Tenacious D

Here are who I believe to be the starting rotation candidates: 1) Mize 2) Skubal 3) Rodriguez 4) Alexander 5) Manning 6) Wentz 7) Fulmer 8 ) TBD Free Agent Signing 9) Boyd (later in the season if they re-sign him, which looks in jeopardy) Rony Garcia could be in the discussion, though I doubt they count on him. Brieske and Olsen are unlikely to start the season--they both have little AA experience.

I won't profess to be a good evaluator of defense, but Candelario seems to be above average at 3B. Schoop is a year removed from being a Gold Glove finalist at 2B. All of the free agents that we are likely to be interested in at SS should be upgrades, as well. Barnhart, getting the majority of starts, will be an upgrade to Haase at C. Also feeling good about our OF--I'm writing in Grossman in RF, and penciling in Greene in LF, who I think makes the team out of Spring Training. I really like the combination of Hill, Cameron and Baddoo in CF. The only real question is mark is who will be at 1B? I don't see Torkelson making it right away, so Schoop will likely continue to play some 1B, with Paredes getting a chance at 2B. That combination probably isn't ideal, but also not horrible.

I think they'll go after one more--at this point, they should not count on Manning. Obviously, losing both Turnbull and Boyd will require them to pursue another veteran, though it could be a Wily Peralta-type. I doubt they give anyone more than one year.

I guess if we sign our SS this month, most of the shopping will be complete, which will make for a boring rest of the offseason. I'll take it.

I can't see how anyone can complain about this--this is an excellent signing. I had Stroman on my wish list, but this is a nice consolation prize. Now let's go get a SS.

Angels are already paying Trout, Upton and Rendon a ton. I think they’ll spend on the rotation.

He’s ripe for an international professional career—he’ll at least double his career earnings .

Creating a roster spot for The Correa signing.

I like this dude

Is that what we’re playing for—we could do a lot worse? I want to do a lot better.

My SS rank (don’t care about $$/yesrs): 1. Correa 2. Semien 3. Story 4. Seager Dont trust Taylor to play SS and hard pass on Baez.

Houston—no (they would re-sign Correa) Angels—maybe, but they need SP more Dodgers—have Turner and won’t sign Seager Texas—agree, they’ll be in the mix Mets—already have Lindor

There better be more—odd that we would only announce those guys right now, unless the other guys (i.e., Garneau) are free agents.

I’d like to see the Tigers sign Stroman, who I don’t believe can get a QO, as he had one last season. I also think he’s the best and most realistic of the top of the order guys. I also believe that Fulmer could be in the mix for SP, and I agree that we should not count on Manning in any significant way. Also, neither Boyd nor Turnbull will contribute in any meaningful way in 2022–even if they can pitch a few innings, they likely won’t be very good (see Fulmer ‘20). As for SS, I don’t think there will be a lot of suitors needing or willing to go $150MM+ for a SS. Besides the Yankees and Nationals, which teams have both the need and the means? We should end up with one of Correa, Seager, Story or Semien if we are truly willing to spend.

Maris was a steroid user, too?

Would have liked to see Bill Freehan in the Golden Days group.

this is why I'm a bit bullish for the Tigers in a few years. We should have the pitching and some interesting bats to score a few runs. I was thinking about this earlier--I can't recall a previous postseason with so many/any bullpen games. Almost every team deployed that this offseason.

my offseason wish list (documented yesterday on the Tweeter) is/was Correa, Stroman and Barnhart. Don't disappoint me, Al.

his one-year deal serves as the bridge to Rogers and Dingler.

Barnhart and Haase, make the perfect platoon, with the LH Barnhart getting the majority of starts.

100%, but given the dearth of good catchers in the league, I would have thought he'd have more trade value.

McCosky is reporting we gave up Nick Quintana in return. Not sure what Cincy see's in him, but it's awesome that we didn't have to give up anyone of significance in return. He's already been bypassed by Workman and Keith in the 3B mix.

I thought he was a free agent. Way to kick start the offseason, Al! (also, he and Gomes were my top two targets at C). Wonder what we had to give up?

depends on which top-prospects list you subscribe to, but here is MLB Pipeline's. From this group, I'd expect to see Tork, Greene, Kreidler, Wentz and Faedo. Longer shots would be Madden and Olson.

that's why they call it "way too early." I think they based on performance this season, plus momentum--likely younger players who should continue to improve.