Hot Stove Thread 2014-15

IMHO, with Detroit primed for a decline, the White Sox and Indians (if Cleveland's young starting pitching improves) will contend for the AL Central title. Wouldn't be surprised in the least if Kansas City plummets to fourth place.

 

They could use another bat more than another pitcher, but either would help.

I really hope they keep Castillo. Montero/Castillo works really well as a platoon, with Montero getting most of the work because he hits righties. Montero/generic scrubby backup C isn't really much improvement.

 

Rick, I could be wrong but hasn't the White Sox farm system been held in low regard in recent years? Any insight on the prospects they gave to Oakland?

 

So the Cubs' Opening Day starting lineup right now would be:

C: Montero
1B: Rizzo
2B: Baez
3B: Bryant(?)
SS: Castro
LF: Coghlan
CF: Alcantara
RF: Soler

So they'd want maybe another outfielder?

 

Oops. Sorry. I realize now you were referring to the Cubs.

 

Some of those guys might need some more seasoning. Maybe 2017.

 

If it was anyone other than Beane, I'd wonder if they've gone rogue and are actively hurting the organization on purpose.

But he's got a little bit of credit built up in the "right when everyone thinks he is wrong" account, so I hope for A's fans' sakes that's what is happening.

 

All were in the majors by the end of last year except Bryant.

 

Yeah but you can't start that competing window too early. Otherwise the moment won't be right.

 

Bryant starts at AAA with Valbuena at 3b (criminally underrated guy) until the service time dates have passed, but otherwise that looks like the lineup.

LF seems like the most obvious place to try to find another bat, probably via trade. I wouldn't completely rule out 3b and Bryant plays LF when he comes up. And I really wouldn't mind if they found another home for Baez. He's got off-the-charts potential, but he's also capable of being completely terrible, and I'd rather not risk it.

 

Yeah, Baez could be the next Dan Uggla, in both a good way and a bad way.

 

Sorry.