David Schoenfield

  (1:01 PM)

Let's go ...

Erik (Omaha)

The Youkilis trade concerns me because it seems like such a steal for the White Sox. What is wrong with Youk if the Red Sox were willing to give him away for a really bad pitcher and a versatile (yet light hitting) utility guy?

David Schoenfield

  (1:02 PM)

I just don't think teams were going to give up much for him considering his slow start and injuries. Maybe some teams don't think he can still play third base. But I'm with you: For $2 million in salary and two players without much upside, seems like a steal for the White Sox.

Derek (Iowa City)

I have to admit, I am pretty pumped that a manager actually let his starter save his bullpen. Kudos Joe Maddon!

David Schoenfield

  (1:04 PM)

Alex Cobb became the first pitcher since Randy Johnson in 1998 to give up eight runs and throw a CG. 113 pitches. Why not? Managers should probably be a little more willing to let the starters go a little longer once the game is basically lost (down 5-6 runs). Bobby V used to do that with the Mets at times.

Josh Kay ( @Rays_Nut1292) (Tarpon Springs)

Mariners did a smart thing i think by having Taijuan Walker skipping High A High Desert; performing in double A now, what's the likelihood of Triple A by the end of the year and a Major League ETA of early 2013?

David Schoenfield

  (1:05 PM)

I think he stays in Double-A all year. He had a hot start but not dominating as much lately (4.35 ERA, 1.40 WHIP). He's only 19. No need to rush. ETA probably more like September of 2013.

Derek (Iowa City)

I haven't seen King Felix pitch much this year outside of highlights.. Anything you have seen to explain why he's gotten roughed up a few times? Pure bad luck..or legitimately getting hit hard..or both?

David Schoenfield

  (1:08 PM)

I haven't seen him in a few weeks. His changeup is terrific, so I think it has to do with his other pitches. Without looking at the numbers, his fastball may be more hittable due to a slight drop in velocity. First batters of innings are hitting .316 off him -- maybe he's laying too many meaty first-pitch strikes in there?

Marty (Fairfield, CT)

What's your take on daily interleague play? I think it's silly if the leagues still use two different rules, and consequently, set up two different rosters.

David Schoenfield

  (1:09 PM)

That's starting to become my take as well. Once we enter "every day is interleague day" next year, seems wrong to ask teams to play with different rosters. As Jim Bowden wrote yesterday, probably becoming inevitable that the NL will switch to the DH at some point.

JM (Dayton, OH)

What is your prediction for the NL Central? Do we see another second half collapse from the Pirates due to offensive struggles?

David Schoenfield

  (1:11 PM)

If I had to pick right now, I'd go Reds, Cardinals, Pirates, but I say that with no confidence. Latos looked like great last for example, but Brewers a great match up for him (no left-handed power bats). Reds have holes, Pirates can't hit, Cardinals have bullpen issues.

Matt (Seattle)

The AllSatr game is creeping up closely, who do you have as the starting pitchers for both sides?

David Schoenfield

  (1:11 PM)

Right now, probably Dickey or Cain in the NL, Verlander in the AL.

Jason (St Louis)

Do you find it as amusing as I do that readers accuse you of being a Red Sox homer every time you write an article on them?

David Schoenfield

  (1:12 PM)

I've also been accused of hating the Sox. Just goes with the territory.

Sean (US)

Who should the Dodgers fear more? The Giants or the Dbacks?

David Schoenfield

  (1:14 PM)

Good question. Diamondbacks are looking much better lately. Upton finally hitting, Goldschmidt starting to hit, Miley looks awesome. Now Trevor Bauer is supposed to start. If they can get Daniel Hudson (6.60 ERA, starts tonight) and Ian Kennedy pitching close to last year, that could be a tough, five-deep rotation. Of course, you could say the same thing about the Giants and Lincecum.

David Schoenfield

  (1:15 PM)

To answer the question ... slight edge to Arizona, if only because they have ROOM for improvement over how they've played so far.

