The impact of Pablo's experience and expertise cannot be underestimated. Yeah the hitting inconsistencies earlier in the season were the primary culprit in getting us in a hole we never really dug out of. Even Buck was slumping to start the year off.
A critical eye must be applied to find the players who 1) stay healthy and 2) show improvement or at least consistency. That doesn't include, Julien, Wallner, Keirsey, Festa and Tonkin. That does include Martin, Keaschall, Lee, Lewis, Ryan, SWR, Funderburk and Topa. Obviously building around Buxton and Pablo as a core is very much needed. Spare parts like Clemens, Gasper, Lawyerson and Ohl can be useful but we would be wise not to lean too much on them. Partially injured guys like Jeffers, Ober, and Pablo can be expected to rebound. I'll leave out Larnach and Vazquez because I don't expect them to remain. Wild cards like Pereda, Taj, and Abel should be able to contribute early, followed soon enough by Jenkins, Emmy and Morris.
Guess an infielder and a DH, and several competent relievers should be on our grocery list.