DocBauer

I appreciate your post 100%! (Not sure if you were speaking to me directly or not, but I'm responding anyway, lol). To me, when Nick was writing about standing pat, he was directly speaking about the core of the team: Sano, Polanco, Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Garver, Berrios, etc. Not looking at blowing thjngs up. No Machado, Harper, Corbin, Evoldi, etc. No major trades of top prospects to bring in a Goldschmidt or anyone like that. My interpretation. And Nick is free to correct me if I'm wrong. In fact, financially, Schoop and Cron come in, financially speaking, for less than Dozier and the "projected" arbitration value of Grossman. I believe the intent of the article is simply, "don't give up on or move the pieces on hand and make major moves to replace anyone because there are so many unknowns and so much potential on hand". Considering obvious holes, most obvious being 1B and 2B, moves of some sort had to be made. (Arguments can, and have been made as to the additions there). And considering payroll for 2018, and arguments that the team could legitimately stretch payroll $20M further, "standing pat" would seem to indicate a reduction in payroll for 2019. (Very possibly allowing for extensions, future additions, etc). Nowhere in this scenario did Nick ever state to not make improvements or not sign anyone. The Twins could, largely, "stand pat" with most of their roster, not make a trade of players or prospects, sign a couple nice BP options, add a quality bat, and still end up cutting payroll for 2019, while keeping the ML and milb core all in place. Just my opinion, of course.

I liked your post, but selected this portion to address Gibson specifically. I have always felt Gibson has gotten a bum rap in his Twins career for 2 reasons: 1] He slipped to the Twins due to an injury. Everyone thought/hoped we got a steal as a potential top of the rotation piece. 2] TJ surgery notwithstanding, he bounced back well. And everyone wanted him up ASAP to lead the staff and he had a poor premier. Surprise! (Same thing happened to Berrios, BTW). But Gibson's first full season was really his rookie year, missing rookie status by 2/3 of an inning. And it was solid. His second season, across the board in everything but W-L record was better. Then came the disaster of 2016 when everyone, not just Gibby, had a poor year. His start to 2017 was also bad. But he learned, grew, adapted, changed his mind-set, and from mid 2017 he has performed like a legitimate #3 ML SP who looks like a real #2 some days. His mind, body and arm are solid. The comparison to Greinke not only 2+yrs, but Greinke still has a couple 2-3yrs left on his deal for a massive dollar amount. Were I the Twins, I'd lock him up right now on a 3 or 3+1 deal. I'm not saying they shouldn't explore trades and future FA deals come 2020, but he and Berrios should provide a stabilizing influence in the rotation for the next few years, along with prospects. At some point in 2019, or the off season, we can make determinations about Pineda and Odorizzi.

Had to like and quote as it carries over some thoughts I just put down in the "Cruz" thread. I still like McCutchen or Brantley...they make more sense to me roster-wise...bjt I definitely see the appeal for Cruz. Either move improves the lineup, either move means some roster juggling as you can't just have Adrianza...who I actually like...as your lone infield reserve. Barring injury and roster fluctuation, either Austin or Cron is moved. (Unless Austin could somehow sneak through waivers). THEN, you NEED to add another infielder. You mention Castellanos here, and mentioned other trade candidates in the other thread. All logical moves. What about Solarte, coming off a bad season, as a FA signing? Regardless of Cruz, or the OF many of us may prefer, you make some sort of move/decision on Austin or Cron. You make the move for an additional infielder. You have a pretty interesting roster, IMO. No room for Astudillo, who belongs, but has options and is probably the first guy recalled. What's wrong with depth and options? Once again, in regard to the original topic, "standing pat" doesn't mean doing nothing. Even if the payroll does move back some, we are seriously linked to a potential Cruz signing, even after a pair of additions. I don't see this as penny-pinching. And the market is RIPE with bullpen pieces, and much depth.

