Low Country Bird

The question I have is what the heck happened between September 2022 and April 2023? We are a completely different team in the field with most of the same guys playing the same positions.

At least we knew exactly what Elias's plan was when he was hired. We had little to no international presence and a rather barren farm system when he arrived. Now we have a much bigger presence in the Latin American market and the top farm system. We needed a total rebuild (and giving up a few seasons was going to be part of that) and that's exactly what he's done/is doing.

My opening day lineup would have been: Mullins CF, Adley C, Henderson 3B, Santander RF, Mountcastle 3B, Hays LF, Stowers DH, Westburg 2B, Mateo SS But what do I know.

Frobby is an Angelos guy? Funny, in the many years I have been on this site (lurking or otherwise), I've never thought of him as an Angelos apologist.

Interesting that they think Holliday's MLB ETA is 2028. He'd be 24 by then. If he's that highly rated and performs as expected in the minors, wouldn't you think he'd be up long before then?

I have a source who was close to the situation that has always claimed Louis is the one telling the truth in this dispute.

I, for one, would continue to be very patient and would like to see us continue to give opportunities to our home-grown prospects rather than mid-tier, highly paid free agents signed to long deals. I have been fully onboard with Elias's plan and refusal to spend. But what I don't get is the inconsistency in the messaging. When he talks about diving into the free agent pool and "lift off," much of which was consistent with what Boras said at the winter meetings, but later walks back those remarks and talks about how risky long term contracts are, one has to wonder what happened. You have to think he knew the budget when he made the "lift off" comments. So did ownership reduce his budget, or did Elias underestimate the market and then realize/believe that the free agents were way outside of the budge, overpriced and for too many years? Either way, not necessarily a good look. And then he implies that Urias (2B) and Mateo (SS) will be our starting middle infield, without giving Westburg, Ortiz or Norby a chance to win the starting job in spring training. Again, this appears inconsistent with what he has said and done in the past. If Elias had not gotten many fans' hopes up with his comments on "lift off," I think you'd have fewer people upset and/or disappointed in the offseason thus far.

I suggest you peruse the Minor League Board Joey Ortiz thread for his defensive highlights. I think he will be a GG shortstop.

No. I think I'll take my chances of having a starting SS from one of Henderson, Ortiz or Westburg. With Ortiz, we at least are likely to get the + defense we got from Mateo. Henderson at 3B and either Norby or Westburg at 2B (with the other one traded as part of a package for a TOR pitcher or middle of lineup bat). I'd much rather sign or trade for a 1B/DH type or an OF for the middle of the line-up.

No Rutschman or Henderson for the season finale. At least Vavra and Stowers get the start.

I expect as we bring up more players who can hit next season (Westburg, Cowser, Norby, etc.) along with Henderson and Stowers (and the few vets that hit), we won't need him in the lineup every day like we do now.

Free Kyle Stowers!

Just keep winning series!

Plus, wouldn't we have to add him to the 40-man? I'd rather him stay in Norfolk, play everyday for the last month and have a chance to make the team in spring training. And I surmise Aguilar was signed to be a back-up 1B, which I'm not sure Westburg (or anyone else on the team right now) can play.

I really wonder whether it's Hyde or Elias with the fascination. I suppose it could be both. I just can't recall keeping a guy who clearly can't hit in the lineup simply because he turns a good double play.

Don't get it. You bring up Henderson to get Odor out of the lineup, not to get Stowers out of the lineup.

Exactly. Can you imagine if he had a strong month helping us to a WC but wasn't eligible for the postseason? Elias would have been lambasted for it.

I understand not bringing Henderson up until last week to avoid the rookie eligibility issues with days and at-bats. I just don't understand not bringing him up earlier this week when that was no longer an issue. He should have been in the line-up all three nights in Cleveland. Instead of Odor, Urias or Mountcastle...take your pick.

If Vavra isn't going to play right now, I'd much rather see him get regular at bats in AAA.

What time does Norfolk's lineup come out?

I agree with you at this point. I just don't see why/how you wouldn't call him up before Thursday. I suppose he could still be called up tomorrow, but why wouldn't they have called him up today if they are planning on doing it tomorrow? In the grand scheme of things, it does not seem like it would matter and we'd get an extra game with him in the lineup.

What about Westburg and Ortiz?

Elias said the other day that the 9/1 call-ups will most likely be one pitcher and one hitter.

Where were you the day Rico Garcia was called up?

I'd like to see him get regular (i.e. everyday) at bats before we make a judgment on him.