# MLB Hot Stove **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [November 2, 2017, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove/800494 "2017-11-02T14:13:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**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 2, 2017, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove/800494/121 "2017-12-02T20:37:58Z")
> [@madsircool](#): > > Ootani said he wanted to go to a team without a legacy of Japanese players. So I’m guessing that rules out the Yankees. Interesting. That would seemingly eliminate Seattle, as well. ---
**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 2, 2017, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove/800494/122 "2017-12-02T22:06:13Z")
> [@madsircool](#): > > Ootani said he wanted to go to a team without a legacy of Japanese players. So I’m guessing that rules out the Yankees. Where did you read that? I’ve been pouring over Baseball sites and never saw that tidbit. ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2017, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove/800494/123 "2017-12-02T22:25:24Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > Where did you read that? I’ve been pouring over Baseball sites and never saw that tidbit. MLBTR I believe reporting on Japanese media. ---
**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2017, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove/800494/124 "2017-12-02T23:03:14Z")
The smart move for Ohtani would be signing in Minnesota instead of being thrown into the cauldron of New York. He’s an intriguing player but he’s not going to be an overpowering pitcher in MLB. I’m not convinced that he’ll even be as good as Darvish or Tanaka. ---
**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 3, 2017, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove/800494/125 "2017-12-03T15:39:23Z")
> [@Superdude](#): > > And it’s Aaron Boone. Poor guy. He’ll have to deal with massive expectations not only to win it all NOW, but with ludicrous dynasty forecasts, while coping with second-year rookie fall-off and the N.Y. media microscope. Meantime, Girardi will be experiencing blessed peace. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2017, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove/800494/126 "2017-12-03T18:41:17Z")
Reported for inaccurate thread title. The stove is still cold. Jk btw. ---
**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 4, 2017, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove/800494/127 "2017-12-04T15:26:52Z")
Ohtani presented a bombshell and eliminated the eastern teams from consideration. 7 teams left apparently. The Mariners, Padres, Angels, Dodgers, Giants, Rangers and Cubs Good luck where ever, happy it won’t be a rival at least. Plan B for the Yanks: CC Sabathia I believe will be the easiest fit with the least questions. THe Yanks know he’s aging and will miss some time but they also know he can pitch in NY and will be affordable. Last year CC went 14-5, 27 starts, 3.69 ERA. I still expect the Yanks to trade a veteran outfielder. Ellsbury the hardest to trade but the priority. Failing that, Gardner or Hicks will probably be moved. ---
**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 4, 2017, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove/800494/128 "2017-12-04T15:47:50Z")
\*\*The other big story, Stanton. \*\*Frameworks for deals to the Giants & Cards are in place. Miami is waiting to hear back from Stanton and his agents if either deal is acceptable. ---
**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2017, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove/800494/129 "2017-12-04T15:52:56Z")
No way Hicks gets moved. He’s not a free agent until 2020 and Cashman has already said he expects him to be the starting centerfielder. My preference would be to eat as much of Ellsbury’s contract as it takes to ship him out. On the other hand, I’m not even sure that Frazier is MLB ready, and if not, having Ellsbury as a fourth outfielder/pinch runner would be acceptable. As for Ohtani, I hope he goes to San Diego. They deserve another go round after being spurned by Hideki Irabu. ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2017, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove/800494/130 "2017-12-05T16:23:06Z")
Miles Mikolas to sign multiyear deal with the Cards according to MLBTR. ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2017, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove/800494/131 "2017-12-05T17:49:11Z")
Angels sign former Brave prospect Kevin Maitan. I hope this doesn’t mean they can’t sign Ohtani too. ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove/800494/132 "2017-12-07T02:39:03Z")
Angels and M’s add another million in international bonus money in trades with the Twins. ---
**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove/800494/133 "2017-12-07T11:51:50Z")
> [@madsircool](#): > > Angels sign former Brave prospect Kevin Maitan. I hope this doesn’t mean they can’t sign Ohtani too. If the Angels got Ohtani, what would they do with Pujols? ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove/800494/134 "2017-12-07T15:04:51Z")
> [@BlankSlate](#): > > No way Hicks gets moved. He’s not a free agent until 2020 and Cashman has already said he expects him to be the starting centerfielder. My preference would be to eat as much of Ellsbury’s contract as it takes to ship him out. On the other hand, I’m not even sure that Frazier is MLB ready, Hicks will be 28 next year. He played very well last year, but given his health history and that it may have been a peak value year, I would think Cashman would at least listen to an offer. I don’t know who’s angling to get him, though. ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove/800494/135 "2017-12-07T15:57:18Z")
> [@BlankSlate](#): > > If the Angels got Ohtani, what would they do with Pujols? Maybe platoon him at first with Cron? Apparently, he is working his ass off on his conditioning to take pressure off his Achilles. I wish him all the luck in the world. But if his metrics don’t improve in a hurry I would consider releasing him. Why? They have to pay him anyway and why pay him to drag the team down? ---
**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove/800494/136 "2017-12-07T16:10:55Z")
Four more years and $114 million. Ouch. In Japan, Ohtani was in a six man rotation and he wouldn’t DH in games before and after his starts, so I suppose Pujols could be a part time DH. I can’t see him playing first anymore, but maybe we’ll all be surprised. ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove/800494/137 "2017-12-07T16:34:20Z")
> [@BlankSlate](#): > > Four more years and $114 million. Ouch. > > In Japan, Ohtani was in a six man rotation and he wouldn’t DH in games before and after his starts, so I suppose Pujols could be a part time DH. I can’t see him playing first anymore, but maybe we’ll all be surprised. Josh Hamilton is a recent precedent with the Angels. Billy Eppler seems to be far too intelligent to allow any more of these crazy contracts. I, at least, haven’t heard any rumors of the Angels being interested in Stanton. Pujols hitting has declined rapidly and he is so slow that he hurts to team when he gets on base. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2017, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove/800494/138 "2017-12-07T17:09:34Z")
Noted steroid user Rafael Palmeiro is looking at making a [MLB comeback](http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/21693459/rafael-palmeiro-53-wants-make-back-mlb). ---
**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 7, 2017, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove/800494/139 "2017-12-07T18:52:22Z")
> [@Ike\_Witt](#): > > Noted steroid user Rafael Palmeiro is looking at making a [MLB comeback](http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/21693459/rafael-palmeiro-53-wants-make-back-mlb). Don’t see any team treating this seriously. Makes me wonder if he moved on to some more recreational drug post steroids. ---
**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 7, 2017, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove/800494/140 "2017-12-07T19:30:56Z")
> [@](#): > > Baltimore general manager Dan Duquette did not entirely dismiss the notion of giving Palmeiro a shot. Dan Duquette might be dumber than I thought, and I thought he was pretty dumb. > [@](#): > > “It would be an interesting story,” Duquette said. “It’s like tying your shoes … If you can hit, then you can hit.” I am utterly astonished that Duquette thinks this. Hitting is not like tying your shoes. I don’t care who you are, if you haven’t hit MLB pitching in 12 years, you don’t just step in the batter’s box and not miss a beat. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove/800494.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-hot-stove/800494.md?page=8)