1-The idea that the budget doesn't matter is a non-starter. It does.
2-Does anyone not think that this team is far better with our current defense than it was last year?
This is the primary reason I agreed with you on keeping Duran. He's more than just a backup, he's a starter. I know some disagree, but Duran has been pretty valuable as Anthony's replacement in LF, even with his down year. That's a heck of a lot more valuable than having JJ or even Yoshida. Guys like KC (as of today) are more for the 2-week IL visits.
I still remember Manny and the Indians dancing and laughing in the dugout, until they saw Pedro coming out of the BP. "I will never forget the look on their faces. All eight of them. Their faces dropped. All their courage and strength was drained right from their bodies"
Story annoys me on several levels, but I felt good for him tonight. Even beyond a big win, I'm happy to see something go right for him. And I think he felt the same way; seemed to be relishing the moment.
IMVHO, if we can skip Gray, we can skip Suarez. At this point, we'd have to play really bad to not make the playoffs, or play really well to catch the NYY. I'd probably skip one start for our top 3-4 SPs.
I'd bet on a top-10 offense and wouldn't think twice about it. I'd bet on a .700+ from the top 8 hitters, and Story has a decent shot at a .700 as well.
Romy has a stronger major history and the quality of the ABs count more than the OPS. Most of KC's stats derive from one game. If you want to exclude yesterday's game, then he has 1 HR and 27 Ks in 26 games. That won't hold up in the pros.