ICroupier

Sure, let's look at ERA+. And we'll even cherry pick Montgomery's best 3-year stretch of 2021-2023. His combined ERA+ was 361. Now let's look at Maeda. I'm not going to cherry pick his best 3-year stretch and will, instead, use the same time period (but going back to 2020 to account for his missed season in 2022). His combined ERA+ was 355. Using FIP, Montgomery averaged 3.62, while Maeda's 3-year average was 3.71. So I'm still not seeing why Montgomery is viewed so positively, while Maeda is universally rated as garbage.

I agree 100% that we had a ton of luck and "running it back" will not be good enough next year. While I'd love Buehler, there's no chance the Dodgers let him walk. I can't believe the Mets extended a $21.5M QO to Severino. The market for SP is going to be crazy. We're definitely out ok the top tier guys (Burnes, Snell), and now I'm thinking we won't be in on the second tier either (Flaherty, Fried, Buehler).

In those 3 best seasons, he went a combined 25-24 despite playing for 3 top teams. I get trying to move Maeda for someone else's failed FA. Just not someone who is twice as expensive, over 30, and with middling results.

That's what I don't get, though. How is he a strong bounce back candidate? He's legit only had 2 good seasons in 10 across his whole career. And he's getting up there in age.

For the life of me, I don't understand the love the board has for Montgomery. He's had 2 good seasons in 10 years. In the other 8 years, his combined WAR is 0.8. He's on the wrong side of 30. And he's making $22.5 million. There is absolutely nothing to like about him.

I agree that preserving chemistry is important - and I'm not talking about wholesale changes up and down the lineup - but we should all be able to agree that there was a lot of luck involved in making it so far with a below average offense. We finished 21st in runs per game this year. Over the last 3 years, no team that has made the CS round has finished lower than 14th - and the majority of the teams over that period finished in the top 7. The idea that we "can't bury any of the kids" as Tenacious D proposes is the exact opposite mindset a team should take when looking to take things to the next level. Can't bury Dingler? Seriously? He doesn't even factor into my medium- to long-term thinking, let alone my short term. And while Jung holds more promise and I'm certainly not writing him off, he hasn't displayed anything to make us think he's ready for 500 ABs. I believe we need at least 2 significant offensive upgrades for this team to take the next step. I don't care whether that comes via FA, trade, or homegrown development. But it needs to happen. And based on what I saw from Sweeney, Tork, Jung, Dingler, JHM, etc., I don't think any can be counted on a significant step forward next year.

I can't say I agree. At the end of the day, Greene, Meadows and to a slightly lesser degree Keith are the only 3 position players who are above average and definitively don't need to be upgraded. I'm fine giving Sweeney a crack at it to see if he has what it takes, but he went 2-for-22 in the postseason and barely cracked .200 in the regular season, so not sure what he showed you to make you so confident. Same for Jung. Wasn't given many chances in playoffs, and while he did hit better than Sweeney in the regular season, 0 HRs and 3 RBIs in 79 ABs don't exactly scream "clear a spot!" Carp is our best hitter but as what I consider a DH exclusively, he's not so good so that he couldn't be upgrade. Vierling was serviceable but average. Perez and JHM are both 4th or 5th OF. C and 1B were largely black holes. So there are plenty of spots to upgrade. I just hope this playoff run doesn't lead to complacency when it comes to improving the roster - especially the bats.

Keith being capable of handling 3rd would be huge for the team for all the reasons mentioned and more. Beyond Jung, there's also Lee who may need to be factored into 2B plans - and maybe even Anderson (although I'm not sold on him). And then in 2 years, McGonigle will be forcing his way into the lineup somewhere. But 3B remains the position with the biggest uncertainty.

No offense, but this is a terrible idea.

I don't see either being traded this offseason, but I agree that next year is make-or-break for Tork and Mize. I like the idea of a platoon of Jung / Lee / Keith covering 1B and 2B. But I do worry if we're just running it back next season with our bats (besides adding Lee) that we just won't have enough offense yet again. We need to add an impact RH bat in the offseason, but not someone who strikes out a lot and is basically a better Tork. But where do they play? And who sits? I'm fine with Perez as a 4th OF, and I'm not as high on JHM as many others. Are we handing the SS keys to Sweeney? Does Vierling get an everyday spot? If answer is yes to both, then there's not really not much we can do to upgrade.

Doesn't change the fact that he's performing better than anyone else in the league.

If AFL season ended today, Briceno would be MVP. He's leading the league in OPS with a ridiculous 1.500 (Liranzo is third at 1.302)

Yuck! Goldy and O'Neill are the exact opposite of what this team needs. 332 combined Ks last year. We have enough of that, thanks.

I could be wrong, but even with the injury concerns surrounding Reese and Mize, I don't see them investing in 2 SPs. That would, in essence, create a 6-man rotation (as I don't see them keeping Mize out). Would just seem hard to believe we'd go from 2 SPs + chaos to 6 SPs. I'd rather that $ go to a RH bat. And I do like the potential upside of arms like Buehler or Bieber. But with as close as we are, I guess I'd rather bring in lower floor, known quantity types (like a Canha) vs. someone we're rolling the dice on.

I think this is a reasonable expectation. Skubal / FA #2 / Reese / Jobe / Mize, with Montero / Hurter as rotation depth-long men. And while reasonable, I still have some heartburn over that being our likely approach heading into next year. I'm not sold on Reese as of yet, so next year will be critical for his development. And I'm definitely not counting on Mize, but I see them giving him one more chance to remain healthy / consistent. My other concern is the weak FA pitching options. Assuming Burnes / Cole / Snell are not options, that leaves a lot of guys with question marks. I think I'd maybe target a 3-year deal for someone like Fried or Severino.

Farrell was in charge of their draft, and only 1 guy (Austin Martin) from a five-year period made it to the majors. And he was traded.

Agreed. Briceno at C, Liranzo at 1B in 2026.

Was thinking the same. We'd only miss out on 1-2 ABs from him. Now the key is keeping him around for the ALCS. A Bligh Madris sighting is enough to depress a guy.

Nothing more embarrassing and sad than a grown man so offended by a successful young woman.

Can you repeat that?

TorKK sucks!

Repeat post: "Tork sucks!" I would have McStinky in every game over Tork.

Such a dumb move to pull Montero!

If this goes to game 5 and Yanks don't, will game time be moved from 4:30 to prime time?

Completely agree. It won't tarnish the season, and it gives the youngsters a taste of what they are aspiring to get back to. That said, if we end up being outclassed and overmatched in this series, I hope it results in some soul searching on the part of Harris. And that doesn't mean going all in on next season and signing expensive FAs. But rather, recognizing what the team truly needs to be more successful: -- High contact, professional hitters -- Offensive contributions from the corner infield spots -- A legit #2 starter. If there is one spot I would spend on in FA, it's here. We cannot compete with Skubal and scraps -- More team speed