Flash

Mid-high 80s. We tend to forget Mercedes carried the offensive load for the first 2 mos. last year. Of course we have reason to be optimistic about the offense but w/o Lynn, the rotation is very shaky. Very important for Cease to continue to progress and for Gio to take the next step as a TOR starter. If Kopech turns into the stud many here believe he will become (I'm not overly confident), then the win total could be higher but a lot of dynamics will have to converge and there is obviously significant injury risk.

I think some of the luster has worn off w/Gore. The expectations were lofty but he hasn't progressed as many hoped. The thing I've noticed about the Padres is their MILB guys get a lot of hype (similar to Yankees) but never seem to live up to it. Will see what happens with Abrams who is a Top 10 prospect and likely to make the team if not start at SS. Vaughn would be a great fit in SD but I'd want a lot more than Gore.

The point of the $30M in cash is to offset Hosmers contract. At $7.5/yr he can DH vs RH, similar to Sheets and provide solid defense at 1B if needed. Paddock and Weathers would inject some young arms with upside (especially Weathers). I'd be inclined to do it.

Would be interesting to see how other teams value him. The big spenders who could take on his contract are all either set at 3B and/or looking for pitchers themselves.

Barring an unforeseen FA acquisition or trade, both Vaughn and Eloy will be in the everyday lineup. One will be in the OF and one will DH (except in certain handed matchups). Sounds as though you prefer Eloy in the OF (vs. DH). I believe that would be a mistake...not for 'fear of injury' but because Vaughn is a better fielder and, like you said, 'you put the best players on the field'

I suppose they could child-proof the protective netting and install padding behind the warning track as an alternative but, until they do, I prefer Vaughn in LF.

I would have Eloy DH only. Vaughn in LF and combo of Sheets, Engel and Leury in RF based on matchups. Eloy is a defensive liability and injury risk to himself and others.

Could also be general lack of interest by teams to sign him at anywhere near his/Boras' asking price causing the holdup. We can speculate on the reasons but sometimes Occams razor is the best explanation.

Whatever Boras' motives might be, it would appear Hahn is among the vast majority of GMs who have concluded Comforto is not worth the ask. You are correct about the polarizing nature of his '21 season which cannot be ignored, and to this point, it appears other teams are making allowances for a possible trend and overweighting it in their analysis. Guessing the drama will play itself out tomorrow or Wed. I'd love to get him at 3years/$18-20M AAV. I'd revert to the combo platter if Boras wants much more.

You might be right but aren't you the least bit concerned, at least 'til this point, no other team appears willing to pony up?

Flash here. No relation to Mr. Tizzle.

Yep.

I wonder if there is a base case salary below which Boras won't entertain and no team feels Comforto is worth? Could it be (for whatever reason) there is zero market for him?

Right there with ya

I would like us to sign him but can make allowances for those who question how much he is worth relative to a Vaughn/Sheets/Engel platoon. The argument being he provides better defense (although Engel would likely cover the latter innings when leading). Offensively, its less obvious.

Ron Darling calling Mets game on MLBN suggested Comforto could return to the Mets on a 1-year prove-it deal. He also stipulated the risk to Comforto of potentially being platooned w/Canha and making it difficult to maximize the opportunity.

Coming into focus....1) no Comforto signing; 2) Kimbrel breaks camp and will be given every oppty to restore trade value, and 3) Collins breaks camp as BU catcher. To the extent there is a roster addition, guessing a trade for a pitcher involving a package of MILBs led by Burger +++

I'm convinced Hahn knows Comforto can be had under a relatively affordable deal. I also believe it might have less to do with the marginal contract terms and more to do with his (and others in FO) view that a Vaughn, Sheets, Engel/Leury combo in RF actually represent better cost/value than Comforto. The key here is Sheets since he starts out as the strong side of the platoon. It strikes me TLR has affection for Sheets and might be in Hahns ear. Personally, I'm okay w/the combo platter as long as Vaughn doesn't get cheated out of ABs but, if we don't spend on Comforto (seems unlikely at this time), I'll be disappointed if we don't bring in a mid-TOR rotation piece (any of the M boys, Montas, Manea, Means), and a backup catcher.

Padres are rich in Catchers and Caratini would be a good get.

I'd like us to sign Comforto but, ideally, a short-term (3yr) deal at < $20/per. If '21 was an anomaly and he bouces back strong, include an opt-out. I'm starting to think he might fall to us under those terms. If he holds out for a longer deal and/or greater AAV, I'd prefer we trade for a pitcher and back-up catcher and call it a day.

Crickets on Comforto's market

Notwithstanding Bryants deal, I'm starting to think Comforto might go for a 3yr w/opt out after 1st or 2nd yr. Maybe 3/$54-60 ish? Sox might be flying under the radar here.

Because your trying to lose?

I don't take anything on a fan site seriously. I just get a kick out of the know it alls who make rediculous proclamations as though they are entitled to a point of view as long as they sound assertive. I acknowledged BTV was off on Moncada (since corrected) but I actually think its a great site and find their surplus value analysis quite credible but then who needs independent perspective when you can just make empty pronouncements.

right on cue