clapdiddy

It may be in their best interest to hold onto Cease and look to deal him in July. If Cease is in 2022 form they will get their "King's Ransom".

I wouldn't want Stroman for multiple years. And, quite honestly, I'd only want him if the O's can't trade for someone better.

Realistically, the only guy right now I'd consider a true "ace" is Gerrit Cole.

I'd consider it for one season.

It's insane that Montas is getting that type of coin.

If you get a younger guy, maybe you can have them be a long man in the bullpen. I'm still not sold on Means being counted on for 25 - 30 starts this season. It would be nice to have that available depth.

Good post. My feeling about this is that both moves can be made. Can a guy like Bieber be traded for someone like Santander? Would Elias do that? Would Cleveland? If not, would there be some other combination of player(s) on the 40-man roster to acquire Bieber? If you do that, you can still use some of your young depth to acquire one of the Marlins/Mariners young guys. I am not sold on Cease as "the guy" to put them over the top. If Elias feels he is "the guy", then I feel a little better about acquiring him. For me, I think Bieber is a more realistic, albeit possibly a less effective, alternative. But, if acquiring him allows them to acquire another young arm to put into the rotation, that combination could be worth more than a Cease acquisition alone.

I'd prefer a Seattle arm over either of these guys.

I kind of agree with what you are saying, but if Holt is/was a problem, why would they even keep him in the organization?

Though this was interesing: Braves, Chris Sale Agree To Two-Year Deal - MLB Trade Rumors The Braves must be pretty confident in Sale's effectiveness/health for the next two years.

If we're going to include the Mariners, why do the White Sox need to be involved? Personally, I think we are a better match with them than Chicago and should be going after one of their younger starters.

Yup. Means is one reason the rotation needs an upgrade. I'm hopeful that he can get close to his old form, but we can't count on that.

Yeah...didn't mean for that to sound like I was bashing. Also, I don't object to Westburg going in the right deal. I like him, but if he can be a key piece to acquire a starter, I'd be all for it.

That's a pretty small sample size.

I think it's quite possible that the Orioles could take a fairly significant step back next season. A lot if things fell into place and the team has not been upgraded at all. That being said, the offseason is not over yet.

In today's age a "replacement level" starting pitcher is probably going to get that kind of money, unfortunately.

I believe it's this one: Forums - Soxtalk.com

Agreed. The problem with the Dodgers is not only do they spend, but they are an excellently run organization that has a tremendous farm system. They are the anti-Orioles where they only need to supplement their team with their farm system. I guess either method can work. And...like you stated...once you get to the playoffs, anything goes.

Wonder what they'd want for Castillo? EDIT: Wow...didn't realize how much money he was owed over the next 4 years!

I would put the Angels up there as well.

Going for a "#5" starter would be extremely disappointing.

So, will it be the Dodgers going over 1 billion this offseason?

I'm warming up to the Burnes idea if it's not too costly in terms of prospects. I'd give him the QO at the end of the year knowing that another team will pay a large sum for him.

I'm not a fan of anyone involved in domestic abuse. Agree with what @Aglets states above. This would be a very disappointing signing in a number of ways.

I like the idea of Gunnar as full time SS and Holliday as full time 2B. To start the season, I'd like to see Gunnar at SS and Westburg at 2B for 90% of the games. EDIT: I'd really LOVE to see a Gunnar at 3B, Ortiz at SS, and Westburg at 2B to start the year, but I think one of Ortiz/Westburg will be traded.