I would put my roster priorities in this order (not counting contract extensions and coaching):
1. Two platoon outfielders (to be used in LF/CF/DH alongside Yordan and Chas). Platoon guys can be had for cheap and can be used highly effectively when not managed by Dusty Baker. Plus we need better bench depth than this year. Goodbye Meyers.
2. A steady 2/3 starter. We don't need to pay/trade for ace value. We have talent behind Verlander, but not reliability. We need what Montgomery provided: a quality, consistent arm that can be counted upon for innings and postseason.
3. Bullpen. I keep seeing the Hader stuff and must admit I am puzzled. Analytics prove that overspending on bullpen can be a waste. You need a deep bullpen, but individual bullpen arms tend to be volatile. You return Pressly and Abreu on the backend and despite rhetoric Montero is fine as a 6/7 guy. Out of Neris, Maton, and Stanek, you need resignings and replacements and we don't have much ready-made help within the system. We need to make a major investment in 1 reliever to pair with Pressly and Stanek, and we need to trade for another young arm (think Pressly and Maton trades).
4. We need a backup catcher. While Salazar seems to hold favor, I also know it is important to have someone ready at AAA as well when a catcher inevitably goes on the IL. I would prefer to acquire an inexpensive but good fit backup to Diaz.
5. Among these moves you need to acquire 1-2 vocal, veteran, playoff-experienced guys to help in the locker room. If you lose Maldonado, Neris, and Brantley, you will be down to Bregman in terms of strong locker room voices.
* This is why I am still inclined to favor Espada at manager. Part of our dynasty is culture and as you lose leading player voices from that run, you need coaching continuity voices to help keep it going.
