Baseball Prospectus - Chat with Joshua Kusnick

Chat: Joshua Kusnick

Welcome to Baseball Prospectus' Friday October 09, 2015 1:00 PM ET chat session with Joshua Kusnick.

Joshua Kusnick: Hello everyone, sorry for the Delay, I had to attend a team workout on short notice for my client Philippe Valiquette whom is coming back from various injuries. He's healthy and back to throwing 95-97 so here's to someone giving him a shot!

Tommy (Toronto): Josh, Thanks for the chat. Is Rougned Odor for real??

Joshua Kusnick: He is a real person yes. I cant really elaborate on non client.

jsdspud (My Desk): Thanks for the chat Josh. Did you get a chance to see Bradenton in the FSL this year? If so, were there any standout players?

Joshua Kusnick: Yes I did, Scott Elarton was their pitching coach which was a thrill for me because I first met him as a fan when he played for Kissimmee. They were loaded, cant comment on non clients. User specific chat!

jsdspud (My Desk): Thanks for the chat Josh. Did you get a chance to see Bradenton in the FSL this year? If so, were there any standout players?

Marshall (Crenshaw): With these front offices that have a GM and another GM and it seems like three more GMs (like the Dodgers, Red Sox, etc) do you ever have any confusion on your part about who to talk to?

Joshua Kusnick: Occasionally. When there is turnover you have to relearn all the names and face of who goes where. There is a lot of recycling in baseball so the faces tend to stay the same just the locations change.

William (New York): Without naming names: How many GMs do you think are just flat out stupid? Just outright dumb and incompetent?

Joshua Kusnick: Hahahahahahaha this question is one I cant answer. They all got to where they are for a reason. I respect the job they all do even if it conflicts with my objectives. So stupid is relative. For me I dont think any are stupid though I imagine fans might have a different opinion than myself.

Brady (Houston): What's your take on IMG Academy?

Joshua Kusnick: I do not know enough to comment but it's interesting. I think kids should experience school and go that route. It does seem that it could be a little to intermingled for my liking

BC (Urbandale): Which MLB player, 23 or younger has the best shot at Cooperstown?

Joshua Kusnick: And Im breaking my rule of non client comments. Harper, I mean my god what a talent

Chopper (Indy): Might Moncada, Mazara and Robles all be among the top 15 prospects heading into 2016?

Joshua Kusnick: I dont do the red sox list. I do work for Carlos Asuaje however and he totally should make that cut.

Raymond (South Florida): Joshua, Thanks for doing this chat, always interesting to hear an agent's thoughts. Why doesn't BP have you do a Podcast talking the Business Aspects of the Sports?

Joshua Kusnick: I do have a podcast. http://natsgm.com/page/2/?s=kusnick&submit=Search Id love to do one on Bp but I enjoy my time with ryan sullivan

baseballjunkie (SF Bay Area): Hi Joshua, Would you please rank the best 5 or so pitching prospects still in the minors to own in a dynasty league?

Joshua Kusnick: Im not a Fantasy guru so I dont want to tank your stats

Transaction Monkey (Mars): Still hate us?

Joshua Kusnick: Yes.

James (Miami): Thank you for doing this. What is the worst part of your job.

Joshua Kusnick: Its an emotional and mental grind. Unearthing a gem and getting fired is never fun. Its a job that is a ton of hardwork but ultimately rewarding.

BREWCREW (Milwaukee): Can you tell us about Jeremy Jeffress and how he got to be so good this season?

Joshua Kusnick: Jeremy has come a long way and I am so proud of him for getting to this point in his career. He' a unique talent and an even better person. I think this year was the culmination of a lot of things not limited to being with the right organization for the player. He finally found a home and sometimes thats all it takes. You really can go home again.

NatsFan (DC): I know this is touchy but can you talk about the struggles your client Adrian Nieto had this season? Was is physical? Was it mental? Why did the club seem to sour on him after such a promising 2014

Joshua Kusnick: I think I can answer this. I no longer work for Adrian. He is a great young man who I think will do great things in this game. I was so incredibly proud of his 2014 season and the strides he made. I think 2015 was a tough adjustment for him going back to AA then splitting time with Rob Brantley and ultimately only having 250 at bats. I am not shocked he was taken off the roster given the club did not call him up despite being on the roster at the time. He has a tough road ahead of him but he's proved doubters wrong before. I wish him well.

Steve (Oregon): Best moment of 2015 season?

Joshua Kusnick: So many to choose from but Im glad everyone got through the year healthy. Jaye Chapmans return was a big thrill for sure

Chris (Boston): Do you ever get any down time and if so how do you spend it?

Joshua Kusnick: Not much. I still enjoy writing to retired athletes from the 50s and 60s. We only have one living player from the 30's Bobby Doerr. If anyone wants to email me for an address of a hero from a past era I can be found here JoshuaKusnick@aol.com

Moose (Maryland): Mussina or Schilling?

Joshua Kusnick: Mussina and not close. Its like people have amnesia about how great Mussina was. For me he's a first ballot lock but it was not to be. I mean look at the era and division he played his entire career in and the numbers he put up. It shouldnt be a hard choice. Also reluctantly given Schillings post season success hes probably a Hof'er too.

Joshua Kusnick: Thanks for all the great questions. I look forward to writing more articles and I than you all for reading them. I appreciate all the interaction and encourage you to keep commenting and emailing me. I promise I will respond to them all. Thanks a ton J-