February 28, 2025 • 12 mins
Ell's 2025 MLB Offseason Grades & X-Factors for American League AL East. Blue Jays. Orioles. Devil Rays. Red Sox. Yankees.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey, fundamentals and techniques, that's the key. Right sixteen minutes,
right sixty minute.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
I would like the welcoming the Sports Talk Round Censor
MLB edition, but MLB off season grades and X factor
for the American League. We'll start over with the AO East.
Start over with Toronto Blue Jays. I gave him a B.
Toronto Blue Jays started off by signing Anthony Santander on
a five year deal. Stick got him on a nice
(00:46):
price as he stayed on the market for a little while.
A nice pick up there, giving him a big bet
in the lineup. They traded for second baseman Andreson Menez
from the Guardians. He's a silent defensive player who knows
how to get on base. But it was more of
a cost cut move for the Guardians and they wanted
(01:07):
a little bit more power in their lineup. But Ronto
don't have that problem. It's definitely much needed second basement
for them. They signed veteran Picture mag Surez to a
one year deal, coming off a lot of injuries, you know,
still trying to regain it for him. Still nice pick
up there for them to choose to sign with them.
(01:30):
You know, they already have a pretty good pitching lineup,
so they're not too depending on them, which is good,
but said he's one of the best, so you never
know which version to make sure that they could get.
So silent pick up there the only real loss first
basement Spencer Lwitz, where they chose to trade away, but
(01:51):
he was more of a player that stepped out when
they had injuries. So being healthy again, I guess they
felt like they didn't really need them around. And of
course an X factor with shortstop Oap you know, coming
off of injury, played season last year and just differences
with the team. I know he's looking to rebound in
(02:11):
the contract year and I know the Blue Jays are
hoping to keep him around along with Lab they also
having contract issues with Definitely need a big season by Chep.
He was one of the top shortstops it's like two
seasons ago, so hopefully he can regain that form next
(02:31):
for the Oreoles, I gave him a C minus. He
started off signing Tyler O'Neill to a three year deal.
It slight overpay to me, you know, as I mentioned
in the previous podcast, but said, definitely much need a
player with Sansandeer leaving, he signed veteran picture Charlie Morton
(02:53):
to a one year deal. He still, you know, can
throw that ball, more of a number three, number four
type picture, but he'd be the veteran on the staff.
After losing Corbyn Burns. The big loss there people in
the outfielder's Dylan Carlson and Ramon Loriano both from showing
they still got power in their bats. Carson played pretty
(03:17):
well on the Tampa Bay team and wasn't headed anywhere,
and Loriano stepped up big for the Braves, you know,
with all the injuries they had last season, so he
definitely hit some home runs. As I mentioned, the big
loss with Santander Corbyn Burns. They also let John Means
walk or picture. They really really liked that point, so
(03:41):
you know he kept having Tommy John surgery. Corbyn Burns
was number two in the Cy Young race last year,
so Rio was gonna miss him a lot. Say, Charlie
Morton can't really replace him, so they tried to fill
in holes, but just wasn't really enough for me. So
I gave it to c minus for the X factor.
(04:01):
I'm going first baseman Ryan Melcastle be real talented player.
Like I said, I heard a lot about before he
even came to Oreos. It is nice power to his game,
but he just need to stay healthy. Definitely battle with
injuries last season. They needed that extra bat, especially coming
postseason time. So I'm looking forward seeing melcasts will have
(04:24):
a big year. Think he'll stay healthy next for the
Tampa Bay Rays.
Speaker 3 (04:30):
Beat a d.
Speaker 2 (04:32):
N main signing was how Sound Kim from the Padres
and play second base and shortstop, but playing shortstop to
a lot of injuries last year, but Tampa Bay plans
to use them at the short stop spy anyway, I'm
sure he still wants to prove that he can play
there even though he don't really need to, but they
need one. He signed catcher Danny Jansen to a two
(04:55):
year deal, said Johnson said, hit a mess he can.
You know, he get his high streaks, but for the
most part more of an on base type of guy.
It struggle to get on base consistently, so he's more
of like a backup catcher type. Then they signed out
fail that Eloy Jlmenez to a minor league deal, which
was smart, as you know he's still trying to rebuild
(05:17):
his value. Couldn't really do it with the Orioles last season,
but he was a big trade piece originally for the
White Socks, but ended up losing his value due to injuries.