Drew (new York)

Any way to fix the Mets bullpen woes?

David Schoenfield

  (1:15 PM)

Gotta make a couple deals. You can pick up relievers pretty cheaply.

Frank (Yonkers)

I know the Yankee rotation has been strong, but I'm still not convinced they have a real #2 behind CC (yes, maybe Pettitte keeps it up this year and maybe in 2013/4 Pineda becomes that, but big maybes, no?). Do you think the Yanks roll with what they've got and hope one of their prospects with high end stuff fulfills that promise? Do they try and make themselves world series favorites this year by trying to trade for Hammels or Greinke? Do they risk another long term big salary deal blowing up on them in the hopes that they can secure a high end front of rotation by signing someone like Hammels or Greinke in the offseason?

David Schoenfield

  (1:18 PM)

I think the Yankees become *clear* favorite if they make a Hamels/Greinke deal. And, yes, I'm with you: I think Pettitte slots in more as a No. 3 playoff guy right now, with Kuroda the No. 4. If they're willing to move some of their Class A guys -- Mason Williams, Gary Sanchez, etc. -- they may be able to swing a deal. Wouldn't shock me.

Josh Kay ( @Rays_Nut1292) (Tarpon Springs)

Will Danny Hultzen join the Mariners rotation sometime this season? First start in Triple A was a bit of a clunker, but he reminds me of a Tom Milone type guy, he just knows how to pitch; nothing flashy.

David Schoenfield

  (1:19 PM)

He throws much harder than Milone. Yes, he'll be up some point. Rough start in Triple-A debut. Colorado Springs, I believe. Welcome to the PCL, Danny!

Steve (Atlanta)

Jason Heyward. He's back?

David Schoenfield

  (1:20 PM)

I hope so. And, yes, I believe so ... OK, maybe he's not Stanton (or Harper/Trout), but he's going to make a lot of All-Star teams in his career.

Vinny (New York)

How many hits do you think Derek Jeter will have at the end of his career?

David Schoenfield

  (1:21 PM)

38 years old today ... how long he can play? 41? Three more years after this at 160 hits per year? That's another 480 hits ... maybe close to 3700? I'll say 3,675.

Sean (Sean)

Felix made an adjustment in his alignment about 2-3 starts ago after reviewing tape of previous years. He has pitched very well (10Ks last start) and his velo is a little better

David Schoenfield

  (1:21 PM)

Great. Thanks for the update, Sean.

Carl (MA)

Why does Nick Punto get meaningful at-bats? I don't care about his grit and intangibles. He's not a good baseball player.

David Schoenfield

  (1:23 PM)

S-C-R-A ...

Jason (St Louis)

Did you catch any of the Cardinals Marlins last night? Yikes, it's tough times in Miami. Stadium was empty also.

David Schoenfield

  (1:24 PM)

I was watching Reds-Brewers, but I saw what happened with Heath Bell ... although he had been pitching very well over the past month. But I think it's becoming clear the Marlins aren't as good as most people believed. And I agree that fan support has been disappointing given the new park and free agent signings.

Jason (St Louis)

The park in Miami makes Petco look like the Great American Ballpark.

John (Cincinnati, Oh)

I noticed that Aviles has his OBP under .300. Is the door opening for Iglesias?

David Schoenfield

  (1:26 PM)

Hmm ... I don't think this year. Aviles has RBIs so he must be producing! I believe Iglesias just returned from an injury as well.

Alex Nix (Atlanta, GA)

"OK, maybe [Heyward's] not Stanton..."But hasn't he been better than Stanton so far this year? He's got the same 137 wRC+ and he's always been a better fielder and baserunner. I'm still not sure who I would take between the two long-term.

David Schoenfield

  (1:28 PM)

Didn't realize that. You'd think Marlins Park would translate as a pitcher's park (those boosting Stanton's OPS+ and RC ) but maybe not. Stanton having a terrible June, .198, so I guess they are pretty even.

