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Remaining Needs: AL West

By Connor Byrne | December 26, 2019 at 7:31pm CDT

With the offseason almost two months old, MLBTR is going through all 30 teams’ remaining needs by division. We started with the NL East. Now let’s move to the AL West, a division the Astros have won three years in a row. This has been a somewhat rocky offseason for the reigning pennant winners, which could create opportunities for at least one or two of the other teams in their division…

Houston Astros [Offseason Outlook]

The Astros’ nigh-invincible rotation has taken a couple serious hits since free agency opened, as all-world right-hander Gerrit Cole left to sign a record-high contract with the rival Yankees and back-end southpaw Wade Miley departed for the Reds. With Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke returning to man the top two spots, the front end of the Astros’ starting staff remains in better shape than most teams’. They’ll also get Lance McCullers Jr. back from Tommy John surgery, though the remainder of their rotation is decidedly less proven.

Jose Urquidy, Forrest Whitley, Rogelio Armenteros, Cionel Perez and Josh James are just a few in-house options who could start for Astros sometime in 2020, but there’s nothing resembling an established option after the Verlander-Greinke-McCullers trio. So, it would make sense for the Astros to seek a veteran from outside, though their desire to avoid the second level of the luxury tax ($228MM) could limit their options. As things stand, the Astros’ tax payroll’s already projected to check in at $237MM-plus, per Jason Martinez of Roster Resource. From that standpoint, the good news is that there’s no free agent remaining who’d cost an exorbitant amount to sign. However, that also means there’s no sure bet left on the open market. What about upgrading via trade? Two lefties – the Tigers’ Matthew Boyd and the Diamondbacks’ Robbie Ray – are among those who could be available, and both hurlers have drawn the Astros’ interest in the not-so-distant past.

Aside from the back end of its rotation, most of Houston’s roster looks as if it’ll once again enter next season in enviable shape. An exception could be at catcher, where the Astros probably won’t get much offense from Martin Maldonado, Dustin Garneau and Garrett Stubbs. Nevertheless, having re-signed the defensive specialist Maldonado for a two-year, $7MM guarantee, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Astros go into 2020 with their current behind-the-plate cast.

For Houston, the biggest question of all is whether it’ll face discipline in the near future for a scandal centering on alleged sign-stealing during its World Series-winning campaign in 2017. That’ll continue to be a major story to watch going forward, as it could have negative effects on president of baseball operations Jeff Luhnow, manager A.J. Hinch and the organization as a whole.

Oakland Athletics [Offseason Outlook]

There may be no greater need in Oakland that at second base, a position Jurickson Profar failed to solidify last season (the A’s dealt him to the Padres earlier this winter as a result). For now, the A’s have several fairly untested in-house possibilities in Franklin Barreto, Sheldon Neuse, Chad Pinder and Jorge Mateo, but they’ve shown interest in addressing the spot from elsewhere. Former Athletic Jed Lowrie, now a Met, has come up as a potential trade acquisition. If healthy (no sure thing after an injury-ruined 2019), the switch-hitting Lowrie would at least offer some variety to a righty-heavy lineup. But if the A’s don’t pick up Lowrie or someone else via trade, they can still choose from several free agents, including Starlin Castro, Brock Holt, Jason Kipnis, Asdrubal Cabrera, Scooter Gennett and ex-A Ben Zobrist, to name some players left on the market.

Elsewhere, the Athletics have at least considered adding a veteran backup catcher and more relief help. Matt Wieters has been on the radar as a possible reserve behind highly promising young backstop Sean Murphy. In the bullpen, the A’s had interest in a reunion with Blake Treinen before he signed a one-year, $10MM deal with the Dodgers. They also eyed Sergio Romo prior to his re-signing with the Twins, and have looked at Royals lefty Tim Hill.

