David Schoenfield

  (1:01 PM)

I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see Yoenis Cespedes. Who says nobody cares about the A's?

Joey (Washington, D.C.)

The Nationals will make the playoffs this year. You heard it here first!

Anthony (Washington, D.C.)

Do you think the Nationals have the #1 farm system in the league?

David Schoenfield

  (1:03 PM)

Umm, no. Keith Law ranked them 21st. Outside of Harper and Rendon, not much there right now as they depleted the farm in the Gio Gonzalez trade.

David (VA)

When do you expect Bryce Harper to come up to the Majors? I think he will come up at the end of May/early June.

David Schoenfield

  (1:04 PM)

As much as Davey Johnson would like to see him open with the Nats, I think a couple months in Triple-A are necessary. Late May/early June sounds exactly right to me.

Lincoln (MO)

What are the chances that the Royals will be able to resign Hosmer when his contract is up and actually be able continue to get better and compete?

David Schoenfield

  (1:04 PM)

Can we worry about that in five years? A lot can change in that span.

Brady (MN)

You said Adam Dunn hit this off-season for the first time in his career, which begs the obvious follow-up question: Did he actually make contact with anything?

David Schoenfield

  (1:05 PM)

Ouch.

Robert (Los Angeles of Huntington Beach)

I have been hearing a ton of rumors about Bourjos going to Washington for Lannan, would a few more pieces and Bourjos make sense to bring Zimmerman here? There is a framework there somewhere, or am I just being a homer?

David Schoenfield

  (1:06 PM)

It must be Nationals day here at Chat Central. First, I wouldn't trade Bourjos straight up for Lannan. You have an elite center fielder with hitting potential for ... a finesse lefty who gives up a few too many baserunners for my tastes. Zimmerman WANTS to stay in D.C. (he's from Virginia) and I think the sides will get a deal done.

dusty (newbury vermont)

Hi David,I;m waiting for Roy Oswalt to land in St. louis . Whats your thought? and do you think their is any more moves for them?

David Schoenfield

  (1:08 PM)

Reds GM Walt Jocketty said yesterday that he thinks Oswalt is waiting for the Rangers to clear space. But Rangers GM Jon Daniels said the other day that the Rangers are already over budget and I don't see anyone he could move (or is likely to move). So ... yes, maybe that puts Oswalt in St. Louis. Cards look set otherwise.

Mike S (CT)

David, I'm sure that you, like most fans, were thrilled to see the Mariners kick of spring training with pitchers and catchers reporting to camp in Arizona. However, in seeing video, it looks like the team's rookie hazing was kind of lazy. While most teams' veterans dress up the young guys in an embarrassing, pop culture-inspired outfit, Jesus Montero was spotted with a face mask and chest protector, as though he was pretending to be a catcher. What are your thoughts on this rather dull attempt at (what I assume to be) building camaraderie?

David Schoenfield

  (1:10 PM)

Mike, Mike, Mike ... kudos for that one.

Ron (Tampa)

Wade Davis or Jeff Niemann more likely to get traded? Or, will one of them end up in the bullpen?

David Schoenfield

  (1:13 PM)

First, there's nothing wrong with having depth in the rotation. (The Rays also have Alex Cobb.) I'm not a big fan of Davis as he just hasn't developed into the power, strikeout pitcher that many envisioned. My guess, however, is Tampa gives him one more shot in the rotation, with Niemann more likely to be traded or put in the pen. I don't think Niemann brings much on the trade market, however -- had some injury issues last year and struggled down the stretch. Teams will want to see if he's 100 percent.

Theo Backer (Chi-town)

Is Soler a done deal? Conflicting reports all over. I want this guy!

David Schoenfield

  (1:15 PM)

Nothing official yet. Chicago Tribune reported a deal is "expected" to happen, but as we learned with Pujols, Prince and Cespedes, we can ignore rumors or "expected" signings.

