1984Echoes

And Diabate and Bridges got 4 games each. Perfectly fine with that and close to what I expected. Glad Diabate got twice what Duren received... IMO, he instigated.

He escalated it because he kept backing away from Diabate but Diabate kept forcing his forehead into Duren's face. I hope the league sees what I see and gives Duren 1 game and Diabate 3. It probably won't work out that way but... not being a homer... Diabate forced the issue. IMO.

But Diabate kept pushing his head into Duren's face so I could see why he pushed his head away and... without audio... I'm guessing with a "Get out of my face man!!!"

Also... I'm wondering if he ends up being the "opener" in the first half of the season and starts with a 1 or 2 or 3 inning stint...? Just WAG'ing...

My guess: He's a spot-starter/ bullpen guy to start the season. In order to keep his innings low. And then start ramping him up for the post-season (regular turn in the rotation August & September?) In the playoffs... I'm guessing he pitches wherever they need him most. Key innings. Just a guess...

"Daniss the Menace"?

I'd be interested in Dalen Terry (released by the Bulls) as the new two-way...

Now that we signed Daniss to a standard contract... If we can sign another two-way... I'm interested in Dalen Terry, who was released by the Bulls...

Cade also with 4 (under review as I type this...) so time to play Jenkins and Reed.

Defense looks outstanding so far... Although both Cade and Stew already have 3 fouls each...

Thanks Del... So realgm says only one 2nd rounder this year and multiple in the following few years... As for 1st round this year... I like the looks of Cenac and Allen, and even Yaxel Lendeborg as a 3rd option with a higher floor but not as athletic or high-ceiling as the other two. I want to use our 2nd rounder and scouring undrafted's to find a couple of 3&D ball-handlers/ playmakers to give Jenkins some competition. Just my 2 cents.

I think that's a good core. But for championships, they'll need more than just that. IMO... Well... we'll see a lot in this year's playoffs. Maybe enough to know exactly what we are missing and what needs to improve (with better players). Right now it looks like to me they have high quality depth and high quality support players (meaning, there are no stars amongst the rest of the team, but it does look like there are a lot of high floor guys that have bought into the team concept of defense first, and they all contribute something to winning games...). I don't know if the team as constructed today is championship worthy... But again, the upcoming playoffs should indicate weaknesses to work on.

Yep. Thank you for that.

A few post-deadline thoughts: 1) Disappointed Trajan couldn't find some way to add an experienced ball-handler... But maybe that's still possible if there's a released vet that fits. 2) Looking towards next season: and still needing a secondary ball-handler that can run the bench and jump up to the starters to help Cade as needed... are any of Jenkins, Sasser, or Lanier an answer, or at least partially the answer? I think that's a rhetorical question (IMO) because the answer I believe is no. Although Jenkins is getting very close... IMO, that still needs to be addressed in the offseason. 3) I guess that means looking at the draft as one possible avenue... I'm not an expert on college basketball players so anyone with better info/ opinions feel free to speak up. If we end up with the #22 pick, or can trade up a few spots (if needed) to a mid-1st... I think I am looking 1st and foremost at a 3&D Forward. I have my eyes on a power forward: Chris Cenac, Jr. and a small forward: Amari Allen. Do those two qualify? Are they good enough to eventually be a starter? Does one of them fall to the mid-to-late 1st? Do they need to declare? Or are they definitely in this draft? As for a 3&D point guard... yes, we need that too. But I think we can get that in the 2nd round... maybe? How many 2nd rounders do we have this year? I thought 2 or 3 conditional picks were coming our way... but when do we know exactly which ones? Because I think Trajan should take several swings at ball-handlers with range and defense in the 2nd, as well as with undrafted free agents. Sort of a mini-tryout over the summer to find someone that has those capabilities and can stick on the roster. Or even excel. Otherwise, can we still go after free agents such as Dosunmu or similar?

Yes. It was Casper Wells dad. IIRC.

This is still a need that must be addressed. IMO.

I think he will absolutely do that. Hinch loves different angles, eyesight levels, stuff, etc... Most likely trying to mess up hitters' timing... PS; One other aside... Just a guess... But I think Mize's stuff would play up a lot higher if he's in-between the two lefties. I think Flaherty will be Flaherty and not affected by being in the #2 slot. He's either consistently excellent or is inconsistent and doesn't benefit as much as Mize would being the #2. I think Olson is pretty damn consistent. So I don't believe his stuff would play up any more than what he is already. But I'm just guessing. I really do think Mize's stuff would play up so much better in-between the two.

I think Melton is better than him. But experience may win out in that battle. I think Flaherty is better too... when he's pitching well. I don't know what happened last year...? He seemed fine one game and then off the next. I still think he has another 2024 in him. If he does, Olson is 5th best. But if he (Flaherty) pitches like last year, then I would consider Olson 4th best (3rd best in Detroit as I'm just going to guess Melton gets stuck in Toledo). He won't push Mize further down the rotation even though he's proven to be the better pitcher than Mize, when healthy. Just guessing here... but I think Hinch will put Mize higher up in the rotation and keep him there. No matter what Olson does. But again... just guessing. And if Hinch decides Melton has "IT" and keeps him in the Detroit rotation... all bets are off IMO.

No he isn't.

So no pro-rating of any kind means he doesn't fit. Thank you.

I would rather just sign Kwity Paye.

Yeah, ummm... I don't think Olson wins a rotation spot based on "we need to get as many innings out of him in Detroit before he goes on the IL again...". He has the ability to win the 5th spot outright. Heck, he could with the 4th spot or push Flaherty down to the 4th spot... I just think the 5th starter is an open competition and I won't rule out any possibility. Plus... Spring Training injuries so, who knows... ?

Can they fit Saric's PRO-rated contract into the BAE? Or does that not matter (the BAE ALSO pro-rated...)?

If Anderson can impress... They might start both Olson and Melton at Toledo. Olson still has minor league options.

I certainly did. So it's Skubal-Flaherty-Valdez-Mize and a hell of a fight for that 5th spot!