What do you mean that he didn't know when he would play? Pretty sure the staff communicated with him and every series he knew who would be starting which game.
There isn't any high end quality available at CF IMO. Reynolds is probably top billing but he isn't even consider to remain long term at CF. From what I've seen Pirates aren't asking a fair price for him even though he has asked for a trade. The rest of the CF rumored on the market are not much for a bat thus far in their career but are nice gloves. I don't really know what the new shift rules will entail but I would have to think having an elite defensive center fielder will carry more weight than in the past couple seasons. I be won't surprised if the Astros don't determine there is a younger center fielder elsewhere that will fill that void a few months into the season. In the meantime what we have on the roster will make do if they don't surprise either for better or worse.
https://theathletic.com/4019710/2022/12/19/mlb-offseason-trades-dodgers/ Rays, Jays were in on Brantley The day the Rays announced their signing of right-hander Zach Eflin, president of baseball operations Erik Neander all but signaled he was interested in free-agent outfielder Michael Brantley. “I think for us adding another player, that’s a rebound candidate, or a breakthrough candidate, I don’t know how much appeal it has relative to someone that has much more of a consistency to them, and a recent track record of success,” Neander said. “Because I think that’s what this group probably needs most is someone that has demonstrated that and frankly, for the younger players, can take some of the attention and the expectations off of them.” As it turned out, the Rays indeed pursued Brantley, who turns 36 on May 15 and is a .296 hitter in 54 career postseason games. So did the Blue Jays, who also targeted Brantley the last time he was a free agent two years ago. Brantley returned to the Astros that winter on a two-year, $32 million deal. This time, he agreed to a one-year, $12 million contract with $4 million in incentives. Presumably, the Astros are confident Brantley will pass his physical. He underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a labrum tear in his right shoulder in August and missed the rest of the season. Latest on Conforto Some of the teams considering free-agent outfielder Michael Conforto are concerned about his ability to throw at full strength, citing the surgery he underwent on his right shoulder last April. If Conforto requires time at designated hitter, he might be less attractive to clubs that want more of a full-time outfielder. Boras, however, said Conforto is throwing at 150 feet, putting him ahead of players who are just starting to get ready for the season. The Rangers, seeking an impact bat in left field, are among the teams with interest, along with the Mets and Blue Jays, major-league sources said. Another left-handed hitting option for those clubs: David Peralta, who at 35 is more than 5 1/2 years older than Conforto but remains an above-average hitter with a reputation as a winning player. In general, left-handed hitting outfielders are in less plentiful supply than in the past. Outside of Juan Soto, Peralta and Andrew Benintendi were the best ones traded at the deadline. One executive speculated that the shortage contributed to the Red Sox giving Japanese outfielder Masataka Yoshida $90 million. • And finally, the Diamondbacks are seeking a right-handed hitting infielder in trade discussions involving their left-handed hitting center fielders. They also have been in the mix for a free agent who would fit their desired profile, Brandon Drury. As always, one phone call could change everything. But no trade is expected before the new year.
This is one reason I was surprised to read all the rhetoric about Alvarez playing more LF. I think the shift ban will make OF defense (especially speed/range) more valuable, so an OF of Tucker/Meyers/McCormick would have been one of the best in the league defensively. It’s also why I would have preferred Conforto to Brantley (assuming the costs were close, which it doesn’t look like they will be).
If he did would it makes any actual difference? I get the thought of knowing where it comes from is interesting but to me it's like when you go to a really nice restaurant that you trust and they have a special on some type of fancy entree and the waiter says it's excellent, I just go ahead and order it. I don't ask him who the chef is, where did they get the meat? Who dreamed up the recipe or any of that I just eat it up. As long add its good I say thanks and plan on another visit. Sorry Nook for comparing you to a restaurant.
Agreed and I don't want you to. I enjoy your insight and information. That likely all goes away if you out someone. That's no good for you or any of us.
Yeah well I talked to Jim Craine's daughter's cousin's best friend's godfather's bartender the other day and they said "Sorry, I can't serve you any more than 27 glasses of scotch, go home." So I'm pretty much an insider and they told me I could tell everyone.
So there were 3 areas of need (LF/DH, 1B, C) we tried to address this free agency and we successfully accomplished 2 of them with flying colors. I would say the offseason has been a success. I think it will be fairly easy to sign another Odorizzi type starter for depth and the backup catcher if they still deem it necessary.
The Brewers have an above average system and their list featured 6 1st round picks and 7 2nd round picks. For comparison, Houston’s list will likely feature 3 1st round picks (Gilbert, Whitley, Lee) and 5 2nd round picks (Melton, Perez, Santos, Taylor, and Kessinger).
