Either could easily share the duties with Hanley to keep them both fresh. I'm in the camp that Hanely - provided the pics are legit and he's dropped some bulk - will be perfectly fine at 1B. Many here don't agree with that, so I can see the skepticism, but I'm in the boat that that kind of situation would work quite well. I'm just not sure I want them to spend $35-40M or more on a DH/1B combo.
It's just a rumor, one a year ahead of time, and frankly i don't really buy it. The one highly ranked non pitching prospect that is near major league ready happens to play first base, and we've got a much less heralded guy who is just as cost controlled. A lot can happen in a year, but I really don't think another big FA signing makes a ton of sense.
On the one hand, I agree - it is very early to be having this discussion, and I'm not certain a splashy free agent is necessary to replace Ortiz's production (his position in the 'field' would seem spoken for). That said, though, I think signing Encarnacion or Bautista would absolutely be consistent with what we've seen from Dombrowski so far. It is early in his tenure, but it seems like - this offseason, at least - he would rather just go out and pay for an elite player even if the cost is high rather than spend less on a lesser or riskier player in the name of maximizing value. Need a starter? Break the bank for one of the best of the last few years. Need a closer? Give up two highly-touted prospects for one of the best of the last few years. I'd even argue that Chris Young is a "better" fourth outfielder than this team needs.
Good point on Dombrowski's general MO, but if last year's pre-injury Hanley is real, I don't know how you beat that for pure power hitting. And unless Henry is comfortable joining the Dodgers off the deep end of the spending pool, I have to think we're about to stop pulling from the top ranks of the FA classes and start spending on extending some of these kids instead. 2016 should be about auditioning the Travises for a regular 1b job.
This is why I was saying it's early to have this discussion, as there are a lot of "known unknowns" with this situation. Sure, maybe Hanley's power surge from last April will return and maybe the move to first keeps him mostly healthy. I'll be honest - I have no idea what to expect out of him going forward. The projection systems have him as "basically Mike Napoli," which I'd be okay with. But I don't have a lot of confidence in that outcome.
I would argue that this year's acquisitions are a response to this team's needs, two last place finishes, and David Ortiz' last season.
Like I said, we only have a few months to go on, so I might be speaking too soon. But at the same time, I don't think Ben Cherington would have made those moves, even after two last-place finishes, even with that pitching staff, and even with Ortiz announcing his retirement. And I think the reasons for that go beyond John Henry loosening the purse strings. EDIT TO CLARIFY: that I don't mean this as a knock against either person, just saying that I think they operate differently.
That list of pitchers is less than thrilling. I think I'll revenue that portion of my statement based on additional info.
Well .. It's not likely they'll have a choice between the two. Odds are pretty good one gets re-signed .. Bautista is the better player but EE will be easier to sign methinks. I bet they take a run at Bautista .. With EE as the fall back.
Living in Canada and being exposed to post game interviews after every game, I agree it would be hard to cheer for Bautista. I want no part of him. EE I wouldn't mind, but as others have pointed out, not sure we need him.
I mean - he was on the MLB Network with Millar once during Intentional Talk, and the dude didn't even crack a smile, and gave stock answers.
