papalawrence

5.5 back of Twins for last WC. It's a dream, but stranger things have happened

I'm fairly sure Jung gets the remaining 2024 and 2025 to prove himself at 3rd. Keith is locked in. From Harris' last presser, I still hear patience. I do think these final ~35 games are important for Sweeney. Not sure he also gets 2025. Other than SS, who is Harris going to upgrade? If Tork flops to end this season, maybe 1b? I hope priority 1 is they find a way to keep Skubal. I'm pleasantly surprised at Meadows. He'll taper off, but with his D and the SB, he impacts the game in many ways. Greene and Carp, maybe an upgrade in for one OF position and dh Carp? I haven't given up on Malloy yet. Maybe a platoon piece, or even more. If a heavy offer is given, I hope it's first to Skubal. I'm starting to buy into Harris' "core" plan. Of course, Avila drafted these guys. They're close and the "core" should improve. Hate to say it, but I forsee another year of patience before a splurge

Verlander isn't going to reach 140 innings so he will be a FA. But as I said, neither JV nor Max, if healthy, will accept a cheaper contract. So if healthy, they're not coming to Det.

Like I said, if either are healthy they're not taking a cheaper deal. That was my point. Bringing either back is not just a warm fuzzy thing for fans. Starting pitching depth is crucial - look at the Tigers this year. If Jobe comes up his innings will be very limited. Others will have limits too. If JV or Max is healthy it would be good for the Tigers to have them on board, or some pitching depth if they want to challenge for a playoff run next season. Doesn't have to be JV or Max, but if the deal is right, why not?

That's my thinking too. Judge didn't blossom until he was 25. Tork isn't going to be anything like Judge, but imho it's too early to give up if he has similar struggles through another year I can see them moving on. Not yet

If JV or Max came for a 1 yr/15-20 plus incentives I could see Harris going that route. If they are healthy, neither JV nor Max are agreeing to such a contract

Game was blacked out on mlbtv, was able to see highlights. Jung looks like he belongs in the show.

#4 dropped in right at the top of the zone. Was hi, dropped in. To naked eye it did look hi. Was a great pitch. Jung struck out his prior at-bat on a pitch that was also painted. Jung took walks first 2 at-bats. Showed a decent eye and didn't chase.

I read an article last week that said the Astros will not have to pay and can decline the contract, but that they will try to sign him at a lower salary

Boiled shoe leather isn't bad with some hot sauce

Crazy, right? Just posted this on the 2024 thread. Wild card deficit is down to 7.5. KC is done with CWS while Det has 7 left with them. Maybe there's still a slim, slim chance

I KNOW this sounds nuts...but the Twins are pummeled by injuries and KC has been scuffling. KC is now done with CWS, while Det still has 7 games left with them. Det is getting some key players back from injury. They were recently ~11 games back in the wild card. Now down to 7.5. Yes it's crazy, but maybe there is still a chance. Even Javy has shown signs the past month.

Yep, crazy. The Angels swept them in 2 series in the past month. 1-11 vs Det and LAA to mess up their playoff hopes. Baseball is such a maddening game at times

1962 Mets winning %: .250 2024 ChiSox winning % with 40 games to go: .238

If they can stay healthy, big if, a line-up that includes Carp, Greene and Keith could start to resemble an actual decent MLB offense. I also like Malloy's potential to be an .800+ ops guy, but as a dh. He has excellent plate discipline and can drive the ball to all fields. Hopefully the years of having a AAAA offense are coming to a close. Then Jung, Clark etc should be ready the next few years

Crazy good start for both

I'm still sad he passed away. He had such an impact on me during his very brief career. Somewhere the Bird is pitching to Tony Conigliaro in a field of dreams

I'd like to see Dirks get more games with Benetti.

Now that's speaking my language right there! Great memories

Was gonna post the same thing. Basically a AAAA team and Colt and Parker. Very small core, no decent depth. After 7 years it is disappointing. I get it. Avila inherited an aging, slow, huge payroll team. I do see brighter days ahead, but no sure thing. At some point they need to add a couple bats.

The OF at the end included Mckinstry, Valide and Madrid. I would think several AAA teams have a better OF trio than that. Not going to expect many wins with the current squad. I had that gnawing thought all game that the Giants would pull it out.

I hadn't heard about Jaden Hamm until recently. Sounds like a promising pitcher https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=hamm--000jad

Meadows isn't going to let that happen again. He's elite in the field. I hope he can hit .240 with 20-25 dingers and a handful of stolen bases, and take care of CF for the next decade.

He has Conner Griffen at 33 and Rainer out of top 100.

It an haiku at best