Looking ahead to 2017

[oldtimer]

I took a shot at our pitching needs. It is a difficult subject as getting rid of any of our starting pitchers carries a risk of not gaining much and incurring a lot of cost. The relief area is clearly a need.

 

Oct 5, 2016

The pitching staff for 2017 is a difficult subject in that we already have pretty solid starters but our RPs are up in the air due to FAs and returns from injury. Those assuming we should go out and trade away solid resources for a SP should consider the advantage when compared to our current starters. My thinking rating our current flock from top to bottom is as follows:

Starting Pitchers:

1. Porcello is in the running for Cy Young and deserves his accolades. He will probably have another very good year in 2017

2. Price is a workhorse. I’m not sure he will be our second best in 2017 but he should be close. His contractual agreement makes him a long term member of the Sox starting rotation.

3. Rodriguez has shown signs of really blossoming. He has a terrific arm and shows signs of being at least a 3rd starter.

4. Pomeranz will start out rested in 2017 and will likely be a winning pitcher. He may surprise us an put up very good numbers.

5. Wright is an inning eater and capable of earning a winning record. He goes long in the game so is healthy for the BP as well.

That is 5 starters who are all capable of winning records with Buchholz in the BP for long relief and probably able to fill in as a full time starter should we get an injury to the top 5.

Starters waiting in the minors: Some of these may be traded. I would be very hesitant to trade Kopeck and Groome as they are possibly the pitching future for the Sox.

1. Owens

2. Johnson

3. Kopech

4. Groome

Relief Pitchers: With FA loss of Ziegler, Tazawa and Uehara likely, we lose the strength of our setup men and possibly closers. We need 7 RPs going into the season. My grading of them right now is kind of up in the air.The best I can see includes:

1. Kimbrel who is wild now but has great stuff. Can he ever get reliable enough to be the kind of closer that racks up a starring record?

2. Ross has proven himself to be a solid left handed option is not a true setup man.

3. Kelly is developing into a good guy to get the strikeout and stop a rally.

4. Hembree is good at times but has shown to be unreliable at others

5. The question with Smith is can be ready to return as a setup man.

6. Buchholz is a good candidate as long reliever

Beyond those I see possibilities but not locks:

1. Scott looks like his effectiveness is against lefties.

2. Barnes has been questionable.

3. Abad has good stuff but hasn’t delivered in numerous chances

4. Workman is coming back from injury

While the numbers are there to make up a relief cadre, I don’t like the quality. I see a lot of questions in the group starting from the top. We could use two quality guys to perform the setup roles and perhaps even inherit closer duty. I wouldn’t be sad to see us keep 5 of the top 6 and trade for two others or get them through the FA market.

[Bellhorn04]

If Koji pitches well in the postseason and is open to coming back on a 1-year deal, that could still happen.

[Dojji]

I think Koji will be in demand though, if he does pitch well in the postseason. Any team with a young closer and dreams of contending would want such a solid veteran professional behind him.

 

I think we have the potential for a rock solid rotation next year, much better optics on the starters than we had this time last season

 

Porcello

Price

Wright

Pomeranz

E-Rod

 

That's an impressive rotation in which any member of the rotation could wind up in any "slot." Pomeranz, Wright and E-Rod have already demonstrated the ability to pitch like top of the rotation guys for partial seasons, Porcello may have won the CYA this year, and Price is a much better bet to normalize his performance than he is to continue to perform as awkwardly as he did this year. If the chips fall average we should have a strong durable rotation full of #3 types, which, with a lineup as strong as ours ought to be, I'll happily take and should be enough to keep us in the playoff hunt. If we get a little lucky we could wind up with multiple top of the rotation caliber performances next year and that's exciting.

 

Bullpen:

 

Kimbrel

Smith

Kelly

*

Barnes

*

*

 

I leave asterisks open here because quite frankly, we're going to probably have a revolving door of several names in the last 4 bullpen slots. Barnes struggled a little towards the end of the year but I think he did enough to ensure he's in the mix. He's a very talented releiver who just needs to take a step or two forward with his command, reminds me a lot of Manny Delcarmen but with a better fastball. I do think Kelly is going to thrive in a bullpen role as well, and we have enough pieces to fit around that assuming Carson Smith is healthy. Love to have Koji back because it would reduce the number of wild card slots, but at the end of the day the bullpen is going to be an issue to sort out every single year so from this far out, this is alright.

