# MLB Hot Stove / Offseason 2018-2019 **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [November 2, 2018, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890 "2018-11-02T14:28:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 11
**Author:** ![Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a183cd/32.png) [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barkis_is_Willin)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2018, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/201 "2018-12-11T12:09:50Z")
> [@cmkeller](#): > > Why, so he did. I wonder why I think of him as a first baseman more than I think of Baines (or Hal McRae) as an outfielder? Perhaps because those two held DH-position records for a decent period of time, so I associate the position with them more than with Big Hurt. I think of Thomas as a first baseman, too. When he was at the height of his powers (winning two MVPs, all five of his All Star appearances) he was primarily a first baseman. But the next dozen years after that he was primarily a DH. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2018, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/202 "2018-12-11T14:36:55Z")
> [@cmkeller](#): > > Why, so he did. I wonder why I think of him as a first baseman more than I think of Baines (or Hal McRae) as an outfielder? Well, Frank was certainly a very…\* memorable\* first baseman. Not in a good way, but it sure stood out. I think it fair to say that Frank Thomas is in the running with Dave Kingman and Greg Luzinski for the most games played at DH while standing in the field. Aside from Big Hurt, Baines and, this year, probably Edgar, the DH-est Hall of Famer I can think of is Paul Molitor. Molitor played fewer than half his games at DH - more than forty percent - but far more than at any one other position, and moving to DH is the reason he’s in the Hall of Fame. Molitor was perpetually hurt when he played the field; after becoming a DH most of the time, he instantly became healthy and played almost all his team’s games for ten years. It was in that stretch he amassed at least half his career value and the numbers to get to the Hall, had his monster 1993 season with the World Series ring and WS MVP award, got to 3000 hits, and so on. ---
**Author:** ![Damuri\_Ajashi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/898d66/32.png) [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2018, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/203 "2018-12-11T20:57:32Z")
> [@BlankSlate](#): > > I guess it’s as simple as the 2,866 hits. It must have been the metric used by these voters because nothing else makes sense. He is 46th all-time. Among the Top 50, all are in the Hall, except: > > **Ineligible** > > Pete Rose They’ll let him in posthumously. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2018, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/204 "2018-12-11T21:28:02Z")
[Andrew McCutchen gets a 3 year deal with Philly for $50m.](https://nypost.com/2018/12/11/andrew-mccutchen-leaves-yankees-for-50-million-with-phillies/) [Jays pay Troy Tulowitzki 38m to go away](https://nypost.com/2018/12/11/blue-jays-pay-troy-tulowitzki-38-million-to-go-away-in-stunner/). Ivan Nova traded from the Pirates to the White Sox, Pirates are expected to receive a young pitcher & international slot money. ---
**Author:** ![Wilson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/96bed5/32.png) [@Wilson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wilson)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2018, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/205 "2018-12-11T22:35:40Z")
That seems like a lot to pay for Cutch. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2018, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/206 "2018-12-11T22:57:09Z")
> [@Wilson](#): > > That seems like a lot to pay for Cutch. I think so. It also seems like it might be setting something else in motion. Maybe trading a young OF as part of the deal for an Ace. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2018, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/207 "2018-12-12T14:02:25Z")
Baltimore has named former Cubs bench coach/1B coach [Brandon Hyde](http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/25513216/brandon-hyde-baltimore-orioles-new-manager) as their new manager. ---
**Author:** ![Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a183cd/32.png) [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barkis_is_Willin)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2018, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/208 "2018-12-12T14:32:37Z")
Does Philly signing McCutchen mean anything for their chances to get Harper? The Reds and Dodgers are discussing a trade that could involve Homer Bailey and Yasiel Puig. Two guys their respective teams are ready to be rid of. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2018, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/209 "2018-12-12T14:33:07Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > [Andrew McCutchen gets a 3 year deal with Philly for $50m.](https://nypost.com/2018/12/11/andrew-mccutchen-leaves-yankees-for-50-million-with-phillies/) > > [Jays pay Troy Tulowitzki 38m to go away](https://nypost.com/2018/12/11/blue-jays-pay-troy-tulowitzki-38-million-to-go-away-in-stunner/). It was inevitable this would come. Given his health history the odds he’d be on the team for the remainder of his contract were never good. Many, many Blue Jay fans today are engaged in public demonstrations of their ignorance of the concept of a sunk cost. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2018, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/210 "2018-12-12T14:49:13Z")
> [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](#): > > Does Philly signing McCutchen mean anything for their chances to get Harper? [ESPN](http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/25511190/mlb-how-signing-andrew-mccutchen-sets-philadelphia-phillies-harper-machado) says that McCutchen’s deal sets Philly up for either Harper or Machado. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2018, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/211 "2018-12-13T02:55:38Z")
Reports are coming in from many sources that Yanks are close to signing \*\*Happ \*\*for 2 years with a 3rd year that locks in based on innings pitched for the first 2 years. Hopefully it is announced tomorrow with more details. Meanwhile **Lance Lynn** to Texas for 3 years and $30m total. \*\*Morton \*\*is close to signing with Tampa, I’m a little surprised. I’m seeing 2 yrs for $30m. ---
