# 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:** 5
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2018, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/81 "2018-11-15T20:32:24Z")
He seemed healthy enough this year. I’m not saying it’s a good idea, it’s just a better idea than most big deals. Big money contracts are so often terrible that, honestly, it would be best to literally never sign one, ever, with anyone. ---
**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:** [November 16, 2018, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/82 "2018-11-16T15:01:02Z")
Mookie Betts and Christian Yelich are MVPs. Betts is the 2nd player ever to win MVP, gold glove, silver slugger and World Series in a season. The only other was Mike Schmidt in 1980. And let’s not forget that Derek Jeter traded Yelich for zero MLB ready players. But hey, he’s got a cool new logo for the Marlins. That’s gotta be worth a few wins. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2018, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/83 "2018-11-16T15:31:28Z")
I was fascinated to hear Schmidt and Betts were the only players to do that. I’d have just assumed some other MVP had done that too. Schmidt also won World Series MVP, so Betts has a bone to pick with Steve Pearce, I guess. Christian Yelich is only the third player to win an MVP award after being traded in the previous offseason, the other two being Willie Hernandez and Josh Donaldson. So the Marlins had an MVP in 2017 and traded him, and also traded a guy who was MVP in 2018. What a joke they are. Yelich doesn’t even make that much money and he’s only 25; he is the kind of player they should have been keeping. but hey, the Marlins got: Lewis Brinson. Brinson is only a year younger than Yelich. He made the Marlins last year and batted a sizzling .199. His main skill is striking out, but don’t worry, he also doesn’t run the bases very well. Isan Diaz. Diaz might actually turn out okay, but he’s not a grade A prospect. He has some power and plate discipline but is years away. Monte Harrison. Harrison has power but last year struck out 215 times in Double A, which might be a record. Jordan Yamamoto. Yamamoto actually pitched really well last year but only appeared in 13 games, so I assume he was hurt, which is what happens to young pitchers. Quite a return. ---
**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:** [November 16, 2018, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/84 "2018-11-16T15:57:58Z")
If I were a Marlins fan I’d be sending nasty emails to Jeter. This new logo comes on the heals of removing the gaudy outfield sculpture thing, which one could argue was a good movie, but none of this addresses actually improving the baseball team. Jeter seems more interested in aesthetics than baseball players. ---
**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:** [November 16, 2018, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/85 "2018-11-16T19:00:20Z")
> [@Southern\_Yankee](#): > > As a Yankees fan, I REALLY hope the Yankees do NOT go after Machado. It makes too much sense for them not to. He’s a top talent, Gregorius has health and free agency issues, the Machado behavioral stuff will be forgiven if he continues to perform well and I can’t see Yankees fans being content if they don’t get either of the Top Two and have to settle for solid but unexciting upgrades. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2018, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/86 "2018-11-16T19:06:09Z")
It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to keep Didi, though. While he’s a bit older than Machado and not the hitter Machado is, he is a way, way better shortstop, and will be cheaper. Also, “Didi Gregorius” is just one of the best baseball names of modern times. He is the Van Lingle Mungo of the 21st century. ---
**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:** [November 16, 2018, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/87 "2018-11-16T19:09:47Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > It makes too much sense for them not to. He’s a top talent, Gregorius has health and free agency issues, the Machado behavioral stuff will be forgiven if he continues to perform well and I can’t see Yankees fans being content if they don’t get either of the Top Two and have to settle for solid but unexciting upgrades. It really doesn’t, he is young and talented but a terrible shortstop with a pair of knee surgeries who will cost a fortune and a long term deal. Let some other team make this mistake. I would prefer to extend Didi. _ETA_: He also doesn’t hit particularly well at Yankee Stadium, he is fine here, but nothing special. That is with 180 AB. Even less at Boston. > [@RickJay](#): > > It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to keep Didi, though. While he’s a bit older than Machado and not the hitter Machado is, he is a way, way better shortstop, and will be cheaper. > > Also, “Didi Gregorius” is just one of the best baseball names of modern times. He is the Van Lingle Mungo of the 21st century. Sir Didi is pretty good, young enough and they are talking about extending him. For a change I agree with all your reasoning. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Scud](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f08c70/32.png) [@Tom\_Scud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Scud)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/88 "2018-11-18T17:06:35Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > Also, “Didi Gregorius” is just one of the best baseball names of modern times. He is the Van Lingle Mungo of the 21st century. It’s no “Cy Sneed,” but Sneed might not make the majors, so. Hey, how good is Aledmys Diaz? Looks like he just wasn’t in Toronto’s plans or something, because they didn’t really get much in return for him. I guess you don’t need a 28-year-old utility guy if you’re rebuilding, but I dunno if you need a 25-year-old AAA pitcher that much, either. Clearing room for Vlad Jr.? For the Astros it’s a pretty clear sign they’re not bringing Marwin Gonzalez back, which is a bit sad from a fan’s perspective, but Gonzalez is precisely the kind of guy who you try to replace rather than hold onto for dear life if you’re a winning organization. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/89 "2018-11-18T19:45:20Z")
Diaz is a pretty good player. Presumably Vlad Jr. plays third base, if he plays the field much at all; the future at short is Bo Bichette, but I don’t think he’s ready in 2019. Right now Lourdes Gurriel is the shortstop, I suppose, but he isn’t very good at it and I am a little skeptical of his bat. The Jays got a decent young pitcher back in the deal, but, honestly, I think they may struggle at shortstop for a year or two. ---