 

Lineup:

 

C: Leon -- he earned the first crack at the job, I don't expect the level of offensive dominance he showed this year, but a ~.720-~.750 OPS with a few going over the wall will make me happy, especially considering that Leon is an excellent defender.

1B: Hanley -- no need to rock the boat here, Hanley was fine at first base, and has sulked in the past when he was put in a position in which he was uncomfortable. Defense is an issue, but not enough of an issue to risk a sulking Hanley. He's out first baseman going forward.

2B: Pedroia -- still concerned about the fact that Pedey has managed to get himself hurt every single year including this year. On field performance is much better, but those injuries are going to catch up with him eventually. Glad we have a couple guys who can slot in and play 2B well enough if needed, it looks like the franchise is thinking along the same lines. Would not be surprised to see Marco Hernandez making a month's worth of starts at 2B sometime next season. Also would not be surprised to see SS prospect Mauricio Dubon playing a large minority of his games at second base next year -- just in case.

SS: Bogaerts -- bit of a disappointment down the stretch, but still satisfactory. No need to rethink SS at this time.

3B: Shaw? This is the position that is in flux. I expect absolutely nothing out of the Panda, and don't even consider him a 3B until he proves otherwise. Honestly I could see us going out to acquire a 3B if a good one becomes available, but I don't see the team breaking the bank for one with Moncada in the wings. I think if Shaw can't improve, he's used as a placeholder until Moncada is ready. With that said, it could be years for a guy like Moncada to really get up to MLB speed so we may be arguing over 3B for a while to come.

 

OF: Benintendi-JBJ-Betts-Young might be one of the best 4 man outfields in the game.

 

Bench

Young

Holt

Hernandez

Vazquez

 

Again, should be very solid. 2 solid multi position guys, a good lefty masher, and a very very good defensive catcher.

 

All in all I'd say the roster is good enough to compete in 2017. There's some obvious flaws an issues, and we'll be feeling the lack of Big Papi unless we bring in a bat to replace him, which we might but I don't see an overwhelmingly desperate need to. But this team is good enough to fight for the crown without a major shakeup I think. And of course we'll find out what DD thinks after the postseason.

Edited October 6, 2016 by Dojji

[moonslav59]

If Koji pitches well in the postseason and is open to coming back on a 1-year deal, that could still happen.

 

I could see that happening, even if he just does so-so, but I also would not mind if we go in another (younger) direction.

[Dojji]

Frankly we'll have enough youth on the bullpen as it is, we always do. Having a couple accomplished veterans who have Been There and Done That is very valuable, even if one of them doesn't speak much English

 

More seriously, we're about to lose a HUGE piece of institutional memory on this team, the veteran that has been key to bringing is 3 championships. We've been spoiled for championship experience for as long as Papi has been on the roster, but with him gone, our list of former champions is pretty restricted -- is it down to just Pedey and Bogaerts in his rookie season? And Buchholz if we activate that last option year? Trying to think of others, but we've REALLY turned the roster over since 13. So keeping champions around is going to become very important going forward. That's actually why I was hoping to bring in Kendrys Morales to DH for us rather than Edwin Encarnacio. Morales has Been There and Done That.

Edited October 6, 2016 by Dojji

[User Name]

Really big fan of Koji. Would love to bring him back.

[illinoisredsox]

 

 

2B: Pedroia -- still concerned about the fact that Pedey has managed to get himself hurt every single year including this year. On field performance is much better, but those injuries are going to catch up with him eventually. Glad we have a couple guys who can slot in and play 2B well enough if needed, it looks like the franchise is thinking along the same lines. Would not be surprised to see Marco Hernandez making a month's worth of starts at 2B sometime next season. Also would not be surprised to see SS prospect Mauricio Dubon playing a large minority of his games at second base next year -- just in case.

 

 

Great read but when did Pedroia get hurt? There certainly were no DL trips this season.

[Dojji]

No, with Pedey he always just plays through it. His wrists are an absolute mess at this point, probably better to ask when they aren't injured than when they are. Playing through it is great but it does tend to make the wear and tear from an injury all the worse.

[moonslav59]

I think Koji will be in demand though, if he does pitch well in the postseason. Any team with a young closer and dreams of contending would want such a solid veteran professional behind him.

