Article: Standing Pat as a Strategy

[DocBauer]

I wish the front office shared your optimism and surrounded the core with a good player or four.

Absolutely!

 

Going to echo a few comments I just made in a big Ted posted recently.

 

1] Bullpen: Theee are still quality arms out there. Cody Allen is about as proven a guy as you can find, but coming off a down year. We all know the volatility of one off year for relievers. Only 31yo, I believe, he is perfect for thjs team on a 2-3yr deal. Young enough to easily be as productive as ever, and the FO knows him. Then you can take a flier on a 1 or 1+1 GUY on the rebound.

 

2] Big bat: Again, Falvey himself just spoke about the impact a veteran bat can have one a lineup for now, and even the next season or two, and the players surrounding him, though it may cost a roster spot for a young player. Is Cruz that guy? Sure seems like a perfect and affordable fit. If not, how about Lowrie, a different kind of bat but a good one, who also offers positional flexibility for the roster.

 

3] There are still a number of guys, unless I've missed their signings, who are "utility" types who can play multiple positions for depth, competition and flexibility for the roster.

 

NONE of these moves breaks the bank. But all of them augment this young and talented core Rocco and his staff have to work with. I love all the young talent on hand and have a lot of faith in their ability to climb the stairs toward their ceilings beginning in 2019. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't add even more talent around them.