He's made a ton of "unimpressive" moves. Some of them have worked out well (i.e. Renfroe) and some have fallen flat (i.e. Marwin). It's just the way he does business.
Yet, if they can improve upon starting pitchers like Perez, Richards, PEACOCK, et al, AND not have a COVID outbreak in 2022, maybe the margin wouldn't be so slim even if they replace Renfroe with JBJ.
I would be surprised if this gets that far. The owners have a lot to lose too considering that revenue was down 2020-21.
The players made too many concessions last go around. I think they do better at standing firm this year.
On today's SoxProspects podcast, Speier stated that Yorke's defense is getting better and that both he and the organization are working to keep him at 2b.
He also said there is no talk of moving Duran back to 2b. The focus is on getting to be a MLB hitter first and reliable fielder second.
Maybe they envision him starting the year in the rotation and Paxton taking over for him mid year?
IDK. I never said I agreed with or liked the signing.
Even if he has a large contract, he can pitch himself out of that rotation spot pretty quickly.
I think Bloom is probably looking into all the options available in the A's fire sale. The only problem is that every other team knows the A's are trying to deal off parts too. They may not be in a hurry to move those guys.
Hill was traded mid season when they were ready to call up some younger arms. Hill was just a placeholder, as he is for us.
Wacha is a bullpen arm IMO.
If Whitlock is moved to the rotation, they'll still need to manage his innings this year. Hill typically doesn't pitch a full year. Paxton will definitely have a role if he's healthy enough to go. I would like them to add McHugh to the mix.
I think a lot relies on Sale coming back to form. If he still pitches like 2021, they're in trouble.
If all breaks right:
Sale is dominant ace (2.50 ERA and 200 innings)
Eovaldi is top #2 in the game (3.75 ERA and 180 innings)
Hill is solid for a #3 (3.75 ERA and 150 innings)
Pivetta is good enough for a #4 (4.50 ERA and 160 innings)
Whitlock is the #5 (4.00 ERA and 150 innings)
Wacha is the #6.
I can see it working out. I can also see Chris Sale not pitching to pre surgery levels, Eovaldi getting injured, Hill missing half of the season and Whitlock's transition not working.