Tyler (Spokane)

So now that the mariners have 3 guys on the roster who call themselves catchers do you foresee a move? Maybe for a stop gap third baseman? Olivo for Inge would make some sense for both teams

David Schoenfield

  (1:17 PM)

Mariners would be better off letting Kyle Seager play third base. BTW, I'm not such why everybody is reluctant to discount Seager. Maybe he doesn't profile as a 20-HR third baseman, but I think he'll hit, draw some walks and hold his own as a former shortstop. Give him the job and see what he can do.

Mike (San Diego)

Cespedes to the A's. How does that make sense?

David Schoenfield

  (1:19 PM)

I think a big part of the deal is the A's agreed to let him go after four seasons (by agreeing not offer him arbitration). That potentially was a sticking point for other teams. The other possibility: the A's just overpaid. Obviously, they're never going to sign a big-bat free agent until they get a new park, so this could be viewed as their only way to get a middle of the order bat (albeit one with a high risk).

Edgar (Bay Area)

Is it possible that the Giants by July 1 could have Belt at 1B, Gary Brown in CF, with Melky and Pagan in the corner OFs? That seems like a much better defense.

David Schoenfield

  (1:21 PM)

Hmm, I think it's a bit of a stretch to expect Brown to arrive that soon since he hasn't played above Class A. Seems more like a September call-up to me. (You never know, of course; he could up Double-A.) But, yes, I think the less Aubrey Huff, the better the Giants are.

Lane (Kukuihaele, HI)

Is Dee Gordon the fastest player in baseball???

David Schoenfield

  (1:22 PM)

In the majors? Probably. Billy Hamilton in the minors is probably the fastest guy in pro ball right now.

Alex (UK)

the nationals want a center fielder, possibly Upton. What would it take to get upton in free agency or at the trade deadline

David Schoenfield

  (1:24 PM)

The Rays are going for it this year, so they're not trading Upton unless they're out of it. As a free agent, hmm .. he'll be 28 in August ... 5 years, $70 million?

Roy (Santa Anita)

Fastest player in the majors??? Um.... I remember some kid named Trout that was compared speed wise to a pre-injury Mantle.......

David Schoenfield

  (1:25 PM)

I think Gordon and Trout both rate an 80 in speed. Hamilton is apparently off-the-charts fast.

Tim (Cincinnati)

It seems like Jay Bruce has slowly been getting better each season. If he puts it all together could he have MVP type seasons??

David Schoenfield

  (1:26 PM)

Check out my post from last week: http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/20708/bruce-mccutchen-rasmus-future-mvps

David Schoenfield

  (1:27 PM)

My argument on Bruce would be that (A) he's not really getting any better; (B) doesn't mean he can't have a career season, 40 home runs, etc. (C) Still not sure that would be MVP-caliber, as I don't see him hitting for a high enough average.

Roy (Santa Anita)

I do not want to hear Beane, or anyone in the media cry about the A's and money...... they just gave a guy that hasnt played a single inning 36 million guarenteed.

Kevin (Motown)

The city of Detroit is flat out buzzing with anticipation for this year... What are the holes that this team still has to fill to reach the lofty expectations the Prince signing just placed on this team? Lefty Starting Pitcher? DH?

Protester (MI)

Prince gets 9 years, $214 million from Detroit Tigers, yet all around him is misery: the nation's highest foreclosure rate, the second highest violent crime rate, and more than half of all children living in poverty. Why doesn't anyone else have a problem with that?

David Schoenfield

  (1:28 PM)

How are the two items related? So the city of Detroit should ban professional sports? I'm not sure I understand your point.

Dave (Buffalo)

I see all this talk about Burnett to Pirates and Oswalt getting feelers but short of 10 mil/yr. Wouldnt it make sense for a team like KC to get involved? Some of Burnett's numbers suggest he did not pitch as poorly as his conventional numbers say he did. KC could eat a good portion of salary and send little back, thus getting 200 innings of most likely superior pitching to what they have now. As for blocking a rotation spot, most or all of our prospects need more time in minors and if he is pitching well you could possibly flip Burnett into something small and recover some salary. If he pitches well, you can also keep him and have him towards top of rotation in '13 when he is in contract year which historically has made him a better pitcher. Or instead offer Oswalt a year or two 10-20 million and operate under same strategy. Oswalt would also be a good mentor to all of the youth.