Speaker 3 (05:28):
So I hope they can rebound. With Tampa Bay.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
He lost out failed the Jose Seri, who was more
of an on run hitter. It couldn't really get on
base consistently. They traded away pitcher Jeffrey Springs, who was
more than number two number three type picture, but he
had injuries and didn't really play until like mid season.
Then they lost Dylan Carson, who I just mentioned to
the Orioles. He was just a solid power back. They
(05:55):
don't miss that bad as well. It was just wasn't
really enough. I mean, I know, you know they've been
in the cars cut mode, but just went enough for
a team in a tough division. So I looked for
them to finish last. Of course, for my X factor
when with outfielder Josh Lowe. He a player they really
liked me as good size to him, solid power back.
(06:18):
Last season, due to injuries, he didn't really show too
much power, didn't get on base as usual, so I'm
looking for him to rebound.
Speaker 3 (06:25):
They really need him. I said.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
There's not really too many big players on his team
bad and wise, so they gonna depend on Low again.
Thanks for the Red Socks, I gave him a beat.
He started off with the Guy Crochet trade with the
White Socks, bringing in a solid pitcher who has number
one potential but definitely a solid two or three. He
(06:47):
was the ace for the White Socks, but they ended
up shutting him down as he hasn't really gone that
many innings, but definitely played more than enough to show
that he can be number one, number two type pitcher,
which is what the Red Sox are looking for.
Speaker 3 (07:03):
He signed pitcher.
Speaker 2 (07:04):
Walker Buler to a one year deal coming off of
championship with the Dodgers. He played very well in the postseason,
but didn't really show that during the regular season the
past few seasons through the injury. So I'm not really
sure which Walker Bueler that he's getting, but I'm pretty
sure not the postseason Walker Bubler. He still has more
(07:24):
left in the tank, but sound the picture to be
like a number three, number four, definitely not too dependent
on him.
Speaker 3 (07:32):
It bought in the road this Chapman a one year deal,
a long.
Speaker 2 (07:36):
Term veteran still throw one hundred miles by our plus
to be the closer. Even though I did like Kenley Janssen,
so I'm shot. Still got another Hall of Famer. Future
Hall of famer signed third basement Alex Breglan to a
three year deal. I mean they had they slightly overpay
to get him away from the Tigers, and the Cubs
(07:56):
both wanted them. I'm sure he wanted to go back
to the Astros, but you know money talks, so solidly
pick up out the Red Sox for him as well,
even though there is some position controversy between him and Devas.
But I just roll with franchise Devils, stick into his
position and move and bring me in a second base
(08:17):
for the Losses. It was Tyler O'Neal and outfield meant
it to the Orioles, and like Kenley Jansen walked at beside.
I rolled his chapin, who definitely was cheaper but but
not as good as Janson at this point in his career.
And then pitcher Nick for better took more money from
the Padres than the Red Sox wasn't gonna pay him
the course, but he had a solid season for us
(08:39):
last season.
Speaker 3 (08:41):
I said, I get it.
Speaker 2 (08:41):
A b definitely filled some needs there filled out the
team a lot more, but it's not as dependent on
calling up.
Speaker 3 (08:49):
Younger players yet.
Speaker 2 (08:51):
I say solid trade bringing in Crochet, not giving up much,
and of course my ex factor would be pitching Garant Crochet.
Speaker 3 (08:59):
The resis try them out. It'll be the number one,
be the ace.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
He's seen to have all the tools, who's been playing
pretty well on spring training already, so just looking forward
to see what he can do lead the way.
Speaker 3 (09:11):
It's so far, so good. Thanks for the Yankees. I
gave him a beat.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
Plus they started off by signing picture of Max Free
to an eight year deal. Slightly too much on the
years for me, but I understand that's the going rate
at this point. Solid number two Pitcher was the number
two you can kind of say number one for the
Braves last season. The injury destride them. And as mentioned
(09:36):
on the last part, like I said, I liked it
more if they traded. That's the quarters, so they wouldn't
be so left handed heavy, but solid pick up there.
