Kazuma Akimoto as a Safer Alternative

Ben and Meg banter about the slightly shorter-than-usual duration of the offseason, how big the WBC will be, and a few managerial hirings. After that (41:53), they talk to FanGraphs lead prospect analyst Eric Longenhagen about Munetaka Murakami and this offseason’s most promising free agents from international leagues, what we’ve learned about Roki Sasaki and the factors that predict MLB success for NPB/KBO players, and MLB’s winter moratorium on amateur scouting.

Audio intro: Philip Bergman, “Effectively Wild Theme”
Audio interstitial: Moon Hound, “Effectively Wild Theme”
Audio outro: Xavier LeBlanc, “Effectively Wild Theme”

Link to manager hirings/firings
Link to most managers for one GM
Link to Rockies update 1
Link to Rockies update 2
Link to Ben on ex-player GMs
Link to Eric on IFA
Link to Ben on Murakami/Sasaki
Link to scouting moratorium news
Link to EW on the moratorium
Link to Secret Santa sign-up
Link to Plot Hole or Not Hole

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