**Author:** ![Wilson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/96bed5/32.png) [@Wilson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wilson)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2018, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/212 "2018-12-13T14:53:23Z")
I know he’s got some health issues, but I’d much rather have had Charlie Morton than Happ. At least it’s only for 2/3 years. And I guess this means we’re not trading for Kluber/Thor/Grienke… ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2018, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/213 "2018-12-13T15:50:04Z")
> [@Wilson](#): > > I know he’s got some health issues, but I’d much rather have had Charlie Morton than Happ. At least it’s only for 2/3 years. > And I guess this means we’re not trading for **Kluber/Thor** /Grienke… \*(my bolding & color) \* Look deeper into Morton and Happ. Check their splits at Yankee Stadium & Fenway and against the AL East in general. Happ is a better bet and generally pitches more often. Happ was probably the best free agent fit for the Yanks. Cashman did not rule out a trade for an Ace, though sub Bumgarner for Greinke. I’ve seen no mention of Grienke to the Yanks and he seems like a poor fit with a bad contract. ---
**Author:** ![Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a183cd/32.png) [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barkis_is_Willin)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2018, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/214 "2018-12-13T16:04:18Z")
Dodgers sign Joe Kelly for 3 years at $25M. They definitely do need to improve their bullpen. I’m a little surprised the Red Sox didn’t at least match that and make him the new closer. Craig Kimbrel apparently thinks he’s worth $100M. I would disagree with him. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2018, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/215 "2018-12-13T16:14:58Z")
> [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](#): > > Dodgers sign Joe Kelly for 3 years at $25M. They definitely do need to improve their bullpen. I’m a little surprised the Red Sox didn’t at least match that and make him the new closer. > … I don’t know, I would be worried as the Red Sox using Joe Kelly as my closer. In 21 games and 40 innings he has a 4.95 ERA vs. the Yanks and he has never been a closer. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2018, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/216 "2018-12-13T16:33:44Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > I don’t know, I would be worried as the Red Sox using Joe Kelly as my closer. In 21 games and 40 innings he has a 4.95 ERA vs. the Yanks and he has never been a closer. I hear tell that the Red Sox face other teams besides the Yankees (and vice versa). It’s true though that Kelly, while very effective on occasion is not exactly a shut-down closer type. In other reliever news, the Mets decided it would be a good idea to bring back Jeurys Familia for three years and $30 million. With Diaz on the staff, Familia will probably be loading the bases in the 8th inning or earlier in his new role. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2018, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/217 "2018-12-13T16:44:33Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > I hear tell that the Red Sox face other teams besides the Yankees (and vice versa). It’s true though that Kelly, while very effective on occasion is not exactly a shut-down closer type. > … But they are each others biggest foe and if they end up in a tight pennant race, it would suck if your closer is the reason you don’t win the division. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2018, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/218 "2018-12-13T17:24:24Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > But they are each others biggest foe and if they end up in a tight pennant race, it would suck if your closer is the reason you don’t win the division. According to this logic, the Yankees should dump Aroldis Chapman as closer in favor of Zach Britton (Chapman had a mediocre record against Boston in 2018, allowing opposing hitters a .281 average, while Britton held them to .067). Never mind that Chapman had his first All-Star season since 2015, converted 32 of 34 save chances and led major league relievers in strikeout ratio (16.31 per 9 innings). GMs tend to pick players based on how they can help the team overall, rather than catering to fans’ obsession with a perceived chief rival. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2018, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/219 "2018-12-13T17:44:47Z")
> [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](#): > > Dodgers sign Joe Kelly for 3 years at $25M. They definitely do need to improve their bullpen. And maybe he wanted to go home to Cali. > [@](#): > > I’m a little surprised the Red Sox didn’t at least match that and make him the new closer. I’m not. They’ve seen for years how inconsistent he is. That said, they do need another arm or two out of the pen. That was a weak spot all of last year, and it’s now weaker. That had a lot to do with using starters in relief in October. > [@](#): > > Craig Kimbrel apparently thinks he’s worth $100M. I would disagree with him. Gotta start the negotiations somewhere. Can’t hurt to ask. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2018, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/220 "2018-12-13T18:15:43Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > According to this logic, the Yankees should dump Aroldis Chapman as closer in favor of Zach Britton (Chapman had a mediocre record against Boston in 2018, allowing opposing hitters a .281 average, while Britton held them to .067). Never mind that Chapman had his first All-Star season since 2015, converted 32 of 34 save chances and led major league relievers in strikeout ratio (16.31 per 9 innings). > > GMs tend to pick players based on how they can help the team overall, rather than catering to fans’ obsession with a perceived chief rival. Or we can go back to the fact that Kelly has shown little sign that he is a closer and it is just some fans’ pet idea. His ERA is pretty high for someone you want to close games on a team with nearly the highest payroll, don’t you think? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890.md?page=10) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890.md?page=12)