At risk of repeating myself, I'm OK with signing Cruz for obvious reasons. I'd still prefer McCutchen or Brantley as they are good, younger, can actually play the OF corners, and any forwarding thinking manager should be able to find a way to play all 5 OF on a regular basis between OF/1B/DH. Besides Kepler being an occasional option at 1B, I'd fit Cave with a 1B glove for ST and just say "here, give it a shot and let's see how you do." I'd also make sure Rosario has an infielders glove and work him at 2B, which he played for a year in the minors, and at 3B, which he did for part of 1 game in 2018, just to see if he could be an emergency option. But despite McCutchen or Brantley being my choices, I'm OK with Cruz. Even with some regression, he's going to bring power, production, experience, and professional AB. In either scenario, barring injury, there just isn't room, IMO, for Cron AND Austin. I still feel the Cron signing was a good move. He is still a mkre proven, experienced option than Austin. And I like Austin. I would love to see a full season from him to see what you have. He has the potential to flounder, but with power, or develop. But again, barring injury and roster shuffling, either he or Cron would have to go. Yes, there really is a way you could house all 3 guys, especially if Austin could prove to be at least servicable in a corner OF spot. But it leaves Adrianza as the one and only reserve infielder! So trade or otherwise, someone has to go via trade or DFA, unless there is some small chance Austin could lass through waivers and go to Rochester. Cruz, or an OF, we improve the lineup. But if I really want the best TEAM for next season, I'm looking at another infield addition. Some have mentioned Murphy. Brian laid out some trade scenarios. I'd be interested in 31yo Yangervis Solarte coming off a down season. He's played all across the diamond, even 42 games at 1B, and spot action in the OF. Sign Cruz, though I prefer an OF, make a decision before ST is over on Austin/Cron, but sign another quality infielder. I LOVE Astudillo and think he belongs and deserves a spot! BUT, there are injuries and bumps in the road. What's wrong with depth and him beginning the season at Rochester?

I have been hesitant on Cruz because he is only a DH and I like the potential of Austin. But to be honest, I wouldn't dislike the move for 2019 at least, with Rooker and Khiriloff moving up soon, hopefully. They say there is nothing wrong with a 1yr contract. In reality, if you really think about it, you are signing Cruz for 2019. 2020 becomes his "1yr deal" if things fall in to place. Meh on Cahill. Shouldn't we be spending more time on the prospects at hand? Soria is a better version of Rodney. I'd be fine with this. I'd rather someone younger on a 3yr, such as Familia, for example, and work a on a slightly cheaper 2yr for $7-8M, for an aged Soria. Would that work? Not sure. But the FA market has changed, and there is an abundance of potential arms out there. I like Garver and his potential, as long as he is healthy and there are no concussion concerns. I like Castro as an experienced leader and LH platoon option. Also a fan of Astudillo behind the plate and as a utility option. But come on, if you could add a healthy 31yo Ramos, you'd have to consider it wouldn't you? I would...if the price was right. To the mat, maybe on Cruz, no to Cahill, yes to Soria, maybe on Ramos, eating Castro's contract for 1 year. I honestly think Cruz will end up singing for less. Either way, it means trading Austin, or trying to sneak him through waivers for AAA, aren't we better signing McCutchen or Brantley for close to the same money? DH, OF, 1B, we couldn't find room for one of them and the guys on hand?