David Schoenfield

  (1:30 PM)

I agree in the sense that K.C. is "closer" to being able to compete for the playoffs than the Pirates. And the Royals do need another starter, as some of their young pitchers just haven't developed as expected (Montgomery, Duffy was so-so, Lamb got injured, etc.)

Lane (Kukuihaele, HI)

I can't wait to see if Cespedes can hit a breaking ball...

bananas (dc)

Is Dan Duquette's strategy to sign 15-20 below average players and hope that 1 or 2 of them manages to have a good year?

David Schoenfield

  (1:31 PM)

Darts. Board.

Joe (St Petersburg)

Have you heard anything about Tommy Hanson's new mechanics? I see he looks like a mountain man now

David Schoenfield

  (1:32 PM)

All I heard was that he's "shortening" his delivery to help get rid of an apparent hitch of some sort. I'd be worried if I'm a Braves fan. Shoulder injury, new delivery ... very worried.

Tim (Cincinnati)

Jay Bruce's May last season was crazy. Doesnt that show his potential or just a fluke?

David Schoenfield

  (1:35 PM)

I think it just means he's a streaky hitter. The next month he hit .217 with two HRs. I just don't see him getting better and more consistent unless he cuts down on the strikeouts. Very few hitters can strike out 150-160 times and be consistent.

Singular Kendry (LA)

Did the addition of the "S" to his name jinx Morales or can he return to a 30 and 100 type middle of the order player. Remove that S and maybe we get stats back and some health.

David Schoenfield

  (1:36 PM)

No idea. Heard Angels assistant GM Scott Servais on the radio the other night and the club is optimistic, but he said until Morales starts seeing game action you just don't know what he'll be able to do and how he'll hold up.

Jim (St. Louis)

Rasmus?? HAHAHA

David Schoenfield

  (1:37 PM)

Did you read the story?

Colonel Sanders (Weymouth, MA)

Does the criticism of Josh Beckett motivate him to achieve a potential CY Young type season or does his smug attitude always hold the obvious talent back?

David Schoenfield

  (1:38 PM)

I don't think many players are motivated by "criticism." They're either motivated or they're not (and most are). Beckett's problem is he's only pitched 200 innings once in the past four seasons and it's not a smug attitude that is preventing that.

Mike (San Diego)

I guess my question was more because every move the A's have made recently would lead you to believe that they don't want any part of contending during Cespedes' contract.

David Schoenfield

  (1:41 PM)

Well, looking at the ages of everybody on the roster, they're aiming for 2014 and 2015, the last two years' of Cespedes' contract. Is that realistic? Probably not, considering the resources of the Rangers and Angels and the fact that the Mariners probably have more high upside talent. But maybe Beane looks at that IF Cespedes meets expectations, he's also a possible trade chip?

Scott (NYC)

Who hangs up first? Mccutchen for Profar and M. Perez?

David Schoenfield

  (1:42 PM)

Very interesting ... Profar is still SO far away that I'd be reluctant to make that deal from Pittsburgh's standpoint. But I can see reasons why the Pirates would do that.

Don Mattingly (LA)

Will I ever be at least an average major league manager? Can managerial skills be learned over time?

David Schoenfield

  (1:42 PM)

Are you not an average major league manager right now?

Pete (Peoria)

Tony Campana of the Cubs is the fastest player

Tim (Cincinnati)

Matt Kemp struck out 159 and 170 the past 2 seasons.

David Schoenfield

  (1:43 PM)

Matt Kemp also hit .249 in 2010.

Jay (Kalamazoo)

Mike Ilitch has done more for the city of Detroit than almost anybody. He does not have to explain spending his own money on a team whose success will undeniably have a positive financial impact on the city.

Jack (Baltimore)

agreed, how are baseball and foreclosures related? If people don't go to the games, then they wont pay the players. Anyway, something for Baltimore fans, please? How about, Wieters this season, finally have a breakout offensive year to go with his defense???

