poppysox

This might be the way to go. In general I am a huge proponent of extensions and RH has proved he knows how to sell them. In this case I want Madrigal on the OD lineup and you can still extend him in a year. My kneejerk reaction would be to extend him now but I do see very little to lose by bringing him up for OD and waiting to extend.

Certainly not what he once was...of course that Pence would cost 20 million not 3 or 4.

Very important for our young and talented staff to have the experience of the Grandal/McCann tandem to guide them.

I agree with you. McCann isn't the type to air his dirty laundry.

Exactly why I expect to see Sanchez brought back.

Abreu has been chasing sliders since he got here. Anxious to see if having better hitters up and down the line doesn't improve his patience considerably.

Why? Dreaming of everyone producing is part of the fun. This lineup is loaded and the pitching has potential to be very good. No reason to talk our chances down.

I would not have made the trade.

When we got Dick Allen...I truly didn't know a baseball could be hit that hard. He was just a joy to watch at bat. You just didn't go for a hotdog or bathroom break when DA was gonna bat this inning.

Keuchel will also play a roll.

In his early years he was top drawer. I would still think him well above average with a right fielders arm. Would remind me of Eaton.

M-P-A-H...boy I like your thinking! If you ever learn to shorten your post you will be my favorite poster.?

Pence would be a cost effective platoon partner with Mazara. Would probably be a mentor to Mazara, Robert and Eloy.

Harsh but accurate!

Yes...when I predicted extensions for Robert & Madrigal this past Summer...I was overwhelmingly told maybe Madrigal but not a chance for Robert since he already had his big payday. Rick understands how this extension game is played.

We have many extensions needed over the next several years to be overspending on outsiders. It's how you end up like the Cubs.

By my count it would be 8 potential all stars.

Anderson is much better than people give him credit. He makes great plays on balls he has no business getting to. It's the simple play that sometimes eludes him. It's mental...not physical.

And the batting champion, rbi champion and HR champion.

It's very likely to be THE decade. We have a tremendous core and plenty of money. Somewhere in this decade is probably when JR turns over the reins. I'm sure going out on top is part of the plan.

I've pushed for Pence several times on here. He would add a nice veteran to the mix. I have followed his career since he played for the Hooks in Corpus Christi. A part time role is probably what the Doctor ordered for his career.

Interesting to note that Keuchel mentioned that WS signing of Yaz was a key to his signing. Stressed the importance of catching if you are going to have a winning team.

"He who laughs last...laughs loudest."

Madrigal has skills that play every day. He can take a pitch or two so a baserunner has a chance to steal or steal a base himself...he can bunt...hit behind the runner...catch the ball...throw to the right base, etc. In short...he's a baseball player who does everything well except hit home runs. The 40 homer guy hits a HR once every 4 games. I'm not sure that Nellie Fox type player can win the MVP today as he did in1959 but for sure...a Fox type player will help you win baseball games today.

The lineup is so much more explosive when you add Robert & Madrigal to the mix. Hope RH is working on their extensions as a priority for the new year.