Just to re-iterate, "standing pat" doesn't mean DO NOTHING. Personally, I thought Nick was clear on that. It means no major trades from the roster or the system. It means no big, long term contracts to several players. And please, correct me if I'm wrong Nick. It means, somewhat unfortunately as we all just desperately want to know how these young guys are going to turn out, that you wait for 2019, or at least until mid-year, to formulate a true opinion on who you have and where you are going. I kind of chuckle when I read comments about the FO waiting for "their prosoects" to arrive. Does anyone truly believe the FO doesn't realize the potential in guys like Buxton, Sano, and others that they are just trying to skate by for another year or two until the next wave arrives? Falvey's recent interview, which everyone should listen to, speaks about being in contact with Buxton and Sano and his/their belief in a core roster of talent to build around. Despite some flippant comments from Pohlad concerning payroll, we really have no idea at this point what sort of mark is targeted. Cron and Schoop could be very nice signings. Argue all you want about either, but Cron has posted solid numbers and is coming off his best season ever, with his first 500AB season, and Rocco knows him. Schoop is coming off a bad and injured season, but had 2 good seasons and one great season before 2018. There is a better than average chance we could be clamoring for the Twins to extend and keep both next summer. Berrios may or may not ever become a true #1 SP. Hard to predict that from a talented kid of 25. But he is damn good and only going to get better. Gibson is really just entering his prime when you consider his delay due to TJ surgery. He had a very bad year and a half, after a couple really nice first 2 seasons. He has made real adjustments and turned in to a legitimate #3 SP who pitches like a #2 sometimes. I'd have a 3yr extension on the table tomorrow for him. I'm not a huge fan of Odorizzi, but he's solid. Healthy, Pineda is probably better. His arm is solid. His late season knee injury appears minor, but did deprive him of some September starts to shake additional rust off. Like them or hate them, embrace a designated starter or not, there are some interesting arms to fill the 5-8 spots in the rotation...standing pat...and see what you have before you make a big move. Right now, especially considering all the close games lost in 2018, the 2 biggest question marks are the young talent on hand, and being available daily to perform, and the bullpen. The FA market is so deep with RP arms that it's almost perplexing who we should be after. There is both need and opportunity. Even if payroll is reduced, there is room. Various media reports even have the Twins looking at pen options. And it's not like the Twins have a couple amazing milb RP options knocking at the door. I expect a major/fairly major 2 or 3yr deal soon. Next will be a 1+1 or 2yr to follow with a 1yr possible or milb invite. None of that blows up payroll. For 2019 or beyond. Hopefully, another big bat is brought on board. I still prefer McCutchen or Brantley, though I hear rumors about Cruz, which could push Austin out. But even with any of these additions, most of the roster is stranding pat. If they are just smart with the pen, work with what we have, is it really such a bad plan?

Really like a lot of posts here, but can't "like" them for some reason. (Is there a reason some articles lack a "like" button or is it just my equipment?) I know I sometimes come off as an optomist, but I am frustrated as anyone with the length of re-build and how disappointing 2018 was. But the Twins are in a difficult "catch 22" situation if you stand back and look objectively. What they saw in 2017, and didn't see in 2018, leaves them truly unsure what they have. I like ideas for roster depth and flexibility. But how many guys do you bring in for depth and versatility on a finite roster? You simply can't just dump Buxton, or Sano, and go sign someone to replace them for the next 3 years. I agree this is a sort of "audition" year. There simply couldn't be the same number of injuries and weird happens in 2019 as there was in 2018. Top prospects will get closer, and even by mid season, we may have a better idea of the construction and future of the team. All that being said, there is also ample opportunity to still add to this team for 2019 and build on the potential you are mostly "standing pat" for. The bullpen is a prime example. There is no reason a couple arms couldn't be added on 2-3yr deals. They help, and they block NO-ONE.

Let's not kid ourselves. The future of this team is analytics and coaching, from top to bottom. It's taken 2 years now for most of that movement to take place. Once again, the new FO never said they were looking for or guaranteeing contention over night. This team is filled with question marks from Buxton to Sano to Kepler, etc. And some of those questions are frustrating as hell, with no answers until 2019 arrives. And I am completely on board with building the best team for 2019 and beyond with the best and most versatile and deepest team they can put together, while working with all the talent on hand, while also promoting some of the young talent available and coming up. At this point, still so early in the process, we don't know what the FO is going to do. They could play it cheap and run with the status quo and work on development. They could still make a couple really nice signings, maybe even incorporate a surprise trade. They could end up somewhere in between. But I do know this, despite being a fan of both Dozier and Mauer, both are gone. And each had lesser or lousy season last year. Could there have been MAJOR moves made at 1B and 2B, in various scenarios and opinions, other than the moves made? Yes. But today, right now, with the moves made, overall, does 1B and 2B look better than how the season ended in 2018? To me the answer is yes. I'm still waiting to see how things unfold before I get wrapped up in angst. For the moment, I find myself excited by a new manager and mostly new staff, and a couple additions that could prove smart.

