Hitch

100%. We ned to plan as if he is not coming back. There's little evidence to suggest he should be counted on as our starting first baseman going forward. If he comes back and rakes - great, but that's a problem to solve down the line.

Yandy has been linked the last 24 hours. The Sox really want him if the Rays are dealing apparently. He would be my firm number 1 choice - would cost a pretty penny though. I agree on getting Ryan(another) in sooner rather than the later, too, but I think they will wait, just to make sure this team is for real, and if not pivot and reload for next year.

This was a post I saw on Facebook just now with accompanying photos so is legit - It's easy to forget the things these players do away from the screen sometimes, and the connections they hold for fans. Duran is always outside signing autographs late into the night. I've been one that was leaning to wanting him traded so we could get pitching, but you hear stuff like this and makes me question how black and white I see things on times (in terms of seeing them as value and moving them around casually to make things work to how I would best see fit). I do like Jarren. He's got his issues as we've seen, and nobody is perfect, but he clearly cares, works his ass off and wants to be there for everyday fans. I still hope we get pitching, but I hope he stays, now, too. My sister posted a picture of me meeting Duran last week, but I’ll post my full story here. I was so nervous to meet him. Like a lot of other people here - he’s my favorite player. Aside from his game, I have so much admiration for his openness about his mental health. Anyways - I was so star struck I basically forgot how to speak. I was also shaking so much I think he had to hold me down so he could sign my jersey (second pic). I also have a pic of him holding my hair out of the way (because as I mentioned - I was a nervous wreck. Was absolutely 0 help to this man). When were leaving, I blabbered “am I the most awkward person you’ve met tonight? It’s okay if you say yes.” And he was like “no don’t worry you are good!” As we were leaving, I tried to manage a “thank you” - and he said “remember - words are hard” and I’ll carry that with me forever. The whole interaction haunted me for days - because man, did I botch it. BUT he was really sweet about it and didn’t make me feel bad for probably taking up more time than I should have He took his time with every single fan and was truly so humble. I heard him frequently say “why are you sorry?” to fans who apologized for asking him for multiple pictures/to sign more than one item. God only knows how long he was out there for - we stayed an extra 2 hours and he still had a whole line of people to meet after us. Do not trade this gem of a man - I beg you. The team - and the fans - need him. It’s so much bigger than baseball (but also worth noting: he’s more than just a clubhouse guy. We’ve seen what he can do) Also: you’ll see I’m still holding the sharpie I was supposed to give him, but forgot (I cannot emphasize how useless I was during the whole interaction) - he brought his own pen with him for signatures.

I honestly can't call it. And the opposing views on this very page make me comfortable in that. Juts no idea.

Yeah but on the other side of the argument to you are the Executives - the people Breslow has to convince. It's fine wishing we got more/different, but I think throwing around names like Ryan just isn't realistic. If Breslow had been able to get him he'd have done it and started picking his suit for the Executive of the Year dinner that afternoon.

I think you have to do that if the Twins blinked first.

I hear you, I go back and forth all the time on what we should do ourselves. I certainly won't be unhappy to keep Duran (and Abreu), but I can also see the benefit of moving one for a great pitcher.

I don't know enough about Colorado, but I heard on some pod/radio the other day (I forget which), they have two decent relievers there. Can only be that. The Athletic are reporting it's - Ryan McMahon (3B) and Jake Bird (RP) that teams are most interested in,

Let's reign it in a bit. We don't really know what he's traded for yet - it's way too early. Secondly, most reports coming out at executive level saw the contract as a sunk cost and were surprised the Sox got what they did. We were never getting a Ryan for Devers. Not a chance.

Yeah feels light to me too. Hard to know what sort of value Campbell has at the moment.

Yup, agreed again.

I'd also like to see this. Will be taken in the Rule 5 if we don't protect, too.

Oh 1000%. There's virtually no chance of us getting Skenes I don't think. But I like to dream on these things.

I don't disagree with that. I think we need to cut 7 from the whole org just to fit in this latest draft class within 2 weeks, so worth looking at who they're cutting. But also there was a dearth or pitching from before these past 12 and a bit months, so maybe lots of weak arms to cut. I do trust this set up to develop arms now. If it works out we're going to be in rude health.

Do you think the Twins take Campbell for Ryan? I think there's no chance.

Just down to the amount of times I keep hearing his name Joe Ryan is the guy in my mind if Padres bring in a 3rd team. He's a 2. And I'd trust him over Bello and Gio, even though my trust levels are growing in both. If we get someone like him - it's on. But that doesn't matter - that's old news now. Notin is off to land Skenes, so we'll just go with two 1's instead. 😎

Agreed - was thinking similar earlier. Though, we've seen how much it costs to get young controllable arms, so maybe the thinking has shifted to - get enough of these guys developed and we can trade for position players much easier than we can pitchers.

The difference being, I'm not suggesting we just go and make the above happen. If you'd read on a little further before posting you'd have seen the conversation about how much more it would take.

Okay, you've won me over. Pick up the phone and make it happen!

Regardless of where Tolle and Skenes are in their respective careers, I still wouldn't want him moved if possible. Skenes is a freak for sure. But Tolle could be a very hand piece with a 2nd starter ceiling. I'm not just giving that away if I can help it, regardless of how he compares with Skenes right now. I shuddered when I saw the Rafaela inclusion, and yet I really shouldn't. I'm hesitant to believe he has completely figured it out and that this isn't just some crazy purple patch, but man if he has... I think you're right in that on Pitt's side it starts with Anthony or don't bother ringing. I'd happily include Campbell, swallow Mayer, begrudgingly add in Tolle. Weirdly, I keep feeling huge hesitancy around the Rafaela trade. How does an offer of Mayer, Campbell and Password work out on BTV? chances are Pitt would want some pitching back, however.

I'd just rather us make the shortfall up in another way, rather than send away one of our best pitching prospects. If it came down to it, gun against my head, I likely do it whatever, but I'd just rather a different 3rd player. But there's really not much I wouldn't pay for Skenes, especially if we could lock him up long term.

100% agree it would take a lot more. I'd do it with Campbell, I'd be loathe to lose Tolle, too.

I'd trade Mayer for Skenes. In a heartbeat. Anthony, no chance.

I look at that and I start believing in the play offs. Without it, I still see a hard time of it, even with the 10 game heater. I've been in sell mode most of the year, I've definitely been moved into 'okay, go for it' mode, but this next stretch is the most defining one of the season yet (feels like we say that a lot but this in undoubtedly that). Either way, whatever way it goes, we have incredibly tantalising and sellable assets, or pieces to move to get us over the hump. Going to be exciting one way or another.

I'm not so sure Houck doesn't stay down and spend some time in AAA re-working his delivery.