2nd half - what if?

[Dunk35]

If we do nothing SUBSTANTIAL to improve the team this season/offseason, we never will and I will start to question my fandom. The time is NOW!!

[Chelsea_Phil]

Dang, Banks, you are so pessimistic.  Take a chill pill.

[Chelsea_Phil]

You too Dunk!

[banks703]

12 minutes ago, Chelsea_Phil said:

Dang, Banks, you are so pessimistic.  Take a chill pill.

Buddy, the truth hurts. I get it. 
 

I watch every game. In fact I build my schedule around their games (cut my bike ride short today after the gym to get back just in time for first pitch). I’m not pessimistic. I’m realistic.
 

The offense has been in decline month over month and while I am as big of a Jorge supporter as anyone, they waited too long to make a move to promote an IF prospect who would play regularly over him. Cowser deserved a promotion prior to his injury and similarly to how GrayRod was handled last year (when they missed the chance to promote him when he deserved it via dominating his league) they missed it this year with Cowser. McKenna should be demoted for Cowser to move Ant to more DH and 1B play, which is to supplant both Mountcastle and O’Hearn.
 

These are “duh” moves to make to play the best players and they just are NOT consistently playing their best nine guys.  
 

Elias and Co. have their plan. They have proven time and again that they will not deviate from it. Period. 

Edited July 1, 2023 by banks703

[PeteCanes]

It’s baffling to me that they won’t commit to Ortiz at SS this year.  

[Can_of_corn]

Just now, PeteCanes said:

It’s baffling to me that they won’t commit to Ortiz at SS this year.  

Or Gunnar.

[Baltimorecuse]

I like Gunnar's arm at short.

[Bemorewins]

1 hour ago, PeteCanes said:

It’s baffling to me that they won’t commit to Ortiz at SS this year.  

Why do they need to? What’s wrong with Gunnar at SS?

[PeteCanes]

1 hour ago, Bemorewins said:

Why do they need to? What’s wrong with Gunnar at SS?

Ortiz is probably the better SS.  He’s replacing Mateo not Hendo.  Gun, Ortiz, Westburg… what else do you want?

[Bemorewins]

40 minutes ago, PeteCanes said:

Ortiz is probably the better SS.  He’s replacing Mateo not Hendo.  Gun, Ortiz, Westburg… what else do you want?

This issue is not merely Ortiz’s offense. The issue is also about whether or not he or Urias has more trade value AND whether or not his offense and defense is better than the combo of Urias’ at 3B. 

Beyond that, from what I have seen we would be fine with Gunnar at SS. Ortiz is not some crazy upgrade as compared to Gunnar there. IMO Gunnar would be fine to stay there long term if not for Holliday.

[Brooks The Great]

41 minutes ago, PeteCanes said:

Ortiz is probably the better SS.  He’s replacing Mateo not Hendo.  Gun, Ortiz, Westburg… what else do you want?

To do this, Elias and Hyde need to pull the plug on Frazier, but thanks to the awful contract Elias gave Frazier, Frazier continues to get regular playing time.

Thankfully it seems that Mateo has finally been relegated to a bench role, so hopefully Frazier gets benched soon as well. But it's concerning that Elias moves too slowly to the team's detriment (watching Odor last season was torture). It was ridiculous that Westburg didn't start Friday's game after a day off, so that's worrying as well.

[Aristotelian]

17 hours ago, wildcard said:

My bet is Elias will stay on course.   But what does that mean?

I don't see him trading for a #1 starter.   He is developing his #1 starter.   Wells, Bradish, GRod.   He will continue to give them starts.  I expect GRod back soon.

Most everyone has forgotten about Voth and Hall.  Voth was bad for the Nationals to begin 2022.  But he started 17 games for the O's with 3.04 ERA.  Yes, he is a starter and he is getting healthy right now.  On his way to help in the 2nd half.    Means is also.   He is throwing and will be pitching in the minors  in July.

Hall could be pitching is relief right now but the O's are fixing his back so the can throw 98 instead of 94.   Don't count him out for the season.  Irvin is the stop gap starter.   Not as good as the top 5, 6, or 7 starters, but ready to fill in when needed, go to the pen in long relief when the rotation is full and spot start throughout he rest of the season.

Charles and/or  Hernandez could follow Cano to the pen.    There is bunch going on here.

Elias may use his surplus prospects to get an experienced reliever.   Stowers, Norby, or Haskin could be moved and Frazier could be packaged with  some of these guys to offset the salary of acquiring an expensive pitcher.

Ortiz and Cowser are coming in the 2nd half.  When and where needed.  

I think it is all in the plan already.   

 

Why can't a trade also be part of the plan?

[maybenxtyr]

They're 17-17 in the last 34. The AL East isn't going to slow down and wait for them to get the ship righted. I believe they will win more games than I predicted in the preseason polls, but I don't think they win above 90. 

 

I don't think they will make any big additions during the season in 2023. I think more importantly, trying to get an idea on which young guys they plan on building around, and which ones to trade will be more important for '23. They really don't have any vets to sell off this season. No, I don't think they're going to trade a group for a SP this season.

[foxfield]

10 hours ago, PeteCanes said:

Ortiz is probably the better SS.  He’s replacing Mateo not Hendo.  Gun, Ortiz, Westburg… what else do you want?

If we are talking best lineup. I like Henderson, Ortiz, Westburg and Urias. And I’d roll with it most every day. 
 

When Cowser arrives that allows Santander to DH most wveryday.  Whether this lineup struggles or not down the stretch it sets up the players you need to count on next year. 
 

My hope is this is a playoff team in 23 and a champion in 24.