The idea that both Jones and O'Hearn could make a MLB team out of spring training doesnt say anything good about that team. Would really like to see a big time RF bat (Suzuki 1st choice but a pipedream, otherwise Conforto or Wil Myers) and see Isbel and MAT platoon in CF and also be the CF and RF late inning defense. Would improve and deepen the lineup and bench with one move.
Really nice post--very thorough. I appreciate it. Let's hope Witt Jr. gets off to a quick start, because otherwise I don't see any power in the lineup after Salvy and (hopefully) Dozier. I like Benintendi in general--but I do not like the thought of him in the cleanup position. In general, I really want to see Melendez and Pratto hit the lineup quickly.
I really hate to move a potential super star off his natural position. Don't mess with BWJ, leave him at his natural position. This said, I think you're probably right about them playing him at 3rd. I really hope Isbel gets a shot to play everyday. Would like to see MJM start with the big club as DH / C. Pratto needs to be promoted by mid season or sooner. Santana has to go soon. So glad baseball is back. Looking forward to reading you all year!!!!!
I am afraid that you are mostly right. I would like to see the bold move MJ (as DH and regular switch with Salvy at C) and Pratto (1B) also in the Opening Day lineup with Witt, to move us more quickly into our legitimate competing mode whenever it comes (as I don't think it comes with Santana or Dozier as starters), while also increasing our chances to get extra picks if one of them sneaks into that anti-service time manipulation incentive for us. Also, if Anne Rogers is right, I would cross Jacoby Jones off my list as an Olivares replacement, as he is the only one of the 21 non-roster invitees who did not even bother to come to the minor league workouts these last few weeks. Loser! And I hope that Mondi has turned the corner in his health like Cain did, and will beat out everyone for either SS or 3B (Witt being the other of those two), as Witt/Mondi/Nicky gives us our best infield defense and future core (until Massey beats out Nicky) (the infield defense even more valuable when shifts get more limited or even banned next year). That would leave Whit in RF, but regular shift to infield if Mondi needs regular time off (which would militate him being 3B instead of SS, as Matheny likes stable central defenders) but, hopefully, would leave enough playing time for Isbel as a very active sub for all 3 outfielders, to show us if he can replace Benny to save the money on him next year, while Rusty goes crazy working with our surplus infielders who could become legitimate outfielders (hopefully even a CF).
Lol, that is why I paused from yours to go read Anne's :) . I think you are probably right. Not as much time for MJ and Nick to show themselves. And I guess there is a better chance to save some money/increase our prospects by giving Santana time to prove himself before we trade him or cut him loose, a better chance of that happening that the extra pick Pratto could have gotten us from being Day 1 guy that finishes high enough in year one awards. And, a legitimate reason to give us an extra year of Nick with no cynical/pretend reason for it. And perhaps the same for MJ if Dozier starts off hot at DH.
I think your list is spot on. A short spring makes for a hard time to bring about too many changes to start off. Also for those who will be moved to bring up young ones, it gives them a chance to showcase for other teams in case of release or trade. Something Dayton is known for. Especially at the beginning of a season. I think O'Hearn was kept as insurance in case a trade of Santana happens quicker than expected. They probably want to bring up Pratto during the season and not to start the year.
The idea that both Jones and O'Hearn could make a MLB team out of spring training doesnt say anything good about that team. Would really like to see a big time RF bat (Suzuki 1st choice but a pipedream, otherwise Conforto or Wil Myers) and see Isbel and MAT platoon in CF and also be the CF and RF late inning defense. Would improve and deepen the lineup and bench with one move.
Really nice post--very thorough. I appreciate it. Let's hope Witt Jr. gets off to a quick start, because otherwise I don't see any power in the lineup after Salvy and (hopefully) Dozier. I like Benintendi in general--but I do not like the thought of him in the cleanup position. In general, I really want to see Melendez and Pratto hit the lineup quickly.
I really hate to move a potential super star off his natural position. Don't mess with BWJ, leave him at his natural position. This said, I think you're probably right about them playing him at 3rd. I really hope Isbel gets a shot to play everyday. Would like to see MJM start with the big club as DH / C. Pratto needs to be promoted by mid season or sooner. Santana has to go soon. So glad baseball is back. Looking forward to reading you all year!!!!!
I am afraid that you are mostly right. I would like to see the bold move MJ (as DH and regular switch with Salvy at C) and Pratto (1B) also in the Opening Day lineup with Witt, to move us more quickly into our legitimate competing mode whenever it comes (as I don't think it comes with Santana or Dozier as starters), while also increasing our chances to get extra picks if one of them sneaks into that anti-service time manipulation incentive for us. Also, if Anne Rogers is right, I would cross Jacoby Jones off my list as an Olivares replacement, as he is the only one of the 21 non-roster invitees who did not even bother to come to the minor league workouts these last few weeks. Loser! And I hope that Mondi has turned the corner in his health like Cain did, and will beat out everyone for either SS or 3B (Witt being the other of those two), as Witt/Mondi/Nicky gives us our best infield defense and future core (until Massey beats out Nicky) (the infield defense even more valuable when shifts get more limited or even banned next year). That would leave Whit in RF, but regular shift to infield if Mondi needs regular time off (which would militate him being 3B instead of SS, as Matheny likes stable central defenders) but, hopefully, would leave enough playing time for Isbel as a very active sub for all 3 outfielders, to show us if he can replace Benny to save the money on him next year, while Rusty goes crazy working with our surplus infielders who could become legitimate outfielders (hopefully even a CF).
Lol, that is why I paused from yours to go read Anne's :) . I think you are probably right. Not as much time for MJ and Nick to show themselves. And I guess there is a better chance to save some money/increase our prospects by giving Santana time to prove himself before we trade him or cut him loose, a better chance of that happening that the extra pick Pratto could have gotten us from being Day 1 guy that finishes high enough in year one awards. And, a legitimate reason to give us an extra year of Nick with no cynical/pretend reason for it. And perhaps the same for MJ if Dozier starts off hot at DH.
I think your list is spot on. A short spring makes for a hard time to bring about too many changes to start off. Also for those who will be moved to bring up young ones, it gives them a chance to showcase for other teams in case of release or trade. Something Dayton is known for. Especially at the beginning of a season. I think O'Hearn was kept as insurance in case a trade of Santana happens quicker than expected. They probably want to bring up Pratto during the season and not to start the year.