Oso planning to go pro
It'll be interesting. I think getting one of those guys is something that would be great for the cubs. The catch, though, is trading guys that are going to hurt. Theo has seemed unwilling to do that, they had several opportunities to trade for Hamels, and wouldn't do it. I wouldn't think Castro will get you someone like Sonny Gray, Jose Quintana, Chris Archer, or even Tyson Ross. Are they going to be willing to part with Schwarber, Baez, Soler, Torres, Contreras or McKinney. Other than Schwarber, I don't think any of these guys alone net them the pitcher they'd want. It took Jason Heyward to get Shelby Miller.
I honestly think they should trade Baez. Castro is fine at 2nd and he's still only going to be 26 next season.
I was surprised to see the Sox decline Ramirez's option - thought they'd retain him for one more year as a placeholder. The rotation is obviously impressive but aside from Abreu and Eaton it seems they need some help on offense. I don't follow them closely enough to know what is expected out of Garcia. Would they trade a Quintana for a bat?
I was too. It is a pretty reasonable price for a decent 2 way SS, and their top prospect is a SS who is at least a year away, so Alexei seemed like an ideal fit. And even if the Sox were bad again next year, they could have traded him away midseason if he rebounded at all.I think the Sox would trade Quintana, but the return would have to be immense. Not Sale, immense, but very strong. My guess is the Sox trade from minor league pitching depth unless they are floored on a deal for Quintana.
The Central looks loaded at the top next year with KC, Cleveland and (maybe) Minnesota. Without wholesale changes there isn't a strong likelihood the Sox are going to compete next year. Aren't you better off restocking for 3(ish) years from now when the other teams young talent hits contract negotiation? It's what Detroit realized in July.Is there really an opportunity for them to make a run next year?
Sorry, that got a bit wordyimpressive.
WAY better than i bargained for! Great insight.From a Royals POV i think the fact that they didn't option Rios or Guthrie the day after the parade is a sign they want to get better next year. I like Rios and i think he was stuck in a situation where he was a good outfielder being compared to great outfielders. Gordon not going with the player option was also expected......hopefully the KC good will can get him to give us a discount but everyone thinks he'll Torri Hunter - get what he can then come back in 6 years and retire a Royal. Not ideal for the Royals but both sides understand.Madsen and Cueto are gone. Holland and Davis are here for sure. Zobrist is phenomenal! I hope we can keep him. I feel better about the outfield farm than the infield, but what do i know. either way Zobrist was exactly what KC needs at the bat, the base and the clubhouse.
You know who is also a bug Zobrist guy, Joe Maddon. He was playing everywhere for the 2008 rays. Was their cleanup hitter for most of that year.
He's loyal to a fault.