Texas Rangers [Offseason Outlook]

Credit to the Rangers for remaking their rotation this winter. What was previously a weakness now looks like a strength with new faces Corey Kluber, Kyle Gibson and Jordan Lyles following the terrific Mike Minor–Lance Lynn tandem. But where are the offensive reinforcements? The Rangers came into the offseason at least expected to take steps forward at third base, where Anthony Rendon was available and Josh Donaldson is still without a deal. They watched Rendon sign with the Angels for seven years and $245MM,however, and it doesn’t seem they’re serious players for Donaldson. Therefore, barring a trade for someone like Kris Bryant of the Cubs or Nolan Arenado of the Rockies, it doesn’t appear the Rangers will be making a blockbuster addition at the hot corner. Other than Donaldson, free-agent options (Todd Frazier?) don’t inspire a great deal of confidence.

Meanwhile, the Rangers’ offensive production from the catcher position was catastrophically low last season. Jeff Mathis put up a wRC+ of 2 (yes, you read that correctly), while Jose Trevino wasn’t a world-beater in his own right. But the Rangers are currently poised to enter next year with those two as their primary backstops yet again. Robinson Chirinos, a former Ranger they’ve shown interest in re-signing, is still out there. So is Jason Castro. On paper, either would give the team a much more credible starting catcher than it has at the moment.

Not to be forgotten, the Rangers aren’t in the best shape at first base, where Ronald Guzman fell flat for the second straight year. The 25-year-old Guzman still has a minor league option remaining, so the Rangers could sign a veteran (Eric Thames? Old friend Mitch Moreland?), demote Guzman and still keep him in the org.

Los Angeles Angels [Offseason Outlook]

As mentioned above, the Angels made one of the offseason’s most noteworthy splashes when they signed Rendon. Many expected the Angels to hand out a $200MM-plus contract this winter, but the popular belief was that money would go to a pitcher (Cole or Stephen Strasburg). The Angels struck out on Cole, Strasburg and $100MM-plus man Zack Wheeler (now a Phillie), but with Rendon in tow, they boast arguably baseball’s premier one-two punch of position players in him and the transcendent Mike Trout. The supporting cast behind those two isn’t bad, either, with DH Shohei Ohtani, shortstop Andrelton Simmons, second baseman David Fletcher and left fielder Justin Upton as quality complements. Furthermore, star outfield prospect Jo Adell gaining on a major league spot.

If there’s one serious issue among the Angels’ cast of hitters, it’s behind the plate. The only catchers on the Angels’ 40-man roster are Max Stassi and Anthony Bemboom, and that probably isn’t going to cut it. They have, however, shown interest in boosting their cause from outside. Either Chirinos or Castro (or, although it’s less likely, a trade for the Cubs’ Willson Contreras) would go a long way toward giving them one of the most formidable groups of position players in baseball.

Of course, as was the case when the offseason began, the Angels still need front-of-the-rotation help. Sure, they’ve done well to land Dylan Bundy and Julio Teheran as competent innings eaters, and Ohtani will factor in again after missing all of 2019 (as a pitcher) while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Andrew Heaney and Griffin Canning are still in the mix, which is a plus, but there’s no proven ace in the fold. Problem is that it may be too late to find one. Boyd, Ray, Chris Archer (whom new manager Joe Maddon knows from their time in Tampa Bay) and David Price (who still has three years and $96MM left on his contract) are among the top options on the trade market, but all come with question marks.

Fortunately for the Angels, they’re still more than $20MM under the luxury tax, so there’s room for them to make further upgrades even after grabbing Rendon, Bundy and Teheran.

Seattle Mariners [Offseason Outlook]

Unlike the other teams in their division, the rebuilding Mariners have very little chance to vie for a playoff spot next season. As such, one of their only real “needs” is to find a way to jettison more veterans and keep building for the future. The Mariners already got rid of one prominent player in catcher Omar Narvaez, whom they traded to the Brewers earlier this month, and third baseman Kyle Seager, outfielder Mitch Haniger and second baseman Dee Gordon are among those who could also find themselves on the outs in the coming months.

Meantime, general manager Jerry Dipoto has said the Mariners won’t be adding to their position player group before next season, but it would at least make sense to buy low on a pitcher or two, hope for a rebound(s) and try to flip him or them by the July trade deadline. Old pal Taijuan Walker has come up as a possible starting addition via free agency, and would join free-agent signing Kendall Graveman as a bounce-back candidate for the Mariners. Those are the type of arms they should be on the hunt for right now.

