poppysox

As I said...the 26th man won't see much action. Serving as a backup to that days starting catcher or PH when we need a bomb is probably as useful as anyone. I like both Delmonico and Cuthbert...but whoever it is...not going to play much. There will probably be some late Spring trade or injury to clear things up a bit.

Ricky not trying very hard to put this one in the W column.

I agree. Strong behind the plate is a great asset. They both will be improved for more rest. It is a really long season what with the beating any catcher absorbs.

I'm thinking when we get down by 3 or 4 runs there will be no reason to feel the game can't be won. I think starting pitching will be somewhere better than good depending on Lopez & Cease. I have high hopes for Grandal helping greatly along those lines.

Because of limited opportunities is why I don't waste Collins in that role. I wasn't one who was hot for EE. Mercedes has a big bat that would find some spots however. There are really half a dozen guys you could make an argument for.

Third catcher role on this team seems made for Mercedes. It's best for Collins to get more work at AAA. Along with a big bench bat...3rd catcher is mostly serving backup role to whoever is starting catcher when Grandal or McCann is playing DH.

Come from behind wins will not be rare for the foreseeable future.

Engel has been showing why he belongs on this team.?

I agree with you...disruption is a real thing. Madrigal, Anderson, Robert & Moncada all have this in their arsenal.

Engel off to a nice start this Spring.

Amen!

Billy Martin was very good at teaching effort.?

Still think my man Madrigal will be #9 in the lineup on OD.

For what it's worth...This afternoon at lunch a guy at the next table notices my WS jacket an says "you guys are going to be really good this year." Turns out he was from the Dominican Republic and has played minor league ball in the Toronto organization. A real nice guy. He knew many of our young guys and was absolutely positive we were going to be thrilled with Mazara. He wasn't very impressed with our signing Encarnatcion but overall he said how good our team would be. His impression of how good Mazara would be for us was most interesting to me because he had first hand knowledge. He said that not only is Mazara a good player but also...a really nice person.

With the Bummer & Garcia news...seems that RH is doing some tidying up today.

It also adds to trade value if that ever enters the equation.

Love it!

He doesn't usually bat in the 8th position.

If a player bats 8th in the NL....he gets intentionally walked frequently. From the 4th or 5th position I would agree with your point.

Very good point.

The smart money would be on the over IMO.

The good news is... no matter how you line these guys up...looks pretty good.

Anderson leading off with Moncada in the #2 position is how I would play it.

For 6=8 million he is a pretty good insurance policy. I trust our Cuban clique will keep him in line.

I still think Madrigal is penciled in pending a late ST extension. If they really were serious about holding Madrigal back...Brock Holt was obvious. The last cuts of Spring will also provide some interesting names if Madrigal doesn't make the team out of ST.