Tenacious D

Anyone know how to watch Jobe pitch tonight in the AFL? (on the tee-vee)

He’s a bit of a douche, but nobody deserves that.

I hope we can avoid the 4A dumpster diving. Let the kids play and/or upgrade via trades. I can’t remember a time when we had 4 legit position prospects that appear to be ready to go at the same time.

I wonder if they will protect Wenceel on the 40-man this year? I’d like to see him stay, but he’s quickly getting passed up by others.

Perhaps you’re right about Jung, but Zach Neto was called up this past season. Jace has the pedigree—if he does stay down for the season, it will likely be to work on his D.

I like this. As far as retiring his number, I assume they won’t assign it to anyone else, even if they wait until his HOF induction to formalize it.

I though they were injuries that occurred while playing, not because he was fat. But my memory is faulty, so you win.

Are we proposing going after other team’s infielders because we don’t think Keith or Jung can play there? Personally, I’d let them play and prioritize a corner OF (as insurance for Carpenter) and C. Really, I’d only prioritize C. I’d be OK with this roster: C Rogers, TBD INF: Tork, Baez, Keith, Ibanez, McKinstry, Jung (All-Star break or sooner) OF: Greene, Meadows, Carpenter, Vierling Malloy (DH)

His injuries weren’t related to his conditioning, though. There was the core injury (allegedly separating Prince and Avisail Garcia), and then some knee issues, where it was revealed a few years ago that they were irreparable and he would have to finish his career without being able to use his legs to drive the ball.

Bellinger makes me nervous—what happened his last two seasons in LA? Plus, he’s gonna get a stupid contract. I see him staying with the Cubs or going to the Yankees. I also don’t think you need to trade Tork to get a guy like Tatis.

Btw, what is it with the Dodgers and women? Puig, Bauer and now Urias.

You do realize that Urias has probably pitched his last inning in the MLB, correct? I’d take him off your list.

On this current roster, either Soto or Tatis would make Greene and Tork better. Both guys are 24, so I’m not worried about their contracts, unless we’re required to commit to a 15-year deal. We need the impact bat that is likely not in the organization.

He’s ahead of Mr. Tiger. He’s in the top 20 in almost every key offensive category.

Hader doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. He could help lengthen the bullpen, but he’s not necessary. I think ERod is coming back, unless the Tigers are frustrated with how he handled the Dodgers trade. Sounds like he wants back, or open to it, and will use his opt-out to improve his contract. If he’s back, that’s your free agent starter. Upgrades will come from trades. We actually have some good trade capital. If the Padres are in financial disarray due to their local TV deal, I’d figure out how to get either Soto or Tatis. And I’d start with Jobe and Keith. We need our new Cabrera (the peak version).

Some pre-game images…

Where was Chris Ilitch? His absence was conspicuous.

I was disappointed that we didn’t sign Mitch Haniger last offseason. And this is reason #1,302 why I should never be a GM

I really think that Faedo, Wentz, Gipson-Long, Brieske and maybe even Olsen, will end up in the pen and a few will be successful at it. Also, don’t be surprised if we see some combination oh Hurter, Flores and Madden next season. That might not be a good thing, though, as it probably would be out of need (I.e. injuries or poor performance). Reese was called up that way—he wasn’t pitching well in AAA, but we had a need. And he has developed nicely. Add Mize and Turnbull into the mix, and I’m not very concerned with our pitching depth. Keeping or replacing ERod would be nice.

Didn’t hurt Kirk, Bo or Deion

Yes. Improvements should come by just reducing or replacing the AB’s that McKinstry, Ibanez, Baddoo and Miggy have accumulated.

That’s going to help, but it will all come down to lineup improvements. Can everyone improve and can the rookies contribute? I think it’s possible, but with great risk for ‘24.

Probably depends on your assessment of where Tork, Greene, Carpenter, Rogers and Baez. Collectively, I would expect better offensive production from this group, but also a bit risky.