Just curious (remember, I'm still new to following this great sport)

My concern is Alvarez in LF. Want to save his bat, as that is where is value to the club lays.

Could he handle, and would it work, for him handling the 1b spot?

Yes, that may leave a void to fill in left, but repeating myself. I don't want to lose his bat due to an injury running one out in left.

I'm guessing they are making some blend of offense and defense for that ranking, and to not include the Astros they likely just made it Tucker, Dubon, Chas (or something like that and considered Yordan our DH)

Prosperdick said:

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General question to the board but our 5/6 man rotation, how does it compare to other teams, specifically NY/Bos/LA? I wonder if our rotation allows more rest to JV's surgically repaired elbow than he would receive going to one of the big 3 teams, where if things start to go south, they start throwing him regularly on 4 days rest.

JV is a smart guy and I hope he's taking all the angle into consideration. He certainly didn't jump to us back in '17 without doing a lot of due diligence (the Dallas Keuchel call as the final data point he needed to feel comfortable).

Speaking of which, if gets on the phone with one of the mercenaries for the Yankees or Dodgers, I wonder if he'll get the same kind of love Dallas gave us, or more likely, just trash talking our team and why he should he leave. I wonder how persuasive that argument would be. Something tells me it would ring hollow.

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For baseball reasons, there's zero reason for JV to sign anywhere but here and I don't think there's a close second.

Money reasons are another story though, unfortunately.

Incredible production. Thanks.

Man I had erased LMJ and all those homers in game 3. 7-0 Philly

I think to say there's no reason is a bit much.

We need to replace depth guys like Diaz and Mancini.

We could do a lot worse than Yuli sliding into the Mancini role with spot starts at 1B, PH opportunities, occasional DH if guys need rest, late defensive replacement for whoever we have playing 1B, and first bat off the bench in playoff appearances.

He made $8mm last year. If he came back for less than that for a role player position that seems pretty logical to me.

How many teams have a back up 1B/DH and isn't a great hitter? Pujols if he's chasing 700. But he turned back time and became a great hitter again.

The backup first should be a young guy or a do it all utility like Diaz. Maybe even a position player that can slide over (see DJ).

It would be a poor use of a roster spot IMO.

I'm not crying.

I've been thinking a lot about our rotation lately. It's clear we're going to invest in a 1B. Maybe in an OF as well, but 1B is the primary place for upgrading our lineup right now. Some promising young OF out there, so they may not spend in both places. But as for our rotation, it's such a difficult decision in weight spending vs. regular season results vs. postseason results.

In the postseason:
JV pitched 20 of 126 total IP (15.9%), 13 of 36 R (36.1%)
LMJ pitched 15.1 of 126 total IP (12.0%), 11 of 36 R (30.6%)

Together they only pitched 28% of our innings in the postseason but accounted for 66.7% of our runs allowed. That makes it a tough decision, especially since this isn't an isolated incident for JV. LMJ is solid, but not a #1 and can't be depended on to eat innings. Framber is a #1. Javier is a #2/3. I know depth is critical, but I struggle with bringing JV back at a huge cost, especially if it is for 3 years. I'd feel bad about the potential for injuries, but it also gives us flexibility to make a move at the deadline for SP if needed.

I'd love JV back, but if it means upgrading at both OF and 1B, it may be best value to go into the season with these as your 6 starters. You likely lose some leadership, but I think you roll with the young staff and see what can happen.

Framber
LMJ
Javier
Brown
Urquidy
Garcia

Farmer1906 said:

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How many teams have a back up 1B/DH and isn't a great hitter? Pujols if he's chasing 700. But he turned back time and became a great hitter again.

The backup first should be a young guy or a do it all utility like Diaz. Maybe even a position player that can slide over (see DJ).

It would be a poor use of a roster spot IMO.

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Give an example of what I am talking about. Here are a look at some of the top teams (chosen somewhat randomly) 1st base situation.

Dodgers
Freeman had 94.8% of the PAs at 1st. The next guy was rookie Miguel Vargas at 2.8%.

Braves
Olson had 99.5% of the PAs at 1st. The next guy was Austin Riley (starting 3B) at 0.5%.

Phillies
Hoskins had 90.9% of the PAs at 1st. The next two guys were Alec Bohm (starting 3B) at 3.9% and rookie Darick Hall at 2.9%

Mets
Alonso had 79.6% of the PAs at 1st. The next two guys were Dominic Smith (career OF/1B/DH backup) at 13.2% and Darin Ruf (career OF/1B/DH backup) at 4.1%.

Yankees
Rizzo had 70.0% of the PAs at 1st, The next two guys were DJ LeMahieu (good enough to start at 3 spots) at 18.3% & Marwin Gonzales (can play anywhere!) at 6.8%,

I would say only the Mets come a little close to a Yuli type as a backup. If you ask Mets fans about their backup 1st base production they'd let you know it was not good at all. I think it would be smart to use someone like JJ, Lee, Diaz, or maybe work with Hensley. They'd all be cheaper and it would give them an opportunity to show you if they're any good.

The deadline for teams to tender contracts for their arbitration eligible players is tomorrow.

Here is the list of Astros players:

-Kyle Tucker
-Framber Valdez
-Cristian Javier
-Ryne Stanek
-Jose Urquidy
-Blake Taylor
-Phil Maton
-Josh James
-Mauricio Dubon

— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) November 17, 2022

Anyone on this list that doesn't get a contract?