 

I think we have the potential for a rock solid rotation next year, much better optics on the starters than we had this time last season

 

Porcello

Price

Wright

Pomeranz

E-Rod

 

That's an impressive rotation in which any member of the rotation could wind up in any "slot." Pomeranz, Wright and E-Rod have already demonstrated the ability to pitch like top of the rotation guys for partial seasons, Porcello may have won the CYA this year, and Price is a much better bet to normalize his performance than he is to continue to perform as awkwardly as he did this year. If the chips fall average we should have a strong durable rotation full of #3 types, which, with a lineup as strong as ours ought to be, I'll happily take and should be enough to keep us in the playoff hunt. If we get a little lucky we could wind up with multiple top of the rotation caliber performances next year and that's exciting.

 

Our starters led MLB in 2nd half WAR this year. We were also 11 points ahead of the second place AL team in 2nd half ERA-

79 BOS

90 TOR, NYY, DET

 

With Buch in the mix, we are not only strong, but deep.

 

Bullpen:

 

Kimbrel

Smith

Kelly

*

Barnes

*

*

 

I'm not confident enough in Smith as our new number 2 pen guy. I'd like to see him as the co-7th inning guy with another out of system RP'er and a new #2 guy as well.

I think Kelly has a lot of upside, and the starter who misses out on the rotation can help as well.

Ross is good, but the rest have promise but I have no real feeling of confidence. The good thing is that if we pick up a number 2 and a number 4, we'll have a lot of promising pitchers fighting for the 7 slot:

1 Kimbrel

2 ______

3 Smith

4 ______

5 Kelly

6 Ross

7 (6th starter), Abad, Scott, Barnes, Hembree, Elias, Owens, Johnson

 

I leave asterisks open here because quite frankly, we're going to probably have a revolving door of several names in the last 4 bullpen slots. Barnes struggled a little towards the end of the year but I think he did enough to ensure he's in the mix. He's a very talented releiver who just needs to take a step or two forward with his command, reminds me a lot of Manny Delcarmen but with a better fastball. I do think Kelly is going to thrive in a bullpen role as well, and we have enough pieces to fit around that assuming Carson Smith is healthy. Love to have Koji back because it would reduce the number of wild card slots, but at the end of the day the bullpen is going to be an issue to sort out every single year so from this far out, this is alright.

 

Lineup:

 

C: Leon -- he earned the first crack at the job, I don't expect the level of offensive dominance he showed this year, but a ~.720-~.750 OPS with a few going over the wall will make me happy, especially considering that Leon is an excellent defender.

Agreed, and with Vaz, Swihart and Holaday in reserve, I think we'll be fine, even if the offense is not there next year at C.

 

1B: Hanley -- no need to rock the boat here, Hanley was fine at first base, and has sulked in the past when he was put in a position in which he was uncomfortable. Defense is an issue, but not enough of an issue to risk a sulking Hanley. He's out first baseman going forward.

First, we have to know he does not like the DH position to consider the "sulking" aspect of moving him. I agree that aspect is a possibility. I might try having HanRam DH vs RHPs and play 1B vs LHPs to keep him somewhat sharp and "in the game". That would allow Young to DH vs LHPs. The problem is, who plays 1B vs RHPs? Shaw ( a great fielding 1Bman)? Pablo? Swihart? Travis (later)? We might just have to go with HanRam FT out of the fact that we have no other choice.

 

2B: Pedroia -- still concerned about the fact that Pedey has managed to get himself hurt every single year including this year. On field performance is much better, but those injuries are going to catch up with him eventually. Glad we have a couple guys who can slot in and play 2B well enough if needed, it looks like the franchise is thinking along the same lines. Would not be surprised to see Marco Hernandez making a month's worth of starts at 2B sometime next season. Also would not be surprised to see SS prospect Mauricio Dubon playing a large minority of his games at second base next year -- just in case.

We could also see Moncada at 2B, if needed.

 

SS: Bogaerts -- bit of a disappointment down the stretch, but still satisfactory. No need to rethink SS at this time.

Agreed, but his slight decline in SS defense is worrisome, especially at his age.

 

3B: Shaw? This is the position that is in flux. I expect absolutely nothing out of the Panda, and don't even consider him a 3B until he proves otherwise. Honestly I could see us going out to acquire a 3B if a good one becomes available, but I don't see the team breaking the bank for one with Moncada in the wings. I think if Shaw can't improve, he's used as a placeholder until Moncada is ready. With that said, it could be years for a guy like Moncada to really get up to MLB speed so we may be arguing over 3B for a while to come.

I could see us looking for a one year "fix" or "bridge" at 3B. Maybe a trade for Frazier and Robertson with the CWS could be arranged.

