1 00:00:22,160 --> 00:00:24,919 Speaker 1: Welcome one and all to the Hammer Territory Podcast. A 2 00:00:24,960 --> 00:00:28,280 Speaker 1: little bit close up version of being there to start 3 00:00:28,320 --> 00:00:30,520 Speaker 1: the show. But you know what, Hey, there's no better 4 00:00:30,560 --> 00:00:34,160 Speaker 1: way to end twenty twenty five, so you hopefully don't 5 00:00:34,159 --> 00:00:37,280 Speaker 1: have to experience and again in twenty twenty six. Good 6 00:00:37,320 --> 00:00:41,000 Speaker 1: to talk with you once again. Happy holidays, Happy New Year. 7 00:00:41,600 --> 00:00:42,960 Speaker 1: You know what, we got a little bit of a 8 00:00:43,000 --> 00:00:46,440 Speaker 1: newsnugget here Steven Tober when it comes to the Braves. 9 00:00:46,920 --> 00:00:52,880 Speaker 1: Not necessarily anything, just you know, substantial, but multiple sources 10 00:00:52,960 --> 00:00:56,600 Speaker 1: are are kind of linking the Braves to Japanese starter 11 00:00:57,040 --> 00:01:02,280 Speaker 1: Tatsuya Emi. And with the fact that Emis posting deadline 12 00:01:02,360 --> 00:01:06,920 Speaker 1: signing deadline is literally two days from now, that kind 13 00:01:06,920 --> 00:01:10,000 Speaker 1: of makes it a little more substantial than you may 14 00:01:10,080 --> 00:01:13,240 Speaker 1: feel because of the turnaround time for a signing to 15 00:01:13,319 --> 00:01:15,520 Speaker 1: actually occur. But good to be with you as always. 16 00:01:15,560 --> 00:01:17,920 Speaker 1: Hope all has been well. What your thoughts on this 17 00:01:18,080 --> 00:01:23,320 Speaker 1: news about the Braves potentially locking in on a unorthodox, 18 00:01:23,680 --> 00:01:26,840 Speaker 1: you know, new source of starting pitcher as they're looking 19 00:01:26,840 --> 00:01:27,839 Speaker 1: to fill their pitching needs. 20 00:01:29,000 --> 00:01:32,440 Speaker 2: Yeah, it's a buddy, so yeah, we get we We 21 00:01:32,480 --> 00:01:34,800 Speaker 2: started hearing this last night a little bit and then 22 00:01:35,959 --> 00:01:39,000 Speaker 2: a couple of other sources mentioned it, and then we 23 00:01:39,120 --> 00:01:43,200 Speaker 2: heard some stuff privately that the Braves were looking into this, 24 00:01:44,080 --> 00:01:45,840 Speaker 2: I don't want to say heavily, but looking into this 25 00:01:47,000 --> 00:01:50,440 Speaker 2: seriously at least, so it was time. 26 00:01:50,280 --> 00:01:51,320 Speaker 3: To at least talk about it. 27 00:01:51,760 --> 00:01:56,440 Speaker 2: So and another factor here is because of the posting 28 00:01:56,520 --> 00:02:00,480 Speaker 2: rules that Japan uses, when these guys get posted, they 29 00:02:00,480 --> 00:02:03,880 Speaker 2: have a forty five day window to sign or they 30 00:02:03,920 --> 00:02:06,320 Speaker 2: go back to their original team. So that just puts 31 00:02:06,320 --> 00:02:09,119 Speaker 2: a hard deadline. These guys have what no other free 32 00:02:09,160 --> 00:02:11,840 Speaker 2: agent has, which is a hard deadline. Like, we have 33 00:02:11,919 --> 00:02:14,040 Speaker 2: to have something, and I think the deal has to 34 00:02:14,080 --> 00:02:20,280 Speaker 2: be finalized by for Emi, it's Friday at four pm 35 00:02:21,120 --> 00:02:24,480 Speaker 2: and that's finalized, so that's already with the physical, that's everything. 36 00:02:24,560 --> 00:02:27,600 Speaker 2: So like in terms of agreeing to a deal, he 37 00:02:27,680 --> 00:02:29,560 Speaker 2: probably has to agree to a deal in the next 38 00:02:29,639 --> 00:02:32,839 Speaker 2: twenty four hours or so, so they still have time 39 00:02:32,880 --> 00:02:35,680 Speaker 2: to get everything buttoned up and have a deal finalized 40 00:02:35,720 --> 00:02:42,160 Speaker 2: by that four pm window on Friday. So this is fascinating, 41 00:02:42,200 --> 00:02:46,840 Speaker 2: of course, because this is a this would be a 42 00:02:46,919 --> 00:02:50,200 Speaker 2: new pipeline, right or at least from the modern perspective 43 00:02:50,200 --> 00:02:50,640 Speaker 2: of the Braves. 44 00:02:50,639 --> 00:02:53,880 Speaker 3: The Braves did get what was it. 45 00:02:53,840 --> 00:02:58,760 Speaker 2: Kawakami, like Kitschen Kawakam like fifteen years ago. That was 46 00:02:58,800 --> 00:03:01,519 Speaker 2: like three front offices ago, though, so it's hardly relevant. 47 00:03:01,880 --> 00:03:04,520 Speaker 2: This would be a brand new pipeline into the Japanese market, 48 00:03:04,600 --> 00:03:08,079 Speaker 2: which I've I've desperately wanted the Braves to open up, 49 00:03:09,320 --> 00:03:11,600 Speaker 2: even if it's not about this specific player, even if 50 00:03:11,600 --> 00:03:14,639 Speaker 2: this guy doesn't end up being great, just having one 51 00:03:14,680 --> 00:03:17,000 Speaker 2: of these Japanese guys on your team that opens up 52 00:03:17,000 --> 00:03:20,000 Speaker 2: the pipeline for more players to come after him, I 53 00:03:20,040 --> 00:03:22,560 Speaker 2: think is important. I don't think the West Coast teams 54 00:03:22,560 --> 00:03:24,240 Speaker 2: and the New York team should just be the only 55 00:03:24,280 --> 00:03:27,200 Speaker 2: teams that have access to this pipeline. 56 00:03:27,600 --> 00:03:29,480 Speaker 3: I really want the Braves to open up a pipeline 57 00:03:29,480 --> 00:03:30,799 Speaker 3: by signing one of these guys. 58 00:03:31,520 --> 00:03:34,720 Speaker 2: We're gonna talk about Emi specifically in a second, talk 59 00:03:34,760 --> 00:03:37,440 Speaker 2: about like some of his numbers, some of his stuff. 60 00:03:37,800 --> 00:03:41,040 Speaker 3: We'll get into that in a minute. But on the whole, 61 00:03:41,680 --> 00:03:42,960 Speaker 3: the Braves need starting pitching. 62 00:03:42,960 --> 00:03:45,000 Speaker 2: We've we've covered that at nauseum at this point. I 63 00:03:45,000 --> 00:03:49,760 Speaker 2: don't think anybody doesn't understand that point. This is somebody 64 00:03:49,800 --> 00:03:53,240 Speaker 2: who has a hard deadline, which sometimes works to the 65 00:03:53,280 --> 00:03:56,800 Speaker 2: team's favor. Because the player either has to sign or 66 00:03:56,800 --> 00:03:58,680 Speaker 2: he has to go back to Japan. And if these 67 00:03:58,720 --> 00:04:01,240 Speaker 2: guys really want to come over, then oftentimes you can 68 00:04:01,240 --> 00:04:04,040 Speaker 2: get a decent deal. The posting rules are wild, like 69 00:04:04,080 --> 00:04:06,280 Speaker 2: how much money goes back to the other team, the 70 00:04:06,440 --> 00:04:09,080 Speaker 2: team from Japan, how much money goes to the player. 71 00:04:09,160 --> 00:04:11,600 Speaker 2: It's it's a bit convoluted. I don't love the system 72 00:04:11,640 --> 00:04:15,200 Speaker 2: they use, but there's a hard deadline and that matters 73 00:04:15,200 --> 00:04:17,920 Speaker 2: a lot. And then on top of that, what we've 74 00:04:17,960 --> 00:04:21,599 Speaker 2: heard is that EMI's market has not progressed to the 75 00:04:21,680 --> 00:04:24,800 Speaker 2: level that maybe some other guys have. Some people have, 76 00:04:25,360 --> 00:04:27,479 Speaker 2: some people in baseball have some concerns about how he 77 00:04:27,600 --> 00:04:30,919 Speaker 2: was going to translate. There's no draft pick tied to 78 00:04:31,000 --> 00:04:34,760 Speaker 2: his name, which is a big deal. So, you know, 79 00:04:34,839 --> 00:04:36,760 Speaker 2: we'll get into the player specifically here in a minute, 80 00:04:36,800 --> 00:04:39,160 Speaker 2: but just on the whole, this does make a lot 81 00:04:39,200 --> 00:04:39,640 Speaker 2: of sense. 