Let me sketch out how we could have a strong competitive team in 2017 even while stopping after the Heyward deal.
1st Freeman
2nd Peraza
SS Simmons
3B Kubitza/Castro platoon
C Acquired or Signed
RF Um Markakis
CF Acquired or signed (main trade bait is Gattis)
LF Acquired or signed (main trade bait is Gattis)
Starting rotation: Wood, Miller, Teheran, Perez, (one of Jenkins, Sims, Martin or Hale) with the others providing depth/bullpen help
Closer: Kimbrel
In this scenario we make one big signing to fill one outfield spot. I believe we all agree payroll can go up to allow for this to happen. Gattis is used to acquire the second outfielder in a trade. I bet we even have money left over in this scenario (since we are not paying Justin Upton or Heyward to stay with the team) to pick up a solid veteran starting pitcher.
It is worth noting that even with all the prospects we have picked up, there is a general consensus we are going to have to spend to get a power bat to play left or third. So in that regard, projecting we are going to spend there is the same in both scenarios. In both scenarios there is also a need for a catcher.
But the overall depth at the minor league levels at this point would be awful. Now we are goingto be able to use Peraza plus a starting pitcher in a deal to get a bat in RF (after markakis moves to LF) and have either Mallex Smith or Maybin in CF. I just don't see how the above approach would put us in a better position for 2017 than we are in now.
Natural Immunity Croc
I don't disagree with that. We have improved our depth by punting. And if we punt in 2016 we can make the future even brighter. Ditto if we punt in 2017, 2018, etc, etc. You have to have some criteria to justify punting. To me that criteria is if you don't have a core to build around. If your best player is a rapidly declining Dale Murphy rather than Freeman and Simmons in their prime.
My point is not that our position would be better in 2017 without punting. I am not arguing that. I am arguing that we could have had a strong competitive team in 2017 and beyond without punting.
Last edited by nsacpi; 06-02-2015 at 10:37 AM.
Well I hope they realize how big a role Lady Luck can play in any given season and have some sort of deal in place with her for 2017.
Look at the Oakland A's. While the Twins have been lucky by 9 games this year, the A's have been unlucky to the tune of 10. But hey maybe we will be good and lucky in 2017. That would be awesome.