Speaker 3 (09:43):
I like them, and they traded.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
That's the Cortears, as I said, for one of the
top closers in the game, and Devin Williams maybe the
top closing the game. But the Brewers just couldn't afford
to pay him anyway. Solid pick up there and they
got one of my favorite players, Cody Bellinger. Be a
trade not giving up too much for him for the Cubs.
(10:06):
I don't know why the Cubs gave him a year
into the new contract, but solid player to me. Definitely
well worth from me say he's not the MVP used
to be, but still solid player any bought in veteran
first basement Paul Goldsmith just solidify the position. Definitely upgrade
over Rizzo and they'd be looking for somebody to take
over that position for a while. Goldsmith coming off one
(10:29):
of his worst seasons, but definitely still solid back. Like
I said, just two seasons ago, I would have put
him in the MVP race. So he should still have
something left in the tank, especially with something to play
for with the Yankees. So I'm looking forward to see
what he can do. Sign pitcher Carlos Carrasco to a
minor league deal. He's been a solid pitcher. What was
(10:49):
his career, so I think he'll go ahead and step up,
get that contract, get you to start in rotation. Lost
one Soto in the outfield, leave it tourist at second
base pitcher Clay Holmes, and of course they traded us
to Borts pitcher.
Speaker 3 (11:07):
But I like it. You know, they filled in a
lot of needs.
Speaker 2 (11:10):
Like they said they were gonna spread the money that
they didn't give Sodo and the other positions and the
other players to bill needs. So I think they did
a pretty good job. I'm gonna give it a beat plus.
I said, lay in eight minus, but b plus. I
think it's a solid, solid moves, especially when you got
somebody like Balancer who kind of fill episode. Though it
(11:30):
won't be that level of production, but good production anyway.
Then the picture was always around Max Free and then
one of the best clothes in the game, Devin Williams.
But my ex factor is Paul Goldsmith. I said, they
be looking for somebody solidified first base for a while now,
and I think Goldsmith is a guy that can do it,
even at this stage's career. I said, giving him something
(11:52):
to play for the team is actually going somewhere. You know,
shot at the card and them there, but you understand.
So I'm looking forward to see what gold Smith can
bring to the Yankees. But that's something up for the
l looking forward to give you the NL world soon
Thanks for tuning in, Thanks for supporting
Hey, fundamentals and techniques, that's the key. Right sixteen minutes,
right sixty minute.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
I would like the welcoming the Sports Talk Round Censor
MLB edition, but MLB off season grades and X factor
for the American League. We'll start over with the AO East.
Start over with Toronto Blue Jays. I gave him a B.
Toronto Blue Jays started off by signing Anthony Santander on
a five year deal. Stick got him on a nice
(00:46):
price as he stayed on the market for a little while.
A nice pick up there, giving him a big bet
in the lineup. They traded for second baseman Andreson Menez
from the Guardians. He's a silent defensive player who knows
how to get on base. But it was more of
a cost cut move for the Guardians and they wanted
(01:07):
a little bit more power in their lineup. But Ronto
don't have that problem. It's definitely much needed second basement
for them. They signed veteran Picture mag Surez to a
one year deal, coming off a lot of injuries, you know,
still trying to regain it for him. Still nice pick
up there for them to choose to sign with them.
(01:30):
You know, they already have a pretty good pitching lineup,
so they're not too depending on them, which is good,
but said he's one of the best, so you never
know which version to make sure that they could get.
So silent pick up there the only real loss first
basement Spencer Lwitz, where they chose to trade away, but
(01:51):
he was more of a player that stepped out when
they had injuries. So being healthy again, I guess they
felt like they didn't really need them around. And of
course an X factor with shortstop Oap you know, coming
off of injury, played season last year and just differences
with the team. I know he's looking to rebound in
(02:11):
the contract year and I know the Blue Jays are
hoping to keep him around along with Lab they also
having contract issues with Definitely need a big season by Chep.
He was one of the top shortstops it's like two
seasons ago, so hopefully he can regain that form next
(02:31):
for the Oreoles, I gave him a C minus. He
started off signing Tyler O'Neill to a three year deal.
It slight overpay to me, you know, as I mentioned
in the previous podcast, but said, definitely much need a
player with Sansandeer leaving, he signed veteran picture Charlie Morton
(02:53):
to a one year deal. He still, you know, can
throw that ball, more of a number three, number four
type picture, but he'd be the veteran on the staff.
