https://theathletic.com/3188263/202...-were-so-different-than-with-freddie-freeman/ Information from major-league sources: • The Braves might seem a fit for free-agent shortstop Carlos Correa, considering that Dansby Swanson is eligible to hit the open market after this season. But the chances of the Braves actually engaging with Correa appear minimal. Ronald Acuña is unlikely to play the field until June as he recovers from surgery to repair a torn right ACL, leaving the Braves short one and possibly two outfielders. The team, even after signing free-agent reliever Collin McHugh, also would like to add additional pitching help. • The Reds, rather than continue to reduce payroll, intend to keep right-handers Luis Castillo and Tyler Mahle, and add free agents with some of the money they saved in various deals. The team’s payroll, per Fangraphs, currently stands at $90.1 million. • Teams are asking the Orioles about outfielders Cedric Mullins and Austin Hays, but a trade involving either is unlikely. Both Mullins and Hays are under club control for four more seasons. While the Orioles, like most clubs, will listen to any proposal, they want to get a clearer picture of how their rebuilding plan is progressing before considering trades of their better players.
So Judge might not be playing in home games and Toronto games this year due to not having the vaccine. I saw a comment that says that puts him at around 70 games which is on par with his injury history.
Chafin to the Tigers. I kind of wanted him but oh well. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/03/tigers-to-sign-andrew-chafin.html
Reasons to be optimistic: Neris essentially replaces Graveman in the set up role. His ERA+ was a full run better in the 8th inning than the ninth. Verlander is back. McCullers may not start the season, but it's how you FINISH that counts the most. The young pitchers have another year of experience. Position questions limited to SS, CF and C. Maldenado will play for defensive reasons, so realistically we have two open positions for the MiLB guys to shoot for. I'm really hoping Cristian Javier gets a starting spot to open the season. No need to rush McCullers back or overtax Verlander. If we get Correa back, Bregman has a 2019, Alvarez get on a roll, Brantley shakes off the end of his 2021season and Tucker comes close to 2021, we'll be sitting pretty.
I’d say In that situation you are more than pretty . But yeah . Bringing Correa back is such a huge inflection point . In one case you are counting on Pena , in the other you have him as ammo . You have enough depth for sure to get to the ASB and you have plenty of ammo to make moves going forward .(Pitching side ) hope those starters come on strong . I feel real good about Garcia , kiddy , and framber . Javier I like as a 2-3 inning guy at his best , but maybe he can start as a 5 inning guy early on , then we shut him down for a little while and he transitions to that role again . or maybe his arm has gotten better . there prolly is no exact science for bringing along pitchers minimizing injury risk . I dare to dream on tucker . He hits .370 this year . Are they really taking out the shift !? I kinda hope not . It is what it is . But ... tucker and yordan might have their averages pop up 30-40 points . They lace a fair number of singles to that spot . If not pitchers adjust and their walks go up ? The shift , analytically has been benefitting defenses no ? What is going on ? also , who is our pitching coach ?