Stewart is an enigma wrapped in a mystery. He has never lived up to the hype and potential or athleticism he was drafted for, or flashed. And yet, when healthy, despite low K numbers considering all his potential, be still produced some numbers that made you wonder what could be. He only had 6 appearances, 5 starts, before his ML debut. I still don't understand that, but was pleasantly surprised for the move. And I saw what everyone saw, a very mixed bag. I 100% agree with Gonsalves staying as a SP. He has demonstrated "pitchability" to keep him viable. I never expected him to "dominate" when first brought up. He's a "pitcher", not a thrower, lacking that BIG pitch to buckle anyone. Mejia could still be a SP. The build and stuff says he could be so with more consistency. But his stuff would also seem to indicate he could streamline his approach and just worry about an inning or two as a viable asset out of the pen if he can't find a role as a starter. And while some believe Romero could be a real asset in the pen, and be could be, he is ahead of all of these guys in pure stuff and potential. Over time, some have referenced the Cardinals as a team that had success with young pitchers working out of the pen before transitioning back to the rotation. But the way baseball is changing in regards to bullpen usage and designated starters, I would think Romero, followed by Gonsalves and Mejia, would be way ahead of the pecking order in breaking in a young arm at this point. Barring a surprise, I agree Stewart will be at Rochester to begin tbe6season for depth. Maybe we will see a sudden development. It would be nice. But when we talk about Stewart, and a role in the pen, possibly as a long or middle man, I reflect on Magill, 5yrs older, and a journeyman to this point. He needs to cut down on the HR ball and walks. He is nothing special, though he performed at least adequately in 2018. But I saw enough of his appearances with mid 90's FB and a devastating slider to wonder what he could do with just a little more consistency. I just haven't seen anything from Stewart, thus far, to indicate he has the potential to even equal what Magill showed at times. The best thing he could do would be to spend at least a half season at AAA and refine his stuff and attack hitters.

Absolutely! Football, at any level, has not found a perfect solution to helmet protection as of yet. But there have millions of dollars spent spent developing and testing different helmets and padding to help. Back in the day, remember some of the big foam exo-helmets? Baseball needs to examine better gear NOW for all catchers. Were I a professional catcher, I'd be looking at wearing the latest football helmet with the most up to date facemask padding I could find. Every athlete responds to the rigors of their sport, and injury, differently. Simply because we are all built differently. For Garver's sake, and the Twins, I hope he is fine. I never bought in to the sometimes exposed mantra of "he's too told to be a real prospect". I think he could have a really nice career behind the dish as a solid receiver with a much better than average bat. Even if Castro is 100%, I see Garver as the starter with Castro as a productive, experienced and knowledgeable platoon partner. Hoping for the best. And hoping this will be a small blip not worrying about. But I'd be contacting Bike, or Riddell, or whoever makes helmets these days looking for the best protection I can find.

By no means a big bat, but decent milb BA and OB with a few SB tossed in. And yes, he has actually hit some at the ML level. Reminds me a little bit of picking up Adrianza on the cheap. With Gordon, Arraez and Schales, provides some depth. Not excited, but OK with the move. Fully expecting further moves, either FA or trades, and the 40 man to still be in flux the next couple of months. (Duh, right?). But I'm wondering if this doesn't turn out to be a 40 man removal at some point and a milb signing.

A brief comment, but one I think she be held in context and examined closely. Like everyone else, I'm impatient as hell for my beloved Twins to be more relevant than just winning enough to keep hope alive and sneak in to the playoffs. But beyond the FO, and ownership, taking a shot at the various FA additions made last year after the surprise of 2017. (Which was very nice, less we quickly forget the horror of 2016). Since day 1 the FO has spoken about building the organization. Never once have they spoken of quick fixes an instant contention. (As if anyone would, but I've made the point regardless). While not every move may be outstanding, much less a known quantity/quality one at this point, they've had a couple really nice drafts. They've traded expiring contracts/players and used international money to acquire additional player assets to build the system. They have not only been working to ramp up the analytics side of the organization, but have also made quite a few changes in coaches, instructors, and even strength and medical staffing. We also have a new, hopefully, aggressive and intelligent manager and mostly new and inventive ML staff on hand. I'm not a fan of only a 1yr deal here. There is real potential for the 27yo Schoop to have a big comeback. His 2015-17 years can't be ignored. But, I suppose, we could be in the driver's seat of that happens. Gordon does have potential, regardless of how much you like him or not. Arraez was protected for a reason. Even if he's "only" a 2B, guys with his hit tool can't be ignored. And even if a 2019 appearance by Lewis is fantasy, he has already rocketed up the prospect charts as one of the best prospects in baseball. Yes there are several issues to be addressed. But shouldn't there be some context, no matter how impatient and frustrated we may be, that the sky is not falling? That there IS some real talent on hand that will be brought forward to fruition in 2019, including a promotion or two, and augmented with a couple nice acquisitions like this? Now to the bullpen!

