Around Baseball 2017

[Terminator]

We're in serious trouble if Hernandez is our starting RF to begin the year. At the very least, we need a strong side platoon player.

 

That's what I thought but a lot of what I read seems to think he could do it. Maybe he'd be better suited for the 4th OF spot to start.

[Bobthe4th]

We're in serious trouble if Hernandez is our starting RF to begin the year. At the very least, we need a strong side platoon player.

 

That's an exaggeration, you don't know how good he can be until he's given a chance.

 

The FO thinks Hernandez can play everyday, and he was blocked with the Astros so his chances to play were limited there.

[burlingtonbandit]

Duquette has done very well with the hand that he was dealt in my opinion. They have a meddling owner who won't let him sign international players and probably wouldn't let him sell at the deadline either.

 

A good executive would be able to convince the owner on what needs to be done in order for the Franchise to be successful. Just because Angelos is a moron doesn't give Duqette a free pass. That Helickson trade was stupid as hell anyway plus Angelos apparently gave approval to trade the relievers.

[burlingtonbandit]

That's what I thought but a lot of what I read seems to think he could do it. Maybe he'd be better suited for the 4th OF spot to start.

 

I'd be fine with Hernandez if the team was in a rebuild but if they actually plan to compete he should realistically be in Buffalo for depth.

[Omar]

Beltre: 'I'm not going to waste my time' on PED accusations

 

https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/1343328?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[Terminator]

I'd be fine with Hernandez if the team was in a rebuild but if they actually plan to compete he should realistically be in Buffalo for depth.

 

So he's just an org guy in your opinion?

[Cbert]

I'd be fine with Hernandez if the team was in a rebuild but if they actually plan to compete he should realistically be in Buffalo for depth.

 

I agree using him as a starter isn't realistic if you're trying to compete in 2018. I think I'd utilize him as a 4th outfielder and target, as others have suggested, JD Martinez in FA. JD, Alford and Pillar is a pretty decent outfield both offensively and defensively. I also wouldn't mind looking at what the Marlins want for Yelich if the package could be built around Pillar. An outfield of JD, Alford and Yelich would be pretty nice to watch next year.

[Rusty_Savage]

I highly doubt the Marlins would trade Yelich for a package built around Pillar.

[BTS]

I highly doubt the Marlins would trade Yelich for a package built around Pillar.

 

Yeah, there's no incentive for them at all. Yelich is better, three years younger, under team control for two years longer, and has a more diverse skill set.

[Cbert]

Yeah, there's no incentive for them at all. Yelich is better, three years younger, under team control for two years longer, and has a more diverse skill set.

 

Yea I messed up the years of control. I was looking at Dee Gordon earlier, too, and mixed up their contracts in my head. But yeah, if I could do it without sacrificing one of our top 3 prospects, I'd grab Yelich for the reasons you stated. Just a better overall skill set than Pillar.

[Grant77]

That's what I thought but a lot of what I read seems to think he could do it. Maybe he'd be better suited for the 4th OF spot to start.

 

I'm not trying to say that he can't or won't be a starting calibre outfielder, but there are an awful lot of guys with good AAA statistics and strong skillsets that just can't transition to the majors. I think that we would be smart to give him a shot, but a strong insurance policy is essential.

[Spanky99]

Where'd my GDT go?

 

Edit: NVM... merged with that moron, I see.

[Terminator]

I agree using him as a starter isn't realistic if you're trying to compete in 2018. I think I'd utilize him as a 4th outfielder and target, as others have suggested, JD Martinez in FA. JD, Alford and Pillar is a pretty decent outfield both offensively and defensively. I also wouldn't mind looking at what the Marlins want for Yelich if the package could be built around Pillar. An outfield of JD, Alford and Yelich would be pretty nice to watch next year.

 

I don't think it's fair to say that Hernandez can't start and then you turn around and suggest Alford starting. I get that Alford is the better prospect but Hernandez is further along in his development. I'd bet money that Hernandez (with big league ABs and hundreds of AAA ABs) is more ready than Alford (who has no AAA ABs, a handful of MLB ABs, and less than 200 AA ABs). It could make sense to bring in Jarrod Dyson or another OFer who bats left handed. Then you have Dyson, Pillar, Hernandez and Pearce as your 4 OFers. Mix and match them all season long. Alford, Pompey and DSJ can provide depth in AAA. We really need to focus on the rotation and infield depth IMO.

[Rusty_Savage]

Where'd my GDT go?

 

Edit: NVM... merged with that moron, I see.

 

Yours is better if it's any consolation

[Pendleton]

I don't think it's fair to say that Hernandez can't start and then you turn around and suggest Alford starting. I get that Alford is the better prospect but Hernandez is further along in his development. I'd bet money that Hernandez (with big league ABs and hundreds of AAA ABs) is more ready than Alford (who has no AAA ABs, a handful of MLB ABs, and less than 200 AA ABs). It could make sense to bring in Jarrod Dyson or another OFer who bats left handed. Then you have Dyson, Pillar, Hernandez and Pearce as your 4 OFers. Mix and match them all season long. Alford, Pompey and DSJ can provide depth in AAA. We really need to focus on the rotation and infield depth IMO.