John (Pitt)

Why aren't we getting any respect? We're tied with the Cardinals in the standings and only two back of the Reds.

David Schoenfield

  (1:28 PM)

I hear the same thing from Orioles fans! Don't worry about respect and just enjoy the ride.

Person (DC)

hypothetically, in a Castro for Machado proposal, the Cubs say no, right?

David Schoenfield

  (1:29 PM)

Yes ... proven commodity more valuable.

Norman (NY)

If the Brewers do decide to trade Greinke what type of package do you think they can get for him?

David Schoenfield

  (1:32 PM)

Well, who's he comparable to ... Cliff Lee a couple years ago when the Mariners traded him to the Rangers? M's got a first-base prospect who was already in the majors. Smoak entered that year as Keith Law's No. 9 prospect. Other guys were marginal prospects (Blake Beavan). So I think you're looking at a top-25 kind of prospect since Greinke can be a difference maker, or three players who all grade out as B/B+ guys as opposed to an A and two Cs.

Alex (Atlanta, GA)

Good point on park factors. Not sure how trustworthy they are for the Marlins new park at this point.

David Schoenfield

  (1:34 PM)

It could be that Miami's park doesn't affect run SCORING but affects home runs. That's always the problem with park effects. A guy like Stanton is probably better suited for any other park, even though his numbers don't get a sabermetric "boost" from playing there.

Tarek (NYC)

Who knew the Brewers fans loved there stadium that much! Can't imagine it's nicer than SF, Pitt or Camden Yards.

David Schoenfield

  (1:35 PM)

Brewers have great fan support. But you're right ... who knew?!?!

Erik (Minneapolis)

Carl in Mass... Welcome to life with Little Nicky Punto. Gardy's favorite. Seen a head-first slide into first lately?

Marty (Fairfield, CT)

Stanton WAR 2.0Hayward WAR 3.0

David Schoenfield

  (1:37 PM)

That's from FanGraphs. I wonder if something fishy is going on. Bourn, Prado and Heyward rate 2-3-4 among NL outfielders in FanGraphs WAR. Thanks, in part, to great defensive numbers by their metric. And yet Braves are just 11th in NL in ERA.

Tom (UCSB)

Breaking News: Cole Hamels says he voted for Bryce Harper. Is this only news because Bryce Harper hasn't been doing anything on the field lately?

David Schoenfield

  (1:39 PM)

Nice. Would be fun to see players reveal their votes. They probably do a worse job than the fans.

Sean (Seattle)

Camden Yards, definite trend setter, but is way overrated now. Crazy that you can't see the field from the main concourse there...

Neil (NYC)

different versions of WAR. another reason we dont like #'s

Jason (St Louis)

Switch Stanton and Heyward with their respective teams and Stanton would be leading the league in HRs.

Drew (Mpls)

Hamels just wants to give Harper a swirly in the All Star game toilets. You know, just like Walter Johnson did to Rogers Hornsby back in the day. OLD SCHOOL BASEBALL!!

David Schoenfield

  (1:40 PM)

Maybe the veterans can find a way to lock out Harper, like Isiah Thomas did with Michael Jordan when Jordan was a rookie.

Eric (Chicago)

I go to Milwaukee every year...PNC is far and away better than Miller Park. Pittsburgh has long forgotten they have a baseball team. Miller Park is the same as Chase Field, one with a slide, the other with a pool.

Charles (San Jose)

Is Wade Miley really this good?

David Schoenfield

  (1:41 PM)

Touched on him yesterday. Great slider makes him effective versus righties. Throws strikes. Is he THIS good? No, but I think he can be a solid No. 3 guy.

Neil (NYC)

BallPark factors are the same for all types of hitters. makes no sense!

