jay87shot

I am thinking a trade is all that makes sense at 3rd, I don't really want any of the free agents at this point. I would rather go with Dunn, Durbin, Sal, Collins, Mone and eventually Boeve than DeJong, Drury, or Rodgers. I think Zach Denzenzo or Shay Whitcomb (maybe a small 2nd piece) would make a good trade for Blake Perkins or a reliever (Payamps/Peguero) especially if Black platoons 1st and can be the 5th OF. Defensively neither are great but they do have big upside and could move to 1st in 2026 if the bat is good. Brett Baty makes a ton of sense now that Alonso is back as well.

23) OF Ethan Conrad Highly successful at Marist, the Cape, and Perfect Game. He looks like a potential Garrett Mitchell style OF with potential plus tools across the board and will play at Wake this year. 31) 2B Henry Godbout from Virginia hit .372/.472/.645 with 29 bb/20k, he would be an early guess to me for someone who fits our offensive mold (average runner, fielder, so maybe not overall). 38) P Chase Shores 6'8" throws up to 100, missed 2024 with TJ but the upside alone is intriguing. My guess is that if healthy he ends up higher. 40) OF Kane Kepley See Sal Frelick, if he can get it done at UNC he will be very sought after. 45) P Angel Cervantes Does turn 18 until August, not the biggest arm but at 6'3' 195 will likely add strength and has a very good changeup. 94) P Jack Lafflam 6'6'' 175 pounds with a 4 pitch mix is a ton a projectability for a HS prospect. I kind of wouldn't mind a solid catching prospect unless Corobo or Dinges catch fire, however wasnt thrilled by any in the top 100.

I think we should believe in it as fans but I think the major rankings and general excess media coverage is building on itself a bit much. I really don't like the idea of DSL guys in the top 100 prospects, yes the stats show an extremely high potential but in reality the DSL is essentially a slightly higher than high end high school competition. If a 17 year old had his numbers at a prestigious top notch HS program we wouldn't be gushing as hard as we are. That being said he would definitely be a potential/likely high-end 1st round pick with his abilities if he were draft eligible this year and then likely a top 100 prospect so there are some semantics. Basically since we signed Gilbert Lara a while ago I feel like waiting until full season ball to start the helium on a players prospect status is wise.

Yeah Garret is going to cost at least 2 1st and a couple more picks or players as well. I would guess there are 28 other teams with fans like us hoping to get him for less.

I really don't see anything all that enticing on the market, I like John Collins but the fit is rough and he isn't a big improvement over Bobby. I doubt we could find a way to get someone like Brandon Ingram and that being only the rest of this year would seriously reduce the price I'd pay. Ayton or Robert Williams could be nice younger centers and Jeremi Grant is having a down year but could be an interesting add. The Wizards have Poole, Brogdon, and Kuzma who could be appealing, however the Blazers and Wiz would likely want 1st rounders and I don't think I would give up that 2031 pick for any of those guys. Here are some thoughts. Bobby Portis to Detriot for Malik Beasley and a future 1st (top 20 protected). This gets us under the 2nd apron (I believe) and another competent shooter familar to the team. The Pistons get a tough big to pair with Duran and Stewart. We get DeAndre Ayton the Lakers get Brook Lopez and Pat C (pick from Portland/Bucks?) Portland gets Reeves, Rui, Marjon We get younger at the 5, the Lakers get a perfect fit for Luka and LeBron, Portland gets the younger wings in Reeves and Rui (probably would need to trade on of Simons, Scoot, or Sharpe) We get John Collins the Thunder get Middleton and the Jazz get Lu Dort, and Aaron Wiggins We get a 3rd big to go with Giannis and Ayton (Giannis plays some more 3 and more 5), the Thunder get a scoring boost from a vet that complements SGA and Jalen Williams (Chet and Hartenstien), the Jazz get 2 younger wings for Collins. Obviously, this is way to much and would likely upset Giannis but it would add some youth while maintaining shooting and overall depth.

If Slaton is 3/24 that is a pass, big run stuffing NT are easy enough to find later in the draft. I really don't like DK Metcalf for our needs, I feel like we need an Davante (from 3/4 years ago) style guy who when it is 3rd and 7 we know well get open and keep the drive going. For me, Godwin is the best guy for that because of his hands. Metcalf isn't much different than Christian Watson in my opinion just no health concerns. Good point on some of the extensions that could be needed like Tom. I do think we will follow last year's lead and sign 2 proven players at the higher end of there position and then use the draft to fill in depth. I really haven't done as much draft research as normal but I do think the center position is weak and I do like the CB depth at first glance. Looking at that I would maybe look at signing a OL and drafting at CB. What are thoughts about Quat Walker? He clearly isn't worth the 16 million option but I don't think I would give up on him unless contract extension demands are way to high. He was decent last year but really hasn't made enough big plays to say we should give him more time. With 6-7 really good linebackers as free agents I would be tempted to let Quay go and add a vet cheaper who has had more success. Lavonte David or Bobby Wagner would be great mentors for Cooper and Hopper, where Sherwood, Baun, Bolton, Jones, or Greenlaw could all be big time improvements and are young enough to warrant a longer term big money deal.

