I don't think we'll see the MadBum/Ryu and Donaldson signings but I think we may still see one or the other. Pitching is still the main focus at this point, but I'm very interested to see how they fill out the corner infield. Most of the first basement available are platoon guys and I'd really hope we wouldn't move Sano off third base for someone like Todd Frazier. 

I think maybe a more realistic idea is that they pass up MadBum and Ryu (which will cause panic) and sign something like Keuchel and Donaldson. They can still explore the trade market at this point as well as still have a few million for the bullpen. I just can't see a scenario where they push $150 million unfortunately, even though if there's ever a time to do it, it's now.

Most of the first basement available are platoon guys and I'd really hope we wouldn't move Sano off third base for someone like Todd Frazier. 

 

I think maybe a more realistic idea is that they pass up MadBum and Ryu (which will cause panic) and sign something like Keuchel and Donaldson. They can still explore the trade market at this point as well as still have a few million for the bullpen. I just can't see a scenario where they push $150 million unfortunately, even though if there's ever a time to do it, it's now.

I specifically noted Frazier on Twitter as being a hard no. He's a marginal defender at this point, and isn't a good OPS guy with awful OBP's. There's zero reason to move Sano for a borderline worse option at 3B.

Keuchel doesn't make a ton of sense with groundball tendencies and poor infield defense. They still are going to grab another pitcher though. Donaldson does make sense, but that interest may be overstated.

Also, $35MM from where they are right now would be roughly $135MM total. That should be the baseline of where they begin 2020.

As much as I'd like to agree with you, I'm expecting barely a ripple. I don't see them cutting a big check for pitching and there seemingly aren't any needle-movers available via trade ... and if they were, would they give up any prospects for them?

I'm withholding FO judgment because they seem to know how to find and develop talent, but I their ability to supplement the big league pitching staff hasn't impressed me so far.

A SP is an obvious need, but they also need an infielder and Donaldson would be a great choice. That would help their infield defense, which is below average. Another way to improve the defense is to get a SS. How about Gregorius? He is an awesome defender and can hold his own with the bat. I think an infield of Arraez at 3B, Didi at SS, Polanco at 2B and Sano at 1B would be a better infield than what they had last year. I think 2B would be Polanco's best defensive position and he would have more range than Arraez. Thoughts? I have not heard much about what it might take to sign Didi.

The team has to make a decision on moving Sano to 1B. I wish i knew more about how he would handle poor throws at first, as that seems to be our forte. Sano is headed to first or DH sooner or later. He could maybe have squeezed by at third in the old format of baseball. But the shifts have changed the requirements for the position. They just cannot keep putting this IF out there and succeed. I don't know if it's Didi or not, but anything that moves Polanco away from SS improves the teams defense.

A SP is an obvious need, but they also need an infielder and Donaldson would be a great choice. That would help their infield defense, which is below average. Another way to improve the defense is to get a SS. How about Gregorius? He is an awesome defender and can hold his own with the bat. I think an infield of Arraez at 3B, Didi at SS, Polanco at 2B and Sano at 1B would be a better infield than what they had last year. I think 2B would be Polanco's best defensive position and he would have more range than Arraez. Thoughts? I have not heard much about what it might take to sign Didi.

I think they probably avoid signing a SS with Lewis still trending in that direction. Didi also is being hotly pursued by the Reds it seems. I like the idea of getting Jorge lateral help on that side with a 3B possessing more range though.

The team has to make a decision on moving Sano to 1B. I wish i knew more about how he would handle poor throws at first, as that seems to be our forte. Sano is headed to first or DH sooner or later. He could maybe have squeezed by at third in the old format of baseball. But the shifts have changed the requirements for the position. They just cannot keep putting this IF out there and succeed. I don't know if it's Didi or not, but anything that moves Polanco away from SS improves the teams defense.

While Jorge's throws were certainly the most problematic in the infield last year, it is worth noting that Sano contributed plenty and would not be in that spot if playing 1B. Imagine the footwork and scooping would absolutely take time though.