82 00:04:40,040 --> 00:04:41,279 Speaker 3: Now, it's still just smoke. 83 00:04:41,360 --> 00:04:43,960 Speaker 2: We don't have anything concrete yet and probably won't until 84 00:04:43,960 --> 00:04:46,200 Speaker 2: he signs, either with the Braves or somewhere else, which 85 00:04:46,240 --> 00:04:47,839 Speaker 2: will happen in the next forty eight hours. 86 00:04:48,240 --> 00:04:50,119 Speaker 3: But it does make some sense. 87 00:04:51,760 --> 00:04:54,240 Speaker 1: Yeah, no, and let's talk for a second about you know, 88 00:04:54,279 --> 00:04:58,839 Speaker 1: the source that you know first mentioned the Braves Julian 89 00:04:58,880 --> 00:05:02,760 Speaker 1: Gillarte on X I had the pleasure of speaking with 90 00:05:02,839 --> 00:05:05,480 Speaker 1: Julian on his podcast a few months ago, and we 91 00:05:05,520 --> 00:05:09,320 Speaker 1: didn't speak specifically about EMI or anything like that, but 92 00:05:09,360 --> 00:05:11,200 Speaker 1: a couple of things that I can say in my 93 00:05:11,279 --> 00:05:14,640 Speaker 1: interactions with Julian. I don't know to what level of 94 00:05:14,680 --> 00:05:17,320 Speaker 1: sources he has or anything like that, I can say 95 00:05:17,320 --> 00:05:19,680 Speaker 1: confidently that I don't feel that he's just going to 96 00:05:19,720 --> 00:05:22,680 Speaker 1: put something out there just for clicks like he's going 97 00:05:22,760 --> 00:05:27,839 Speaker 1: he has. He is heavily focused on the international front 98 00:05:27,880 --> 00:05:30,120 Speaker 1: when it comes to baseball in his coverage, and so 99 00:05:30,360 --> 00:05:32,440 Speaker 1: I feel that hip he's putting something out there linking 100 00:05:32,440 --> 00:05:36,000 Speaker 1: the Braves to EM, he's heard something. And the other 101 00:05:36,040 --> 00:05:38,679 Speaker 1: thing that I'll say is this is that he also 102 00:05:39,240 --> 00:05:42,839 Speaker 1: covers both the Mets and Yankees primarily, and we know 103 00:05:42,920 --> 00:05:46,320 Speaker 1: that those two teams have been in the market for EMI, 104 00:05:46,520 --> 00:05:50,200 Speaker 1: likely longer than any two teams have been, so he 105 00:05:50,279 --> 00:05:53,920 Speaker 1: probably has been tracking what's going on with EMI's market. 106 00:05:53,960 --> 00:05:56,880 Speaker 1: So that's one of the major sources where this news 107 00:05:57,400 --> 00:05:59,720 Speaker 1: came from. But to your point, you were talking about 108 00:05:59,720 --> 00:06:02,159 Speaker 1: the fact that with Imai, you don't have to worry 109 00:06:02,160 --> 00:06:06,400 Speaker 1: about a draft pick. But what's specifically about Emi is 110 00:06:06,520 --> 00:06:09,680 Speaker 1: really attractive to teams and a couple of things that 111 00:06:09,720 --> 00:06:12,680 Speaker 1: stand out. You know, Number one, he has had a 112 00:06:12,680 --> 00:06:15,400 Speaker 1: track record all the way back to high school. You know, 113 00:06:15,440 --> 00:06:19,000 Speaker 1: we know that sho he Hotani, for instance, is someone 114 00:06:19,520 --> 00:06:22,080 Speaker 1: that that had that type of track worker. Now, one 115 00:06:22,120 --> 00:06:25,240 Speaker 1: thing I want to say is Emi is not to 116 00:06:25,279 --> 00:06:29,480 Speaker 1: the level of a show. Hey O Tani Yamamoto, you darbish. 117 00:06:29,720 --> 00:06:32,159 Speaker 1: He's not to that level of talent. And that's nothing 118 00:06:32,200 --> 00:06:36,479 Speaker 1: against Demai. That's just setting a realistic understanding. But what 119 00:06:36,640 --> 00:06:42,119 Speaker 1: is attractive about his overall repertoire that would make the 120 00:06:42,160 --> 00:06:45,920 Speaker 1: teams think he could be successful. He has altered his 121 00:06:45,960 --> 00:06:50,359 Speaker 1: mechanics significantly to really lower his walk rate over the 122 00:06:50,360 --> 00:06:54,880 Speaker 1: past few years while increasing his strikeout rate. He also 123 00:06:55,040 --> 00:06:57,680 Speaker 1: is just twenty seven years old, and though he's been 124 00:06:57,760 --> 00:07:01,440 Speaker 1: durable in terms of making the expected amount of starts 125 00:07:01,440 --> 00:07:03,520 Speaker 1: over the past few seasons that you would expect a 126 00:07:03,600 --> 00:07:06,600 Speaker 1: Japanese pitcher to make, he's just twenty seven years old, 127 00:07:06,960 --> 00:07:10,760 Speaker 1: so there is significantly more upside. Since he is significantly 128 00:07:10,840 --> 00:07:14,480 Speaker 1: younger than a lot of Japanese pictures over the past 129 00:07:14,480 --> 00:07:17,400 Speaker 1: two decades, usually come over at typically you see these 130 00:07:17,400 --> 00:07:19,800 Speaker 1: guys come over in their late twenties, early thirties. So 131 00:07:20,200 --> 00:07:23,320 Speaker 1: you the fact that he has made mechanical adjustments to 132 00:07:23,360 --> 00:07:26,760 Speaker 1: improve his overall approach, and just a fact in general 133 00:07:26,800 --> 00:07:28,840 Speaker 1: that he would be coming over without a lot of 134 00:07:28,880 --> 00:07:31,880 Speaker 1: knowledge on his overall repertoire for Major League hinders to study. 135 00:07:32,200 --> 00:07:34,680 Speaker 1: That's why. That's a couple of reasons why he's attractive 136 00:07:34,880 --> 00:07:36,080 Speaker 1: to the Braves and other teams. 137 00:07:38,920 --> 00:07:45,720 Speaker 2: Yeah, so the original projection for him was by MLB 138 00:07:45,800 --> 00:07:48,160 Speaker 2: trade rumors when the offseason started, was six years and 139 00:07:48,160 --> 00:07:49,880 Speaker 2: one hundred and fifty million bucks. 140 00:07:50,160 --> 00:07:52,240 Speaker 3: And that's big money, especially. 141 00:07:51,960 --> 00:07:56,280 Speaker 2: For a guy who again maybe isn't a slam dunk 142 00:07:57,320 --> 00:07:59,320 Speaker 2: to come over and dominate the way you know, a 143 00:07:59,360 --> 00:08:02,160 Speaker 2: guy like Show did or even Yamamoto did, who got 144 00:08:02,280 --> 00:08:05,240 Speaker 2: you know, three hundred million bucks from the Dodgers. But 145 00:08:06,880 --> 00:08:09,440 Speaker 2: the reporting has been that his market has softened and 146 00:08:09,560 --> 00:08:11,880 Speaker 2: that it's not quite that, And I think the Braves 147 00:08:11,880 --> 00:08:15,240 Speaker 2: are always looking for guys like that whose market has soltened, 148 00:08:15,240 --> 00:08:21,600 Speaker 2: maybe the market dips below where the Braves think there's value, 149 00:08:22,000 --> 00:08:26,800 Speaker 2: and so you know, I get it in terms of 150 00:08:26,840 --> 00:08:30,560 Speaker 2: EMI specifically, like you said last year was his age 151 00:08:30,600 --> 00:08:32,480 Speaker 2: twenty seven season, so he's twenty eight, so he's on 152 00:08:32,520 --> 00:08:36,440 Speaker 2: the younger side. He's a mid nineties fastball guy. Fastball 153 00:08:36,480 --> 00:08:40,320 Speaker 2: slider is the mix that he uses at a really 154 00:08:40,360 --> 00:08:42,640 Speaker 2: good strikeout rate in Japan the last two years. I 155 00:08:42,679 --> 00:08:44,760 Speaker 2: think he had a twenty eight percent strikeout rate the 156 00:08:44,840 --> 00:08:47,400 Speaker 2: last two years in Japan, which I think led all 157 00:08:47,440 --> 00:08:51,800 Speaker 2: of the in NPB, which is the Japanese league over there. 