I don't think Price is all that unrealistic, but it may be wishful thinking. Let's not forget that they did all they could to take on Hamels' contract. They thought they needed another big arm, and, given the way the season is shaking out (I realize starting pitching hasn't really been the problem), I don't think anything has happened to change their minds. I personally would rather have Price at 30mill/season than Kazmir at 15mill/season. It would be strange to see his salary at 2x-3x any other player on the roster, but that's what happens when you're more or less in an unprecedented position of being in contention while almost all of your talent is controllable, and looking for splashy additions. Even if Price at 30mill/year for 6 or 7 years somehow turns into a "bad" contract, it hardly matters - it would take that and 2 other gargantuan contracts to even approach a $150 million payroll. Giving him that now, while our window of contention has just been cranked wide open, makes all the sense in the world, it's just a matter of Crane being willing to spend. When considering next year's rotation, erase Appel from your minds. Regardless of whether or not you think the book is closed on him, there's no chance in hell that he's opening the season as a starting pitcher on the big league club. We are entering next season with a world series in mind. Appel is a complete non-factor right now.
The pen was top 5 for most of the season. It probably still is. We have some pretty unrealistic expectations if we think every pen can be what KC's is, and repeat it every year. Yes, I'd still be happy to get a closer, but I think bats are a higher priority. 1. Stud bat. Can be OF, 1B, 3B...we can accommodate and shift. 2a. If #1 doesn't figure out 1B, then figure out 1B--bring someone in to compete with Reed/Singleton/et al and then see what shakes out in the spring 2b If #1 doesn't figure out OF, then figure out OF--whether that's Rasmus back as #3 with Marisnick playing a lot as #4...or something else. Don't need a worldbeater (if you found one at another position already), but need someone at least as good as Rasmus. 3. Rotation. Lots to figure out. Keuchel, McCullers, McHugh, Feldman, VV is solid across the board (+Appel, etc. coming), but it sure would be nice to have another complete badass to throw out there. If you believe McCullers will be that guy next year, then go for it. The more we see, the less I think Kazmir needs to be back. Roll with what you got or make a move for someone even better. I think an offseason trade makes more sense than a ridiculous FA contract, given the pieces in the system still. 4. Bullpen last. If you accomplish the above and haven't broken the bank or the prospect list, then sure go after a Kimbrel again. But I'd rather incrementally improve the pen if deciding between this and the above priorities
theres no reason why we cant spend at least 50mil this offseason. We are still at the bottom of payrolls and we have a competitive team now, so no reason why he doesnt open his checkbook. give us price and upton and we will be loaded next season. Price Keuchel Lance Colin Fiers Thats a world series rotation
I want Carter, Valbuena, Villar, and anyone else who's batting below .230 gone next year. As for the bullpen, well Qualls, and whatever.
lets stock up on bullpen help, make a run at price and promote reed to 1b. If we can get Colby at a good deal then go for it, if not throw some money at upton.
maybe a disciplined hitter? we have a 21 year old rookie batting 3rd, we need to get a high average hitter. BULLPEN BULLPEN should be key.
Yea we just need a better DH. Bullpen is clearly number 1 priority, I think we have a nice core so not too many changes needed offensively.
David Price NOOOO.. dude is a coward, he got up in the bullpen in game 4 of the rangers series when the jays were leading 7-1. That looks like a guy to me who was trying intentionally to make himself unavailable to start game 5. An ace should want the ball in game 5, price has lost 7 straight in the postseason