**Author:** ![jaycat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jaycat/32/3015_2.png) [@jaycat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jaycat)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2018, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/90 "2018-11-19T02:20:33Z")
“Along with the removal of the home run sculpture and _ **the addition of new standing room only sections,** _ the (Miami Marlins) plan to change the colors of the walls and add more diversity in the concession stands…” Okay, what am I missing here? (bold italics mine.) ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2018, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/91 "2018-11-19T02:32:43Z")
> [@jaycat](#): > > “Along with the removal of the home run sculpture and _ **the addition of new standing room only sections,** _ the (Miami Marlins) plan to change the colors of the walls and add more diversity in the concession stands…” > > Okay, what am I missing here? (bold italics mine.) Those massive Marlins crowds dictate that some areas be sold as standing room only! Lol, as if the Marlins drew over 5000 fans for a game last year ---
**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:** [November 19, 2018, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/92 "2018-11-19T02:51:30Z")
> [@jaycat](#): > > “Along with the removal of the home run sculpture and _ **the addition of new standing room only sections,** _ the (Miami Marlins) plan to change the colors of the walls and add more diversity in the concession stands…” > > Okay, what am I missing here? (bold italics mine.) They’re adding more exits? ---
**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:** [November 19, 2018, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/93 "2018-11-19T14:45:11Z")
> [@jaycat](#): > > “Along with the removal of the home run sculpture and _ **the addition of new standing room only sections,** _ the (Miami Marlins) plan to change the colors of the walls and add more diversity in the concession stands…” > > Okay, what am I missing here? (bold italics mine.) Jeter and company don’t want the statue, but also don’t want to pay for anything to go in its place, like seats (which they don’t need anyway). Probably they’ll try to sell advertising in that space. ---
**Author:** ![Asimovian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asimovian/32/172_2.png) [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2018, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/94 "2018-11-19T17:49:52Z")
I assume it’ll be like the SRO section added in Cleveland a few years ago. So, not just random overflow for sold out games (as I experienced in Boston recently—what a crock), but some allegedly hip space for people who otherwise might not buy a ticket to get in for cheap and stand around drinking with other folks. > [@Cleveland.com article](#): > > The New York Yankees made news in 2009 when their stadium opened and front-row seats topped $2,000. Ironically, it’s been one of the cheapest tickets in the park in Cleveland that has been a huge draw: The District Ticket. The $13 standing-room only ducat includes a drink and is being offered for the third consecutive year, giving fans a vantage from the Corner Bar in right field. > > “Standing-room only” used to signify last-resort ticket options for a big game or concert. Not so in Progressive Field. > > “The Corner Bar (allows fans) to get together with groups and enjoy friends and not be restricted to certain seats,” Salcer said. “It’s what millennials want, it’s been a huge hit.” And yes, I do realize the irony of using the Indians as an example of how to help the Marlins draw more fans. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2018, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/95 "2018-11-19T20:12:08Z")
> [@Superdude](#): > > They’re adding more exits? With another exit, Steve AND Jim can beat the traffic. ---
**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:** [November 20, 2018, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/96 "2018-11-20T01:35:17Z")
So Yanks gave up Justus Sheffield & 2 other prospects for 2 years of James Paxton. His max innings are 160, but he does pitch well vs. Boston. Not really enough games though to get much of a feel for how he will do in the East. In 2 games at Yankee Stadium, not to good, a 7.20 ERA. The other two prospects going to Seattle are outfielder Dom Thompson-Williams and right-handed pitcher Erik Swanson. ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2018, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/97 "2018-11-20T02:45:52Z")
Indians release their new uniforms without Wahoo. I assume they buried it during Thanksgiving week to avoid the Wahoo die hard loyalists. But, of course, they can still sell some for Christmas. [https://www.10tv.com/article/cleveland-indians-debut-new-uniforms-without-chief-wahoo-logo](https://www.10tv.com/article/cleveland-indians-debut-new-uniforms-without-chief-wahoo-logo) ---
**Author:** ![OldGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/3bc359/32.png) [@OldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldGuy)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2018, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/98 "2018-11-20T06:57:36Z")
They’ve already said they’re going to keep some Wahoo material around. Probably things you can’t order on line. The reason hey need to keep it alive is if they abandon the image entirely, they’ll lose the trademark and won’t be able to stop others from using it. They’re going to use the guitar All-Star game logo as a patch on their sleeves this year. What they’ll do in the future is not yet known. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2018, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/99 "2018-11-20T12:35:53Z")
> [@OldGuy](#): > > The reason hey need to keep it alive is if they abandon the image entirely, they’ll lose the trademark and won’t be able to stop others from using it. That only matters if they still intend to keep making worthwhile money from it themselves. Well, fuck that, amirite? ---
**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:** [November 20, 2018, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890/100 "2018-11-20T13:58:51Z")
> [@OldGuy](#): > > The reason hey need to keep it alive is if they abandon the image entirely, they’ll lose the trademark and won’t be able to stop others from using it. > [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > That only matters if they still intend to keep making worthwhile money from it themselves. Well, fuck that, amirite? Since they felt the controversy should be ended by torpedoing Wahoo, letting others use the image would be counterproductive, adding to the armada of Wahoo-imprinted gear that will be around for decades anyway. I still think the Indians should have pissed everyone off by replacing Wahoo with a dignified native American logo, such as by commissioning a native artist to come up with the design. Or base it on Louis Sockalexis, their original native American pro baseball player. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove-offseason-2018-2019/823890.md?page=6)