 

Assuming a reasonable price on Dyson that plan sounds pretty ideal. I dream of an OF where Pillar isn't the only one with plus (or even above average) range and it seems like we're moving in that direction.

[Cbert]

I don't think it's fair to say that Hernandez can't start and then you turn around and suggest Alford starting. I get that Alford is the better prospect but Hernandez is further along in his development. I'd bet money that Hernandez (with big league ABs and hundreds of AAA ABs) is more ready than Alford (who has no AAA ABs, a handful of MLB ABs, and less than 200 AA ABs). It could make sense to bring in Jarrod Dyson or another OFer who bats left handed. Then you have Dyson, Pillar, Hernandez and Pearce as your 4 OFers. Mix and match them all season long. Alford, Pompey and DSJ can provide depth in AAA. We really need to focus on the rotation and infield depth IMO.

 

Yeah I agree that our rotation should probably be the #1 priority. However, going into next season as is, it seems like our offense will be relying heavily on Donaldson and Smoak. While I agree with you that our infield lacks depth, I also feel that our outfield needs a bump offensively and defensively and I'm not sure the bunch you mentioned really help move the needle on that first part.

 

Honestly, I've mainly been in the rebuild camp for most of this season because it seems like there are a lot of holes to fill this offseason. I'm hoping since the order came from ownership to stay competitive, it might mean they up payroll a little more and maybe Shatkins can also pull off a shrewd trade or two.

[BTS]

It's really hard to see how this team ends up competitive next year. We're looking at something like:

 

C - Martin (35)

1B - Smoak (31)

2B - Travis (27)

3B - Donaldson (32)

SS - Tulowitzki (33)

CF - Pillar (29)

LF - Pearce (35)

RF -

DH - Morales (35)

OF - Carrera (31)

 

SP - Stroman (27)

SP - Sanchez (26)

SP - Happ (35)

SP -

SP -

 

That's the framework of an old, injury prone core in its death throes, and given how reluctant the FO was to prop it up with significant investments in their first two offseasons, I'll be shocked if they make significant additions now that the team will be older and project even worse than the 2016 and 2017 versions.

 

I think the most we'll see is mid-tier FA additions that amount to lipstick on a pig, and lots of public comments about how they want to win, while they know very well that they'll project to be average next year. And that's OK. The old, expensive, broken guys will be phased out eventually.

[P2F]

This post looks like a precursor to the offseason thread. I think it's time.

[BTS]

This post looks like a precursor to the offseason thread. I think it's time.

 

It is not yet time for salami and cheese.

[Abomination]

It's really hard to see how this team ends up competitive next year. We're looking at something like:

 

C - Martin (35)

1B - Smoak (31)

2B - Travis (27)

3B - Donaldson (32)

SS - Tulowitzki (33)

CF - Pillar (29)

LF - Pearce (35)

RF -

DH - Morales (35)

OF - Carrera (31)

 

SP - Stroman (27)

SP - Sanchez (26)

SP - Happ (35)

SP -

SP -

 

That's the framework of an old, injury prone core in its death throes, and given how reluctant the FO was to prop it up with significant investments in their first two offseasons, I'll be shocked if they make significant additions now that the team will be older and project even worse than the 2016 and 2017 versions.

 

I think the most we'll see is mid-tier FA additions that amount to lipstick on a pig, and lots of public comments about how they want to win, while they know very well that they'll project to be average next year. And that's OK. The old, expensive, broken guys will be phased out eventually.

 

Add Otani and JD Martinez, and it looks a little more viable for next year too.

[KevinGregg]

It's really hard to see how this team ends up competitive next year. We're looking at something like:

 

C - Martin (35)

1B - Smoak (31)

2B - Travis (27)

3B - Donaldson (32)

SS - Tulowitzki (33)

CF - Pillar (29)

LF - Pearce (35)

RF -

DH - Morales (35)

OF - Carrera (31)

 

SP - Stroman (27)

SP - Sanchez (26)

SP - Happ (35)

SP -

SP -

 

That's the framework of an old, injury prone core in its death throes, and given how reluctant the FO was to prop it up with significant investments in their first two offseasons, I'll be shocked if they make significant additions now that the team will be older and project even worse than the 2016 and 2017 versions.

 

I think the most we'll see is mid-tier FA additions that amount to lipstick on a pig, and lots of public comments about how they want to win, while they know very well that they'll project to be average next year. And that's OK. The old, expensive, broken guys will be phased out eventually.

 

That's not a terrible core at all I don't think. Especially if Tulo can bounce back and Travis/Donaldson aren't hurt. Sign Darvish and JD Martinez, bring back Estrada as 5th starter boom playoffs.

[BTS]

That's not a terrible core at all I don't think. Especially if Tulo can bounce back and Travis/Donaldson aren't hurt. Sign Darvish and JD Martinez, bring back Estrada as 5th starter boom playoffs.

