pdub said:
I'd do it in a heartbeat. Reasons why:
-Shields has a 3.77ERA so far. Let's assume it balloons up to 4.77 coming to the AL. I'd still take that for the #5 slot.
-Letting go of Sandoval creates flexibility. He stinks defensively but doesn't have the body to play somewhere else.
-Might allow us to play Hanley at 3B, then give Castillo or Bradley a chance. Infield defense would still need work but its not like Sandoval has been that great with the glove.
-I don't want Sandoval to become the next Ortiz-type player, in that the DH spot will be reserved for him. I'd like more flexibility once Ortiz retires.
Sandoval for Shields and about $10M to split the salary difference? I'd do it.
Agreed, Pablo for Shields and I'd toss in up to $20MM ($5MM/yr over next 4 years)
Brock Holt becomes our 3rd basemen. He has earned a shot to have a starting position and suspect he will work his ass off this off-season to become a decent glove at the corner (ala Xander). Look for a new super utility guy this off season.
Hanley gets the first base glove and gives it a shot the rest of the season.
Bradley gets another shot in RF (he's earned it this season. No sulking @AAA, just producing). Rusney gets some time in LF.
Go get Gray, don't care if it costs a combo of Swihart, Owens, Edro, Brian Johnson, Margot, Guerra. A's potentially in sell mode. If no Gray, then shake down the Indians for Kluber or Sale/Quintana from White Sox. Use the farm, stop being precious here.
Pay Cueto or Greinke. Rotation by committee was a failed experiment. We need an Ace, want an Alpha dog, t-shirts proclaiming Ace status is cute, but doesn't cut it for a $200MM payroll.
Vasquez/Hannigan catchers for 2016, want excellent defense from catcher. Maybe Vasquez can get some at bats at DH this season. Plays DH in winter ball.
See what we can get for Koji from a contender (saves $$$ to secure the Ace we need) Try Taz at closer and Kelly in high leverage situations. Barnes and Hembree get time.
DFA/trade Napoli, Victorino, Masterson. Time to cut bait, and use MLB time for guys that will be here in '16
2016 Dream rotation: Gray, Cueto, Clay, Shields, Porcello or Miley #5 or #6... Edro/Owens/Johnson #7/8