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72 Comments

  1. bigbadjohnny

    5 years ago

    Angels need Pitching & Catching………Lester & Contreras…….the price would be high……but might pay a higher price when July comes around and they are in the race !

    Astros would love to have Contreras…….again, can they pay the price with prospects ?

    A’s……….they don’t trade in exchange for prospects…..

    Rangers……..Bryant on their sights……..but will not be able to trade for him……Donaldson more likely.

    Mariners…….Fire Sale there.

    Reply
    • stewartnbuck

      5 years ago

      The Angels have not addressed anyone of their offseason needs. 1st a front of the rotation pitcher. 2nd a catcher
      3rd an entire bullpen
      Billy Eppler looks like hes in way over his head, dont believe he is the man for the job. its been the exact scenario the past 3 offseason and he still cant get the job done.

      Reply
  2. Canosucks

    5 years ago

    Angels missed out on affordable pure cash starting pitching options and are now in real trouble because every GM knows they can ask the moon on a trade from the Angels and they are stuck or stand pat. Epler blew it.

    I hope they can do something as Canning and Heaney only threw 90 innings a piece last year and Show me the Money is coming off TJ.

    This honk is worried…

    3
    Reply
    • Ejemp2006

      5 years ago

      The Angels only struck out on Cole. The rest of the starting pitching market was overrated and overpaid. Even Cole got a contract that is a super dumb level commitment.
      The Angels can still come out big winners of the hot stove season. Grab Price when Boston opts for a salary dump. Grab the Rockies bullpen cast offs too. Then we might get October Trout! Woot woot! A lot maybe!

      1
      Reply
      • fighting69th

        5 years ago

        Good point about the FA market. Glad they didn’t waste money on any of them. Canning needs to break out and Heaney needs to stay healthy. Bundy could be a good bounce back candidate if he can keep the long balls down.

        1
        Reply
        • delete

          5 years ago

          There is a difference between not getting a good value and striking out. The Angels had one major need and failed to meaningfully address it. That’s striking out. Other teams did not strike out, meeting their needs without getting a good value. Getting a good value is a cherry on top, or even a windfall in a seller’s market.

          1
          Reply
        • sithdude

          5 years ago

          They didn’t strike out. They got Tehran and Bundy and Ohtani coming back. That’s 3 SPS right there. Their real need was to have a healthy staff and depth which they have now. Of course they wanted Cole, Stras, etc. but they went elsewhere. So what? Their defense, offense, and bullpen look great and they got Madden back. Can’t understand why people keep ripping the Angels for not signing every pitcher that was a FA that signs elsewhere, they made offers, a players decision isn’t in the control.

          Reply
        • stewartnbuck

          5 years ago

          Pitchers have to be looked at in tiers. their are only a handful of tier 1 pitchers, majority are in the playoffs every season. These pitchers are at a premium and don’t come cheap but are necessary if you expect to compete in the world series. The Angels have 1 questionable tier 2 pitcher and majority tier 4 and 5 pitchers.

          Reply
        • delete

          5 years ago

          Their current rotation is fourth best in the division, maybe fifth. You can’t give them that much off-season credit for a player who is already on their team and two true #5s. If they pull off a miracle and land the second wildcard spot, they have basically no chance of going anywhere in the playoffs. Let’s be realistic here.

          True that you can’t make a players choice for him, but in Coles case the Angels were his first choice and they affirmatively struck out.

          Reply
        • halo6219

          5 years ago

          @beisbolista I disagree that Cole’s 1st choice was Anaheim….his 1st choi e was the highest bidder…he would have been happy if it was the Angels…I believe IF LAA and NYY presented the same offer his voice would have still been NYY…

          1
          Reply
        • delete

          5 years ago

          Based on?

          Reply
        • macstruts

          5 years ago

          Well, they just had a draft on Fantasy Pros. 12 team 23 rounds.

          Ohtani 4th round.
          Heaney, Luzardo, Montas in the 11th.
          Manea in the 12th
          Cannng Puk in the 15th
          Bundy in the 21st
          Fiers and Teheran not drafted.

          The A’s and Angels staffs are completely different than last year. I think people are saying it’s a mismatch based on what happened last year. Last year is meaningless.

