Offseason discussion/rumors

[beckdawg]

1) LaRussa tried the idea of piggybacking. It failed.
2) Frnacona himself said in like Game 3 of the ALCS that this tactic would not be feasible in the regular season.

When at #1? I live quite close to st louis and I do not remember this at all. As for #2, there's a difference between using Miller for 30-40 pitches every third day and using him for 30-40 pitches 3 days out of 4 which is basically what Francona was doing.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

It's starting to look like Shohei Otani might really be posted this offseason. He could also cost $300 mil over 10 years. This could be the best baseball player on the planet.

 

[brett05]

When at #1? I live quite close to st louis and I do not remember this at all. As for #2, there's a difference between using Miller for 30-40 pitches every third day and using him for 30-40 pitches 3 days out of 4 which is basically what Francona was doing.

It was around 1993 with the A's.

 

[brett05]

It's starting to look like Shohei Otani might really be posted this offseason. He could also cost $300 mil over 10 years. This could be the best baseball player on the planet.

And he might be another busted import. For $300 million, I'll bet on busted import

 

[fatbeard]

It's starting to look like Shohei Otani might really be posted this offseason. He could also cost $300 mil over 10 years. This could be the best baseball player on the planet.

Where are you getting this? I've heard absolutely nothing on Otani this offseason. When there is an article, it's just speculation with no reporting or sources to back it up.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

And he might be another busted import. For $300 million, I'll bet on busted import

No way. This kid is way too talented. Most scouts say he's the best pitcher on the planet not named Kershaw.

Pitching 2016: 1.86 ERA, .957 WHIP, 11.2 K/9 in 140 IP

Hitting 2016: .322/.416/.588 OPS 1.004 in 382 PA
Hitting Career: .275/.347/.491 OPS .838

He may not be Babe Ruth but I'd be shocked if he was a bust. Japanese and MLB scouts started watching this kid when he was 12. He's 22 now.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

Where are you getting this? I've heard absolutely nothing on Otani this offseason. When there is an article, it's just speculation with no reporting or sources to back it up.

No, it's all speculation. Conventional wisdom had said it would be next year but some are starting to think otherwise. Why I don't know but it's interesting to think about.

 

[WindyCity]

19 teams are interested in him. If he can come back strong he'd be a nice piece to add. He had 3 great years with the Royals and is only 30. I'd love it if the cubs signed him.

I think if they don't want to spend big on Chapman, which I wouldn't, or Jensen, which I would be tempted to, they should get 2-3 veteran guys for cheaper and hope that 2 can really contribute and stay healthy.

Holland would be a good example of a cheap add that could have value.


I also don't mind with relievers trading for a good one at the deadline again, once you see who is healthy and having a good year.

 

[Diehardfan]

No way. This kid is way too talented. Most scouts say he's the best pitcher on the planet not named Kershaw.

Pitching 2016: 1.86 ERA, .957 WHIP, 11.2 K/9 in 140 IP

Hitting 2016: .322/.416/.588 OPS 1.004 in 382 PA
Hitting Career: .275/.347/.491 OPS .838

He may not be Babe Ruth but I'd be shocked if he was a bust. Japanese and MLB scouts started watching this kid when he was 12. He's 22 now.

Sounds like he was born to play National League baseball....what a waste if Boston or the Yankees sign him.

 

[Parade_Rain]

Sounds like he was born to play National League baseball....what a waste if Boston or the Yankees sign him.

And Maddon would certainly find a way to use him as a position player and pitcher. The perfect coach for this player, IMHO.

 

[BaBaBlacksheep]

Sounds like he was born to play National League baseball....what a waste if Boston or the Yankees sign him.

Pitch once every 5 days and DH the other 4. Why wouldn't he work in the American League? Think that's pretty much what he's doing now anyways.

 

[CSF77]

Was thinking they could platoon Schwarber and Baez. Sort of.

Vs RHP:

Zorbrist 2B
Schwarber LF
Bryant 3B
Rizzo 1B
Russell SS
Heyward RF
Contreras C
Almora CF

Vs LHP

Zobrist LF
Bryant 3B
Rizzo 1B
Baez 2B
Russell SS
Heyward RF
Contreras C
Almora CF

this opens up Soler for trade.

I see the main problems in getting Zo in every game. Then seeing Baez's splits vs RHP forces this issue. Now Baez should get extra AB's giving Russell and Bryant days off on days he would be in sub mode. That takes care of the lacking of AB's.

I for one don't feel the team is better with Zo in RF and Heyward and Almora in a platoon in CF. That makes the OF D weak vs a strength.

Add to it I would regulate Montero into a back up role. Too bad if he doesnt like it. Victor Caratini Will be in AAA next year and just let him take over in the back up slot when he is ready. At that point they can just pay off Monero's remaining deal and drop him.

 

[ijustposthere]

And Maddon would certainly find a way to use him as a position player and pitcher. The perfect coach for this player, IMHO.

If he's as good a pitcher as they say, I'd rather him not play elsewhere in the field. Seems like an issue of wear and tear.

Pitch once every 5 days and DH the other 4. Why wouldn't he work in the American League? Think that's pretty much what he's doing now anyways.

Yeah, that's what they were talking about on MLBN.

 

[DanTown]

Theo has typically been very aggressive with Japanese position players and it would not surprise me if he was all-in on Otani. You're talking a guy who could start a game and then move to the field to keep his bat in the lineup. Or a guy who maybe can be your leadoff hitter and platoon in RF/CF with Heyward if his batting numbers are at all indicative of his value.

He's worth more than the other "busts" (who mostly busted due to injury and coming over too late in their career to correct flaws) where as Otani will be 22 in spring training. I'd sign him and let his talent decide to be a full-time hitter, full-time pitcher, or a dual player.

 

[Parade_Rain]

If he's as good a pitcher as they say, I'd rather him not play elsewhere in the field. Seems like an issue of wear and tear.

He's Travis Wood on an entirely different scale.

 

[CSF77]

He's Travis Wood on an entirely different scale.

He is worth more to a AL team where he can DH on his off days. That justifies a 300 mil contract where he is a ace and a every day player. NL it is hard to justify a contract equal to Kershaw.

 

[Parade_Rain]

He is worth more to a AL team where he can DH on his off days. That justifies a 300 mil contract where he is a ace and a every day player. NL it is hard to justify a contract equal to Kershaw.

Welp. There are 19 teams interested in him, according to TC, and only 15 per league, so without knowing who all is interested, at least four NL teams would disagree with you.

 

[DJMoore_is_fat]

So all we need to offer is $300M to seal the deal? Sweet! Fork it over, Ricketts.

Imagine if he was a bust LOL.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ijustposthere]

He's Travis Wood on an entirely different scale.

Which makes him not Travis Wood. Would you put Kershaw in the field if he had that ability? I wouldn't. Not worth injuring him.

 

[Parade_Rain]

Which makes him not Travis Wood. Would you put Kershaw in the field if he had that ability? I wouldn't. Not worth injuring him.

What if the Yankees kept Babe Ruth as a pitcher only?