David Schoenfield

  (1:43 PM)

I'm saying ballpark factors only look at the run-scoring environment of the park, not whether it helps certain types of hitters (right-handers or left-handers) or if it hurts certain types of hitters. Fenway, for example, is actually fairly neutral as a run-scoring park, but it clearly "helps" a dead pull hitter like Pedroia or opposite-field lefty like Ortiz (or Boggs back in the day).

Jason (St Louis)

Miller Park is nice. I've been there and had a good time but to say it's the best in baseball is absurd. Most of the fans that voted it best probably have never set foot in a different stadium.

Person (DC)

Harper's biggest problem IMO is that as of now a left-handed pitcher just needs to throw him breaking junk away and he can't get to it even to foul it off...

David Schoenfield

  (1:44 PM)

That was certainly Keith Law's scouting report when Harper was first recalled. You're starting to see pitchers finally take advantage. But he'll learn ...

Sean (Phoenix)

Be honest: if you voted right now, would you vote for Miley or Harper for NL ROY?

David Schoenfield

  (1:44 PM)

Miley

Justin (Redlands, CA)

If you had an AL MVP vote, who are your top 5?

David Schoenfield

  (1:46 PM)

Hamilton, Trout, Jones ... hmm, maybe Konerko and Andrus? Cano, although his RISP is terrible (.149 or something). Verlander. Not too sure after the first three.

Joe (Joe)

Mike Trout's leading the league in hitting....wow

Steve (Baltimore)

I generally agree with proven commodity over prospect, but there is no way I'd trade Machado for Castro, especially with Hardy occupying short for another year or two.

Alex (Atlanta, GA)

On park factors, I know StatCorner has break downs for specific categories (1B, 2B, 3B, HR, K, BB, wOBA, etc.) separately for RHH and LHH.

Ian Desmond (Not On First)

My power seems legit but I can't take a walk to save my life. Any reason to think this will change, and if not can I be considered the shortstop of the future going forward?

David Schoenfield

  (1:48 PM)

Sure, why not? In this day and age, your power makes you a league average hitter even with the low OBP.

David (Yucaipa, CA)

Shouldn't Bryce Harper enthusiasts be concerned with his 12.7% swinging strike rate?

David Schoenfield

  (1:49 PM)

Josh Hamilton has the "worst" percentage in the majors ... so, in Harper's case, I'd say no.

David Schoenfield

  (1:50 PM)

Meaning he's a special talent and he's just 19. Not a concern right now.

CC (Atlanta)

Desmond is the worst fielding SS in the league. Between that and the huge K numbers, he'll never be a legit "future" guy.

David Schoenfield

  (1:51 PM)

I don't think he's the worst. Too many errors, but a great arm, range seems OK. I can live with him as my starting SS.

Person (DC)

Nationals enthusiasts are concerned with the TEAM's 11% swinging strike rate, which would be the highest in MLB at the team level since the 2007 Rays... who were still the Devil Rays at the time...

David Schoenfield

  (1:53 PM)

Yes, you'd prefer not to have an entire team of guys like that. I think the issue there is that in October you're probably more likely to face better pitchers with higher K rates and so forth, so the inability to put the ball in play could be a big problem.

dc (dc)

You can see the field from the concourse at Nats Park, and yet it's still 100x worse than Camden Yards. Putting a Build A Bear in your ballpark doesn't equal an amazing experience.

Tony (Vegas on my way back to Seattle)

Thank you for the A.D. reference. He was THE Mariner before anyone cared about the Mariners outside of the 206.

Clay (Pettit)

Better defensively, Simmons or Blauser?

David Schoenfield

  (1:54 PM)

I do believe that's the first Jeff Blauser in one of my chats! Haven't seen enough of Simmons, but reports of course are great. Wasn't Blauser more steady than rangy?

Tarek (NYC)

Ian Desmond can turn it around like Trumbo did or he could be the next Frenchy. It depends on what he wants to do about his OBP.

