Tenacious D

I suppose these things aren’t linear, but probably would have combined Kelly and Chafin for someone more impactful.

Anything less than Semien in return will be a major disappointment.

Geez—could have just let him carpool with Kelly

Remember the stretch last year when Carp, Tork and Greene were all clicking? It was brief, but made you feel like there was something to it. Now all three are out of the lineup. Our entire starting outfield is on the DL and our 1B is in the minors. It’s amazing we’ve hovered around .500 as long as we have.

Jim Slaton

If this is Elias’ haul for the deadline, he is putting his neck on the line by holding on to his largely redundant prospects to acquire a couple of # 3/4 starters if they don’t make the World Series. You do have to wonder if Skubal was actually in play at all?

No way they’d offer that for a rental. And they’ve already been burned by Flaherty.

I doubt the Orioles were trading for Flaherty again. Plus I don’t think Rogers is a rental—they must think he’s capable of better. I’d be pissed if I’m an O’s fan. Neither Eflin nor Rogers will be difference makers in the playoffs for them. They really needed Skubal or Crochet for that.

Best. Thread. Ever.

It’s just hyperbole. Nothing is that black and white.

I think it’s more of a business philosophy. Don’t see Harris giving out 6 year contracts to free agent pitchers. I could be wrong, though.

I don’t see this front office ever giving out the type of contracts that would be required.

A rotation of Skubal, Flaherty, Jobe, Olsen and Mize would be money next year, though.

We’re tearing ourselves apart in here. We need a mercy trade so we can redirect our ire.

Harris and the front office are on a tough spot with the fans. (They might not care). No trade will be viewed as a colossal failure. And anything perceived less than what the Jays received for Kikuchi will be heavily criticized. The truth is that teams might be leary of his back issues. Many have pivoted to worse options (Montas, Kikuchi, Eflin) for reasons unknown. Im good with him holding firm on his ask, even if a trade doesn’t happen. A qualifying offer that results in a high draft pick is worth that risk of setting a high price.

And similarly, we may never know who we were supposed to receive in return. Maybe in 50 years when it’s unsealed.

I don’t think that’s accurate—I believe he had a partial no-trade list. I think it was around 10 teams or so.

Have to assume we had a similar offer from the Astros, as Flaherty > Kikuchi

I see some of the rumored teams that were interested in our pitchers are turning to their Plan B—Orioles, Astros and Brewers. But It was probably always going to be a surprise team where Flaherty ends up.

Yeah, a little problem with the long ball, but a solid (and much needed) performance.

The Kikuchi return is bit concerning.

It’s only gonna get worse when Flaherty goes. One pitcher we can count on moving forward.

You just scooped all of the beat writers who weren’t sure why Kreidler’s at the park. You better get attribution when they clarify why he’s up-first reported by RatkoVarda

For a Flaherty trade, the floor is a prospect like Hao-Ju Lee or someone comparable to Dillon Dingler or Kevin McGonigle, who were drafted in the vicinity of where a compensatory pick would likely fall.

Ok, we heard you. Btw, what are free talent pickups—Waiver/dumpster-diving guys? I’m all in favor—they are worth it for the few times you hit (I.e., Ibanez, Holton). I especially like it with pitchers, because they can be Fetter-ized.