I think they will want to add another arm to the pen. Britton could be low cost coming back from injury and is a proven high-leverage reliever. That is why I like him. I don't think they will spend more than $4-5M though.
I think the Astros should bring back Mancini. He really looks to fit in and brings a RH power bat behind Tucker the team needs ( and Tucker needs) With 5 of 13 position player spots being FA its not practical to fill all of them with veterans. At least 2 of the spots will likely go to rookies/unproven young players. I think Hensley has a big opportunity to replace Diaz due to his versatility. Matijevic also has an advantage since he is the only LH hitter among the candidates, though I like Taylor Jones' defense better. I feel like the organization does not see J.J. as more than a DH and possible 1B. I think the Astros think their long term CF is in the organization, whether that is Meyers, Leon, Barber, Gilbert, Melton or someone else. Because of that I do not see them bringing in a FA CF except possibly a 1-2 year bridge guy. No big name that will be looking for 3+ years. I expect Meyers and Leon to battle for the spot in the spring with a veteran brought in to push them ( like they did with Brinson this year and Souza last year). I see a very similar situation at catcher with K.Lee and a marginal veteran. Berryhill and Diaz could be included but would really need to impress behind the plate to win that battle. I think Chas has earned a roster spot, though it is likely platoon LF and 4th OF. Him in that role is actually very strong for the Astros My prediction for the 13: Maldy, Altuve, Bregman, Pena, Chas, Tucker, Alvarez already givens. Dubon has earned a spot too. B/u C) I predict a veteran Ibhaven't thought of wins and Lee starts the season back at AAA if he isn't traded. 1B) I think they will resign Mancini. CF) I think Meyers is finally completely recovered from the shoulder injury and shows his 2021 form. Leon goes back to AAA but plays quite a bit later in the year due to injury or if Chas or Meyers are traded in season. Hensley wins a bench spot replacing Diaz. Matijevic gets the final spot backing up Mancini and DH vs RHP when Yordan plays LF.
Among the rookies we might depend on, I think Yainer Diaz makes a lot of sense at 1B & possibly backup catcher. Hensley should get some ABs in September to see if he can fill Diaz's role. I think they'll keep Kory Lee at AAA getting regular playing time. Chas should definitely be the 4th OF. Offensively he'd be a good platoon with Tyler Naquin. Factoring in defense though, Kevin Kiermaier is a great fit. I like Adam Duvall the most though because he has experience at 1B, so he has the most potential flexibility for us, especially if we don't sign a 1B.
And to be clear, the Yankees have the most valuable franchise. They should be capable of spending more than other franchises. - This is how they established dynasties and hid players in their minors when there were no restrictions. It created a competitive imbalance. It is the reason for FA and CBT. It started looking like the Harlem Globetrotters vs The Washington Generals. And expansion made it even worse.
2023: 7 players under contract: Maldy $5M, Altuve $23.357M, Bregman $20M, Alvarez $19.167M, McCullers $17M, Pressly $15M, Neris $8.5M. $108.024M total. Agree with 6 players arb eligible: Tucker $8M, Framber $7.5M, Stanek $5M, Javier $2M, Urquidy $2M, Dubon $1.2M Other arb eligible non tendered: James, Maton, Bielak. $25.7M total. Garcia made $1.2M in 2022 despite not yet arb eligible. Let's say he gets $1.5M. 10 players not yet arb eligible. ( K.Lee, Pena, McCormick, Meyers, 2 bench spots, Taylor, S.Martinez, Abreu, 1 bullpen spot) $.72M is min. Let's say $7.5M total. $2.25M 40 man minors $1.668 1-3 yr bonus pool. $16.5M "benefits" $1.25M Mancini and Smith buy outs. Equals: $164.392. Sign JV = 3yr/$120M Sign Mancini 3yr/$45M $55M Payroll: $219.392 CBT threshold $232M $12.608M available for another bat or bullpen arm or to use at trade deadline.
Man. I really can’t wait to see Mancini in the postseason. He’s just got IT. Hopefully Dusty plays him everyday.
Every time I heard "Tucker extends" I had a brief moment of pure joy. Then they said "his hitting streak" and, while I should still be happy, was a little deflated.
It's time Yordan is considered a LF who DHs a couple of times per week, not a DH who plays LF a couple of times per week. I would love to see a platoon with him and Chas in LF next year. 2023: Vs RHP Altuve 2B Bregman 3B Yordan LF Mancini 1B/DH Tucker RF Pena SS Matijevic ( or veteran LH power bat) DH/1B Meyers/Leon CF Maldy/K.Lee C Vs LHP Altuve 2B Bregman 3B Yordan DH Mancini 1B Tucker RF McCormick LF Pena SS Meyers/Leon CF Maldy/K Lee C
Playoff roster. 13 position players: ( assuming these players are healthy and Meyers has lost any chance) C) Maldy and Vazquez Inf) Yuli, Altuve, Alex, Pena OF) Yordan, Chas, Tucker DH) Mancini. A.Diaz is a lock and Dubon is the only backnup for CF so they make the roster. ( Tucker has not played an inning in CF this year and the organization has said over and over they won't play him there) That leaves 1 spot. Matijevic, Y.Diaz, and Hensley. Who gets the spot and why?
My guess is Y. Diaz. There may be games where they consider pinch hitting Vazquez earlier in a game for Maldy so having an emergency catcher makes that decision easier. Might also consider having Vazquez DH some in the playoffs with Diaz on the roster. Lets see if they have Vazquez DH some in September.
That leaves 1 spot. Matijevic, Y.Diaz, and Hensley. Who gets the spot and why?[/QUOTE] 13 Play-off Position Players Catchers Catcher: M Maldonado Bench Catcher: C Vázquez Infielders 1st Base: Y Diaz / Y Gurriel (defensive replacement) 2nd Base: J Altuve Short Stop: J Pena 3rd Base: A Bregman Bench Infielder: A Diaz Bats Designated Hitter: Y Alvarez / T Mancini Bench Bat: Y Gurriel / Y Diaz Outfielders Left Field: T Mancini / Y Alvarez Center Field: C McCormick Right Field: K Tucker Bench Out Fielder: M Dubon
Small sample size alert, Will Smith has gone 17 batters without walking anybody (only 2 total since we got him) and has a 3.27 ERA with us. His struggles were because he couldn't find the strike zone. I'm not throwing a party for our newfound weapon, but it's very promising results for a guy who is postseason proven. Also, in a case of relievers make no sense, Phil Maton has been pitching well, and he's sucked at the same time. Maton's ERA on July 13 was 3.65, with a 5.58 FIP Since then Maton has an awful 5.40 ERA...and a 1.86 FIP
