Bowman's latest has a couple interesting quotes.
"Anthopoulos acquired his primary target when catcher Brian McCann's willingness to accept a one-year, $2 milion offer influenced the opportunity sigh former AL MVP Josh Donaldson"
This jives with what I've stated since JD was signed...Mac and JD came as a $25M package because AA earmarked ~$25M to fix the bench and catcher. Rather than signing Grandal, leaving Camargo at 3B, and signing a utility player, AA decided to sign JD for 3B, Mac for C, and move Camargo to the bench. Time will tell if that was the best move, but it was certainly the lowest risk move.
This comment also reassures me a bit that AA didn't blow his wad on JD and has left enough powder dry to get a 3 win guy for LF.
"Anthopoulos has actively pursued outfielders...Brantley is a potential multiyear option. Andrew McCutchen, Nick Markakis, and Carlos Gonzalez are potential short-term options".
If "multiyear" means 3-4 years for Brantley, and "short-term" means 1-2 years for Cutch, I think it's pretty clear the #1 target should be Cutch for LF. Duval would then be dumped and a LHH 4th OFer acquired.
"It appears their need for a front-line starter will most likely be satisfied via trade. Marcus Stroman...Sonny Gray has also been discussed. Bumgarner does not appear to be a primary option."
I don't see the point in acquiring someone like Gray, but he can be sold as a "front line starter" to the dumber fans. The Stroman rumors just won't die, so it remains to be seen if the Jays are willing to sell him now. I just don't see any guys available that would be a real upgrade over the young pitchers they would replace. I think a deal for a starter is best suited for the deadline 6+ months from now.