MLB with Jerry Crasnick

MLB with Jerry Crasnick
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Welcome to SportsNation! On Monday, ESPN.com baseball writer Jerry Crasnick will drop by to take your questions.

Crasnick is the author of "License to Deal: A Season on the Run With a Maverick Baseball Agent," which chronicles the ins and outs of what happens off the field.

Send your questions now and join Crasnick Monday at 3 p.m. ET!

Jerry Crasnick
Hey everybody, We're 25 hours away from the trade deadline, so let's get started. If you see any news break during this chat, feel free to pass it along!
Jason (West Chester, PA)
Are any of the Rangers' prospects "untouchable", like Mike Olt, or are all of them in play, especially if Cliff Lee is on the table?
Jerry Crasnick
Jason, I don't think there's any way the Rangers trade Jurickson Profar, since he's their next shortstop if Elvis Andrus leaves for free agency. They're pretty resistant to moving Olt, too, but I think they could be persuaded in the right deal.
Alex (Florida)
Jerry your thoughts on where Dempster will end up pitching? Braves/Dodgers back an forth on wanting him so is there a chance he stays with Cubs?
Jerry Crasnick
Alex, I guess there's a chance Dempster stays. But he offers enough to contending clubs and the situation in Chicago is unpleasant enough for all sides that it's in everyone's best interests for a trade to be made. I've been waiting for teams like the Nats or Cardinals to jump in. Jayson Stark is now mentioning Washington as a possibility, so we'll see what happens.
Cargo (Denver)
Any chance I get traded by the deadline?
Jerry Crasnick
Cargo, Nope, don't see that happening.
Pete (North Dakota)
I see the Pirates are shopping Kevin Correia. As a Pirates fan I am a little hesitant to get rid of him right now due to James McDonalds most recent performances. Any chance we keep him? Also any other trade deadline moves you see the Pirates making?
Jerry Crasnick
Pete, I'm sure the Pirates would like the depth, but Correia asked for a trade once they moved him to the bullpen, and I think Neal Huntington is trying to accommodate him. They'd like a bat, but those Chase Headley and Shane Victorino pursuits haven't worked out to this point.
CC (Atlanta)
Any chance the Braves do something dramatic by 4pm tomorrow? We are so used to picking up junk like Matt Diaz at the deadline but we need a starting P to have any chance. Sheets and Hanson as top 3 starters ain't gonna cut it.
Jerry Crasnick
CC, They were in on Greinke. Problem is, there's no real No. 1 left unless you count Cliff Lee. Josh Johnson isn't pitching very well (and would require half your farm system in return) and James Shields has a 6.15 ERA in his last seven starts. Are they any better than what the Braves have right now, particularly with the way Mike Minor is pitching?
Woody (Jefferson City, MO)
Given the theory of selling high, I was wondering what teams may be interested in Billy Butler? Oakland? Pittsburgh? Can he play 1B in the National League? Thanks for the chat!
Jerry Crasnick
Woody, I haven't heard Billy Butler's name at all. And no, I don't think anybody believes he can play first base. He's strictly a DH.
Kendall (NC)
Afternoon Jerry! My question concerns W.Miley! Do you think we'll see an innings limit on him and do you feel he'll fade in 2nd half with more inning pitched?
Jerry Crasnick
Kendall, Wade Miley threw about 150 innings two years ago and 170 last season. He's at 118 right now, I believe, so he should have more tread on him. If he has any issues, they're probably more a result of going around the league for a second or third time than anything related to fatigue.
Goose (Philly)
Jerry,Do you see Hunter Pence being traded before the deadline ?
Jerry Crasnick
Goose, I think it's going to be tough because of his salary. He has about $3M more due him this year and an additional $13M or more next year. That's not cheap.
keith (Ohio)
What about the possibility of Indians' Choo to the Pirates?
Jerry Crasnick
Keith, The Choo rumors have been losing momentum. I can see the Indians wanting Starling Marte in return, and Neal Huntington would be hesitant to do that.
Bradley (Atlanta)
I keep hearing the Braves are "searching for starting pitching." Who would some of those names be at this point?
Jerry Crasnick
Bradley, The ship hasn't completely sailed on Ryan Dempster, and I think they're keeping an eye on James Shields. But I'll bet they wind up getting a reliever and a bench bat before they get a starter.
Harrison (New York)
Hypothetical trade, the Mets Send David Wright and R.A Dickey to Texas for Olt, Profar, Derrick Holland and Josh Hamilton.
Jerry Crasnick
Harrison, I take it you're a Mets fan.
Chris (Cincy)
Talk about the Reds! They are tied for the best record in baseball. Who will they get out of Span, Victorino, Pierre, Ellsbury?
Jerry Crasnick
Chris, My guess is Juan Pierre. They've won 10 in a row and they have Joey Votto coming back, so I'm not sure they feel as great a sense of urgency to make a big trade. And I'm sure Dusty Baker is lobbying hard for Pierre, for what that's worth.
derrick (illinois)
What realistic moves do you see the dodgers making? left fielder? 1st base? and if so, who are they targeting?
Jerry Crasnick
Derrick, I can see Shane Victorino being a good fit for both the Dodgers and Giants. Energy player who could turn it up a notch in August and September with a change of scenery. I think he winds up in one of those two places. Of course, the never-ending Ryan Dempster saga will also be coming to a conclusion soon. Thank goodness.
Kenny (Columbus)
Do you see the Chicago White Sox making a move before the trading deadline or staying with what they have? If they do make a move, who do you see them going for?
Jerry Crasnick
Kenny, Kenny Williams has been quiet the last couple of days, but I expect him to make one more addition at the deadline. Maybe another veteran bullpen arm, like a Brandon League. That's just my guess.
Kurt (Pittsburgh)
What happened to the Justin Upton rumors? They ended as suddenly as they started?
Jerry Crasnick
Kurt, I think they were overblown to begin with. And to be honest, I wonder why the D-backs threw around his name so casually. Upton has been on the block publicly twice now. It seems to me the D-backs might have a little fence-mending to do with him in the offseason if they're planning on keeping him for the long haul.

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