David Schoenfield

  (1:56 PM)

I don't think Desmond will ever be great. My argument is more that a shortstop who hits .263/.299/.444 in 2012 is just fine. Not great, not terrible, just fine. He's 11th among MLB shortstops in wOBA. A lot of teams would love to have him right now, despite the flaws.

Hek (Wilmington (De))

a little Late to the party today.. What is your take on Ackley's Bat? This is one of those prospects I always thought would spend minimal time adjusting bc he was just too good of a hitter to fail. Could time on the Farm be helpful?

David Schoenfield

  (1:58 PM)

Dave Cameron wrote a good post on Ackley a couple weeks ago on USS Mariner. He's still optimistic. I'm a little less so; in part, as you, because he was billed as this polished college prospect. OK, he's got a full season of PAs under his belt. Time to start seeing some improvement. I will say this: Kyle Seager hits the ball *harder* than Ackley.

CC (Atlanta)

Um Blauser wasn't a great fielder. Not bad either but certainly not a guy you would compare anyone to. Simmons is much better.

Person (DC)

also, i'm just not sure Desmond is a true-talent .200 ISO guy

David Schoenfield

  (1:58 PM)

Good point; could be over his head in that department so far.

James (New Haven)

Should the Angels consider benching Morales more often, in favor of a Trout, Bourjos, Hunter outfield, and Trumbo at DH?

David Schoenfield

  (1:59 PM)

I do think that's their best team, but I love Bourjos. I think the offense/defense tradeoff would be a small win.

Doug (Cincy)

Is Johnny Cueto really this good? He has been lights out this year and last year.

David Schoenfield

  (2:00 PM)

A lot of skeptics coming into the year due to his low K rate last year. But he's doing it again. Throws strikes, keeps the ball in the park in a tough HR park. I'm a believer. Worthy All-Star ... even a possible starter.

Donny (Toronto)

What is Edwin Encarncions trade value in your opinion? Could he bring back a Top A pitching prospect close to the majors?

David Schoenfield

  (2:02 PM)

I'd keep him. He's producing a lot of runs right now. And, no, I don't think he fetches a Grade A pitching prospect due to really being a DH.

The Ancient Mariner (Seattle)

Danny Meyer and Leon Roberts were the Alvin Davises of their day, and don't you forget it!

David Schoenfield

  (2:02 PM)

Can you tell me what famous attribute Danny Meyer had when he played?

arnold (chicago)

chris sale has been better than verlander this year, why not give him the nod at starter?

David Schoenfield

  (2:03 PM)

Umm, similar ERAs and Verlander has pitched 30 more innings.

Marty (Fairfield, CT)

Will teams continuet to overpay 9th inning relief pitchers? The Yankees havent really missed a beat since Mo's injury. Unfortunalty it doesnt fit the narrative of the 'indispensable closer'.

Alex (OH)

Reason for your twitter pic being George Foster? I'm a fan.

David Schoenfield

  (2:04 PM)

Loved him as a kid after the 52-homer season.

Zolty (NY)

Best player over the next five years: Trout or Harper?

David Schoenfield

  (2:05 PM)

Ha ... and you regulars though we would avoid this question this week. Trout (barely) due to all-around game.

Tarek (NYC)

Trade Felix! :) I figure a Yankee or Red Sox fan says that at least once ever chat.

Yelton (Chitown)

The White Sox are a big, physical team. They look better suited to be a football team. Do they pursue big athletes as a plan or is this just my wrong thinking?

David Schoenfield

  (2:06 PM)

Hmm, interesting ... Kenny Williams has always liked power guys for that park, so I think that's the reason.

Drew (Mpls)

When Trevor Plouffe invented the world and universe do you think he knew man would feel pain? I wonder why he made that decision. And the answer to the quesiton above this is PLOUFFE.

David Schoenfield

  (2:07 PM)

Drew, you always get a great line in during this chats. A perfect conclusion to today's chat. It's Trevor Plouffe's world right now and we're just living in it. That's all for now. Enjoy your baseball, everyone!