          Texas in not a heck of a lot different
          Kluber 8th, Lynn 12th, Minor 14th, Gibson 17th. Lyles not drafted.

          But people are so sure who is going to pitch well and who isn’t. I don’t share anyone’s confidence of anything.

          Reply
        • delete

          5 years ago

          You’re using a 12 team fantasy league as your baseline? Are you kidding me? First of all, how many teams are there in real life? Secondly, redraft leagues do not in any way reflect real career valuations. Thirdly, fantasy leagues emphasize only 5 basic stats on average. Fourth, “managers” tend to look at past performance without much understanding of how to project or forecast accurately. Finally, most players use the ESPN or Yahoo rankings religiously and those rankings have been proven atrocious time and time again.

          The only thing you got right is that the Angels look like they were built by someone who drank too much during their ESPN fantasy baseball draft. They got the first 2-3 rounds right then everything went to hell because American Ninja Warrior came on TV and they went on autodraft.

          Reply
        • macstruts

          5 years ago

          It’s December, you think we are talking about baseball? We are talking about “on paper” baseball, and no one understands “on paper” baseball better than fantasy players.

          As far as five basic stats, You mean four stats, Wins, Whip, ERA, Strikeouts. You think those are not important stats when attempting to gauge the success of starting pitchers?

          And do you know who knows more about predicting the value of players than you? The people who study every team. Stat league people.

          But you are so sure that Luzardo is better than Ohtani. Puk is better than Canning. Manaea is better than Heaney, Fiers is better than Teheran and a PED user who stunk every year he didn’t get caught taking PEDs is better than Bundy. How did you get so arrogant?

          Reply
        • HaloShane

          5 years ago

          Macstruts, and here you are again trying to bully with your own thin skinned, no backbone, all bark and no bite approach. You made it clear your a paper pusher…. Why don’t you answer your own question “How did you get so arrogant”? Now before you answer…. make sure to suck in that tummy of your and push out that chest paper pushing wanna be tough guy.

          Reply
        • jules

          5 years ago

          Cole himself said it, he is a Yankee fan….

          1
          Reply
        • macstruts

          5 years ago

          Bully? Holding people accountable when they “snip’ is not bullying.

          Have a take.

          1
          Reply
        • Yukon Corn

          5 years ago

          Ohtani may never have a healthy season

          Reply
        • fighting69th

          5 years ago

          Yep! Just google the picture of him holding a sign stating his dream is to play for the Yankees

          Reply
        • houkenflouken

          5 years ago

          As an M’s fan that last paragraph is true. All those A’s pitchers are better than what the Angels have.

          Why’s everyone gotta get so mad it’s truly puzzling

          Reply
        • macstruts

          5 years ago

          I mind posters that snipe and add nothing but snipes. As for your analysis. The NFBC disagrees.

          Ohtani is being drafted before Luzardo. Heaney is being drafted before Manaea. Canning is being drafted before Puk. Teheran is being drafted before Fiers. The big difference is a PED user who had a negative WAR going into last year vs Bundy.

          But for some reason the A’s are suppose to have great pitching and the Angels are suppose to have terrible pitching. I don’t believe either position is true.

          Reply
        • OtisSnord

          5 years ago

          Crippling your team for years with a terrible deal is striking out. NOT crippling your team with a bad deal is not striking out.

          Reply
        • athleticsnchill

          5 years ago

          No one gives a flying flipping doodie about fantasy. The A’s get passes for their pitching because they’ve turned in well above average performances the last 2 years with rotation pieced together with driftwood, duct tape and butchers twine.

          Give the A’s elite pitching prospects in Luzardo and Puk, a Manaea that was excellent in 2018 and a Montas that was excellent in 2019 and you can piece together the rest with pitching machines and be better than the Angels.

          For the record, the Angels pitching staff is interesting, but the A’s have a mixture of proven talent and elite prospect pitching that beats the Angels out and it’s not really close.