David Schoenfield

  (1:45 PM)

Had a bit of a breakout in 2011. I see more improvement at the plate in 2012 -- .280, 25 HRs.

Ryan Ram (Montreal)

Hey David, Quick question before my class starts. What does everyone see in the reds this year. they were a 79 win team and the combined WAR from last year of their top 3 acquisitions ( mashall, madson, latos) is 7.3. how does this make them a division contender? wouldn't there have to be some epic collapse from the cards for reds to take the central?

David Schoenfield

  (1:46 PM)

Well, if Stubbs and Rolen play like they did in 2010 ... then you're back up to around 90 wins ... which is how many St. Louis won.

David Schoenfield

  (1:46 PM)

And more production from shortstop with Cozart. Reds' get zero at SS in 2011.

Dave (Buffalo)

To your point about Burnett, it just seems low risk for KC to do. If he is good maybe they come close to contending without trading pieces for future, if they dont contend and even if he is decent, there is somebody always looking at the deadline for a power arm which Burnett still has. With all that said, Jarrod Dyson might want to throw his name in there for fastest in the majors. He also is freakishly fast!

David Schoenfield

  (1:47 PM)

Exactly. If you only have to pay $5 million of his contract, I like the risk. And, yes, good call on Dyson.

Chris (KC)

Am I crazy to ask how Tommy Hanson, who short-arms his delivery more than anybody else I've ever seen, shorten his delivery any more? What is he shortening?

David Schoenfield

  (1:49 PM)

Here's a quote from Hanson: "I'm really just cutting out that pause," Hanson said. "I felt like I was throwing with all arm. Also, by changing, I could kill two birds with one stone as far as cutting down the running game. Somebody gets on and they have just run all day. I think it's going to help both."

David Schoenfield

  (1:50 PM)

So I'm guessing he's talking about that pause when he brings the ball back behind him, thinking that will help relieve stress. So his basic motion remains the same.

Travis (Charlotte, NC)

I don't see how you compare Trout's speed to Mantle's. Isn't that just comparing a stopwatch time to a 60 year-old scouting report?

David Schoenfield

  (1:52 PM)

Well, sure, but isn't that how baseball people and fans think? For people my age, maybe we compare Trout's speed to Vince Coleman or Willie Wilson.

Jake (Grand Rapids, MI)

How important is it to build a team that has situational ability in the postseason in the spring? The Tigers were outclassed in the ALCS by middle relief and team speed. . .do you wait to address that before the training deadline with call ups and not worry about it until playoff rosters?

David Schoenfield

  (1:53 PM)

Well, the Tigers' team speed is what it is. As for middle relief, I do think that's a concern. I don't think Detroit has to worry about making a move now, but I would certainly expect them to improve their bullpen at some point during the season.

Drew (Mpls)

Who was your favorite player from the SNPP Softball Team?

David Schoenfield

  (1:55 PM)

Well, as a Mariners fan, I gotta go with Griffey and his ginormous head.

Scott (NYC)

Ryan.... I think you have to add Mesoraco to that list as well.

Bob (Springfield, MO)

There are always many inconguities in the economy. People prospering while others starve. I understand the concern. Maybe we should all give what we would spend on one baseball game to a local food pantry.

David Schoenfield

  (1:55 PM)

Excellent suggestion, Bob.

Scott (NYC)

Add another B level prospect to Profar and Perez then. Makes so much sense for both teams. Mccutchen would be an animal in Arlington and the Pirates can legit rebuild around the promise of Taillon/Cole/Perez rotation.

David Schoenfield

  (1:57 PM)

I think it depends on what you think of Perez. I know the scouts still love the arm and he's very young, but he just hasn't put the numbers yet. Plus, for the Rangers ... Profar's timeline fits right with when Andrus would leave as a free agent.

Mike (Long Island )

Mickey Mantle was timed via stopwatch -- 3.1 seconds, home to first from the left side, which is just sick. See, they did have newfangled technology in the 1950s.

MR Burns (Springfield)

Mattingly will never be a average manager until he shave those side burns!