 

OF: Benintendi-JBJ-Betts-Young might be one of the best 4 man outfields in the game.

Yes, but after those 4, we're down to Holt, Swihart and a not ML ready Basabe.

 

Bench

Young

Holt

Hernandez

Vazquez

I like our extended (AAA) depth as well:

C/LF/1B: Swihart

1B: Travis

2B/3B/DH: Moncada

SS/IF: Dubon

SS: Marrero

OF: Castillo/Brentz/Ramos

Maybe Holaday and Rutledge can stick around.

 

Again, should be very solid. 2 solid multi position guys, a good lefty masher, and a very very good defensive catcher.

Losing papi is going to hurt, but we still look stronger than most other teams on offense, defense and pitching plus added flexibility and depth.

 

All in all I'd say the roster is good enough to compete in 2017. There's some obvious flaws an issues, and we'll be feeling the lack of Big Papi unless we bring in a bat to replace him, which we might but I don't see an overwhelmingly desperate need to. But this team is good enough to fight for the crown without a major shakeup I think. And of course we'll find out what DD thinks after the postseason.

 

I could see us signing Beltran or maybe trading for a Todd Frazier type, then picking up a couple decent pen arms and see what happens. We could reset the luxury tax clock and use the trade deadline to fix any holes that materialize.

[illinoisredsox]

No, with Pedey he always just plays through it. His wrists are an absolute mess at this point, probably better to ask when they aren't injured than when they are. Playing through it is great but it does tend to make the wear and tear from an injury all the worse.

 

I have the opposite view on Pedey this season; this was the first time in 3-4 years he wasn't injured and it showed. Will his performance go down next year? Probably, but I think that will be due to 2016 being almost a career year for him and it's hard to have those back to back. And his age isn't going to help in that regard. He's right at the point where guys usually start seeing declines.

 

Now, you are totally correct in that he tries to play through things he probably shouldn't. At least until now, he has been the classic case of an athlete unable to distinguish between being hurt and being injured. Maybe he has learned that lesson finally.

[moonslav59]

Frankly we'll have enough youth on the bullpen as it is, we always do. Having a couple accomplished veterans who have Been There and Done That is very valuable...

 

For much of the year, our pen was a disaster. We should not forget that.

 

One reason our pen has looked good recently was that we picked up Ziegler, Uehara came back from injury and Tazawa improved. Those three are FAs after this year, so I would not rely on just "promising" youth and a revitalized Kelly and returning Smith to fill the holes left by these 3 guys.

 

Pretty well set pen pieces:

Kimbrel, Smith, Buch, Kelly & Ross (but we should count on 1 being hurt or struggling)

 

We have some very promising arms, but I would just leave open 1-2 slot for these guys to win:

Scott, Abad, Barnes, Hembree, Elias, Owens, Johnson, Workman, Ramirez

 

[mvp 78]

I have the opposite view on Pedey this season; this was the first time in 3-4 years he wasn't injured and it showed.

 

I agree. The other great sign from Pedroia is that he was hitting the ball to RF more than ever and was less focused on the "la luna" nonsense. Punch and Judy Pedroia is best Pedroia, imo.

[Spudboy]

Tldr

[Spudboy]

Really big fan of Koji. Would love to bring him back.

 

Me too. I don't see another 2/18 deal for him but I believe that he likes it here and would jump at the opportunity for one more year.

[S5Dewey]

Me too. I don't see another 2/18 deal for him but I believe that he likes it here and would jump at the opportunity for one more year.

 

I'm in- for a one year deal if we can get it, but at his age I'd shy away from a longer contract than that.

 

I don't see any team giving him anything that's guaranteed for more than a year given the fact that he's 40+ and nobody can figure out why his pitches don't get hit. But I'd take a one-year gamble on him @ say, $9M, which is what he's getting this year.

[sk7326]

We probably needed another reliever this year, so losing Ziegler, Uehara and Tazawa puts us maybe 4 down. Maybe, just maybe, Carson Smith fills one and Kelly or Scott fills another, but I'm still think 2 significant RP'er acquisitions are called for.

 

The thing about getting a big bat is that it basically blocks Moncada and/or writes of Pablo's $19.5M. I'm wondering if we might wait to see how things shake out, maybe pick-up a one year bridge batter, and take a look at the deadline, if needed.

 

My guess is they look for a reliable right handed corner sort so they have some ways to build a good jobshare at 3B. Could be as simple as keeping Aaron Hill, who probably would be better with a bit more run. Or go for somebody like a Luis Valbuena. Between him and Sandoval (or Shaw), you could assemble a very effective 3B.

