I think next year the rotation should be Lopez, Ryan, Bradley, with Preilipp, Matthews and Kremer battling for the final two spots. And we let Ober go, which I wish wasn't the case, I have always have been a fan of his but it is time. I think Preilipp and Matthews have earned the right to be penciled in at the back end but can't remember Kremer's contract situation and want to see him earn a spot not be given one due to contract. Abel and Rojas would be the first two called up from St. Paul. I am not counting on Festa on any role until he can show he is healthy.
They also have to move on from Larnach unless the plan is sign another one year bridge fringe veteran, than I would keep Larnach as DH. They need to commit to ERod and Jenkins next year and use the DH on a rotating basis with Keaschall and Buxton the other outfielders. At some point they have to commit to the players in St. Paul. They need to use the assets they have in the minors either to trade for proven position starters and not one year fringe veterans or bring them up and commit to them.
The continual signing of one year veterans and putting them into roles that are probably one step above of where they should be is not working and there is an opportunity cost to not giving your younger players a chance. The Bell signing is an example, if he's signed, is ERod on the roster from day 1, does he do poorly or does he start to show he can be a part of the core of the team. And I am looking at it from the time of when the signing was made. Even now Bell is best utilized probably in the 6th or 7th spot of the batting order and being the 3rd or 4th bat you rely not the top power threat.
You are right the games are more entertaining, but I also want to see that they can sustain some level of competitiveness. And they are struggling to do that even on a week to week level, which I know can be the nature of baseball. But what is the plan that says hey next year we can build off this season and the things Shelty is doing on the field and raise the talent level on this team. And quite honestly the current decision makers don't give me that hope.