Spring training

And if he can continue to, you know, finish out this season on a high note, maybe continue to make some improvements throughout the offseason.

carry that success into next spring I think that he's got a shot at least at the rotation and you don't need to make a decision over the offseason you can hold him and see what happens come spring training but Taylor I know I always ask your opinion on my recommendations that's the point of this podcast but as a Giants fan I am especially curious to hear your thoughts on this one because I know that the Giants have some injured pieces that should be returning next year They even have maybe some prospects that could arrive at some point in 2027.

So do you think that Molina is maybe worth holding on to in deeper dynasty leagues to see what his job looks like in 2027? Or is he just a streaming option that you would feel more comfortable churning out for the next streamer through the playoffs here?

I'm torn on this one.

And this is why I wanted to specifically get your opinion on this one as a Giants fan, because you've got a little bit better pulse on the situation there with the Giants than I do.

So I was curious what you thought about his opportunities to maybe stick in the rotation next year.

I think it's unlikely, but I think it's an interesting opportunity where, especially in leagues where you've been eliminated from the playoffs before, you can grab him and just hold him without any fear of what might happen through the rest of the season here and then see what happens during spring training and whether or not he actually has a job that makes him worth holding on to.

Yeah.

Like, it, it feels crazy to associate him in that range, but time is passing and now the Royals have a pretty interesting relief prospect that they can mold, and they've had plenty of success on that front in recent years.

So I'm excited to see how he finishes this year, and really how he shows up to spring training next year.

It's a good call.

Thank you.

They do be saying that quite a bit, so.

They do.

I'm a spring training guy, but...

No, Coley's a spring training guy.

The Angels are a team that you expect to take care of, but they have to go and do it.

Swan says the spring training schedule is getting released today.

Brought me a chuckle, he says.

I'm not going to lie, I had a similar reaction during the spring training.

Yeah.

No chance.

29

markets that'll be really pleased with the results, I would imagine, including the ones in New York.

Figured we'd talk to him, have some fun.

Also, Johnny is the guy that got me set up at spring training where we hung out and watched the baseball game with Seinfeld.

So we could get into that as well throughout the course.

Huge Mets fan, big Knicks fan, was at game five as well.

yeah.

Because of you, Jerry Seinfeld, we're referencing here.

And Johnny and I met in spring training for the first time.

He was the one who orchestrated the game.

Looking through the year,

spring training is probably one of the busiest times for you.

You're down in Surprise over the course of spring camp.

What are the kind of things that you're doing there to help prepare you for the season? I mean, there's a lot of content to get in spring training, isn't there?

There is.

I mean, obviously, that's the only time of the year where everybody is at one spot, one location for a five, six week period.

So, you know, I use the early part of spring training, honestly, just to kind of be around, talk to the guys, get to know them.

And what invariably happens is that stories pop up.

Rich Barry in right field.

Mike Matheson... who worked out for the Yankees in spring training last year at third base.

Vic Pagel, center field, and Billy Muppet from the Yankees had faced before when he was in the Red Sox uniform during the pitching.

And as I recall, there were times when I had some trouble with Mr. Muppet.

Well, this is the last game of spring training.

An open date tomorrow and Tuesday.

Welcome, Yogi Day.

Mike Matheson, left-hand batter, takes it inside.

Yeah, I'm with you there.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Nationals give him a shot at the rotation next year coming out of spring training, but I think the bullpen is probably his long-term home as well.

Let's get into some recommendations, and let's start with an arm that you are bringing to us from not only Raj's article, but from your new favorite team, Taylor.

[laughs]

Oh, my gosh.

Isn't sugar the always hope spring training can cure? Well, for the baseball season, right? And Terry Collins putting the optimism in Yankee town.

I mean, everybody is optimistic right now.

You know, you really see, John, that every time there's a spring training, every team thinks they're going to win.

But in reality, there are a number of teams that really don't have a chance to win.

We end up talking as a club here where we say the Yankees have themselves a legitimate shot to play really important baseball come September of this season.

They said it was terrible here last year.

Everything bad that could happen happened.