After losing Corbyn Burns. The big loss there people in
the outfielder's Dylan Carlson and Ramon Loriano both from showing
they still got power in their bats. Carson played pretty
(03:17):
well on the Tampa Bay team and wasn't headed anywhere,
and Loriano stepped up big for the Braves, you know,
with all the injuries they had last season, so he
definitely hit some home runs. As I mentioned, the big
loss with Santander Corbyn Burns. They also let John Means
walk or picture. They really really liked that point, so
(03:41):
you know he kept having Tommy John surgery. Corbyn Burns
was number two in the Cy Young race last year,
so Rio was gonna miss him a lot. Say, Charlie
Morton can't really replace him, so they tried to fill
in holes, but just wasn't really enough for me. So
I gave it to c minus for the X factor.
(04:01):
I'm going first baseman Ryan Melcastle be real talented player.
Like I said, I heard a lot about before he
even came to Oreos. It is nice power to his game,
but he just need to stay healthy. Definitely battle with
injuries last season. They needed that extra bat, especially coming
postseason time. So I'm looking forward seeing melcasts will have
(04:24):
a big year. Think he'll stay healthy next for the
Tampa Bay Rays.
Speaker 3 (04:30):
Beat a d.
Speaker 2 (04:32):
N main signing was how Sound Kim from the Padres
and play second base and shortstop, but playing shortstop to
a lot of injuries last year, but Tampa Bay plans
to use them at the short stop spy anyway, I'm
sure he still wants to prove that he can play
there even though he don't really need to, but they
need one. He signed catcher Danny Jansen to a two
(04:55):
year deal, said Johnson said, hit a mess he can.
You know, he get his high streaks, but for the
most part more of an on base type of guy.
It struggle to get on base consistently, so he's more
of like a backup catcher type. Then they signed out
fail that Eloy Jlmenez to a minor league deal, which
was smart, as you know he's still trying to rebuild
(05:17):
his value. Couldn't really do it with the Orioles last season,
but he was a big trade piece originally for the
White Socks, but ended up losing his value due to injuries.
Speaker 3 (05:28):
So I hope they can rebound. With Tampa Bay.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
He lost out failed the Jose Seri, who was more
of an on run hitter. It couldn't really get on
base consistently. They traded away pitcher Jeffrey Springs, who was
more than number two number three type picture, but he
had injuries and didn't really play until like mid season.
Then they lost Dylan Carson, who I just mentioned to
the Orioles. He was just a solid power back. They
(05:55):
don't miss that bad as well. It was just wasn't
really enough. I mean, I know, you know they've been
in the cars cut mode, but just went enough for
a team in a tough division. So I looked for
them to finish last. Of course, for my X factor
when with outfielder Josh Lowe. He a player they really
liked me as good size to him, solid power back.
(06:18):
Last season, due to injuries, he didn't really show too
much power, didn't get on base as usual, so I'm
looking for him to rebound.
Speaker 3 (06:25):
They really need him. I said.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
There's not really too many big players on his team
bad and wise, so they gonna depend on Low again.
Thanks for the Red Socks, I gave him a beat.
He started off with the Guy Crochet trade with the
White Socks, bringing in a solid pitcher who has number
one potential but definitely a solid two or three. He
(06:47):
was the ace for the White Socks, but they ended
up shutting him down as he hasn't really gone that
many innings, but definitely played more than enough to show
that he can be number one, number two type pitcher,
which is what the Red Sox are looking for.
Speaker 3 (07:03):
He signed pitcher.
Speaker 2 (07:04):
Walker Buler to a one year deal coming off of
championship with the Dodgers. He played very well in the postseason,
but didn't really show that during the regular season the
past few seasons through the injury. So I'm not really
sure which Walker Bueler that he's getting, but I'm pretty
sure not the postseason Walker Bubler. He still has more
(07:24):
left in the tank, but sound the picture to be
like a number three, number four, definitely not too dependent
on him.
Speaker 3 (07:32):
It bought in the road this Chapman a one year deal,
a long.