158 00:08:53,320 --> 00:08:55,280 Speaker 2: So he's a strikeout guy. Now again, you have to 159 00:08:55,280 --> 00:08:57,200 Speaker 2: see how it's going to translate to Major league kiders. 160 00:08:57,559 --> 00:08:59,559 Speaker 2: I think last year at a seven percent walk rate, 161 00:08:59,600 --> 00:09:01,880 Speaker 2: so high strikeouts, low walks. We've talked about that in 162 00:09:01,880 --> 00:09:05,920 Speaker 2: the past to formula the Braves like a lot where 163 00:09:05,960 --> 00:09:09,080 Speaker 2: you have high strikeouts low walks. That ratio matters a 164 00:09:09,080 --> 00:09:11,280 Speaker 2: lot to the Braves, and we've seen that in multiple 165 00:09:11,320 --> 00:09:13,559 Speaker 2: moves that they've made the last few years. 166 00:09:14,040 --> 00:09:16,480 Speaker 1: So great. Could his walk great in half in two 167 00:09:16,600 --> 00:09:19,680 Speaker 1: years thirteen percent in twenty twenty three down to seven 168 00:09:19,720 --> 00:09:21,200 Speaker 1: percent in twenty five. 169 00:09:21,400 --> 00:09:24,480 Speaker 2: Yeah, he really had command issues early. He's really figured 170 00:09:24,480 --> 00:09:26,839 Speaker 2: that stuff out, and I'm guessing that's why the Braves 171 00:09:26,840 --> 00:09:29,600 Speaker 2: are interested. It's gonna come down to the money. I mean, 172 00:09:29,640 --> 00:09:31,760 Speaker 2: it's a free agent like anybody else. It's gonna come 173 00:09:31,800 --> 00:09:34,960 Speaker 2: down to the money. But I get it, I get 174 00:09:34,960 --> 00:09:37,839 Speaker 2: why you're interested. And again, like you said, most of 175 00:09:37,840 --> 00:09:39,480 Speaker 2: the time, when you're sign a free agents, you're signing 176 00:09:39,480 --> 00:09:41,679 Speaker 2: thirty one thirty two year old. It's like Framburg or 177 00:09:41,720 --> 00:09:44,680 Speaker 2: like Max Freed last year. This guy's gonna be twenty eight. 178 00:09:44,720 --> 00:09:46,360 Speaker 2: So you could sign him to a four year deal 179 00:09:46,920 --> 00:09:48,600 Speaker 2: and at the end of the four years, you know 180 00:09:48,640 --> 00:09:50,160 Speaker 2: he's gonna be thirty one years old. 181 00:09:50,280 --> 00:09:52,040 Speaker 3: He's gonna be the age a lot of the guys you're. 182 00:09:51,920 --> 00:09:55,160 Speaker 2: Gonna be signing would start, you know, if you signed 183 00:09:55,200 --> 00:09:57,920 Speaker 2: him right now, So that matters a lot. Like the 184 00:09:57,960 --> 00:10:00,480 Speaker 2: aging curve on pitchers is much more aggress so how 185 00:10:00,520 --> 00:10:02,440 Speaker 2: old they are when you sign them is a big deal. 186 00:10:02,440 --> 00:10:04,440 Speaker 2: It's it's probably a much bigger deal than it is 187 00:10:04,440 --> 00:10:07,120 Speaker 2: with position players. So in fact, the guy's on twenty eight, 188 00:10:07,600 --> 00:10:11,559 Speaker 2: he has pitched incredibly well in the Japan League the 189 00:10:11,600 --> 00:10:13,320 Speaker 2: last couple of years, is one of the best pitchers 190 00:10:13,360 --> 00:10:17,080 Speaker 2: over there. There is concern that, you know, he might 191 00:10:17,120 --> 00:10:20,800 Speaker 2: not it might not translate quite as well, so you 192 00:10:20,880 --> 00:10:24,280 Speaker 2: have to factor that in and it's gonna come down 193 00:10:24,320 --> 00:10:27,360 Speaker 2: to the money. The fit makes a lot of sense, 194 00:10:27,400 --> 00:10:30,520 Speaker 2: the profile makes sense. But if he's actually gonna get 195 00:10:30,559 --> 00:10:33,600 Speaker 2: six years in one hundred and fifty million bucks, I 196 00:10:33,600 --> 00:10:35,040 Speaker 2: don't know the braves are in that. I don't know 197 00:10:35,080 --> 00:10:36,680 Speaker 2: the braves are winning that, and I don't know that 198 00:10:36,720 --> 00:10:39,040 Speaker 2: I really want them to. But if he, you know, 199 00:10:39,120 --> 00:10:40,800 Speaker 2: if he's willing to take like a four year deal, 200 00:10:41,200 --> 00:10:43,240 Speaker 2: and if I, if I were him, that's probably what 201 00:10:43,240 --> 00:10:44,400 Speaker 2: I would do. I would try to sign like a 202 00:10:44,440 --> 00:10:46,079 Speaker 2: four year deal because then I could get back on 203 00:10:46,120 --> 00:10:48,760 Speaker 2: the market at thirty one, and if I shown that 204 00:10:48,840 --> 00:10:52,120 Speaker 2: I can handle major league hitters, he could get another 205 00:10:52,120 --> 00:10:54,839 Speaker 2: big contract on the other side of this, Like Max 206 00:10:55,240 --> 00:10:57,120 Speaker 2: Free just did he just signed a big contract at 207 00:10:57,120 --> 00:10:59,480 Speaker 2: thirty one. Franbervaldez is about to sign a big contract 208 00:10:59,480 --> 00:11:01,800 Speaker 2: at thirty two. You know, EMI could play this where 209 00:11:01,800 --> 00:11:04,079 Speaker 2: he gets two contracts out of this if he goes 210 00:11:04,120 --> 00:11:06,000 Speaker 2: shorter on the first one, which is what I would do, 211 00:11:06,040 --> 00:11:09,000 Speaker 2: because then you alleviate any concerns about how well he's 212 00:11:09,040 --> 00:11:11,760 Speaker 2: gonna handle major league hitters once he gets over here. 213 00:11:11,800 --> 00:11:16,320 Speaker 2: So you know it's gonna be fascinating. And again, what 214 00:11:16,480 --> 00:11:20,000 Speaker 2: makes this great. I wish it happened with more free agents. 215 00:11:20,040 --> 00:11:22,440 Speaker 2: Is we have a hard deadline, like we're gonna know 216 00:11:22,520 --> 00:11:24,480 Speaker 2: this in the next forty eight hours. 217 00:11:24,840 --> 00:11:27,000 Speaker 3: Guaranteed we know that for a fact. 218 00:11:27,200 --> 00:11:29,840 Speaker 2: We're probably gonna learn about it long before that deadline 219 00:11:29,920 --> 00:11:32,880 Speaker 2: because remember, the deal has to be finalized by that deadline. 220 00:11:32,880 --> 00:11:33,880 Speaker 3: It doesn't have to be announced. 221 00:11:33,920 --> 00:11:36,920 Speaker 2: It has to be finalized, which means physicals, all the 222 00:11:36,960 --> 00:11:39,559 Speaker 2: paperwork signed. So we're gonna learn pretty soon what is 223 00:11:40,640 --> 00:11:43,360 Speaker 2: what he's gonna decide. I think I read that he's 224 00:11:43,400 --> 00:11:48,000 Speaker 2: taken final meetings with teams in Los Angeles today. He 225 00:11:48,360 --> 00:11:50,480 Speaker 2: is a Scott Boris guy, so that does matter. But 226 00:11:50,480 --> 00:11:52,240 Speaker 2: the Braves just signed a Scott Boris guy when they 227 00:11:52,280 --> 00:11:55,240 Speaker 2: signed Hasan Kim, so I don't think that, you know, 228 00:11:55,360 --> 00:11:57,160 Speaker 2: I know people think the Braves don't talk to Scott 229 00:11:57,200 --> 00:12:00,000 Speaker 2: Boris agents. Hopefully people realize now that's just not true. 230 00:12:00,960 --> 00:12:03,200 Speaker 2: I think that stuff's been overblown and obviously they just 231 00:12:03,200 --> 00:12:06,720 Speaker 2: signed a Scott Words agent in Hassan Kim, So well, 232 00:12:06,760 --> 00:12:08,800 Speaker 2: no for here pretty soon, but it does make sense. 