Lesson learned. When Jason Vargas ranks in the top-200 late in the season, you appreciate your good luck and cut ties before he blows up in the playoffs.
I'm rostering like 6 guys I plan on dropping to free agency before the end of the year so my column in the spreadsheet has less trash. If you can find something keeper worthy on the waiver wire on September 6th, you deserve the asset.
I think there's enough potential in the bat that I wouldn't throw a Marte ceiling on him. The things he's doing offensively are very rare for someone his age at AAA. Probably looking at a prime McCutchen ceiling.
Most impressive prospect: Vlad at 18 in A+ looking like a Miguel Cabrera bat might be in play, or Ronald Acuna at 19 in AAA looking like a 5-tool stud, but with a lesser offensive profile than Vlad?
I hope he retires. He's finished, and watching him like this sucks. He seems like he has too much pride to be one of those guys who hangs on for years after their expiry date.
Also, imagine if they'd given him a 5-year deal before 2016?