Hardly. If they were, we wouldn't be talking about catcher framing not being included, or things like spin rates. However, the systems are currently the best we have at (most) of our disposals, and far better than our own intuition.
He was a pretty good target at the deadline. He knew most of the staff already, and they seemed to like throwing to him. His bat was really as good or better than most backups (or should have been). The familiarity is less an issue with a full spring training to work in a new catcher though, so I think it's less likely that he'll be signed now (depending on market).
Well, the idea is to have high WAR players in all positions, you just can't buy them all in FA. You have to have a constant development stream of good players too to keep the payroll at a reasonable level.
I'll be getting nervous if spring training rolls around and we're still basically short 2 outfielders and a reliever or two. Until then, not much point in worrying. There's still a lot of players on the market.
Here's mine if someone decides to add the links to the spreadsheet:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Bl-aUmLkyN6KwMocyAh5a4dZk5rXOn5PErsPJ8OyGuE/edit?usp=sharing
They could be the same, I think it really depends on Saunders knee. I think Saunders has more upside and Bruce has more guarantee on consistency.
Yeah, the Mets screwed up on exercising his option. They're certainly not the only team to misread the offseason though.
Full season 2016 Saunders wasn't even terrible. He still put up 1.4 WAR even with that horrible 2nd half, and a 117 wRC+. He can also hit lefties, which is nice. The big question is really how his knee is, and if that was the 2nd half problem.
They seem pretty similar. As a destination for him to go to (and it sounds like he was going SOMEWHERE), it's a pretty good spot. Could have been a little better, but could have been much, much worse.
I'm very happy to see Smyly go to Seattle (fantasy sports reasons), but imo if they Rays are going to trade someone like him they should be looking for less volume and more quality.