I mean, I'd rather he hit around 6th or 7th, but I don't mind Travis in the #2 spot. The guy has a .342 OBP and a 119 wRC+ through his 1st 163 games. It's not like we would be giving those ABs to a scrub, like some teams do.
I would have lol. I get what you're saying, but I don't think Atkins/Shapiro would want any of that. With them, we may actually see the likes of those players become major leaguers with us, for a change.
I'm honestly not even sure. He's projected for 1.1 WAR, which would be great, but what are the chances he provides anywhere near that in a backup role?
I guess you could always promote AJ Jimenez, and hope that Chris Smith and Loop figure it out? Maybe buying low on Tyson Ross to be in the BP, though not really sure about the cost there or if he'd accept that.
There's a chance, but Bautista would have to lower his standards.
Maybe, something like this could make it possible?
Bautista - 2/35 (17.5 AAV)
Fowler - 4/64 (16 AAV)
Even then, I'm not sure it happens. Where is the payroll at right now? I'd imagine this would put them over 160M.
I wonder if we could get Eaton with a package of Pompey, Urena, Greene, and Harris.
I'm not sure if it would even be anywhere near close, but if we could avoid giving up Stroman/Osuna or Foley/Guerrero/Alford/Bichette that would be fantastic.
It's just not a great idea in theory or practice IMO. He needs far too much work on his secondaries before he should be called up. With Sanchez, you still had a guy who could miss bats, even in the minors.
I mean, if we sign Fowler as well, then I could like that. Mainly, I just really want Fowler, and want to keep all of our good prospects (instead of trading them for Eaton/etc).
Maybe trading Morales after the 2017 season then? If the budget can afford it, I would do it. It gives Tellez one full year in AAA to rake before he's ready the following season.
That's not necessarily an issue though. The trade market is still a thing for both of them as soon as the ASB 2017. You could trade Morales when you feel Tellez is ready.