1984Echoes

The Dodgers and Orioles are said to both be feeling very, very aggressive this deadline. I think one of them is going to land Flaherty. And the other is going to hunt Skubal. I don't know if either will land Skubal (meaning a good enough package to convince Harris he should say "yes")... But I think that's how it's going to go down. Crochet is the next best... but I think there will be serious questions (and diminished, but not zero, trade interest) about his non-history of starting (and therefore fears he will not be effective the second half...).. Flaherty will be most in demand (lesser prospect cost) for the team not as willing to trade prospects and Skubal will be most in demand for the team that wants a 2.5 Post Seasons guy... IMO.

You didn't read what I wrote. "Two prospects EACH that we REALLY like, plus two other lottery tickets for a total of a 4-1 return." I paraphrased... but that's what I said..

As VP to Kamala Harris that wouldn't be an issue. As future Presidential candidate, that simply means balancing out the ticket (getting broader appeal with a VP who pulls different demographics) so all that means is finding the right VP to make a powerhouse ticket. I don't see a problem. But you do?

Could we create Appalachia as one big state? And lop off all the territory of all the other states that go into it? And then we could add DC with representation in the House & Senate so it could be treated as a state even though it's more of a special district (they DO deserve representation... WTF is so hard about that...?) I'm good with that.

But he would have Sasha Obama as his VP.

Here's the flipside: The buyers of talent (and traders of draft picks) will be the teams at the very top... which MOSTLY is the Yankees/ Dodgers type... Lets say Cleveland rises to the top... they're not going to do this. But the Yankees and Dodgers would (in this imagined scenario): And they both want Flaherty. They both offer two prospects that we really like/ want. And also two high-octane arms with no control as lottery tickets (Dodgers) or 2025 and 2026 1st round picks (Yankees, and per your description, just as much lottery tickets as the two Dodgers lottery guys... especially because they'll be at the END of the first round, so not top 10 picks...). All things else being equal: which package do you choose? I'm of a mind to accept two Yankees picks and trust Harris and our developmental team to uncover to gems. Better than the two Dodgers high-octane arms with no control. IMO.

How about RIGHT NOW!!! I mean... AFTER the DNC, when Biden steps down and hands the reins over to Kamala Harris as Presidential candidate and with Buttigieg as the VP of the ticket. Then... he'll get his chance at the top in 8 years... where he can serve the following 8 years. I have it all planned out.

Drive his price way, way up... Yes please.

There was some discussion on whether Skubal should/ could be pitching against the Blue Jays (probably could) and why they pushed him back to face Cleveland in his 1st start after the AS break (need/ want Skubal against the lefty-heavy Indians...). I'm going to ignore that for a sec... Two points I want to make here: 1) Flaherty is the trade target. get him as many starts as possible before the deadline to showcase him, starting with tonight. 2) Back to Skubal: Subtle signal by Harris that Skubal is NOT on the market? "Look at Flaherty's starts.. Here 'ya go: ". "Oh, and never mind about this Skubal kid...". Just conspiracy theorizing a bit here...

Let me amend this: DONORS. It's about their wallets. Biden-Harris have promised to enact a more progressive tax structure. That means more taxes for the top 1%, less taxes for the middle class. Trump has promised the exact opposite. This is Dem Donors last chance to overthrow the Biden-Harris ticket, or Harris-VP ticket, and put in place a different ticket less favorable to making taxes more progressive... Meaning they are protecting their wallets. Harris would continue with the same platform/ agenda. Without a changed ticket... they are sorely tempted to jump ship to Trump. This is their last chance to get what they want (a different non-progressive-tax Dem ticket) and still call themselves Democrats.

This isn't even about Biden. It's about Harris. Seeing all these posts about DONORS pressuring Dems to pressure Biden to quit...? They don't want Biden to quit, they want to NOT have Harris leading an administration. And the only way to do that is to pressure Biden to QUIT NOW so they can overthrow Harris at the convention. THAT is what this is all about. It's an end-around SPECIFICALLY AIMED at Harris; not Biden. They just need to get him out of the way so they can get to her. Biden has to accept the nomination. And THEN, if he is stepping aside, hand it over to Harris. And there should be a succession plan so that the SAME MINUTE that Biden hands it over to Harris, Harris can immediately announce her chosen VP, whomever that may be. IMO.

I don't think it works like that. The DNC will throw this out. And hold open elections at the Conference. Electors alone will make the vote/ decision. As MB posted, it's an attempt to bypass both Biden and Harris. Which will go up in flames at the DNC. AFTER Biden wins the nomination at the DNC... THEN he might be able to pull this off. But not before.

Whatsoever.

And lies... And violence.

Dude... HOW in the world did you forget Riley Greene! 😉

Fuzzy Logic.

I was thinking more along the lines of... if we're getting Kjerstad, do we send over Kerry Carpenter? And I don't think they'd have interest in more prospects, but maybe a Carson Kelly and Jason Foley. If it takes Skubal, Kelly, and Foley or Skubal, Carpenter and Faedo (just for some examples) to get Holliday, Basallo, and a few high-end pitching prospects (even if a couple are in the lower minors) then I say do it. If that's what clinches a big deal... Do it.

Which is pretty much what we've all been saying...

PS: And not just the hitting. He needs to be more motivated to improve himself in the field. IMO.

Or maybe he needs to take a look at his own motivation (part 3). Clean up his head space and that cleans up his swing by being more aggressive in the K zone? I do think it's more than just the K zone, IMO. I absolutely believe he needs an attitude adjustment/ motivation adjustment and that's on him. Whether he is willing to do that or not... we'll see.

How is FRANYERBER!!! doing in the FCL (he's in FCL, right?)?

It will primarily be tough because we're "on the cusp" as well. A LOT of learning curves and rookie/ 2nd year struggles for us. But we still have more guys coming up, and to be a strong playoff contender, this year and next year and in 2026, we have a high degree/ desire to keep Skubal. I don't think Harris/ Hinch even want to consider trading Skubal. That's why it has to be a "Godfather" offer. It has to be something that Harris just can't refuse. It has to be big. It may not quite approach the Soto trade... but it has to at least be (IMO) the kinds of trades that I and a couple other Motowners on here have indicated will be the trade cost. Or more (none of us knows EXACTLY what would make Harris pull the trigger...). It will be... a lot. Harris won't budge otherwise. That's what will make it too tough to get this done. Pay a huge price, or there's no deal to be made. And also, remember... We can play your Orioles off against the Dodgers. Quick question: You and your buddies will be really, really, pleased when we send Skubal over to the Dodgers. Yes?

They're not eligible.

Bingo!

I actually prefer Mayo & Basallo... I don't know why... But there it is...