I kind of like run diff as a relative strength stat, and yes, the Phillies should fade. But don't forget what they've done already is in the bank.
Phills will make a big deal
The Braves are now +81 in run differential, 5tg best in baseball and second in the NL. Last year we were -89.
Nats are +33, 10th best in baseball.
Phils are just +5, 16th in baseball.
The Phils are going to fade.
Every predictive measure of team strength suggests the Braves are legit...now.
We are literally watching another case of a team being competitive in year 4. It would have been foolish to plan around this happening 4-5 months ago, but reality is that it is happening and plans need to be adjusted.
AA needs to make measured improvements at the deadline. The areas with room to improve are obvious, and the affordable solutions are plentiful.
Its pretty crazy how fortunate we are in that regard. The two things we could use to improve the team are two things that seem to be in abundance cheaply.
Absolutely.
Left handed situational relievers: Claudio, Avilan, Loup, Blevins, Diekman
Left side of the infield: Beltre, Donaldson, Solarte, Moose, Cabrera, Frazier, Flores, Dietrich
We won't have to break the bank to fill those needs. And we could probably get a high leverage reliever too if Viz is not healthy at the deadline.
Absolutely.
Left handed situational relievers: Claudio, Avilan, Loup, Blevins, Diekman
Left side of the infield: Beltre, Donaldson, Solarte, Moose, Cabrera, Frazier, Flores, Dietrich
We won't have to break the bank to fill those needs. And we could probably get a high leverage reliever too if Viz is not healthy at the deadline.
Now the question is how long do we wait? Most of the teams who have those players above are well out of it already.
I want no part in Blevins but I agree with you on the others. Claudio and Beltre in one deal sounds best to me. I am not interested in Frazier at all, we are better off with Camargo at third. Even with Beltre I give him plenty of rest where he can help us in the playoffs. This way Camargo gets plenty of AB's playing some third and short, keep both fresh.
I wouldn't mind bringing back Avilan either if the price is right.
I am wondering why anyone still wants Frazier, he had a good day today but that only got his OPS back to .705 and that is worse than Swanson. No way I trade and pay for that with our in-house options. Cabrera and Solarte make sense though, if the price is right. As does Claudio and Avilan. Plus I'd like Beltre if not too costly and he is willing to come here.