 

Well yeah, the team looks a lot better in 2018 if you add a couple of superstars, but I'll be shocked if the club is handing out $100M contracts in the offseason. I also don't share the optimism a lot of people seem to have about a Tulo bounce-back. Are you talking about bouncing back to 2-win level? Because that seems like a reasonable outcome. Any more than that seems very unlikely though. He hasn't been an above-average player since his 2014 hip surgery.

[KevinGregg]

Well yeah, the team looks a lot better in 2018 if you add a couple of superstars, but I'll be shocked if the club is handing out $100M contracts in the offseason. I also don't share the optimism a lot of people seem to have about a Tulo bounce-back. Are you talking about bouncing back to 2-win level? Because that seems like a reasonable outcome. Any more than that seems very unlikely though. He hasn't been an above-average player since his 2014 hip surgery.

 

Yes just a bounce back from Ryan goins territory is all I ask. As for the free agent contracts - obviously there is a lot of money coming off the books in the next few years and they've said they want to be competitive so I really hope they try to make a bit of a splash to fix the huge holes. I'd be pumped to bring in Otani.

[Daniel Labude]

It's really hard to see how this team ends up competitive next year. We're looking at something like:

 

C - Martin (35)

1B - Smoak (31)

2B - Travis (27)

3B - Donaldson (32)

SS - Tulowitzki (33)

CF - Pillar (29)

LF - Pearce (35)

RF -

DH - Morales (35)

OF - Carrera (31)

 

SP - Stroman (27)

SP - Sanchez (26)

SP - Happ (35)

SP -

SP -

 

That's the framework of an old, injury prone core in its death throes, and given how reluctant the FO was to prop it up with significant investments in their first two offseasons, I'll be shocked if they make significant additions now that the team will be older and project even worse than the 2016 and 2017 versions.

 

I think the most we'll see is mid-tier FA additions that amount to lipstick on a pig, and lots of public comments about how they want to win, while they know very well that they'll project to be average next year. And that's OK. The old, expensive, broken guys will be phased out eventually.

 

Id say take out Carrera, Pearce, and Morales. Seems like a very good likelihood that happens

[BTS]

Id say take out Carrera, Pearce, and Morales. Seems like a very good likelihood that happens

 

I'd set the O/U on 2.5 of them being back. Carrera because he seems well-liked and actually does a decent job as a 4th or 5th OF, Pearce because he's a talented player who's potential contributions in 2018 exceed his likely trade value, and Morales because he's not moveable.

[Spanky99]

Id say take out Carrera, Pearce, and Morales. Seems like a very good likelihood that happens

 

That's wishful thinking, and the best player there is Pearce.

[Terminator]

It's really hard to see how this team ends up competitive next year. We're looking at something like:

 

C - Martin (35)

1B - Smoak (31)

2B - Travis (27)

3B - Donaldson (32)

SS - Tulowitzki (33)

CF - Pillar (29)

LF - Pearce (35)

RF -

DH - Morales (35)

OF - Carrera (31)

 

SP - Stroman (27)

SP - Sanchez (26)

SP - Happ (35)

SP -

SP -

 

That's the framework of an old, injury prone core in its death throes, and given how reluctant the FO was to prop it up with significant investments in their first two offseasons, I'll be shocked if they make significant additions now that the team will be older and project even worse than the 2016 and 2017 versions.

 

I think the most we'll see is mid-tier FA additions that amount to lipstick on a pig, and lots of public comments about how they want to win, while they know very well that they'll project to be average next year. And that's OK. The old, expensive, broken guys will be phased out eventually.

 

Yeah that team kind of sucks. It will definitely be a mix of 1, 2 and 3 year contracts which probably isn't enough to propel them to anything more than 2nd Wild Card contention. I hope they are active though. We don't really have a ton of prospects who will ready to contribute out of the gate next year but for Hernandez who isn't a sure bet to produce so we'll need to make several signings to at least remain competitive. Nunez, Chatwood, Sogard, Dyson, Kendrick, Estrada and others like them all fit the bill to me and I hope we make several of those type of signings. Rene Rivera wouldn't be a abd backup C. Can't hit but his D is good and his framing is solid. I'd love to find a way to get Pearce out of the OF and in to a DH role who plays LF and 1B sparingly. Would mean eating some of Morales' deal which I don't think they'll do.

Edited August 2, 2017 by Terminator

[Terminator]

While I'm at it I'd also like to make some changes to the booth as well. Dump Tabler, bring on Schulman full-time or close to it, move Buck to a commentator role and then sign a retired Jose Bautista as an additional full-time commentator.

[BTS]

While I'm at it I'd also like to make some changes to the booth as well. Dump Tabler, bring on Schulman full-time or close to it, move Buck to a commentator role and then sign a retired Jose Bautista as an additional full-time commentator.

 

I wonder if Bautista will retire. I hope he does. He's very bad now, and nobody wants to see him as one of those guys who spends his last few years going from team to team trying to latch on in a part time role.

[KevinGregg]

While I'm at it I'd also like to make some changes to the booth as well. Dump Tabler, bring on Schulman full-time or close to it, move Buck to a commentator role and then sign a retired Jose Bautista as an additional full-time commentator.

 

Shulman and buck full time would be amazing.