IPlayGM

I just don’t think it puts either player in a situation to succeed. Kremer knows he has zero rope, Baker comes in with men on. And I don’t know that I am blaming Hyde, just pointing out a practice of his I don’t love. Ultimately I agree the players need to do what they do.

I’m not a big fan of Hyde’s pattern of “you start the inning but if one thing goes wrong you are done.” There was little evidence to me that Kremer was tired or done there. I understand he was at 97 pitches, but he very well could have been out of the inning by 105. Who do you trust more that next batter to induce a DP, him or Baker?

The time has to be soon. With the way the MLB club likes to roll out their “lefty” and “righty” lineups, having a full roster of “haves” should be a priority. Now as it stands we roll out at least 1-2 “have nots” in those lineups each time it happens.

I am not in the camp that these guys have to come up and play 6 times a week. Westburg coming up will cut into Frazier some, DH position some, maybe it can be Gunnar’s day off at 3rd. Cowser makes Santander play more DH, Hays sits against a tough RHP here and there, and he can give Mullins a break. All these guys can play and coexist. As far as pitching, I think we can compete with what we have. I would like to add, but I certainly don’t think it is hopeless with what we have. Who in the rotation is pitching to an unsustainable level? Wells would be the only potential argument.

And it’s good that this potential transition is happening organically, just through one guy earning it more than the other. Hopefully as we add to our roster this season that will be the case as well. Get Cowser and Westburg up at some point and let the chips fall where they may.

Baker threw 6 pitches, he is probably fine too.

My issue with Mountcastle is 2-fold. 1. Too many non competitive at bats. Everybody and their brother knew late in the game last night he was going to get low and away sliders and had no chance. 2. These at bats are happening in the 3 and 4 hole. I messaged friends last night saying our 3-4-5 is just not good enough long term. I think best case down the road some of the AAA will fill that role, but not initially and not for awhile. Think we are stuck with what we have in those spots for now.

Wow I didn’t know he was going that strong! Can’t wait to get that OPS in Bmore!!!

With our current OBP jump at the top of the order….replacing Mountcastle with 2013 Chris Davis would be insane. His line that year was: .286 .370 .634 1.004 53 HR 138 RBI

Hays and Mullins have really done a nice job so far with increasing their OBP. That is huge for the development of our lineup.

But it’s getting to the point where I think Vavra probably has some value to other teams…and Urias much more than that. I really like what Ortiz is showing, so to me he makes them expendable. But again, I am willing to be patient for it to play itself out. Really good problems to have.

That is a silly take….Significant?!? Cmon man!

Yeah the great thing about how we are playing is that it buys us patience. Westburg and Cowser should make us a better team long term, but I have settled myself to “when it happens it happens”. This series has really opened my eyes that we are legit. This has typically been a series that we have gotten a spanking, and we had the paddle this time around.

Difference being that Koji was known for his command. This guy went from being a disaster in that area to this. It’s pretty incredible!

I would have zero issue with that contract.

Big plus for the overall bullpen if he is sharp again.

Everything was hit much harder and further than 1B.

To me he has to learn the true consequence of bad pitch selection, bad pitch placement, etc. That doesn’t happen in the minors, where his stuff can get him by on mistakes.

Yeah I have not seen enough of him to truly know if this comp is legit, but that is what I have always thought given his profile.

He’s Jeff Kent. Hope he is Jeff Kent for us.

I certainly have to admit I feel better about these 5 then I did 2 weeks ago. I do feel to be a legit WS contender the roster has to improve, and part of that is a legit starter.

He is really starting the year similar to how Adley did last year, a few more games struggling I believe. The big difference is that his end to last year with us completely reset our expectations. I am looking forward to his next 100 AB’s, talent wins.

I hear all the justification talk for keeping these guys down (ie. maximum value/40 man flexibility/acclimation period) but to me with Cowser and Westburg we have a legitimate chance to reset this roster and for the better. To me, a big part of the hold is that there is no one to play 1st other than Mounty. If they felt comfortable with Santander at 1st here and there, then both these moves makes sense. O’Hearn and Stowers go, leaves Vavra around for a super sub role, and moves Frazier to part time player. Also, with Mateo struggling, it allows Gunnar to play SS 1-2 times a week. In a given week, Westburg can play: 2nd base: 2 games 3rd base: 1-2 games DH: 1-2 games In a given week, Cowser can play: LF: 2-3 games CF: 1 game DH: maybe 1 game here or there.

Good position to be in to trade Westburg in a package for a top pitcher and have to “settle” for Ortiz at 2B.

I think he thought he was talking about Heston.