233 00:12:08,840 --> 00:12:11,200 Speaker 3: I get the interest. 234 00:12:12,000 --> 00:12:15,520 Speaker 1: One other factor that is, you know, new to the 235 00:12:15,559 --> 00:12:19,000 Speaker 1: Braves coming into this year that could potentially play at 236 00:12:19,080 --> 00:12:21,320 Speaker 1: least a minor part in this is that you know, 237 00:12:21,360 --> 00:12:23,920 Speaker 1: of course, we've got Jeremy Hefner from the Mets as 238 00:12:23,960 --> 00:12:27,160 Speaker 1: a pitching coach. Now, Jeremy Hefner just had experience with 239 00:12:27,240 --> 00:12:31,280 Speaker 1: Cody Sanga of the Mets and in translating his talent 240 00:12:31,559 --> 00:12:34,520 Speaker 1: from Japan to the major league level, and I think 241 00:12:34,559 --> 00:12:39,680 Speaker 1: Sega has you know, met or exceeded expectations. So Hefner 242 00:12:39,800 --> 00:12:42,960 Speaker 1: himself in terms of bringing over a Japanese talent and 243 00:12:43,000 --> 00:12:45,920 Speaker 1: converting them to success at the major league level, the 244 00:12:46,040 --> 00:12:50,319 Speaker 1: Braves have someone in Hefner who has had direct experience 245 00:12:50,400 --> 00:12:53,080 Speaker 1: in that in recent years. So that could make the 246 00:12:53,120 --> 00:12:56,960 Speaker 1: Braves in Alexandapolas a bit more comfortable this time around 247 00:12:57,240 --> 00:12:59,280 Speaker 1: wanting to invest in a Japanese pitching when they may 248 00:12:59,320 --> 00:13:01,840 Speaker 1: not necessarily know much about him as they would you know, 249 00:13:02,120 --> 00:13:04,800 Speaker 1: other you know, potential pitchers who who they you know, 250 00:13:04,880 --> 00:13:08,360 Speaker 1: seen you know closer up for longer periods. So the 251 00:13:08,360 --> 00:13:10,680 Speaker 1: the the the the existence of Jeremy heft as the 252 00:13:10,679 --> 00:13:13,360 Speaker 1: Braves pitching coach could also play a factor into this 253 00:13:13,400 --> 00:13:16,880 Speaker 1: and could play a good factor into helping Emi be 254 00:13:17,000 --> 00:13:20,240 Speaker 1: comfortable and have a better shout of translating successfully to 255 00:13:20,280 --> 00:13:20,760 Speaker 1: the majors. 256 00:13:22,000 --> 00:13:22,640 Speaker 3: Yeah, and. 257 00:13:25,240 --> 00:13:29,120 Speaker 2: It's very important to remember that with a guy like Emi, 258 00:13:29,160 --> 00:13:32,160 Speaker 2: who you're not sure, you're not sure the level he's 259 00:13:32,200 --> 00:13:34,319 Speaker 2: gonna come in at, the Braves don't need him to 260 00:13:34,320 --> 00:13:38,360 Speaker 2: be an ace like if the Braves, if the Braves 261 00:13:38,400 --> 00:13:41,800 Speaker 2: absolutely needed a top of the rotation guy, I don't 262 00:13:41,880 --> 00:13:44,640 Speaker 2: like the gamble of one of these Japanese guys being 263 00:13:44,720 --> 00:13:46,920 Speaker 2: that guy. But the Braves don't need that guy. The 264 00:13:46,960 --> 00:13:49,880 Speaker 2: Braves have Chris Sale. The Braves just need innings. They 265 00:13:49,880 --> 00:13:53,199 Speaker 2: need somebody solid, and you know it's gonna come down 266 00:13:53,240 --> 00:13:56,199 Speaker 2: to money, So we'll see what they do. I do 267 00:13:56,240 --> 00:13:59,920 Speaker 2: get it. I I'm fascinated to see what happened. I 268 00:14:00,640 --> 00:14:04,040 Speaker 2: think there's a chance he signs like tonight. I think 269 00:14:04,040 --> 00:14:06,320 Speaker 2: we could get an answer to this pretty quick. I 270 00:14:06,360 --> 00:14:09,880 Speaker 2: would not put the Braves in pole position, you know, 271 00:14:09,920 --> 00:14:12,719 Speaker 2: if I was betting on it, I certainly wouldn't. I 272 00:14:12,720 --> 00:14:16,000 Speaker 2: wouldn't think the Braves are favorites just because they haven't 273 00:14:16,000 --> 00:14:18,199 Speaker 2: really opened up that pipeline in a number of years. 274 00:14:18,400 --> 00:14:21,600 Speaker 2: But I want more than the players specifically, I want 275 00:14:21,600 --> 00:14:23,960 Speaker 2: them to open that pipeline back up so that you 276 00:14:24,040 --> 00:14:27,640 Speaker 2: are in the mix as these players come over every 277 00:14:27,720 --> 00:14:30,400 Speaker 2: year like you're a team that gets talked about your team. 278 00:14:30,440 --> 00:14:32,800 Speaker 2: That makes sense because we already have a couple of 279 00:14:32,800 --> 00:14:35,880 Speaker 2: these Japanese born players on the team. It just helps 280 00:14:35,920 --> 00:14:39,960 Speaker 2: you get more and more players. So you know, yes, 281 00:14:40,040 --> 00:14:41,960 Speaker 2: I want the player, I want the pitcher. The Braves 282 00:14:42,000 --> 00:14:44,360 Speaker 2: need more pitching. But I maybe even more than that, 283 00:14:44,400 --> 00:14:47,560 Speaker 2: I want the pipeline reopened to that talent, because it's 284 00:14:47,600 --> 00:14:50,080 Speaker 2: a ton of talent coming over. I mean, the Dodgers 285 00:14:50,080 --> 00:14:54,160 Speaker 2: built their team around Yamamoto and around Shoheo Tani and 286 00:14:54,240 --> 00:14:58,240 Speaker 2: have won two World Series doing it, So like it's 287 00:14:58,240 --> 00:15:00,840 Speaker 2: a big deal to get access to that talent, and 288 00:15:01,520 --> 00:15:03,680 Speaker 2: you know, the Braves get this deal done, it's a 289 00:15:03,720 --> 00:15:06,200 Speaker 2: big step in reopening that pipeline. 290 00:15:07,160 --> 00:15:09,680 Speaker 1: Absolutely, and so it'll definitely be worth seeing. But again, 291 00:15:09,720 --> 00:15:11,760 Speaker 1: you know, the thing that we want to emphasize is 292 00:15:11,800 --> 00:15:14,080 Speaker 1: that the turnaround, the you know, this will come to 293 00:15:14,200 --> 00:15:16,760 Speaker 1: a conclusion within the next twenty four hours more than likely. 294 00:15:16,920 --> 00:15:18,480 Speaker 1: So that's why we wanted to take a bit of 295 00:15:18,520 --> 00:15:23,040 Speaker 1: time to discuss it. But again, again, why specifically might 296 00:15:23,120 --> 00:15:27,600 Speaker 1: the Braves feel that Emi would be the particular talent 297 00:15:27,880 --> 00:15:30,680 Speaker 1: to as Stephen says, open up that pipeline. There's a 298 00:15:30,720 --> 00:15:33,080 Speaker 1: couple of big reasons from the Braves perspective. We've talked 299 00:15:33,080 --> 00:15:36,080 Speaker 1: about why Emi may be attractive on his side of things, 300 00:15:36,120 --> 00:15:37,840 Speaker 1: but why could he make sense for the Braves more 301 00:15:37,880 --> 00:15:39,760 Speaker 1: than others. More on that than just a moment after 302 00:15:39,760 --> 00:15:44,640 Speaker 1: a word from our partners. So, Stephen, we've been doing 303 00:15:44,760 --> 00:15:47,120 Speaker 1: some mail bags over the past four to six weeks 304 00:15:47,160 --> 00:15:49,920 Speaker 1: and about one of the first mail bags that we did, 305 00:15:50,240 --> 00:15:52,520 Speaker 1: one of our listeners, you know someone on social media 306 00:15:52,520 --> 00:15:54,640 Speaker 1: I apologize for not knowing the name he hasked a 307 00:15:54,680 --> 00:15:57,360 Speaker 1: really good question, or the person asked a really good question. 