          1
          Reply
      • southbeachbully

        5 years ago

        @Ejemp2006

        The market is what the market is., If yyou;re going to commit to paying Rendon and Trout over $600 mil then it seems silly to play the “they were smart not to pay market value” for Stras or Cole. Matter of fact, they would likely have signed him if the Yanks hadn’t had the willingness to go to 9 years. They offered at least $300 mil. Stop playing the “they were smart” line.

        2
        Reply
  3. delete

    5 years ago

    Angels fans thank the Mariners for being the only thing keeping them from fifth place in 2020

    4
    Reply
    • throwinched10

      5 years ago

      Is that you Carlos?

      1
      Reply
      • delete

        5 years ago

        No, this is Mike Trout

        1
        Reply
        • throwinched10

          5 years ago

          Are you sure this isn’t Carlos, former Astros affiliate?

          1
          Reply
        • delete

          5 years ago

          I’m pretty sure this is Mike Trout.

          Reply
        • throwinched10

          5 years ago

          I don’t know if you are the Spanish speaking type Mikey…

          1
          Reply
      • Ejemp2006

        5 years ago

        No, it’s Brad Ausmus.

        Reply
        • Ohtani-san

          5 years ago

          No it’s just some annoying troll

          1
          Reply
        • macstruts

          5 years ago

          Yep, someone who goes on a thread insulting teams and players for the sole purpose of antagonizing fans is a troll.

          And they are just snipes. Analysis is almost never involved.

          1
          Reply
      • FattKemp

        5 years ago

        No, this is Patrick

        Reply
  4. throwinched10

    5 years ago

    Mariners – sign Walker and Alex Wood to help the rotation. They are young enough that they could force their way into the future rotation plans and their MLB experience is a plus. They will also be inexpensive so no harm done if they struggle; they can easily be DFA’d.
    Gonzales, Wood, Graveman, Walker, Kikuchi is just fine for a rebuilding club. Sheffield and Dunn can also see time too.

    3
    Reply
    • houkenflouken

      5 years ago

      Agreed. At the very least go grab Taijuan Walker, Jerry!!

      Reply
  5. cookmeister 2

    5 years ago

    I don’t hate the Lester and Contreras to the Angels. But paying for Lester should make the return a bit less, even with Contreras.

    1
    Reply
  6. NewYorkSoxFan

    5 years ago

    Angels rotation problems aren’t as bad as everyone makes it seem and if that lineup lives up to its potential they won’t need dominant pitching anyways. It’s more about the pitchers being able to stay healthy which has been a problem for them in the past.

    3
    Reply
    • sithdude

      5 years ago

      A voice of reason. Couldn’t agree with you more, I keep bringing up this point but it’s a narrative that just doesn’t go away

      1
      Reply
  7. andrewf

    5 years ago

    Looks like the Rangers might as well allow let the pitcher hit for Mathis.

    1
    Reply
  8. bjhaas1977

    5 years ago

    Apparently the Dodgers need somebody to want to play for them. They’ve made multiple offers at a higher salary and the players have gone elsewhere. Even to the Mets!

    Reply
  9. Omarj

    5 years ago

    Clevinger would be my main target. I’d consider Price at less than $20 AVV.

    1
    Reply
    • OtisSnord

      5 years ago

      If the Angels could get Clevinger, this offseason would instantly become a huge success. Add a very good pitcher, two dependable innings eaters,and the best position player available at a spot which has been a big problem ever since the end of the Troy Glaus era, That’s a big improvement. Then, get something done to upgrade the catcher spot.

      But if no big splash at SP, then this offseason gets an Incomplete for a grade.

      Reply
  10. GOP Lizards

    5 years ago

    The cheating Astros remain the class of this weak division. I was hoping my Halos would put their resources into quality pitcher and catcher rather than a luxury item at 3B. Ho hum.

    Reply
    • jdodson1822

      5 years ago

      AL division won’t be weak in 2020

      1
      Reply
    • jb19

      5 years ago

      AL West was the best division in the AL last year. They had two playoff teams and the bottom rung of teams weren’t the complete worst in the entire AL, like the AL East (Baltimore and Toronto)… Astros didn’t cheat btw

      1
      Reply
      • sacball

        5 years ago

        BANG BANG

        2
        Reply
    • Rudy Zolteck

      5 years ago

      Ok so clearly you’re bitter, so if you can’t find drag the Astros for three straight 100 win seasons, you dismiss the division they play in as being bad, which is just objectively wrong. Do better dude.