Love this, I never got why Molitor transition to DH so soon. Was there an injury or was he just never a great fielder in the 1st place. It was a hair before my time. I personally am glad they got rid of Shef, he was always a moron anyway.

I still think Dunn has some upside, we saw some clear power, speed, and defensive potential from him. Combine that with with solid average and walk rates in the minors and there is a potential gem there. Durbin is in that same boat for me, especially since he really hasn't stayed fully healthy and his fall league performance was epic. Add in the potential of Sal giving the IF another shot in spring and Boeve starting in AAA (likely) and not being to far away and my overall worries aren't huge. Between those 4 with Collins and Mona who I agree are likely just utility big leaguers there is enough upside. My biggest worry is that it could take half the year for one of those guys to take over and prove to be an every day option. The free agent options other than Bregman and maybe Iglesias are all platoon/utility guys at this point as well.

3/4's of the infield are fine/settled it really is just like 1 spot and in reality we have 4 passible options. I really wouldn't mind Durbin, Dunn, Mone, and/or Collins (Sal maybe) at 2B but the issue for me is that none of those guys are worth moving Turang off 2B. As 3B that group gets a lot more iffy, there are lots of potential solutions but really I don't see one option that is a clear path unless MA decides to pony up for Bregman which would seems almost impossible to me since we didn't make a real run at Willy.

I am still hoping there is a way to turn some of our bullpen depth into a block 3rd baseman. Maybe Alonso eventually re-sign a 1 year deal with the Mets and a couple of there relievers get hurt in spring training and we can turn Peguero or Payamps into Brett Baty. With the Rays signing Kim, I wonder if Curtis Mead or Jonathan Aranda (Brandon Lowe for more expensive) could be had for a cheaper price. All 3 of Mead, Aranda, and Baty are flawed but they all have the upside that would make me feel better going into the year with Durbin, Dunn, and 1 of those guys.

I really am not to worried about the bench, there will definitely be some games where the bench/pinch hitting options are weak but in reality I don't think there is anyone of our everyday players who will need to be pinch hit for other than 3B. I am fine with Sal and Mitchell hitting in the 8/9th vs. a lefty same for Ortiz/Rhys vs. righty. If things started today, I would have Black on pace for Bauers role last year, when he is going good he can DH more and Murph can probably sneak him into the OF or 3B occasionally if/when there are OF injuries. Bauers had 300 ab's, my guess is a slighty expanded version of that is around 400 abs and injuries could make it more.

DH is fine, I would guess Yeli plays at least 50% of the games there at least until there are injuries. Rhys and Contreras will likely get a lot of run as well, then there is still Black and the 4/5th OF to get some extra ab's as well. The extra IF spot weather it be 3B or 2B does worry me, we do have plenty of options and the are still a decent amount of cheaper FA vets that would help (Iglesias, Polanco, Rodgers, DeJong, Moncada). If we don't add anyone I am pretty confident one of Durbin, Dunn, Collins, Monaserio, or maybe Frelick will be solid my worry is that will take most of the year to figure it out.

There were bounty's by collector's for over a quarter mill. My guess is that it goes for over 1/2 million maybe a million at auction. There has been a ton of press around this card in the card collecting hobby so auction is the smart move, unless you live in Pittsburg and can actually go to the games.

I think the 29 m is probably on line with what I thought he would get 1 was thinking 1/10-12 with like a 15 million player option that turns into a 20 milllion team option if the player declines his option. So 13 with a 16 option isn't to far off, I am surprised it is the Rays. Good for them, I think the Rays are probably square the team I root for most after the Brewers just to beat the Yankees and Red Sox.

I mean as trade pieces they don't really have any major value. I like AJ Green a lot as well but I doubt any team is going to have him valued similarly to a 1st round pick. On top of that, Green is already 25 which by nba standards really isn't young. Rollins, Johnson, and Smith all have decent potential as well but again value wise those guys likely don't have more value than a 2nd round pick. My general point is that to truely improve this team we likely need to give up that 2031 1st which is scary for me. I really worry that this team is going to turn into a dumpster fire for like 10 years after Giannis leaves.

I don't think Jimmy, Lavine, or Beal really do anything for this team especially if we have to give up Portis and Middleton. I would not give up that 2031 pick, this team is getting old fast and has no young assets. Today I looked at the rising stars roster and couldn't remember the last time we had someone in that game, the answer is Jabari Parker in 2016. We need to stay the course and get a younger team to support Giannis better with some money freeing up this offseason.