308 00:15:57,560 --> 00:16:01,760 Speaker 1: You know, why has Alex not dipped more into the 309 00:16:01,840 --> 00:16:04,280 Speaker 1: Japanese market? And Scott and I discussed this on a 310 00:16:04,320 --> 00:16:07,160 Speaker 1: recent mailbag episode. I've discussed it with you directly. I 311 00:16:07,200 --> 00:16:09,640 Speaker 1: feel a couple of factors as to why Alex and 312 00:16:09,680 --> 00:16:12,000 Speaker 1: Topless is not dipped into the Japanese market. It comes 313 00:16:12,040 --> 00:16:14,680 Speaker 1: down to two things. Number one, he typically doesn't wade 314 00:16:14,680 --> 00:16:18,720 Speaker 1: into those waters of spending big money over significant time 315 00:16:18,760 --> 00:16:21,440 Speaker 1: frames when it comes to roster construction. He just doesn't 316 00:16:21,440 --> 00:16:24,400 Speaker 1: give out big free agent contracts. The other thing is 317 00:16:24,400 --> 00:16:28,120 Speaker 1: is that as much as it's known as thorough as 318 00:16:28,280 --> 00:16:32,480 Speaker 1: Alex goes into really delving into a player, knowing everything 319 00:16:32,480 --> 00:16:34,960 Speaker 1: about them that he can before adding them to the roster. 320 00:16:35,280 --> 00:16:37,160 Speaker 1: It's probably a bit more of a challenge doing that 321 00:16:37,200 --> 00:16:40,120 Speaker 1: with someone whose career has been in Japan than someone 322 00:16:40,200 --> 00:16:43,200 Speaker 1: whose career has been you know, in the US. That 323 00:16:43,320 --> 00:16:46,800 Speaker 1: you know, you naturally you probably know more about you know, 324 00:16:46,920 --> 00:16:48,640 Speaker 1: the players that you know have got to college here, 325 00:16:48,640 --> 00:16:51,040 Speaker 1: played in the majors here, and things like that than 326 00:16:51,120 --> 00:16:53,760 Speaker 1: a Japanese product. So I think those two factors are 327 00:16:53,880 --> 00:16:56,240 Speaker 1: kind of why Alex has not yet dipped into the 328 00:16:56,320 --> 00:16:59,240 Speaker 1: Japanese market, but a big reason I feel as to 329 00:16:59,280 --> 00:17:02,840 Speaker 1: why Emi makes sense for the Braves more than other 330 00:17:02,880 --> 00:17:05,359 Speaker 1: pictures in the past may have made sense. Number One, 331 00:17:05,480 --> 00:17:07,840 Speaker 1: it's his age and the fact that he's going to 332 00:17:07,880 --> 00:17:10,560 Speaker 1: be entering his prime when he comes over to the majors. 333 00:17:10,960 --> 00:17:15,639 Speaker 1: But if EMI's market has softened to where he's willing 334 00:17:15,640 --> 00:17:18,160 Speaker 1: to potentially take on that three to four year contract 335 00:17:18,520 --> 00:17:21,200 Speaker 1: instead of that seven to eight year contract, that's really 336 00:17:21,200 --> 00:17:25,760 Speaker 1: attractive because you typically see these Japanese pitchers most effective 337 00:17:25,840 --> 00:17:28,000 Speaker 1: in their first two to three years in the majors 338 00:17:28,320 --> 00:17:32,120 Speaker 1: because major league hitters are not used to their overall 339 00:17:32,320 --> 00:17:35,919 Speaker 1: repertoire that they're bringing over. Once major league hitters, you know, 340 00:17:35,960 --> 00:17:37,720 Speaker 1: get used to it after you know, a couple of 341 00:17:37,800 --> 00:17:41,320 Speaker 1: years going through the majors. Those Japanese pictures are not effective. 342 00:17:41,359 --> 00:17:45,640 Speaker 1: You know, had Deo Nomo Dice came out, Suzaka, Mashiro Tanaka, 343 00:17:45,680 --> 00:17:49,200 Speaker 1: I believe Takashi Saito, the Japanese pitcher who pitched, I 344 00:17:49,240 --> 00:17:52,200 Speaker 1: would believe it was Ira Kerma. He finished like second 345 00:17:52,200 --> 00:17:57,200 Speaker 1: in the sim for the Mariners in twenty thirteen. All 346 00:17:57,280 --> 00:18:02,040 Speaker 1: of those significant names that come from those middle tier names, 347 00:18:02,080 --> 00:18:04,720 Speaker 1: not your you darvishes or your sho Heyo Tommy's or 348 00:18:04,760 --> 00:18:08,880 Speaker 1: your Yamamoto's. Those those middle tier Japanese talents, they typically 349 00:18:08,880 --> 00:18:11,320 Speaker 1: are most effective in their first three years because major 350 00:18:11,400 --> 00:18:14,520 Speaker 1: league hitters are not used to their overall arsenal. So 351 00:18:14,600 --> 00:18:16,840 Speaker 1: if you can get a three to four year deal 352 00:18:17,080 --> 00:18:18,879 Speaker 1: when that picture most likely is going to be his 353 00:18:18,920 --> 00:18:21,760 Speaker 1: most effective, that is a big reason I feel why 354 00:18:21,880 --> 00:18:25,720 Speaker 1: Emei specifically makes sense as a target for the Braves. 355 00:18:26,240 --> 00:18:29,960 Speaker 2: Yeah, I mean, Alex just doesn't sign these six seven 356 00:18:30,040 --> 00:18:33,040 Speaker 2: year deals for pictures like we've just never seen it now, 357 00:18:34,680 --> 00:18:36,840 Speaker 2: you know that's true, Right up until the moment that 358 00:18:36,880 --> 00:18:40,040 Speaker 2: he does it. So it's not evidence that it won't happen, 359 00:18:40,119 --> 00:18:43,800 Speaker 2: it's just evidence that it hasn't happened. But if you're 360 00:18:43,800 --> 00:18:46,399 Speaker 2: betting on it, I just don't I don't see Alex 361 00:18:46,440 --> 00:18:49,680 Speaker 2: signing one of these like six, seven year, one hundred 362 00:18:49,680 --> 00:18:51,760 Speaker 2: and fifty million to Innermant deals for a pitcher. 363 00:18:52,640 --> 00:18:53,640 Speaker 3: I just don't see it. Now. 364 00:18:53,680 --> 00:18:56,520 Speaker 2: I could be wrong, but like you said, if EMI's 365 00:18:56,560 --> 00:18:59,240 Speaker 2: market is softened and it's now a four year one 366 00:18:59,280 --> 00:19:01,560 Speaker 2: hundred million dollar deal or four year one hundred and 367 00:19:01,600 --> 00:19:04,159 Speaker 2: twenty or whatever the number ends up being, it's just 368 00:19:04,280 --> 00:19:07,560 Speaker 2: much more palatable. Even if what you the point you 369 00:19:07,680 --> 00:19:10,240 Speaker 2: just made is an excellent one about Japanese pitchers and 370 00:19:10,720 --> 00:19:15,080 Speaker 2: how they translate to the MLB game. But even if 371 00:19:15,080 --> 00:19:17,600 Speaker 2: that wasn't the case, you just want pictures on three 372 00:19:17,680 --> 00:19:20,440 Speaker 2: or four year deals versus six or seven year deals 373 00:19:20,480 --> 00:19:22,720 Speaker 2: anytime you can get it. I don't care who they are. 374 00:19:23,200 --> 00:19:25,480 Speaker 2: It's just the nature of pitching and the nature of 375 00:19:25,960 --> 00:19:28,520 Speaker 2: the injuries and the aging curve is different with pictures. 