      Reply
  11. LaFlamaBlanca

    5 years ago

    Lmaooooo no thanks on lester or contreras cubs would want too much for contreras and lester is old. Angels should be looking at guys like Boyd, Jon Gray, Brad Keller, or Kyle hendricks,

    Reply
  12. Strike Four

    5 years ago

    Adell and Simmons for Baez, Bryant, Schwarber, Contreras and Lester went through on that baseball trade values generator site hahaha burn it all down

    Reply
  13. astros_fan_84

    5 years ago

    I wish the Astros had an extra 20M. Try to get Chris Archer for lower tier prospects and resign Will Harris.

    The championship window closes in about two years. I want the owner to go for it.

    1
    Reply
  14. prov356

    5 years ago

    Angels have one of the best line up cores, infield defense, and best overall player in baseball. Our pitching depth isn’t bad, we just need a front of the rotation starter and a catcher. Maybe a bull pen tweak. Plus we have Joe Madden steering the ship. 2020 will be a contending season in my opinion.

    1
    Reply
  15. crazylarry

    5 years ago

    The Angels also need a GM who has a clue. Eppler is tied with Preller as the worst in the game.

    Reply
  16. goat

    5 years ago

    How can they talk about Texas and not mention odor batting .200, mazara batting .210, guzman batting .210 and address those issues? Mazara is gone, but guzman and odor remain. Guzman is at least an average defender, odor is terrible all the way around. Besides his one super punch, he has been punchless on the field. The third basemen of the future is most likely 2 seasons away (jung) find a 2 year replacement and put solak at 2nd.

    Reply
    • Rangers29

      5 years ago

      1. Mazara has never hit below .253.
      2. Guzman has terrific defense, and just average offense would make him very valuable.

      Yes I agree with jun being up in 2 years, and moving Solak around, but I think Santana should play 2nd though.

      Reply
    • Steviefigs

      5 years ago

      Totally agree! And I know it would never happen but I would love to see them swing a deal with the A’s for Chapman. And put Solak at 2nd. Odor is killing the lineup.

      Reply
  17. BigTuna

    5 years ago

    Sort of puzzled. Our Halos have one of the worst bullpens I had ever seen last season. Yes, there was a lot of guys who had to step in due to injuries, but in my opinion, Angles need a complete bullpen overhaul. Really thinking/hoping several moves are still coming unless Eppler is trying to lose his job on purpose. The bullpen looking a lot worse than the starting staff currently. Worrisome.

    Reply
    • macstruts

      5 years ago

      The Angels have one of the worst bullpens? Don’t get me wrong, I wish the Angels would add another BP arm, But Robles, Bedrosian, Buttrey, Pena, Ramierz and Middleton are far from the “worst” BP.

      They all miss bats, they all strike out more than a batter an inning, no one has control issues and everyone but Pena keeps the ball in the park, which is why he’s the only one with a negative ERA+. at 99. The others are 184, 141, 114, 114, And Middleton is back and his lifetime ERA+ is 134.

      This is one of the best bullpens they have had in a long time. Granted, that’s a very low bar, but this pen looks more than satisfactory to me.

      1
      Reply
    • MrAngelFan

      5 years ago

      @GoHalos42 If Middleton can stay healthy, the bullpen is one of the better ones. The Angels had the best bullpen ERAs in the early going. The entire starting pitching staff was injured and the bullpen was overused throughout the year.. The bullpen will benefit from having reliable inning eaters like Teheran and Bundy.. Provided Middleton is healthy, , this will be one of the better bullpens in the AL. Middleton, Bedrosian, Buttrey, are solid and will hold the lead.. Robles has the best entrance as a closer that I have ever seen. He backed it up with substance. The bullpen is much better than you think and will be further advanced by having reliable inning eaters, better pitching coach and manager, and another year of experience.

