This team is extremely unlikely to make a franchise-changing acquisition via trade or free agency, so your approach in looking to the minor leagues for hope is undoubtedly the correct one. Where else could one possibly look?
As for me, starting in 1969 I spent 40 years doing exactly that but by the end of the 2008 season I just couldn't do it anymore. I had seen so many highly touted and "can't miss" prospects flame out that since '08 I just have trouble getting interested in anything going on in the minor leagues. Especially now that the gap between AAA and MLB is bigger than ever. I view all minor league numbers, no matter how impressive, as smoke and mirrors unless and until somebody produces at the MLB level.
Again, I'm not saying you're wrong, not at all! I'm just saying that based on my experiences I can't go there with you.
Just for fun, try Googling Frank Ortenzio. He should probably be the poster child for these kinds of disappointments and failures, even more than Kila Ka'aihue should. At Omaha Ortenzio was Babe Ruth. In the big leagues he was phhhhht. And he was just the first of far too many.
I do think Sherman reaches into the pockets this year to find a decent FA pitcher and a maybe FA pitcher. Agree he kinda has to for stadium sake, but I think he kind of had to anyways if wanting to get any fan support in general going forward. I would like to think they were sifting through the pieces to see what exactly they had, but think they had a pretty good idea not much-they should be sure of it now.
I am feeling pretty confident they can identify some pitching potential after turning Chapman around. I was worried he might turn the clubhouse, but maybe the clubhouse turned him? (hopefully into a better human being)
I am starting to come around to the idea of maybe trading MJ (as a fan I just like him) if he improves offensively enough to get a decent return. He is one of the theoretical pieces that might make sense to trade. Still can't emotionally let the Pasquatch go, but it might make sense? but less sure on this as we need some hitting. Definitely don't see them trading Salvy (as you have enumerated not much of a return with that $$contract) not only for numbers, but also sometimes the heart of a captain is a good thing to hold on to- he sure seems to keep the kids engaged and even gets Chapman smiling. Also would be shocked if they traded bwj, still think he will be one of the best ss in the league. If he keeps improving , which I think he will, he will at the very least be worth more next year.
This team is extremely unlikely to make a franchise-changing acquisition via trade or free agency, so your approach in looking to the minor leagues for hope is undoubtedly the correct one. Where else could one possibly look?
As for me, starting in 1969 I spent 40 years doing exactly that but by the end of the 2008 season I just couldn't do it anymore. I had seen so many highly touted and "can't miss" prospects flame out that since '08 I just have trouble getting interested in anything going on in the minor leagues. Especially now that the gap between AAA and MLB is bigger than ever. I view all minor league numbers, no matter how impressive, as smoke and mirrors unless and until somebody produces at the MLB level.
Again, I'm not saying you're wrong, not at all! I'm just saying that based on my experiences I can't go there with you.
Just for fun, try Googling Frank Ortenzio. He should probably be the poster child for these kinds of disappointments and failures, even more than Kila Ka'aihue should. At Omaha Ortenzio was Babe Ruth. In the big leagues he was phhhhht. And he was just the first of far too many.
You are quite the prognosticator, just saw Anthony V to Omaha and Noah C to NW Arkansas.
I do think Sherman reaches into the pockets this year to find a decent FA pitcher and a maybe FA pitcher. Agree he kinda has to for stadium sake, but I think he kind of had to anyways if wanting to get any fan support in general going forward. I would like to think they were sifting through the pieces to see what exactly they had, but think they had a pretty good idea not much-they should be sure of it now.
I am feeling pretty confident they can identify some pitching potential after turning Chapman around. I was worried he might turn the clubhouse, but maybe the clubhouse turned him? (hopefully into a better human being)
I am starting to come around to the idea of maybe trading MJ (as a fan I just like him) if he improves offensively enough to get a decent return. He is one of the theoretical pieces that might make sense to trade. Still can't emotionally let the Pasquatch go, but it might make sense? but less sure on this as we need some hitting. Definitely don't see them trading Salvy (as you have enumerated not much of a return with that $$contract) not only for numbers, but also sometimes the heart of a captain is a good thing to hold on to- he sure seems to keep the kids engaged and even gets Chapman smiling. Also would be shocked if they traded bwj, still think he will be one of the best ss in the league. If he keeps improving , which I think he will, he will at the very least be worth more next year.