This ain't the playground. I have no need to prove my manhood to you.
I think he will be traded and stand behind that. But, I don't control what all teams do. If someone is willing to step up and give big value for Stanton then good for them.
However, I think a smart FO would be ready with offers that address the Marlins real need which is to shed payroll.
The Marlins also have on of the worst farms in baseball and a pitching staff that they will never win with. They have many other needs aside from payroll and I'm certain the Marlins won't trade him unless they can address multiple needs. You just don't trade the reigning MVP to make payroll room, albeit Stanton's contract is uncharted territory.
I'm going by what they've indicated that they will do. Who knows, maybe they will go into 2018 with a $140M payroll. If they don't do that then they have no choice but to trade Stanton.
Let's say they are ok with a $100M payroll, then maybe they trade Stanton and ALL his salary (something far from certain) just for best package available something along the lines of Frazier, Florial and Chance Adams. OK, understandable.
But, if they need to get to $75M like they have said, then they have to find a taker for Prado, Tazawa and Ziegler at a minimum to trading Stanton. There's no way they find a taker for Chen or Volquez. And trading Yelich and Ozuna doesn't really move the needle enough.
They are in a classic position to tear the team down and build it back up again. It's not like they have a huge fanbase that they will lose. There is no real fanbase.
If it were me, I would use STanton to shed as much payroll as I could. Hold Chen and Volquez until they cycle out as part of my obligated payroll. Then use everybody else to best advantage to build the farm long term.
Despite the other banter, still trying to figure out why several people think that Carmago is even some kind of short term solution.
Responding back in the form of a question suggests that you're maybe not entirely sure yourself. Message board groupthink doesn't make it any more impressive. Doubt that Carmago is somebody who'll do much to help make the team better. Rio Ruiz is little more than a place holder. 3B is definitely a position that needs to be improved, and it shouldn't come as any surprise if it's addressed externally before the jury is out on Riley and Demeritte.
Flowers
Freeman
Albies
Swanson
Camargo
FA
Inciarte
Acuna
From C to RF.
I'd love to add Lorenzo Cain.
Probably true.
The Braves appear to want to accelerate the rebuild. If that is the case, then they really can't go into 2018 with a Camargo/Ruiz platoon and can't wait for whatever Riley might be. The issue then is what do you do? Do you break the bank for a Moustakas? There doesn't seem to be payroll space for that (not considering if it's a good idea or not). Do you add a placeholder like Frazier or Walker? Again, money and viability. Do you try to trade for a 3B?
If they go with Camargo and Ruiz then the FO is signaling that 2018 is a growing year, not a competing year. That should have been the plan all along but hasn't been.
"I am a victim, I will tell you. I am a victim."
"I am your retribution."
It'll surprise me if he does become a regular. Certainly that's a potential option but just bet that they're going to be looking externally. Some of those developing starting pitchers will be with other organizations in the very near future. The ones who won't stay will be trade chips.
I'd still love to get Josh Donaldson. I know he's a FA after next year but we should be able to sign him to an extension. Riley would probably be a good starting point in a trade since he should just need one more year of seasoning and that should fall in line we'll with Bichette and Vlad Jr. Riley, Anderson, and another piece should do it or come close.