Finally! Official Hot Stove League thread!

[D-train]

MLB Network offers a video analysis of Blake Snell's pitching motion:

https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/1 ... mp4?tag=16

Thanks for that. I obviously would not mind Snell but would prefer Yamamoto.

[Big_Maple]

Anybody willing to take on Clase for our closer? He's got 3 years of team control left. I don't think Munoz is the closer of the future, and I think Hader will get a contract that the M's wouldn't want (likely 5 years). Three years might be enough - but not too much - to lock in one of the best closers in the game.

The Guardians are apparently open to trade talks.

https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-rumors-tra ... ansactions

Don't know what it would take. I would hate to give up a starting pitcher for a reliever, so I doubt a deal could be reached. But this would get us close:

[Big_Maple]

MLB Network offers a video analysis of Blake Snell's pitching motion:

https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/1 ... mp4?tag=16

Thanks for that. I obviously would not mind Snell but would prefer Yamamoto.

Yammie is on the top of my list. Tippy top. But I think the Yanks or Red Sox or just about everyone else not in on Ohtani but with big fat checkbooks will outbid us.

Snell is injury prone, but damn, I'd take him in a heartbeat. Instant rotation upgrade and gives us flexibility to trade a Miller or Woo.

[D-train]

Anybody willing to take on Clase for our closer? He's got 3 years of team control left. I don't think Munoz is the closer of the future, and I think Hader will get a contract that the M's wouldn't want (likely 5 years). Three years might be enough - but not too much - to lock in one of the best closers in the game.

The Guardians are apparently open to trade talks.

https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-rumors-tra ... ansactions

Don't know what it would take. I would hate to give up a starting pitcher for a reliever, so I doubt a deal could be reached. But this would get us close:

No way. He regressed massively in 2023. VERY pedestrian WHIP and K rate for a closer.

Clase blew 12 saves in 2023 and saw his strikeout rate decline from 28.4% to 21.2% year over year, but he still led MLB in saves for the second straight season.

[Big_Maple]

No way. He regressed massively in 2023. VERY pedestrian WHIP and K rate for a closer.

Clase blew 12 saves in 2023 and saw his strikeout rate decline from 28.4% to 21.2% year over year, but he still led MLB in saves for the second straight season.

Fair enough. I generally agree although he's only 25, and there may be time to fix this regression. It's not like he's 35 and will never get a fast fastball back.

For my money, I don't think we have position players needed to get the deal done. We fleeced the farm (and what we have left, I'd want to keep), and I wouldn't want to give up one of our starters for a closer.

Any thoughts on our closer? Are you good to roll with Munoz?

[D-train]

No way. He regressed massively in 2023. VERY pedestrian WHIP and K rate for a closer.

Clase blew 12 saves in 2023 and saw his strikeout rate decline from 28.4% to 21.2% year over year, but he still led MLB in saves for the second straight season.

Fair enough. I generally agree although he's only 25, and there may be time to fix this regression. It's not like he's 35 and will never get a fast fastball back.

For my money, I don't think we have position players needed to get the deal done. We fleeced the farm (and what we have left, I'd want to keep), and I wouldn't want to give up one of our starters for a closer.

Any thoughts on our closer? Are you good to roll with Munoz?

I don't think they will have a designated Closer. Will just go with Topa Brash and Munoz depending on Match ups and availability....

[Seattle or Bust]

Divish thinks the M's are still going to offer Ohtani but it's going to be a creative contract versus the 10-year $500 million that other teams might offer. He notes that whenever Ohtani is brought up to anyone in the organization they refuse to talk about it which falls in line what Ohtani's camp has asked for. Still believes that it's unlikely.

[Big_Maple]

Divish thinks the M's are still going to offer Ohtani but it's going to be a creative contract versus the 10-year $500 million that other teams might offer. He notes that whenever Ohtani is brought up to anyone in the organization they refuse to talk about it which falls in line what Ohtani's camp has asked for. Still believes that it's unlikely.

Thanks, SoB.

You know, I am kind of tired of the cold stove. Everyone is waiting to see what Ohtani will do before other dominoes fall. I'm so over this offseason, already. Hurry up, winter meetings.

There was a time that I was excited about the prospect of Ohtani being a Mariner. I would still be happy if they were the dark horses who signed him, but I actually think they can do better - spread that money around a little. Don't be pennywise and pound poor.

I was considering starting a poll, but got too lazy. I was curious what big names folks thought the M's would land: Ohtani? Bellinger? Jung Hoo Lee? Yamamoto? Snell? JD? Soler? Or none of the above.

Cynically, I'm going to go with none of the above cause, you know, it's the Mariners. And because Dipoto fancies himself the best GM in history, and why buy talent when you can trade it away for rubbish?

[D-train]

Divish thinks the M's are still going to offer Ohtani but it's going to be a creative contract versus the 10-year $500 million that other teams might offer. He notes that whenever Ohtani is brought up to anyone in the organization they refuse to talk about it which falls in line what Ohtani's camp has asked for. Still believes that it's unlikely.

Did you hear him say that on his podcast?

[Seattle or Bust]

Divish thinks the M's are still going to offer Ohtani but it's going to be a creative contract versus the 10-year $500 million that other teams might offer. He notes that whenever Ohtani is brought up to anyone in the organization they refuse to talk about it which falls in line what Ohtani's camp has asked for. Still believes that it's unlikely.

Did you hear him say that on his podcast?

Yes.