[oldtimer]

I think Koji will be in demand though, if he does pitch well in the postseason. Any team with a young closer and dreams of contending would want such a solid veteran professional behind him.

 

 

I could see us signing Beltran or maybe trading for a Todd Frazier type, then picking up a couple decent pen arms and see what happens. We could reset the luxury tax clock and use the trade deadline to fix any holes that materialize.

 

Beltran for a year or even two would be a positive for the team. Kind of reminds me of when the Yankees picked up Ibanez. A very good veteran with real pop. Probably a very good team player as well. Would solve the DH position.

[oldtimer]

Frankly we'll have enough youth on the bullpen as it is, we always do. Having a couple accomplished veterans who have Been There and Done That is very valuable...

 

For much of the year, our pen was a disaster. We should not forget that.

 

One reason our pen has looked good recently was that we picked up Ziegler, Uehara came back from injury and Tazawa improved. Those three are FAs after this year, so I would not rely on just "promising" youth and a revitalized Kelly and returning Smith to fill the holes left by these 3 guys.

 

Pretty well set pen pieces:

Kimbrel, Smith, Buch, Kelly & Ross (but we should count on 1 being hurt or struggling)

 

We have some very promising arms, but I would just leave open 1-2 slot for these guys to win:

Scott, Abad, Barnes, Hembree, Elias, Owens, Johnson, Workman, Ramirez

 

 

Any chance that Kopech will make the scene in 2017? He's got a great arm.

[moonslav59]

Any chance that Kopech will make the scene in 2017? He's got a great arm.

 

Maybe by July or so, assuming he's dominating.

[mvp 78]

If he makes it, it'll be in the pen.

[moonslav59]

If he makes it, it'll be in the pen.

 

Most likely for 2017, yes, unless there are multiple injuries or meltdowns to starters.

[Fan_since_Boggs]

A couple of points.

 

(1) I like the idea of moving Betts to CF, signing Reddick for RF, and trading Bradley Jr for starting pitching. Some teams, like the Mets for example, are desperate for a CF who can hit and field and thus it is possible that someone will overpay for Bradley Jr. I would definitely shop Bradley Jr. in the early part of the offseason while Reddick is still on the free agent market.

 

(2) I like Hanley at DH next year and so I wouldn't sign Beltran. Hanley gets injured walking to the bathroom at night and so I would like to increase the odds of keeping him healthy.

Edited October 7, 2016 by Fan_since_Boggs

[User Name]

How about no on both fronts.

[oldtimer]

A couple of points.

 

(1) I like the idea of moving Betts to CF, signing Reddick for RF, and trading Bradley Jr for starting pitching. Some teams, like the Mets for example, are desperate for a CF who can hit and field and thus it is possible that someone will overpay for Bradley Jr. I would definitely shop Bradley Jr. in the early part of the offseason while Reddick is still on the free agent market.

 

(2) I like Hanley at DH next year and so I wouldn't sign Beltran. Hanley gets injured walking to the bathroom at night and so I would like to increase the odds of keeping him healthy.

 

In view of the end of season performance of our team, we may need to rethink who we keep and who we need. Since it seems we are in a general malaise, I would also look to the coaches and managers for an explanation. Some of our poor performers are under big contracts so that is hard to fix. Others, as you mention, need to be reconsidered and their performances are sub ML level. Some of our fans might say look, we made the playoffs so we should tread lightly with changes. The reality is our end of season has been dismal to date and we never would have made the playoffs the way we are going now.

[TylerD]

A couple of points.

 

(1) I like the idea of moving Betts to CF, signing Reddick for RF, and trading Bradley Jr for starting pitching. Some teams, like the Mets for example, are desperate for a CF who can hit and field and thus it is possible that someone will overpay for Bradley Jr. I would definitely shop Bradley Jr. in the early part of the offseason while Reddick is still on the free agent market.

 

(2) I like Hanley at DH next year and so I wouldn't sign Beltran. Hanley gets injured walking to the bathroom at night and so I would like to increase the odds of keeping him healthy.

 

Although I do agree with this I just don't think there is many pitchers out there right now to get?? Get Rich Hill back I guess lol....

[moonslav59]

Over-reacting to a two game sample size is the last thing we should do.

 

We need to rebuild the pen, and I mean into a great pen, not a pen full of only promise.

