C - Martin
1B - Rizzo
2B - Baez
3B - Valbuena
SS - Castro
RF - Soler
CF - Alcantara
LF - Bryant
Baez and Alcantara might suck, but that lineup is legit.
No it doesn't. I hope they move. I've always wanted to see that group operate with more flexibility. I guess I'll see it in LA, but I've developed a soft spot for the Rays so it won't be the same.
I really don't think the Rays will miss a beat. Friedman is a smart guy, but he was hired by smart guys, and then hired a bunch of other smart guys who are still there.
He doesn't even really have to. His arm/speed/defense tools are good enough for him to have Dyson/Bourjos-esque 2+ win seasons in limited time. We saw glimpses this year with 1.3 fWAR in <300 PA.
I feel like catcher defense is probably one of the most stable skills as players age. You can probably pencil Martin in for 3+ wins for the next 3-4 years.
It's not that I don't like Pompey. It's that you want guys like that stepping in as depth mid-season. If Pillar and Pompey struggle/get hurt, who steps in? There's nobody else after them.