alex

I like it! There may be interest in Daz and/or WCastro as well with a pitcher.

Hmm, Pineda, if healthy (can be said for most of course) should help. Was thinking Zach, as he could also help mentor... I think other available starters still in FA are: Zach Davies, Chris Archer, Drew Smiley, Johnny Cueto, Garrett Richards, Chris Duffy (out like MBoyd til mid-season) JA Happ, Julio Teheran, and Jose Urena. All with question marks and much is health. Zach Davies (unless I am unaware that he signed) is interesting because he can give innings. No question, the Tigs need more depth at SP (IMHO) and someone here or even a trade may be coming here before long...

That, in addition to the previous reasons, and I heard on MLB Network it may help allow just a bit more for the 1B to stretch and the runners lane allowing for more distance from the 1B- hence a bit lesser collision chance.

Yes, in many, many areas that was the norm. Actually most all had fun and exercise to boot. It is just a different time. Of course there are leagues but I think kids could have fun with pick-up games again, but there are so many choices now and physical activity is sometimes frowned upon - which is sad, all in IMHO of course.

IMHO, it seemed at that 'time' the JV trade was needed on all Fronts (JV, Tigs, Houston,... ). However, that does not rule out a return perhaps some day as well...

That is often overlooked, downplayed and yet VERY much a factor in sports and performance.

To boot this card was of the last series of Topps 1970 (7th) when there were less prints. I remember kids would collect cards all year, ex series 1-5 or 6 as they came out respectively, then the last series came out always much later, ex August/Sept and NOT dispersed nearly as much and so many kids/collectors would get upset. Then you had to find these lesser printed cards to complete a set somehow (maybe go to a card show) only to pay $1 even for a common player because of the scarcity!

Thank you for the link. An interesting read.

Indeed. One can even miss some of the rumors, ideas, etc. of an MLB off-season. 😒

This is true on paper - but this day and age injuries are more prevalent and IL/DL stints are used to team & player advantage (15 days to 10 days) more than ever. The days of teams with 7-8 position players playing in 150+ games are history as are 3-4 SPs on a team that throw 200+ innings (heck 180 for that matter). It just is, and for various reasons - hence quality depth seems 'Very' important.

Yes it is. He would help quite a bit. Hopefully the cost is not too prohibitive (years/dollars) and allows another upgrade elsewhere. Just seems a bit like CCorrea has a price set based on what Lindor received. Maybe Texas is offering him a big time splash to be the franchise face for their rebuild going forward. It seems the Tig brass is working on the SS position upgrade with some determination. IMHO, any one of the top 5 SS will help this club.

Second that. Really any of the 5-6 top SS will help the team quite a bit. Saying "...multiple needs" is interesting. Would the team be better off with just Correa or say Baez and another 15mil+/- player(s) as well who could help make a difference for a few yrs?

Agreed. I would think Javy would be a fine addition - all things considered (price, age, power, D, running ability, so far durability, etc.). He is a talented player and just might 'become' more open to some changes in his approach as his career moves along. Of course any of the 5-6 top SS will help quite a bit. Just saying all things considered, Javy, IMHO, might workout well also.

I would think by now Al is relying heavily on his new scouting and analytics departments?

Yep, seems pretty spot on - and we have all heard about the org looking to improve. IMHO, RP's seem so volatile, one year to the next, it might not be wise to spend too much on any - yet, during the season IF things are going well, can always look into. The other thing that is Very important is depth. As mentioned before, gone may be the days of 7-8 position players playing 150 games. Same with SPs, 3-4 going 200 IP. Every team needs to be 2 players deep per say at each position. Some able to play several positions. The IL list the last few seasons shows this and to expect that to change - well... The mix and match of quality UT/starter types. Even if we get a SS, we will need a player or two that can play 30-40 games there (ex Kreidler, Niko, Harold, etc. combo). Same player(s) may be at multi positions. It is now a 40 man go to roster. Teams know this. There could be CBA influence as well ex 27 man rosters? etc. Perhaps the Tigs may be in the market for previously mentioned names here like a C TBarnhart, etc. Also, one year re-establish value types MConforto - but they may wait to see who is available after priority shopping (SS & SP) for that particular type. They may actually be able to package a couple younger players (not the core types) and get a need. It should be an interesting off season!

Agreed. Should be an interesting off season with the team and CBA coming up. One thing that hopefully teams and fans alike hopefully can see - IMHO, the days of 7-8 starting position players playing in 150+ games may be gone. Same for 3-4 SPs on a team pitching 200 innings. Sure there will be an outlier or two here and there - but depth at 'every' position is more important than ever. The rosters should increase by another 1-2 players it would seem... Say counting from the last 5 years on it may be more rare to see anybody win 250 games again. To hit 400-500 HRs (again an outlier here and there)... IMHO, the game has changed in this regard as well.