clapdiddy

I was actually thinking about this. I kind of like Montgomery. He seemed to be rejuvenated when he went to Texas. He's great against LH hitters and would have a pretty decent defense around him.

Agreed. This is a one and done. I could see them doing this on a yearly basis if the farm system remains strong. Find a guy who is a year away from FA then letting them go for a draft pick...could be done for Cease if he bounces back and is not traded at the deadline.

I'm guessing there is another move (at least) to be made. I honestly don't feel comfortable with where the bullpen is at this time.

Personally, I hope Roch gets to stay and do his thing. He's put in his time here with crappy teams/ownership and they are now in a position to put a perennial contender on the field. Would be nice for him to be a part of all of it.

I think when it's "officially" official, I'll feel like it's hit me. I don't think people realize what this means for the organization. I hope that they follow that Astros' mold and continue to be good at development, making key acquisitions, and keeping a fairly stable management team in place. Not sure how long Elias is under contract, but I think that's one of the first things I'd take care of immediately. He's young and he's a keeper.

Even as someone who dislikes Duke, I have to admit that this made me chuckle.

I'm guessing the biggest decisions the Angeloses will be making will be where they are picking up lunch for everyone.

Maybe the team "was not for sale" because a deal was already done...just not announced?

My hope is that the new ownership gives Elias a nice budget amount and lets him do his stuff. There's no reason why this team can't have a payroll around $125M and continue it's developmental success. I would just like to see them have the ability to get that one or two pieces of the puzzle that could put them over the top.

Thanks for the "busting".

I do agree with you on this...kind of why I made the Bauer comment...but I thought you were aware. Even though Bauer was exonerated of the charges against him, I'm just not sure who will take a chance on him at this point.

I'm of the mindset that Westburg should be the full-time second baseman OR third baseman for this team, depending on who gets traded.

If you are going to go that route, why not look at Trevor Bauer?

As others have said, Jones will always have a special place in the heart of O's fans, but he's not a HOF player.

I think it would take more than one of these guys just due to service time availability.

Josh Hader to Astros? Astros "Making A Push" To Sign Josh Hader - MLB Trade Rumors

Good for him.

I kinda like him on a one-year deal. No more than that, though.

Yup. If they are not able to make a trade, Stroman would be a nice one-year fit.

In my estimation, an "ace" is a guy you know is going to win the game that day. I just don't think there are other guys like him out there. I think there are some very good pitchers besides him, but I don't consider any of them an "ace". Back in the day, I would have considered Verlander, Randy Johnson, Clemens, Maddux, Sale and others "aces". I may be missing someone from today, but that's all I have right now is Cole. I would likely have Ohtani on that list as well if he were not hurt. Strider might be one if he replicates what he did last year.

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.