bad Decision Time!Bad Decision Time!: ]

No good shortstops on the Market... Trade Jose Reyes now for a nice haul?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:48 Bad Decision Time!

3:48

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Something to think about for teams around the league. I suggested the A's should inquire on Reyes and I think other teams should as well. He's a dynamic player and his contract isn't all that intimidating.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:48 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:49

[Comment From GMDMGMDM: ]

Did you vote today Ben?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:49 GMDM

3:49

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I'm a Canadian so I'm not allowed! Otherwise I would have though. Hope everyone's election day went well.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:49 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:49

[Comment From JumboJumbo: ]

ALW - Angels or Rangers in 2013?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:49 Jumbo

3:50

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

You're forgetting the defending AL West champions! I think the Rangers, Angels and A's will all be in the mix for the division.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:50 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:51

[Comment From scottscott: ]

I just cannot imagine swish leaving the bronx..

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:51 scott

3:51

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Pretty sure the Yankees front office can.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:51 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:51

[Comment From JPJP: ]

Regarding Jed Lowrie, do you envision Luhnow extending or trading him by end of 2013?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:51 JP

3:52

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I think it makes sense for Luhnow to explore possible deals for Jed Lowrie. There's a lack of shortstops available in free agency, as we've been discussing, and Lowrie isn't so far from free agency himself. Now could be a good time to get something back for him.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:52 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:53

[Comment From Torii HunterTorii Hunter: ]

Can I get $ 30 million for two years?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:53 Torii Hunter

3:54

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Seems possible if not likely. I wouldn't rule it out if I represented Hunter. Like I said before he's a really good player.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:54 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:54

[Comment From TrevTrev: ]

Is there any chance the Tigers could look to trade Peralta despite the extension?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:54 Trev

3:54

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Definitely. That's one possibility for the Tigers to explore this winter.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:54 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:55

[Comment From WINGATE14WINGATE14: ]

Does Mark McGwire make the dodgers the best hitting team in the NL?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:55 WINGATE14

3:56

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

No, but their lineup could be really scary next year given the pieces they have.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:56 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:56

[Comment From AAAA guyAAAA guy: ]

Any recourse when your agent sets your asking price too high and you end up on a 1-year, low value deal?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:56 AAAA guy

3:56

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Sure, you can fire the agent if you think his advice was bad. Happens regularly.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:56 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:57

[Comment From RyanRyan: ]

Whatcha think of the dark-horse Giants non-tendering Pence, passing on Pagan and signing Josh Hamilton??

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:57 Ryan

3:57

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I think they should tender Pence a contract. I'd be fine with them passing on Pagan and signing Hamilton though.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:57 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:57

[Comment From dandan: ]

will verlander get ext this year

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:57 dan

3:58

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

I can see it happening. Still, with two years left will there be that much urgency from the Tigers' standpoint at a time Verlander's leverage is insanely high?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:58 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:58

[Comment From JCJC: ]

Would you trade Wright and Dickey?

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:58 JC

3:59

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

No I'd extend them.

Tuesday November 6, 2012 3:59 Ben Nicholson-Smith

3:59

Ben Nicholson-Smith:

Thanks for chatting everyone! We'll be back at it again next week.