 

We could try and upgrade our rotation with another ace type (Qunitana?), but the cost may be too ridiculous.

 

EE is an option, but my guess is he will want too many years for his age.

[TylerD]

Over-reacting to a two game sample size is the last thing we should do.

 

We need to rebuild the pen, and I mean into a great pen, not a pen full of only promise.

 

We could try and upgrade our rotation with another ace type (Qunitana?), but the cost may be too ridiculous.

 

EE is an option, but my guess is he will want too many years for his age.

 

Our pen hasn't been that bad to be honest. Today was all on Price and yesterday on Porcello. But there was zero offense today. People seem to forget this isn't just another regular season game. The Guardians have fantastic pitching. If it wasn't for Porcello and his one s*** inning yesterday this series would be tied a game a piece

[moonslav59]

Our pen hasn't been that bad to be honest. Today was all on Price and yesterday on Porcello. But there was zero offense today. People seem to forget this isn't just another regular season game. The Guardians have fantastic pitching. If it wasn't for Porcello and his one s*** inning yesterday this series would be tied a game a piece

 

Our pen was horrible for most of the year. We picked up Ziegler, Uehara returned, and a few guys have shown flashes of high performance recently.

 

Ziegler, Uehara and Tazawa are all free agents.

 

No way are Carson Smith, Joe Kelly and Buch reliable role fillers for 2017.

 

All of a sudden, based on the last couple weeks, our offense sucks and our pen is great. I'm not buying it, especially with projected pen losses to free agency.

 

We have a solid core of young players. I'm still very optimistic about our near and far future, but we still will have serious holes to fill... beyond just Papi.

 

I'm not against the idea of trading just about anyone, if the deal improves us for a long stretch, but just because player A and B have looked bad for a couple games or couple weeks, doesn't mean they need to be replaced.

[TylerD]

Our pen was horrible for most of the year. We picked up Ziegler, Uehara returned, and a few guys have shown flashes of high performance recently.

 

Ziegler, Uehara and Tazawa are all free agents.

 

No way are Carson Smith, Joe Kelly and Buch reliable role fillers for 2017.

 

All of a sudden, based on the last couple weeks, our offense sucks and our pen is great. I'm not buying it, especially with projected pen losses to free agency.

 

We have a solid core of young players. I'm still very optimistic about our near and far future, but we still will have serious holes to fill... beyond just Papi.

 

I'm not against the idea of trading just about anyone, if the deal improves us for a long stretch, but just because player A and B have looked bad for a couple games or couple weeks, doesn't mean they need to be replaced.

 

I definitely agree with you...... I'm just more worried about our rotation . Price still shows he can't win in the playoffs, Clay is up in the air.... I would like someone in the starting rotation before filling our Pen.... Not to mention there just isn't many pitchers out there right now.

 

These last two games in the playoffs the Pen has been the least of our problems. In fact it's been the best thing we have had so far. Losing some guys like Koji, or Tazawa will suck but this offense in the last while with its slow starts has me worried big time especially when we lose papi. Now with saying that I'm not saying you're wrong.

 

I guess we go after whats available if we can get some decent relievers go for it. I just don't know what will be available for pitchers

[moonslav59]

I definitely agree with you...... I'm just more worried about our rotation . Price still shows he can't win in the playoffs, Clay is up in the air.... I would like someone in the starting rotation before filling our Pen.... Not to mention there just isn't many pitchers out there right now.

 

These last two games in the playoffs the Pen has been the least of our problems. In fact it's been the best thing we have had so far. Losing some guys like Koji, or Tazawa will suck but this offense in the last while with its slow starts has me worried big time especially when we lose papi. Now with saying that I'm not saying you're wrong.

 

I guess we go after whats available if we can get some decent relievers go for it. I just don't know what will be available for pitchers

 

I'm always for upgrading the rotation but only from the 1 or 2 slot.

 

It's one reason I was against the Pom trade. I like Pom, don't get me wrong, but I had hoped we'd put together a mega package and get a real ace. Now that we have Pom, we may think we're okay at SP'ing and upgrade elsewhere only.

 

I'm not sure I'm for trading for Quintana or Sale if the price is way too high, but ideally, I'd like to see us trade for Quintana and Robertson, pick up another solid RP'er and maybe a 1 year fix at 3B (maybe get the CWS to add Frazier to the blockbuster).

 

Even then, we may not be top favorites, but I like this rotation:

 

Quintana

Porcello

Price

ERod

Pomeranz/Wright/Buch