376 00:19:28,840 --> 00:19:31,280 Speaker 2: You know, you just always would prefer a four year 377 00:19:31,280 --> 00:19:33,280 Speaker 2: a three or four year deal. Hell I would prefer 378 00:19:33,320 --> 00:19:36,240 Speaker 2: a two year deal. But you know, four is certainly 379 00:19:36,240 --> 00:19:38,800 Speaker 2: better than six or seven. So yeah, I'm sure as 380 00:19:38,840 --> 00:19:41,439 Speaker 2: his market's softened, the Braves' interests went up and up 381 00:19:41,480 --> 00:19:44,520 Speaker 2: and up, very similar to Hassan Kim. You know, if 382 00:19:44,560 --> 00:19:46,960 Speaker 2: has On Kim was gonna get a four year, twenty 383 00:19:47,000 --> 00:19:49,119 Speaker 2: million dollar year deal, the Braves were not going to 384 00:19:49,160 --> 00:19:52,680 Speaker 2: sign that deal. I'm almost one hundred percent positive based 385 00:19:52,720 --> 00:19:54,600 Speaker 2: on what we've heard the Braves were not going to 386 00:19:54,680 --> 00:19:57,679 Speaker 2: be in that space. But his market really didn't develop 387 00:19:57,800 --> 00:19:59,880 Speaker 2: like that. He was interested in a one year deal, 388 00:20:00,040 --> 00:20:01,639 Speaker 2: try to get back out on the market next year, 389 00:20:01,680 --> 00:20:04,159 Speaker 2: and the Braves jumped all over. It would not be 390 00:20:04,280 --> 00:20:06,680 Speaker 2: surprised at all if it's the same logic that gets 391 00:20:06,760 --> 00:20:09,840 Speaker 2: us to a deal with EMI. But if the market 392 00:20:09,920 --> 00:20:12,159 Speaker 2: picks back up at the very end as his posting 393 00:20:12,200 --> 00:20:15,480 Speaker 2: deadline approaches and the numbers go back up, then I'm 394 00:20:15,520 --> 00:20:18,119 Speaker 2: guessing the Braves are going to be out. So, you know, 395 00:20:18,160 --> 00:20:19,680 Speaker 2: I don't want people to get their hopes up. This 396 00:20:19,840 --> 00:20:23,720 Speaker 2: is we haven't gotten like the level of smoke around 397 00:20:23,800 --> 00:20:25,840 Speaker 2: this that it would make me think the Braves are favorites. 398 00:20:26,240 --> 00:20:28,160 Speaker 2: I do want to kind of manage expectations here. 399 00:20:28,880 --> 00:20:30,879 Speaker 3: I think they're in it. I know they're in it. 400 00:20:31,160 --> 00:20:36,240 Speaker 2: I think they're interested. But if that interest, you know, 401 00:20:36,440 --> 00:20:38,639 Speaker 2: leads to the money going back up to where he 402 00:20:38,800 --> 00:20:41,399 Speaker 2: was projected at the start of the offseason, I'm guessing 403 00:20:41,440 --> 00:20:44,440 Speaker 2: the Braves are out so and there's some very very 404 00:20:44,680 --> 00:20:48,360 Speaker 2: very wealthy, big spending teams that need starting pitching. There's 405 00:20:48,400 --> 00:20:50,240 Speaker 2: one in the Braves division, in the New York Mets, 406 00:20:50,280 --> 00:20:54,560 Speaker 2: who who have done mostly subtracting this offseason and are 407 00:20:54,640 --> 00:20:56,639 Speaker 2: going to make some splashes here at some point. So 408 00:20:57,440 --> 00:21:01,280 Speaker 2: I certain wouldn't call the Bridgs favorites. But the profile, 409 00:21:01,600 --> 00:21:05,399 Speaker 2: the potential deal that you could get, it does the 410 00:21:05,480 --> 00:21:07,639 Speaker 2: Braves connection, the fact that Rays need to start a picture, 411 00:21:08,080 --> 00:21:09,720 Speaker 2: the connection does make some sense. 412 00:21:10,640 --> 00:21:13,840 Speaker 1: Yeah, and as you see his contracts soft and just 413 00:21:13,960 --> 00:21:16,360 Speaker 1: like it makes more sense for the Braves, it probably 414 00:21:16,480 --> 00:21:18,960 Speaker 1: leads to you know, some dark horse gudits we heard, it. 415 00:21:18,960 --> 00:21:20,120 Speaker 3: Makes more sense for a lot of teams. 416 00:21:20,200 --> 00:21:21,920 Speaker 1: Yeah, all the big markets are in it as well. 417 00:21:21,960 --> 00:21:25,080 Speaker 1: You know, the both New York teams, the Phillies, the Cubs, 418 00:21:25,200 --> 00:21:28,320 Speaker 1: White Sox, all those teams have been tied to him. 419 00:21:28,359 --> 00:21:30,879 Speaker 1: I know that he's pretty infamous for comments about you know, 420 00:21:31,080 --> 00:21:32,720 Speaker 1: not necessarily what to join the Dodgers. 421 00:21:32,960 --> 00:21:34,200 Speaker 3: Yeah, I saw that. I saw it. 422 00:21:34,320 --> 00:21:37,240 Speaker 1: Yeah, So so it'll be interesting to see what occurs. 423 00:21:37,280 --> 00:21:38,760 Speaker 1: But what final thing to look at, you know, we 424 00:21:38,800 --> 00:21:40,800 Speaker 1: talked about from the Braves perspective, the fact that you 425 00:21:40,840 --> 00:21:42,480 Speaker 1: don't have to give up a draft pick, the fact 426 00:21:42,520 --> 00:21:44,879 Speaker 1: that you may not necessarily have to pay as much 427 00:21:44,920 --> 00:21:47,840 Speaker 1: as you would these other established allers were qualifying offers. 428 00:21:48,000 --> 00:21:49,480 Speaker 1: The fact that you're going to be paying a guy 429 00:21:49,640 --> 00:21:51,879 Speaker 1: who still has upside in terms of he's still got 430 00:21:51,920 --> 00:21:54,399 Speaker 1: his prime ahead of him and still be in thirty 431 00:21:54,520 --> 00:21:58,000 Speaker 1: like the other big level starters. So the upside that 432 00:21:58,200 --> 00:22:01,200 Speaker 1: EMI could offer could potentially put him in line on 433 00:22:01,240 --> 00:22:03,760 Speaker 1: a smaller contract. Then what's going to be in the 434 00:22:03,840 --> 00:22:06,480 Speaker 1: future for some of these other starters like Valdez or 435 00:22:06,520 --> 00:22:09,359 Speaker 1: Galion or you know, Scores or something along those lines. 436 00:22:09,720 --> 00:22:12,080 Speaker 1: But another big thing that this does, Stephen, if the 437 00:22:12,119 --> 00:22:16,359 Speaker 1: Braids were to sign EMI, one major thing that it 438 00:22:16,440 --> 00:22:21,000 Speaker 1: does for me, It gives you so much depth of 439 00:22:21,359 --> 00:22:26,280 Speaker 1: not only reliable options that you could work through a 440 00:22:26,440 --> 00:22:29,720 Speaker 1: lineup once or twice in the playoffs, but so many 441 00:22:29,760 --> 00:22:33,439 Speaker 1: different looks. Right because if you put EMI in the rotation, 442 00:22:33,840 --> 00:22:36,600 Speaker 1: that allows for you to potentially put you know Lopez 443 00:22:36,920 --> 00:22:40,440 Speaker 1: or rend A Lopez in the bullpen. You potentially could 444 00:22:40,680 --> 00:22:43,320 Speaker 1: put Grant Holmes in the bullpen. You could see, you know, 445 00:22:43,400 --> 00:22:46,120 Speaker 1: you can mix and matches you need them. Emi, as 446 00:22:46,200 --> 00:22:49,560 Speaker 1: we mentioned, has been very fastball slider heavy versus right 447 00:22:49,640 --> 00:22:53,439 Speaker 1: handed pitchers, utilizes a change up splitter combination a bit 448 00:22:53,520 --> 00:22:57,800 Speaker 1: more against left handers. That profile of fastball slider changeup 449 00:22:58,200 --> 00:23:00,480 Speaker 1: very similar to Spencer Strider. I'm not saying he's to 450 00:23:00,600 --> 00:23:02,680 Speaker 1: that level. I'm not saying that their utilization of those 451 00:23:02,720 --> 00:23:05,240 Speaker 1: pitches are similar, but at the very least the pitches 452 00:23:05,280 --> 00:23:07,960 Speaker 1: that they mainly use to get the job done. That's 453 00:23:08,000 --> 00:23:10,760 Speaker 1: something that could be familiar to the Braves. So there 454 00:23:11,000 --> 00:23:15,960 Speaker 1: are connections as to what wy Yeah, he may not 455 00:23:16,119 --> 00:23:18,320 Speaker 1: have the track record that would make you think would 456 00:23:18,359 --> 00:23:22,600 Speaker 1: make the Braves rotation even better moving forward, but the versatility, 457 00:23:22,800 --> 00:23:25,280 Speaker 1: the diversity, the fact that he's a bit of a 458 00:23:25,359 --> 00:23:29,159 Speaker 1: hidden you know, quantity or entity in terms of what 459 00:23:29,280 --> 00:23:31,520 Speaker 1: he can offer. Since he's coming from Japan, he would 460 00:23:31,520 --> 00:23:34,920 Speaker 1: add a new aspect to this Brase rotation and also 461 00:23:35,000 --> 00:23:37,280 Speaker 1: would add a lot of depth and versatility potentially to 462 00:23:37,359 --> 00:23:39,840 Speaker 1: the bullpen. We've seen the Braves prioritize that on the 463 00:23:39,920 --> 00:23:42,480 Speaker 1: offensive side of things, This type of signing would allow 464 00:23:42,480 --> 00:23:44,160 Speaker 1: for that to be true for the pitching staff. 