A few thoughts on the upcoming season;
1. The team that comes north will probably look much different than the team this summer. There are usually several call-ups during May and June. Injuries and ineffectiveness.
2. We'll see what players think about playing in 40⁰ weather next week. All that training down in 80⁰ Florida is fun but does it really get them ready for the first 6 weeks or so of really cold weather?
3. For the last 2 or 3 years, all I've heard, over and over, is how we'll have so much money to spend on some quality players once we shed Cabrera's contract. What did we add? A journeyman outfielder who's upside is that he's good at.....getting hit by pitches? And Tiger fans are making excuses for Scott Harris? Yeah, OK...maybe next year we'll spend money on some players.
4. Our Starting Pitchers look ready to compete. Yes, we have a few quality arms. But let's get thru the first 6 weeks without any injuries. Our team has been destroyed by pitchers injuries the last few years. The top 3 pitchers in the minor leagues better stay ready.
5. And finally, our bullpen. Believe it or not, this is what will determine whether we finish close to .500 or not. Hopefully, our SP will keep us in games. But our anemic offense may mean our BP arms are the difference between being a decent team or being a bottom feeder.
All in all...this team will struggle to get to .500. Getting off to another horrible start may have fans calling for Hinch to be fired.