Marvin said:

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Was this discussed?

Quote:

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Yankees and Mets are under investigation over comments made in an SNY story earlier this month, The Athletic reported Wednesday. Sources told the TV network the Mets wouldn't fight the Yankees in a bidding war for the slugging outfielder and that team owners Steve Cohen and Hal Steinbrenner "enjoy a mutually respectful relationship."

Additionally, the report said the Mets could only get into the Judge game if the Yankees "declared themselves totally out of the bidding."

The story was picked up by the MLB Players Association and the union directed questions to the Commissioner's Office about potential violations to the collective bargaining agreement, according to The Athletic. MLB and MLBPA officials, and the teams, declined to comment to the outlet.

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CHEATERS!!!!!!!

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Right below it in the athletic article, it says the PA might go after Crane too for talking about how much JV wants. He was pretty vague on his comments so I can't see how they would have a case.

EastCoastAgNc said:

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The deadline for teams to tender contracts for their arbitration eligible players is tomorrow.

Here is the list of Astros players:

-Kyle Tucker
-Framber Valdez
-Cristian Javier
-Ryne Stanek
-Jose Urquidy
-Blake Taylor
-Phil Maton
-Josh James
-Mauricio Dubon

— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) November 17, 2022

Anyone on this list that doesn't get a contract?

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I would guess James would be the only potential candidate. He'll be 30 next year.

Farmer1906 said:

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EastCoastAgNc said:

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The deadline for teams to tender contracts for their arbitration eligible players is tomorrow.

Here is the list of Astros players:

-Kyle Tucker
-Framber Valdez
-Cristian Javier
-Ryne Stanek
-Jose Urquidy
-Blake Taylor
-Phil Maton
-Josh James
-Mauricio Dubon

— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) November 17, 2022

Anyone on this list that doesn't get a contract?

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I would guess James would be the only potential candidate. He'll be 30 next year.

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Wasn't his contract $800k last year, give or take? Not a big amount and he might finally get over the hump.

Speaking of humps, hopefully Whitley continues his upward trend.

Sources: #Mariners have inquired with #Brewers on availability of 2B Kolten Wong, who has 1 year left before free agency. Wong, a left-handed hitter, is coming off a career-high 118 OPS+. @MLB @MLBNetwork @SeattleSports

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 17, 2022

Outside-the-box idea.

If we blow our "cap space" on JV and do not address 1B and LF. What if we looked to make a move with AZ? Something like Christian Walker & Jake McCarthy for Garcia, Whitley, & Leon.

Walker fills the need at first for 2 years and McCarthy is a potential LHH starting OF for the next 5 years. McCarthy finished 4th in ROY, is fast as hell, and was productive in 2022, but I am not sure how he really projects. Doesn't hit the ball hard, Ks too much, and doesn't walk.

Big Al 1992 said:

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Ag_07 said:

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Farmer1906 said:

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CFTXAG10 said:

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gambochaman said:

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Abreu would be your everyday 1B and Yuli becomes more of a bench guy

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This.

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What reason would you sign Yuli over someone like Diaz to be your bench guy?

Diaz plays more positions, plays them at a higher level, was better offensively, is younger, and won't cost a lot.

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Not saying your wrong

But Yuli brings more to the locker room as a leader, tone setter, Cuban (Cuban royalty at that) who's been around the block.

I think Yuli's intangibles are severely underrated and often overlooked.

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Did MLB network or anyone here dive in to Yuli's playoff resurgence? It was such a pleasant surprise and a huge reason we went 11-2 in the playoffs (that is still a crazy underrated number!). Was it mechanics, patience at the plate, feeling healthy? What was missing during the regular season causing that struggle that he found again in October?

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My eyes tell me it was a lot of luck and great BABIP

No strikeouts combined with no double plays hit into was a huge part of his success

He still doesnt hit the ball with authority, but if you can avoid dobule plays and strikeouts, he is a contact King

Farmer1906 said:

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Outside-the-box idea.

If we blow our "cap space" on JV and do not address 1B and LF. What if we looked to make a move with AZ? Something like Christian Walker & Jake McCarthy for Garcia, Whitley, & Leon.

Walker fills the need at first for 2 years and McCarthy is a potential LHH starting OF for the next 5 years. McCarthy finished 4th in ROY, is fast as hell, and was productive in 2022, but I am not sure how he really projects. Doesn't hit the ball hard, Ks too much, and doesn't walk.

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I entered the offseason thinking we'd do something along those lines. Run it back with our 2022 pitching staff and creatively upgrade the offense. Now I'm not sure what to think.

spadilly said:

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Farmer1906 said:

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The Texas #Rangers will show off their beautiful new ballpark hosting the 2024 All-Star Game

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 17, 2022

A short drive to see our All-Stars in 24.

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Will be nice for our coaching staff to stay in state for the game.

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The host club coaches are also named as managers. It will be the only way they will ever get to do it.

EastCoastAgNc said:

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Sources: #Mariners have inquired with #Brewers on availability of 2B Kolten Wong, who has 1 year left before free agency. Wong, a left-handed hitter, is coming off a career-high 118 OPS+. @MLB @MLBNetwork @SeattleSports

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 17, 2022

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What, they no like Haggarty? I mean, he's not Wong. Sorry, poor attempt at humor.