Oso planning to go pro
Sounds like the Braves bailed on Bumgarner after his price tag exceeded 100 Mil. Don't know if that was where he bidding is, or what his asking is, but if Wheeler is over 100, I can see why Bumgarner feels like he has earned more than Wheeler.
Hot stove says Wheeler may be down to the ChiSox or Phillies, with the Phils offering more $$$ at this point.
$23.6 annual for Wheeler...I'm fine with the Sox not going down that road. That's a lot of cheese right there.I know they won't do it, but hell, if Hamels is getting $18, Wheeler almost $24, if I'm the Sox, I'm going all in on Cole and/or Strasburg. I know they won't, but if Wheeler is getting $23.6 a year, wouldn't you much rather have Cole or Strasburg at $30/$32 a year based on the talent? I mean if that rate is that high to begin with, just get the best out there. I'm all for guys getting paid, good for Hamels and Wheeler.
So, Arrieta signs during Spring Training, Keuchel signs in the middle of the season, and this year everyone will sign before Christmas?
According to Rosenthal the White Sox actually offered more to Wheeler. May have dodged a bullet.
If they were willing to go 5 yrs/$120 mil ($24 annually), which probably sounds about right, why in the hell wouldn't they go 6 yrs/$192 for Cole or Strasburg? I don't know if they had any deferred money in their offer to Wheeler, but if you're willing to go $24 per for a #2 caliber pitcher, why wouldn't you go to $32 per for arguably two of the top five pitchers in the game? The cost difference is a utility infielder. They're obviously no where near the luxury tax.If Cole/Strasburg want to do what Wheeler did, and go home to play in California, and an extra $2 million a year doesn't matter, that's a whole different story then. I'm sure this will end up being a cluster eff in the end.
I wouldn't be mad, but I understand the hesitancy about giving $30+ million a year to a pitcher, especially one with a history of arm trouble like Strasburg. I'd be more comfortable giving that money to Cole, though he's arguably due for a regression.
I get it as well, the market is what it is though. The price for pitching isn't going to go down, and if they believe they can contend in the AL Central next year, and want to make a postseason run, the price is high to get a stud pitcher. I completely understand the hesitancy, but that's always going to be a factor. My point is, if you're going to go all in on a pitcher, outside of de Grom, you're next two are probably Cole and Strasburg, and you're not sacrificing talent from your team to get either one of them, just financial commitment. Would you rather overpay Trevor Bauer, Robbie Ray, or James Paxton next offseason? These two guys are who they should be going all in on right now.
Not as everyday catcher right? I’d rather try Pina.
Navarez is very good at the plate. Right behind Grandal at the plate. Not as good behind the plate, though.Now bring Thames back and add a third baseman and some pitching.
Given the splits, a platoon with Piña might not be a bad idea.
If you bring back Thames, do you go Urias-Arcia-Hiura-[Braun/Thames Platoon] with Gamel playing LF when Braun plays 1B, and Braun playing LF when Thames plays 1B? A sort of 3-part-2-position-platoon?
Let's not assume that Stearns is done.