There are more than a few posts I like, but Tom, I think you nailed most of my thinking. I'm not sold on LeMahieu for many of the debates already discussed. I really liked Gonzalez for overall production and flexibility, and Lowrie for much of the same, including what I felt would probably be a higher OB. But I am doing to echo something AlwaysInModeration posted when he referenced 4 milb seasons for Schoop with an OPS above .780 and a pair at the ML level. You can claim I'm cherry picking, (ignoring his 2014 rookie season), but rough calculating has his combined OPS for 2015-2017 at .793. This brings about the whole discussion again of OB vs OPS. Guys get hurt. Guys have bad season's. Sometimes they are related. Somehow, I missed reading about his injury early in 2018. My biggest disappointment with the signing of Schoop is no second year or team option. Maybe that's what he wanted? Yes, I struggle with the team OB issue at this point. But it's really hard to look at those 3 season's and not feel pretty good about his addition.

I will have to research him more before I can make a fair assessment. But he provides seeming depth and competition. That's a good thing. And we also need that depth at Rochester. On the surface, I'm OK with this signing.

Back on original topic, I really like the discussion of OB vs OPS. I think it's an important topic and discussion. Internally, for example, I've previously mentioned a healthy Buxton simply making better contact and hitting in the .250 range with a low .300 OB. Obviously not what anyone wants to see, or previously expected, and maybe it really is his floor and he can/will do much better. But it's a start. With natural power and tremendous speed, even at those "levels" he could rather easily be a 30+ doubles, 15-18+HR guy with 30SB and high 3B totals. I don't know how that would equate to OPS, but I think it would be pretty impressive. I really think the prime place right now to look at is 2B. Lowrie will lose it one of these days, but he's still a quality player who gives you a bit of everything. Gonzalez may not match him for OB, but might end up with as good or better OPS. Not sure which one I'd prefer. And who know's about Schoop? If you look at his 15-16 numbers he's still a nice player, but I think a 3rd, or lower choice, IMO. But what if he could be even close to his 2017 self?

I just don't feel this is an either or situation. In other words, I don't think you have to sign a bunch of guys and "buy" a team to try to compete. But I also don't think you have to promote/rush guys from AA and A ball and force feed them hoping they will adapt. Even if you promote aggressively, there is still value in learning and honing skills. The Twins have some really fine and still young talent. Have we seen them all reach or approach their potential? Of course not! But other than Rosario, I believe they are all 25-ish. And you have a new season, hopefully better health, and a new manager and staff to work with them. Why can't you be aggressive in the system in 2019 while working with what you have, and still add a few guys on 1,2 and 3 year deals to build the roster and play good/better ball NOW? With the number of options available on the market, this could be accomplished. Sign a big RP arm for 3yrs. Why can't said reliever still be good when Lewis, Khirilloff, etc, arrive? Sign one more good one maybe on a shorter deal and a flier or two. I just don't think it's either or.

I don't think Sanchez Is the right move, but I see your point. This the "weirdest" off season I have ever seen. You appear to have a pair of record breaking contract players available. And it would appear you have a second level of guys looking at potentially big contracts. Most notably Evoldi and Corbin. And while each offers tantalizing opportunity, what are you banking on? Potential in their late 20's after solid but not great careers thus far? HIGH upside but bad downside. The FA list is very long for where the Twins need it most, infield and bullpen. And if they are smart, and maybe a bit lucky, as they were last year, they can pounce on a couple of guys, and then sign a couple guys to really friendly deals. Depth and opportunity seems to indicate this may happen.

Personally, I don't feel he should be signed as a starter. And I have doubts he would be. More so because of the market. I would make a big move for Gonzalez or Lowrie at 2B. I would then look for the best available option for depth and versatility to complete my roster...pay a little extra if I have to...and Solarte would be near the top of my list. Unless someone panics, I'm guessing he's $2M to a max of $4M. It's just the market. And I'd pay that.