Raul (OKC)

I think the Trout/Mantle speed comparison comes in from.... fastest to first as a right handed hitter.

Domes (Wendy's drive-thru)

Whch of these guys has a legitimate shot to have a better year than last? Ichiro, Dunn, Wells, and Smoak.

David Schoenfield

  (1:58 PM)

1. Smoak2. Ichiro3. Wells4. Dunn

Jay (Kalamazoo)

Miguel Cabrera has already dropped 20-25 lbs in anticipation of a move to 3B. As he ballooned at 1B he still put up remarkable offensive stats, but all that weight was going to be awful tough for him to carry as he got older. Ignoring the negative impact on defense, don't you think this move could have a great long-term impact on his career?

David Schoenfield

  (2:00 PM)

If he keeps the weight off, yes. Weight wasn't a problem now -- he was just 28 last year -- but I think there's no doubt it would start being an issue in a few years. Look at a guy like Andruw Jones and how he started going downhill in his early 30s when he put on a bunch more pounds.

JJ (Liberty Twp, OH)

Who are your "breakout" stars for 2012?

David Schoenfield

  (2:01 PM)

Hmm, I'll have to think about that one. Sounds like a future post. Chatters, what do you think?

Ryan Ram (Montreal)

Scot...in 2010 when the reds won 91 games, they were 20-33 against teams over .500. people need to calm down. they got lucky that year. at best they are 85-88 wins and that is if EVERYTHING goes right.

Mike (Detroit)

It's funny the thing people forget about last season's post season "Short Comings" in Detroit are just how close they got to World Series. Texas didn't want Fistler again in game 7. And other than 6 they were in the other 3 losses. Toss in some rain effecting rotations... and you really had a pretty even ACLS. So just duplicating last year and making the playoffs = anything can happen

Chuck (Durango, co)

I believe stopwatches existed in the '50s. I'm sure someone timed Mantle. Steve Jobs didn't invent everything, you know.

Billy Hamilton (Dayton, OH)

Let me know the next time Tony Campana steals 103 bases in one season!!!

Travis (Charlotte, NC)

Jay, it says a lot more that Miguel Cabrera packed on those 20-25 lbs after signing a comfy long-term deal.

mk (albuquerque)

How are the two items related? So the city of Detroit should ban professional sports? I'm not sure I understand your point.specious or not, isn't it commonly argued that successful pro sports teams create jobs/economic activity?

David Schoenfield

  (2:04 PM)

Teams don't really create more jobs/economic activity. If fans weren't spending money on pro sports, they would just spend it on other entertainment -- movies, eating out, etc. Teams like to TELL taxpayers it creates more economic activity (so their new stadiums will be funded), but that's not really true.

Jesse (MN)

Mauer "breaks out" (again) this year now that he's healthy.

Mike (Long Island )

Which millionaire/billionaire MLB owner will be the next to try and blackmail their municipality to pay for a new stadium? More importantly, will any of them actually succeed in convincing elected officials that funding a stadium for billionaire owners is more valuable than adequately funding schools, physical infrastructure, public safety and public health? Just saying.....

Brian (Indy)

In case any of you haven't been to Detroit lately, downtown is WAY nicer with 3 pro teams all downtown (except Pistons). Detroit in downtown in the 80's was SCARY

Mike (Long Island )

David, thanks a million times over for defeating the "economic impact" argument made by people who want to give away the farm to billionaire owners. Dozens of independent studies (mostly from academic organizations, not politically connected groups) have scientifically demonstrated exactly your point.

Nick (Dayton, OH)

Desmond Jennings and Mike Leake will breakout this year

David Schoenfield

  (2:07 PM)

Actually, I do like Homer Bailey's chances as well.

Uh-Huh (Right Here)

Alex Presley = Breakout Candidate... his 2011 stats prove legit, and he puts up similar over a full season.Not MVP, but borderline all-star numbers...

David Schoenfield

  (2:08 PM)

OK, I'm late for a meeting! Have to run. Let's do this again next week. And I want everybody to be ready with their time running from home to first.