For me, I just want to see the idea that there is consistent spending that shows Attenasio is making a huge profit. I worry that in the past couple years there have been things like the 30 million dollar payment when the mlb sold some tv thing to Disney and it didn't seem like we spent that money on the team (maybe Hoskins but then we traded Burnes). I couple years ago we had an opening day payroll of 130+ and we have gone down to the point of around 110 currently this year. With two sold years making the playoff I don't feel like salary should go down that much even with the broadcasting uncertainties. I feel like anyone connected enough to the past knows that this market won't support a top 15 payroll long term but there really shouldn't be as much up and down considering the consistent solid play and consistently good fan attendance (top 16 in league every year since 2007)

Agree, if Black doesn't look better defensively at 1B I would much rather have EMJ or Boeve get a shot at that 1B platoon roster spot over Bauers. What do we think the chances of Yoho making opening day are? At this point I would have thought we would have traded 1 of Payamps/Peguero to create an easier path for Yoho or Uribe. However by adding the likes of Thomas, Wolfram, Elvin Rodriguez, Anderson, and Anderson I would guess we would hold of on Yoho to the bigs until there are some injuries and 40 man roster spots open up. It does seem like a Brewers move to keep young bullpen arm like Yoho down and extra month to see what someone slightly less deserving has and potentially get an extra year of control on Yoho. Not related but does anyone know if by keeping Hudson in AAA the last month or so last year we gain an extra year of control on him?

The Padres seem pretty intent on cutting payroll in the form of Luis Arraez, Dylan Cease, or Michael King. I could see anyone of those players being of extreme interest to us if we can extend the payroll a bit. King makes 8 million, Arraez 14, Cease 13.75 I do think that it would be almost a guarentee that King and Cease would bring back comp. pick next year, Arreaz could potentially but unlikely. My guess is Cease would cost at least what we gave up for Burnes which is probably to much for my liking, King would probably be very slightly less because his history isn't as long but he every bit as good as Cease in my opinion and Arreaz probably wouldn't cost anything major but maybe a couple ancillary pieces. Arraez could platoon 1B, some 2B (or everyday if you like Turang at SS/Ortiz 3B) and DH, King or Cease would give us a proven consistent top of the rotation arm. Arraez for Payamps and low level prospect (ie Stiven Cruz) King for Peguero, Henderson, Black or Boeve Cease for Peguero, Civale/Cortes, Henderson/Boeve/Black, Juan Baez I would be hesitant to give up a top 100 prospect either starter but acknowledge that in all likelihood Pratt, Misi, or Quero likely may need to be switched in for on of the starters.

I would take a risk on Dustin May, I think he has more upside than someone like DL Hall and with 1 year left on his deal he probably wouldn't cost much more than a lotto style prospect. May had/has a great arm with a solid mix but has only thrown 101 in the past 4 seasons. He would make a nice multi inning reliever who we could protect his arm and if he can stay healthy be a high potential starter by the end of the year.

The Black part about starting over Hoskins is interesting and probably true if Hoskins hits .214 again. I like the idea of a L/R 1B platoon and maybe sneak Black in some time in the OF (essentially the Bauers role last year) it shouldn't take to long to see if Black is the 1B of the future (defensively at least). If not hopefully EMJ or Boeve can be ready and I would make Black a full time OF. I have always been on the let Misi start wagon, but looking at some stats that is a bit more iffy than what I have always felt. What would be a manageable bb rate for Misi to shed the future reliever moniker. In 97 innings he had 60 bb (5.5 bb/9), Luis Gil lead the league with 77 bb in just over 150 innings (4.6 bb/9). Misi would be over 90 with a similar workload, That seems like a pretty big gap to close. Really it seemed last year like he was ok with command except for 3-4 bad outing but I guess he did have enough 5 inning 3 bb games that don't seem bad but aren't very good.

Agree 100% everyone has bust potential. Adams for me actually has more upside because I think that he can be a better hitter for average than he has shown. His frames and some massive homers would suggest there is 30 HR potential. On top of that I think he likely can be a plus defense 1B if fully moved, probably slightly below average 3B or if moved to corner OF. Sure the bust potential of him not hitting is real but he does have massive upside if everything comes together.

Payne's swing and atletism remind me of Carl Crawford alot. If he can make contact enough (not to worried about him adding muscle to his frame) there is probably some better power potential as well.

In today's world, if the agent says it I am taking it as the players statement. I get agents usually only talk to get more money but this is a situation those theatrics don't have a place since Sasaki makes the same regardless of what team he picked, unless there was a lot of money going under the table.

What are reasonable expectations for Made and Pena or any other DSL standouts (Anderson, Ortuna, Quintana) for next year? It seems like everyone is going crazy with Made right now with Chourio comps.. Luis Lara hit .286/.373/.356 30 sb in 2023, I think that would be a solid goal for Pena and Made. Hopefully a little more power. Yophery did fine last year and I would be ok with that from either of them. I just feel like the Made rocket ship is getting unrealistic with him jumping so high only playing in the Dominican, it seems like if he doesn't hit .300 with 20 bombs the season will be a disappointment. If Anderson and Ortuna (and others)can follow Di Turro and get to A ball after 20 games or so in rookie ball that would be nice, hopefully play a little better than Flippipo did after the promotion.