clapdiddy

I like Swanson a lot. However, I don't think he's a 25 HR guy in this park. He's a very good player, but he's going to get paid a TON from someone and I don't think he's going to be worth the contract he gets.

Exactly. Is Mejdal even interested in a GM job?

Provided a proven (at least) #2 type starter is acquired by other means, I'm alright with one of those guys. I think we need to add 2 starters.

Kinda like @Hank Scorpio pointed out, it's sure a nice problem to have.

I like the Rogers idea. Yardball85 also mentioned Stripling as a potential FA pickup in an SI article. I'd be OK with both of those guys.

I originally thought Correa might be a good fit, but SS is not an area of concern at this point. Stripling looks pretty interesting. Not sure about Wacha. Did he turn a corner last year at 31, or was this season an anomaly?

My thought is we acquire good hitters, regardless of which way they hit.

I think I'd rather have Voth at 2M (or less) than Lyles at 11M. Voth seemed to find something here and I like the fact that he could be a swingman. I'd use that 9M in savings elsewhere.

You guys make good points. I would not want him on a 5 or 6 year deal.

Would you go after him on a longer deal...or at all?

I just commented about this on the "3 Moves" thread. I would pursue him. Would 4/130 do it?

So, I guess it's no big surprise, but Correa is opting out of his deal in Minnesota. Any chance Elias goes after him and use some of the depth of middle infielders in the minors to acquire established pitching? Would a 4/140 deal make sense for him?

I agree that this should happen, but like SG said, it should be a lower priority. If you upgrade the positions that need upgrading other than catcher, it will have a bigger impact. I would guess that Adley catches 130 games next season, so the need for the backup catcher upgrade will be negligible.

I think you may be right about Mancini. I don't see him getting a big contract anywhere. I could see him back here on a one or two year deal. Not saying I'm for it, but it wouldn't surprise me.

Very good point. Look at Jim Palmer. He had a pretty low K/9 rate for his career(5.0), but had such an amazing defense behind him, his WHIP was 1.18.

He certainly SHOULD be!

Yup...losing to them and Detroit is really horrible.

I know you are just trying to make a point, but I don't think that Rutschman is far off of being one of the best defensive catchers in baseball. Mateo is a LONG way from being the best offensive shortstop in baseball.

I think the O's have been let down from the offense more than the pitching this season. However, I don't think we can rely on the current staff to replicate this season. I would probably prefer to go after one arm in trade, and one in FA, then supplement with guys currently on the roster. I don't think an "ace" is necessary, but would certainly be a "nice to have". Who knows, maybe Grayson becomes that guy? I like the idea of having capable starters that keep you in games, then having an excellent bullpen. I think stockpiling guys in AA/AAA with one very good/excellent pitch and developing secondary pitches that are good is the way to go for relievers. That seems to be one thing that Elias and his staff have done well.

If this is the case, he should not be playing. I realize guys play hurt all the time, but he has fallen off a cliff.

I'd really like to see all the young guys finish out strong. The ones that really need to step it up a notch are Hays and Mountcastle in my opinion. The season is a grind, but these guys seem to have fallen off a cliff. Hays has OPS'd .566 and .638 in July/August and Mouncastle .541/.630. That's long, unproductive time for two guys who should be around their peaks.

It seems that divisions only make sense if you are playing the teams in your division more often. With a "balanced" schedule, the "no divisions" idea makes a lot more sense.

I truly do not understand how they can bring up Stowers and not let him play. Guess they don't think much of him or Vavra.

Aguilar...if those are the only options.

Agreed. I think he should be on 3B, with Urias taking over at 2B.