Will you be disappointed if the 2013 roster is virtually the same as the 2012 roster?

[Mr Snuffleupagus]

Lot's of talk about FA's on the board as is typical this time of year. It got me thinking though, are we really in desperate need of upgrades? Sure, there is always room for improvement, but at what cost?

As some have discussed, it seems unlikely we're about to take on significant payroll increases. It also seems unlikely we're about to trade away what few prospects we have for a 2B or TOR SP.

Assume DD isn't completely sitting on his laurels and does add some depth to the MiL with more Gonzo/McLouth types. Assume he locks up Peterson... But all he really does with the ML roster was bring back Reynolds, McLouth, and Saunders (the only 3 players of significance we stand to lose), would you be satisfied?

[Dr. Unk]

I love the chemistry of this group, so I don't want that messed up. That said, we do need to make some upgrades. 2B and a #1 pitcher, at least.

[Frobby]

I won't be that disappointed. This roster won 93 games. I have no doubt there will be some changes, but they may not be changes any more significant than the types of things we saw last winter.

[Brendan25]

Nope. If our opening day roster next year is

1. Nate McLouth LF

2. Nick Markakis RF

3. Adam Jones CF

4. Chris Davis DH

5. JJ Hardy SS

6. Matt Wieters C

7. Mark Reynolds 1B

8. Manny Machado 3B

9. Ryan Flaherty 2B

Taylor Teagarden

Robert Andino

Wilson Betemit

4th OF

Jason Hammel

Wei Yin Chen

Miguel Gonzalez

Chris Tillman

Joe Saunders

Jim Johnson

Pedro Strop

Darren O'Day

Luis Ayala

Tommy Hunter

Troy Patton

Brian Matusz

I'd be tickled pink to start the season.

[glenn__davis]

I would like to see a 2B added, preferably with a high OBP guy if possible.

I would like to see the bench upgraded, especially at the back-up catcher and back-up outfielder positions so that Wieters and Jones can get a few more days off. I think both were gassed by the end of the year which aided in their playoff struggles.

I would like to see a vet SP added.

None of this should be particularly expensive, but I think each make the team more complete.

[canonfaz]

I would not be disappointed at all. We won 93 games with Arrieta, Matusz, and Hunter doing their best starting pitcher impression of Daniel Cabrera (ok, maybe not that bad). I think we will add a few minor pieces to compliment what we have right now, but nothing major. I really doubt we make any trades either.

I am excited to see what a rotation of Hammel, Chen, Gonzo, and Tillman can do for a whole year. You obviously still need a #5, but I think that will be determined in spring training between whoever DD brings in (or we could re-sign Saunders).

[Mr Snuffleupagus]

Nope. If our opening day roster next year is

1. Nate McLouth LF

2. Nick Markakis RF

3. Adam Jones CF

4. Chris Davis DH

5. JJ Hardy SS

6. Matt Wieters C

7. Mark Reynolds 1B

8. Manny Machado 3B

9. Ryan Flaherty 2B

Taylor Teagarden

Robert Andino

Wilson Betemit

4th OF

Jason Hammel

Wei Yin Chen

Miguel Gonzalez

Chris Tillman

Joe Saunders

Jim Johnson

Pedro Strop

Darren O'Day

Luis Ayala

Tommy Hunter

Troy Patton

Brian Matusz

I'd be tickled pink to start the season.

You'll be even more tickled if you add Reimold.

I don't think that's a reach.

[Brendan25]

You'll be even more tickled if you add Reimold.

I don't think that's a reach.

Boom. There's your "4th outfielder"

[canonfaz]

I forgot about Steve Johnson. He pitched to a 2.11 ERA this year. That is really amazing. I know its a small sample size (38 IP / 4 starts), but that is great, great production from a spot starter. I wouldnt be surprised to see him in the rotation again next year.

Hammel, Chen, Gonzo, Tillman, Johnson. Replace the first guy who doesn't perform or gets hurt with Bundy. I'll take that.

[Brendan25]

I forgot about Steve Johnson. He pitched to a 2.11 ERA this year. That is really amazing. I know its a small sample size (38 IP / 4 starts), but that is great, great production from a spot starter. I wouldnt be surprised to see him in the rotation again next year.

Hammel, Chen, Gonzo, Tillman, Johnson. Replace the first guy who doesn't perform or gets hurt with Bundy. I'll take that.

I wouldn't either but I'd think they go after a Saunders type of guy to be the #5 starter and start Johnson at AAA. Just think about this.

1. Steve Johnson

2. Zach Britton

3. Jake Arrieta

4. Brian Matusz

5. Dylan Bundy

That could be the Tides rotation next year.

[Mr Snuffleupagus]

I wouldn't either but I'd think they go after a Saunders type of guy to be the #5 starter and start Johnson at AAA. Just think about this.

1. Steve Johnson

2. Zach Britton

3. Jake Arrieta

4. Brian Matusz

5. Dylan Bundy

That could be the Tides rotation next year.

Also seems like Wada will be in the fold somehow. Pretty sure he will only factor into the ML roster per his contract. No clue what to expect from him.

[Can_of_corn]

I think this was an 82-85 win team based on talent that had some breaks fall it's way and they ended up with 93 wins.

I think there will be more regression then progression with this group going forward.

The team needs more talent to become perennial contenders.

[jtschrei]

Yes, to take the next step we need more talent. I think DD said on a number of occasions during the season that he thought this team over-achieved or that certain guys had career years. I would be surprised, and yes disappointed, if we don't seek some upgrades. The time to win is NOW.

[Roll Tide]

Lot's of talk about FA's on the board as is typical this time of year. It got me thinking though, are we really in desperate need of upgrades? Sure, there is always room for improvement, but at what cost?

As some have discussed, it seems unlikely we're about to take on significant payroll increases. It also seems unlikely we're about to trade away what few prospects we have for a 2B or TOR SP.

Assume DD isn't completely sitting on his laurels and does add some depth to the MiL with more Gonzo/McLouth types. Assume he locks up Peterson... But all he really does with the ML roster was bring back Reynolds, McLouth, and Saunders (the only 3 players of significance we stand to lose), would you be satisfied?

YES ...And it will mean that our owner and GM has lied to us.

[notyourbuddy]

No. But, I will be if DD goes into the offseason with zero intent of trying to upgrade. Lots of pitchers out there better than Saunders.... he should try to land one and only resign Saunders if all their demands turn out to be ridiculous.