465 00:23:46,000 --> 00:23:48,760 Speaker 2: Yeah, and that's I mean, that is the you know, 466 00:23:48,840 --> 00:23:50,840 Speaker 2: if you're going to write a thesis on why we 467 00:23:50,960 --> 00:23:52,680 Speaker 2: want another picture, you just laid it out. 468 00:23:52,760 --> 00:23:54,760 Speaker 3: That's why. It just it opens up everything. 469 00:23:54,760 --> 00:23:59,560 Speaker 2: It's more depth, more availability for you know, the versatility 470 00:23:59,640 --> 00:24:03,800 Speaker 2: that's our aready built into the roster. And like you said, 471 00:24:04,280 --> 00:24:06,960 Speaker 2: you would have gotten through the entire offseason adding a 472 00:24:07,040 --> 00:24:10,679 Speaker 2: really good starter, to really good relievers, a legitimate shortstop, 473 00:24:11,119 --> 00:24:13,080 Speaker 2: and still kept that draft pick. 474 00:24:14,960 --> 00:24:18,000 Speaker 1: And you know, I know the draft pick is prospects. 475 00:24:18,000 --> 00:24:19,920 Speaker 1: You wouldn't have to trade prospects. 476 00:24:20,520 --> 00:24:22,840 Speaker 2: Kept your entire farm system attact, and kept both of 477 00:24:22,880 --> 00:24:23,840 Speaker 2: those first round picks. 478 00:24:24,560 --> 00:24:27,000 Speaker 3: So you know, there's a lot of upside there. Now 479 00:24:27,680 --> 00:24:28,520 Speaker 3: it has to get done. 480 00:24:28,600 --> 00:24:30,320 Speaker 2: And if it doesn't get done, if we find out 481 00:24:30,359 --> 00:24:32,760 Speaker 2: in twenty minutes that the Mets are signing Emi, then 482 00:24:33,240 --> 00:24:35,600 Speaker 2: I don't the Braves are still looking for a starter. 483 00:24:35,720 --> 00:24:37,879 Speaker 3: I know that for a fact. So it's not the 484 00:24:37,960 --> 00:24:39,280 Speaker 3: end of the world if the Braves don't get in. 485 00:24:39,440 --> 00:24:42,480 Speaker 2: But there was enough smoke in the last twenty four 486 00:24:42,520 --> 00:24:44,840 Speaker 2: hours where we needed to at least talk about it 487 00:24:44,880 --> 00:24:46,800 Speaker 2: because we are going to get a resolution to this 488 00:24:47,480 --> 00:24:47,880 Speaker 2: very soon. 489 00:24:52,520 --> 00:24:53,080 Speaker 3: You're muted. 490 00:24:53,359 --> 00:24:57,000 Speaker 1: You're so beautiful about that. Hey, it's been a few weeks. 491 00:24:57,040 --> 00:24:59,359 Speaker 1: Had to eat it had to in two thoy and 492 00:24:59,440 --> 00:25:00,080 Speaker 1: twenty five. 493 00:25:00,119 --> 00:25:03,720 Speaker 2: But there's no let in twenty five and sean. 494 00:25:03,600 --> 00:25:07,080 Speaker 1: New Year's resolution. Make sure that button is clicked. But 495 00:25:07,200 --> 00:25:09,720 Speaker 1: but over all the things is to Stevens point again, 496 00:25:11,080 --> 00:25:13,720 Speaker 1: I would not I would put it less than fifty 497 00:25:13,720 --> 00:25:15,240 Speaker 1: percent that the Braves are in it just because of 498 00:25:15,320 --> 00:25:15,880 Speaker 1: our old team. 499 00:25:15,920 --> 00:25:16,560 Speaker 3: I would put it like. 500 00:25:18,080 --> 00:25:21,119 Speaker 1: Yeah, but at the very least, again, what's adding to 501 00:25:22,080 --> 00:25:24,720 Speaker 1: the intrigue of this is again we're gonna know what's 502 00:25:24,760 --> 00:25:26,440 Speaker 1: going to happen. We have to know what's gonna happen 503 00:25:26,480 --> 00:25:28,680 Speaker 1: in forty eight hours. Likely we'll see what happens within 504 00:25:28,720 --> 00:25:31,400 Speaker 1: the next twenty four hours. Yeah, And I will again say, 505 00:25:31,480 --> 00:25:33,520 Speaker 1: while the Braves might not necessarily be the favorite in 506 00:25:33,600 --> 00:25:36,440 Speaker 1: the clubhouse, there's probably not too many teams where it 507 00:25:36,520 --> 00:25:39,600 Speaker 1: makes more sense to go this route than the Braves. 508 00:25:39,640 --> 00:25:42,399 Speaker 1: And as Steven mentioned, you would open up a new 509 00:25:42,520 --> 00:25:45,600 Speaker 1: aspect of adding to this roster in the future when 510 00:25:45,680 --> 00:25:48,639 Speaker 1: it comes to Japanese free agents, because that is one 511 00:25:48,680 --> 00:25:53,399 Speaker 1: thing that we see, there's consistently, consistently Japanese free agents. 512 00:25:53,400 --> 00:25:56,240 Speaker 1: And while everybody may think that, you know, not necessarily everybody. 513 00:25:56,560 --> 00:26:00,199 Speaker 1: While a lot of times those Japanese players may come 514 00:26:00,240 --> 00:26:03,800 Speaker 1: over and not necessarily reach the ceiling that many thought 515 00:26:03,880 --> 00:26:07,520 Speaker 1: they would, more often than not they're going to be 516 00:26:07,680 --> 00:26:10,359 Speaker 1: some type of productive Major leaguer. And we know that 517 00:26:10,440 --> 00:26:12,480 Speaker 1: the Braves are a good organization when it comes to 518 00:26:13,000 --> 00:26:15,800 Speaker 1: making the most of talent. So I think that that's 519 00:26:15,840 --> 00:26:18,280 Speaker 1: a very that's a great point, Stephen. If we were 520 00:26:18,359 --> 00:26:21,600 Speaker 1: to sign Emi, it would open up that pipeline potentially 521 00:26:21,640 --> 00:26:24,720 Speaker 1: for the future. And it again when it comes to 522 00:26:24,760 --> 00:26:27,720 Speaker 1: ems overall repertoire, we laid out the reasons why. It 523 00:26:27,960 --> 00:26:30,200 Speaker 1: just makes a lot of sense. Again, it may not happen, 524 00:26:30,480 --> 00:26:33,080 Speaker 1: but it makes perfect sense as to why the Braves 525 00:26:33,119 --> 00:26:36,200 Speaker 1: have had a heightened interest, especially if that contract becomes 526 00:26:36,200 --> 00:26:38,760 Speaker 1: a bit more attractive in terms of years and dollars. 527 00:26:39,800 --> 00:26:43,119 Speaker 2: Yeah, so we'll see, well know, very quickly by the 528 00:26:43,160 --> 00:26:46,640 Speaker 2: time you listen to this, you might already know, depending 529 00:26:46,640 --> 00:26:48,760 Speaker 2: on how quickly you listen to it. After we post it, 530 00:26:49,160 --> 00:26:52,679 Speaker 2: just to time stamp it It is four eighteen Central 531 00:26:52,760 --> 00:26:56,679 Speaker 2: time on December thirty first, as we're recording this now, 532 00:26:56,960 --> 00:27:00,240 Speaker 2: so you know again, because he has to get the 533 00:27:00,400 --> 00:27:04,000 Speaker 2: entire processing, have it finalized by four pm on Friday, 534 00:27:04,200 --> 00:27:07,240 Speaker 2: and tomorrow is a major holiday. Don't do not be 535 00:27:07,280 --> 00:27:08,960 Speaker 2: surprised at all if we get news on this tonight, 536 00:27:09,400 --> 00:27:12,240 Speaker 2: which is another reason we wanted to record now. But yeah, 537 00:27:12,640 --> 00:27:16,800 Speaker 2: it's a it's it's noteworthy. The Braves are We've said 538 00:27:16,800 --> 00:27:19,600 Speaker 2: it a bunch because we've heard about it. We pretty 539 00:27:19,680 --> 00:27:22,399 Speaker 2: much confirmed it at this point. The Braves are heavily 540 00:27:22,560 --> 00:27:25,240 Speaker 2: looking for a starter. They want another starter that is 541 00:27:25,400 --> 00:27:28,440 Speaker 2: crystal clear. Will it be Emi, will it be somebody else? 542 00:27:28,520 --> 00:27:30,320 Speaker 3: We have no idea. We'll wait and see what happens. 