Agreed. Were I the Mets, I'd begin with Thorpe and Kepler and go from there. I might take Romero over Thorpe, but there are valid arguments both ways. I'd probably ask for Gordon as well. Despite angst many TD posters have, he's a very talented young man just waiting for a breakthrough. 3 guys ML ready or close. I'd need another top 20 prospect to seal the deal. Depends on how close to ML ready you feel you need. But that's kind of the rub if you're the Twins, right? You/We/They all know we are on a damned precipice. Sano, Buxton, Kepler and I'll include Polanco have so much damn talent you are just waiting for all the tease to go away and see the fruition of all that talent! (Not discounting Rosario or the improving Garver). Those guys with some smart lineup additions and a better pen, and suddenly you want to make sure you hold on to Romero and Thorpe! The b**ch is, what path do you take?

AD, I liked your post but haven't commented until now, a couple days later, and reflecting and re-reading. I am leaving Thor out of this comment, as im concentrating on the depth issue. FWIW, Im actually in on Thor minus Lewis, Khirilloff, Berrios and probably Gibson. Berrios should be obvious, but so should Gibson. Removing a quality SP to add a better one helps, but not sure it really does the job at the end of the day. I can't believe I'm actually saying this, but I actually feel pretty good about the rotation heading in to 2019. At least, better than I've felt in years. I have been a fan and believer in Berrios for years and feel he's only going to get better. I defended Gibson and his first couple of years, but was ready to give up until his turn around the second half of 2017. He is is a legitimate #3 who sometimes pitches like a #2. (Extension please). I was hopeful but disappointed in Odorizzi until the season was done I spent time looking at his numbers and ML rankings and realized he was, frankly better than I have him credit for. (I still want him as my 4 or 5 starter, however). There is no question Pineda is an unknown at this point. And it's so disappointing he didn't get to shake the rust off at the ML level to close out the '18 season. And he is no stud, to be sure. But his career numbers are more than solid. The arm is healthy. I don't think its misguided at all to think he could be solid next season. Like you, I am also high on a lot of the Twins prospects. I think Stewart and Littell were pushed, but I was happy to see the aggressiveness. I have always believed, and stated, that I felt Gonsalves would struggle when given his first opportunity. He's long, has a quality change, decent low 90's FB, a couple budding breaking pitches, control, and the "pitchability" equation shown at every level. Yes, his control came and went in 2018. And that is no reason to dismiss him. He just doesn't have any truly dominating pitch to equal "early return" optimism, which is why I felt he would struggle initially. Like it or not, and I've finally come around to the merits, the idea of an opener makes sense. At least when breaking in a young SP. Sorry, I forget who and what post, but someone recently posted the numbers for both Gonsalves and Stewart when they were the primary vs the starter. And the numbers were flabergasting. Now, we're those numbers simply because there was an opener vs personal growth? Difficult to say. Some have opinioned for a time that breaking an arm in the pen was a good option. Maybe having on opener is an even better option. Despite the cascade of everything that went wrong in 2018, and the list is depressingly long, the thing that sticks out to me is almost setting a record for most 1 run losses in a season. How much of that is on the starting staff would be impossible to quantify. I'd equate it to the pen, and the offense, poor season's and injury regardless. Despite such a disappointing season, winning half of those games gives our beloved Twins a better than .500 record. The 4 we have penciled in, a better bullpen, I feel pretty good about the rotation...designated starter or not...with Romero, Gonsalves, Stewart, Littell and Thorpe getting close. I think there is depth and optimism. Again, not saying no to a big move like Thor. I'd love it, if it doesn't cost Lewis and Khirilloff or decimate the ML roster, but I'd do feel there is potential and depth here.

Granted I have no idea what Beckham would cost, but despite his non-tender status, couldn't he be viewed more as a so-so starter with other options out there and Adrianza as more of the true "utility" player? I'm completely on board with the best, deepest, most versatile roster I can put together. But not everyone is an every day player. I'm of the opinion you find the best SS/2B you can for this team. And then I'd look really hard for depth and competition. For example, our old friend Solarte, if affordable, could be a great addition. But I wouldn't sign him to be a starter. Could Beckham be a similar player depending on how the market plays out?