      1
      Reply
    • dirkg

      5 years ago

      Keep in mind this past season the bullpen was TAXED having carried so many games up to the all star break. I actually think the bullpen is a plus on this 2020 team. I think the Coaching staff is above avg, bullpen is above avg, defense is above avg, hitting is def above avg, now the Halos need one more starter to at least be average rotation. Even with an avg rotation, given their listed strengths, they could do some damage in 2020. Eppler, now go trade for an arm!!

      1
      Reply
      • BigTuna

        5 years ago

        All great points tbh. I guess I just don’t trust the Bedrosians and Noe Ramirez’s of the world. Would rather have some veteran relievers who can get guys out in crucial situations.

        Reply
      • Rudy Zolteck

        5 years ago

        This, the bullpen put up a great effort and were putting up a good showing until the later months came around. People don’t seem to get that.

        1
        Reply
  18. jb19

    5 years ago

    I knew Jeff Mathis didn’t hit very well, but a 2 wRC is an indication that the player shouldn’t play in the majors. I don’t care how good the defense is

    Reply
    • Rangers29

      5 years ago

      The only reason I don’t HATE Mathis is because I expect NOTHING from him, so if he gets any sort of hit, I am happy.

      Reply
    • MrAngelFan

      5 years ago

      @Jb19 I have no idea how Jeff Mathjs is still in the league. I know he is a defense first guy, but he just was not very good for the Angels. Somehow he has declined even more.

      Reply
  19. Rangers29

    5 years ago

    The Rangers need to go get Marte instead of Arenado just because of price and prospect haul. Also, if we get Marte we have more flexibility, and we can move Santana to 2nd, and Solak to 1st or 3rd. then go get Chirinos for catcher and I will be happy.

    1
    Reply
  20. BenjiB24

    5 years ago

    I’m getting a little tired of the Mariners targeting guys on one year deals so that they can flip them in the middle of the season. I thought highly of Dipoto during the beginning of the rebuild but he’s beginning to let me down as of late. He doesn’t want to win now. I’m not going to stick around if they plan on waiting 3-4 years to put a winning team on the field. First he said he wanted to build around Haniger and now there’s talk of him as a possible trade piece. Seager wants to be traded because they dont plan on winning any time soon. I thought they were going to have one stepback season and then start winning. That seems to have changed. The fans have already been waiting for 18 years to get back into the playoffs. The last thing we want to hear from Scott Servais and Jerry Dipoto is “be patient” for another three years. This isn’t the 90’s, a team doesn’t need to take 4 years to rebuild especially when the Mariners have all that available payroll moving forward. I’m disappointed. They should have picked up some top notch pitching

    Reply
    • dirkg

      5 years ago

      As an M fan, you should be tired of it. Front offices are seeing the “1) tank, 2) build, 3) win” strategy doesn’t always work. And if it does, the teams are very soon faced with a crop of talented players they can’t afford. Ask the Cubs and Astros. How about the 2015 Royals? The As and Ray’s have figuring it out. The Indians are learning to adjust on the fly. Going into 2020, theres no reason to tank…there are several successful models that can show teams how to stay competitive.

      1
      Reply
  21. houkenflouken

    5 years ago

    Here’s to hoping the M’s can win 72 games this year lol

    I just hope we don’t do a total tank job like we did last year. Try to win a little bit ya know? Draft picks are nice and I know we’re rebuilding but try to teach the kids how to win a little bit and KEEP HANIGER UNTIL THE DEADLINE PLS

    Reply
  22. DD martin

    5 years ago

    Another long terrible season in Seattle with little hope for the future. Go M’s

    Reply
  23. Tim Stewart

    5 years ago

    This is the reason fans of other teams fail to fully understand why replacing the starting rotation from last year can make such a world of difference. Last years rotation had so many negative effects. Sandoval finished strong but was not allowed to go 5. Canning was shut down Skaggs was gone. no one was there to give innings. The era of the starters vs relievers is skewed do to starting types pitching just as bad in relief and relievers used as openers It was like bullpen day all the time at the end of the year..

    1
    Reply
  24. GreenWood Porter

    5 years ago

    How is losing Wade Miley a serious hit to the Astros rotation when he wasn’t even on the playoff roster? Getting back McCullers more than makes up for losing him, the only starter they will miss is Cole.

    Reply

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