543 00:27:30,400 --> 00:27:32,639 Speaker 3: But the Braves are not done. I know. 544 00:27:32,840 --> 00:27:35,280 Speaker 2: I saw some comments like, you know, after the Braves 545 00:27:35,320 --> 00:27:38,080 Speaker 2: spent big money on Suarez and their payroll is already 546 00:27:38,119 --> 00:27:40,400 Speaker 2: higher than it's ever been, that they were probably done. 547 00:27:40,680 --> 00:27:42,520 Speaker 2: I can promise you the Braves are not done trying 548 00:27:42,560 --> 00:27:44,719 Speaker 2: to add. Now, they might be done adding. They might 549 00:27:44,760 --> 00:27:46,200 Speaker 2: not be able to get stuff to the finish line, 550 00:27:46,600 --> 00:27:48,040 Speaker 2: but they are trying to add. 551 00:27:48,320 --> 00:27:50,560 Speaker 3: So we'll just see. We'll see if it gets done. 552 00:27:51,160 --> 00:27:53,960 Speaker 1: And again, if this sounds a bit odd in terms of, 553 00:27:54,240 --> 00:27:56,760 Speaker 1: you know, Alex and Thopless go in this route or route, 554 00:27:56,760 --> 00:27:59,480 Speaker 1: but he's not really gone in the past with in 555 00:27:59,600 --> 00:28:03,920 Speaker 1: the past with the Braves, you know, the Braves signing Emi. 556 00:28:04,040 --> 00:28:06,399 Speaker 1: While it may not be likely, you could definitely say that, 557 00:28:06,560 --> 00:28:09,960 Speaker 1: you know, stranger things than this have occurred in the past. 558 00:28:10,040 --> 00:28:12,879 Speaker 1: And if the Braves need to basically shift, if they 559 00:28:12,960 --> 00:28:15,840 Speaker 1: need to basically you know, turn upside down their usual 560 00:28:15,960 --> 00:28:18,359 Speaker 1: way of being able to get things done, to be 561 00:28:18,440 --> 00:28:20,600 Speaker 1: able to make their contention go the right side up, 562 00:28:20,920 --> 00:28:23,080 Speaker 1: then that definitely could be a reason why they go 563 00:28:23,240 --> 00:28:29,560 Speaker 1: after Tatsuya Emi. Yes, that was an absolute nod to 564 00:28:29,640 --> 00:28:34,200 Speaker 1: stranger things finale shall ustu. Hey, hey, you know what, 565 00:28:34,640 --> 00:28:37,480 Speaker 1: I'm here for it. I'm here for it. And that's 566 00:28:37,520 --> 00:28:39,440 Speaker 1: the thing, you know, it's just you know, we we 567 00:28:39,640 --> 00:28:42,160 Speaker 1: can we could spend eleven minutes or we could spend 568 00:28:42,200 --> 00:28:45,360 Speaker 1: two hours, you know, talking about to Emi. I'm gonna 569 00:28:45,360 --> 00:28:48,280 Speaker 1: stop with the references, but hey, can't thank you enough 570 00:28:48,320 --> 00:28:50,880 Speaker 1: for joining us. This may or may not be our 571 00:28:50,960 --> 00:28:53,800 Speaker 1: last episode of twenty twenty five, but if it is, 572 00:28:54,000 --> 00:28:56,520 Speaker 1: do want to end on this note. Cannot thank you 573 00:28:56,840 --> 00:28:59,720 Speaker 1: are listeners enough via YouTube, all platforms everything else. 574 00:28:59,760 --> 00:29:02,160 Speaker 2: Even with it, I do want to give a shout out. 575 00:29:04,240 --> 00:29:06,520 Speaker 2: He just announced it publicly. It's something we've known for 576 00:29:06,680 --> 00:29:10,120 Speaker 2: a few days, but Dave O'Brian just announced publicly that 577 00:29:10,280 --> 00:29:13,160 Speaker 2: is retiring. Did Dave ol brian of course, was the 578 00:29:13,240 --> 00:29:16,840 Speaker 2: beat writer for the Athletic before that, the AJAC been 579 00:29:16,880 --> 00:29:20,400 Speaker 2: on the braz beat for Yeah, I mean it's been 580 00:29:20,440 --> 00:29:21,800 Speaker 2: a long time, as long as I can. 581 00:29:21,720 --> 00:29:22,440 Speaker 3: Remember, basically. 582 00:29:22,640 --> 00:29:26,120 Speaker 2: Anyway, he just announced on Twitter he's retiring. You know, 583 00:29:26,200 --> 00:29:29,480 Speaker 2: we had heard whispers of that in the last few days, 584 00:29:29,520 --> 00:29:32,160 Speaker 2: so but he made it officially. Weren't obviously gonna say 585 00:29:32,160 --> 00:29:34,760 Speaker 2: anything until he made it official, and he announced on 586 00:29:34,760 --> 00:29:38,720 Speaker 2: Twitter that he's retiring. So congrats dB Joe retirement. It 587 00:29:38,880 --> 00:29:42,000 Speaker 2: was you know, thirty years on the beat is an 588 00:29:42,040 --> 00:29:44,840 Speaker 2: insane accomplishment. I know, I know, people, Dave is one 589 00:29:44,840 --> 00:29:47,000 Speaker 2: of those guys people either love or hate, you know, 590 00:29:47,760 --> 00:29:49,880 Speaker 2: whether you love or hate him. Spending that long on 591 00:29:49,960 --> 00:29:54,040 Speaker 2: the beat, you know, for one organization is an accomplishment. 592 00:29:54,200 --> 00:29:56,280 Speaker 2: So congrats to dal Be on his retirement. 593 00:29:56,880 --> 00:29:59,120 Speaker 1: Yeah, hats off to you, d ob sir to a 594 00:29:59,160 --> 00:30:01,720 Speaker 1: great career. Wish you nothing but the best in retirement. 595 00:30:01,760 --> 00:30:05,520 Speaker 1: Certainly know that your bravest fandom will go nowhere, but hey, 596 00:30:06,040 --> 00:30:09,120 Speaker 1: that's the thing. Things are happening in twenty and twenty 597 00:30:09,120 --> 00:30:11,360 Speaker 1: five that you wouldn't have expected. Again, Hats off to 598 00:30:11,440 --> 00:30:14,080 Speaker 1: a great career, Dob, Best of luck to you, and 599 00:30:14,360 --> 00:30:17,800 Speaker 1: we though, are gonna be here no matter what, covering 600 00:30:17,880 --> 00:30:21,400 Speaker 1: you to in twenty and twenty five, going into twenty 601 00:30:21,680 --> 00:30:24,360 Speaker 1: twenty six and beyond, and you know what, perhaps in 602 00:30:24,400 --> 00:30:26,520 Speaker 1: the next twenty four to forty eight hours we'll talk 603 00:30:26,560 --> 00:30:29,040 Speaker 1: about a new arm that could again make the Brave 604 00:30:29,160 --> 00:30:31,720 Speaker 1: staff one of the best in baseball. You can find 605 00:30:31,720 --> 00:30:34,400 Speaker 1: Stephen Tolbert at be Underscore Outliers on x slash Twitter, 606 00:30:34,480 --> 00:30:38,160 Speaker 1: myself at Stat's Sac on x slash Twitter. Foul Territory 607 00:30:39,600 --> 00:30:41,800 Speaker 1: happy to be a part of the family of Foul 608 00:30:41,920 --> 00:30:45,320 Speaker 1: Territory podcast across all forms of social media Hammer Territory 609 00:30:45,360 --> 00:30:49,360 Speaker 1: as well. Happy New Year. Hope your twenty twenty five 610 00:30:49,560 --> 00:30:52,880 Speaker 1: ends in great fashion. At that twenty twenty six get 611 00:30:52,960 --> 00:30:55,720 Speaker 1: started off and even better fashion. Until next time, go braves. 612 00:30:55,760 --> 00:30:58,040 Speaker 1: We'll talk to you again soon here on the Hammer 613 00:30:58,160 --> 00:30:59,360 Speaker 1: Territory podcast 614 00:31:01,520 --> 00:31:03,040 Speaker 2: That Stat