Yep. We are all frustrated because we want to know NOW what's going to happen, and there just isn't anything really relevant that's happened at this point other than Grossman gone and the Cron signing. I tell you what does excite me...POSSIBILITIES. Between FA available for the infield and bullpen, and now additional options that appear at least interesting, especially in a slow moving market, I am more encouraged about ootions/additions for both areas to be addressed. I still feel the Twins will make one major pen signing. But I think it is becoming more and more likely they will also look at a second pair of signings on 1 or 1+1 deals to create additional depth and competition. All the numbers are in their favor. There are also legitimate options for the infield. No rumors, of course, but I really hope they identify the right guy for team need and make their move and get it done! Still torn, IMO, who that guy is, but were it up to me, I'd sure be looking at Gonzalez and Lowrie for both the same and different reasons. Lowrie would probably provide more OB potential, as per the original post, but I'm really torn. Maybe I'm whistling in the wind, or doing something else, but I'd sure love to see them bite the bullet, keep the payroll about the same, and bring in McCutchen, or possibly Brantley, and continue to build strength. Side note: Concerning the OB issue, I think we've seen enough from Kepler and Polanco to believe that a full season from both, without suddenly, necessarily turning in to All Star caliber players, that either or both could raise the team OB.

My drum is going to wear out from banging it so hard! Lol Yes to McCutchen! The guy hits, gets OB, provides power, and can still play a quality corner OF spot. He could be very dangerous in the #1 spot, leading off games, or driving in the bottom of the order, which I see as potentially pretty solid/interesting. He could also hit 3-5, just depending how the lineup gets constructed. You and I differ somewhat on Kepler, and that's OK. You ask why everyone likes him so much over Cave. I don't think its a preference. We've seen Kepler longer, seen his defense, seen his potential. If Kepler and Cave both touched their ceiling, IMO, Kepler is the better player. And I like Cave! I think we got a steal there! While retrospect might dictate Bour as being a perfect addition/compliment, Cron was available days earlier. Unless the FO had some insider information ahead of time, they couldn't know Bour would be available. So there is a hole at 1B. A 28yo 1B with OK numbers but never more than 409 AB has a breakout season in 2018 with a change in his swing/approach and over 500AB for the first time. Oh, your new manager is also familiar with him. And while Austin appears to be a potential late bloomer with real power, and a quality milb track record, he is still an unknown. Kepler can play all 3 OF spots and has played 1B some in the minors. He is more than athletic enough to put a 1B glove back on, whether his offense final explodes in 2019, or 2020, or he remains what he is...a nice role player. But I'd give Cave a 1B mitt as well and take a look-see. Kepler is mostly mentioned because he's done it in the minors. For that matter, I still say Austin should be given a look-see in the OF again. (Neck, considering he played 2B for a while in the minors, is very athletic, and made a tremendous play at 3B last season, I'd look at Rosario as possible infield option, even for emergencies). Guys slump and get hurt. Guys can be demoted or traded. If Rocco and the FO honestly can't find a way to play Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, McCutchen, Cave, Cron and Austin between 3 OF spots, 1B and DH, I think they lack imagination.

Honestly, I was unaware of his success in his last 6 appearances. Now, could those numbers be impacted somewhat from low leverage or some AAA guys he was facing? Yes, possibly. But success is success. Those last 6 appearances raise my "hope" he is going to be OK to more of a he "should" be OK.

I vacillate between Gonzalez on a 4yr deal and Lowrie on a 2yr deal to man 2B. Both offer offense and flexibility. Obviously, Gonzalez is younger, even more flexible position wise, but Lowrie would probably provide the higher OB. Really torn. I've been banging the drum for McCutchen for weeks now. He provides hitting, OB, power and decent defense for the next 2-3yrs. Too many Of? Especially with 2 1B/DH types, a couple utility guys, and maybe even another guy brought to camp like Solarte? I dont see it that way. Someone can start in the minors. Someone could be hurt. Someone could be traded. Can you really have too much talent and too much depth? Get the guys on the roster and let Rocco and his staff figure out how to use them.