Speaker 2 (07:36):
Term veteran still throw one hundred miles by our plus
to be the closer. Even though I did like Kenley Janssen,
so I'm shot. Still got another Hall of Famer. Future
Hall of famer signed third basement Alex Breglan to a
three year deal. I mean they had they slightly overpay
to get him away from the Tigers, and the Cubs
(07:56):
both wanted them. I'm sure he wanted to go back
to the Astros, but you know money talks, so solidly
pick up out the Red Sox for him as well,
even though there is some position controversy between him and Devas.
But I just roll with franchise Devils, stick into his
position and move and bring me in a second base
(08:17):
for the Losses. It was Tyler O'Neal and outfield meant
it to the Orioles, and like Kenley Jansen walked at beside.
I rolled his chapin, who definitely was cheaper but but
not as good as Janson at this point in his career.
And then pitcher Nick for better took more money from
the Padres than the Red Sox wasn't gonna pay him
the course, but he had a solid season for us
(08:39):
last season.
Speaker 3 (08:41):
I said, I get it.
Speaker 2 (08:41):
A b definitely filled some needs there filled out the
team a lot more, but it's not as dependent on
calling up.
Speaker 3 (08:49):
Younger players yet.
Speaker 2 (08:51):
I say solid trade bringing in Crochet, not giving up much,
and of course my ex factor would be pitching Garant Crochet.
Speaker 3 (08:59):
The resis try them out. It'll be the number one,
be the ace.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
He's seen to have all the tools, who's been playing
pretty well on spring training already, so just looking forward
to see what he can do lead the way.
Speaker 3 (09:11):
It's so far, so good. Thanks for the Yankees. I
gave him a beat.
Speaker 2 (09:16):
Plus they started off by signing picture of Max Free
to an eight year deal. Slightly too much on the
years for me, but I understand that's the going rate
at this point. Solid number two Pitcher was the number
two you can kind of say number one for the
Braves last season. The injury destride them. And as mentioned
(09:36):
on the last part, like I said, I liked it
more if they traded. That's the quarters, so they wouldn't
be so left handed heavy, but solid pick up there.
Speaker 3 (09:43):
I like them, and they traded.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
That's the Cortears, as I said, for one of the
top closers in the game, and Devin Williams maybe the
top closing the game. But the Brewers just couldn't afford
to pay him anyway. Solid pick up there and they
got one of my favorite players, Cody Bellinger. Be a
trade not giving up too much for him for the Cubs.
(10:06):
I don't know why the Cubs gave him a year
into the new contract, but solid player to me. Definitely
well worth from me say he's not the MVP used
to be, but still solid player any bought in veteran
first basement Paul Goldsmith just solidify the position. Definitely upgrade
over Rizzo and they'd be looking for somebody to take
over that position for a while. Goldsmith coming off one
(10:29):
of his worst seasons, but definitely still solid back. Like
I said, just two seasons ago, I would have put
him in the MVP race. So he should still have
something left in the tank, especially with something to play
for with the Yankees. So I'm looking forward to see
what he can do. Sign pitcher Carlos Carrasco to a
minor league deal. He's been a solid pitcher. What was
(10:49):
his career, so I think he'll go ahead and step up,
get that contract, get you to start in rotation. Lost
one Soto in the outfield, leave it tourist at second
base pitcher Clay Holmes, and of course they traded us
to Borts pitcher.
Speaker 3 (11:07):
But I like it. You know, they filled in a
lot of needs.
Speaker 2 (11:10):
Like they said they were gonna spread the money that
they didn't give Sodo and the other positions and the
other players to bill needs. So I think they did
a pretty good job. I'm gonna give it a beat plus.
I said, lay in eight minus, but b plus. I
think it's a solid, solid moves, especially when you got
somebody like Balancer who kind of fill episode. Though it
(11:30):
won't be that level of production, but good production anyway.
Then the picture was always around Max Free and then
one of the best clothes in the game, Devin Williams.
But my ex factor is Paul Goldsmith. I said, they
be looking for somebody solidified first base for a while now,
and I think Goldsmith is a guy that can do it,
even at this stage's career. I said, giving him something
(11:52):
to play for the team is actually going somewhere. You know,
shot at the card and them there, but you understand.
So I'm looking forward to see what gold Smith can
bring to the Yankees. But that's something up for the
l looking forward to give you the NL world soon
Thanks for tuning in, Thanks for supporting
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