poppysox

Agreed! A strong backup catcher is necessary on good teams. The mentoring from two good catchers will do lots for Collins development as well.

A trend!

If you are content with 82 wins...you should be purring like a cat.?

I think extension offers will be made to both Madrigal & Robert. RH wants to hit the ground running in 2020.

I agree...depth at catcher is a real luxury that we can afford. Things happen in a long season. Quality backups at all positions are needed to win consistently.

I'm surprised how little love Pence has received on this board.

Ya...sure...you betcha!

Yolmer, Engle & Garcia were overmatched as regulars with the WS. I think it has earned them bad raps from some fans. Late inning defensive replacement and pinch runners are role players needed on a good team. Fabulous players aren't available to sit on the bench. Players like the 3 mentioned are happy to be in the majors and their skills are less affected by long periods of non play. I am open minded to anyone who would make the bench better... but I don't know who that would be. Just my opinion.

I think it comes to a little more than that.?

I know the arguments... but I just don't like players like Bryant who take this attitude of wanting to test the market. Lot's of players take fair offers to play for their teams and fans they have matured with.

Lineup construction will be interesting. Four players in that lineup could bat third on some teams. Not one easy out in the lineup. Opponents are not going to be throwing many shutouts against that lineup. Also, we have a lot of speed for a team with that much power.?

Both of our new starters are known for pitching out of the zone. Grandal is a great catcher for these kind of guys.

I believe Madrigal will be extended as I've said before. Rick seems to be going for it in 2020. Also, don't be surprised when Sanchez resigns for about $4 million. Sanchez & Engel with their GG defense are ideal for backup roles. They were overexposed starting all the time but have desirable skill sets in backup roles.

Once Madrigal and Robert acclimate...they and Anderson will all take a shot at #1. Madrigal is so Nellie Fox like I think eventually #2 is made for him. Just an observation...that bottom third looks kind of interesting. No more doing other stuff when the bottom third is up to bat.

They all seem to like playing for Ricky. Our secret weapon.

Pence was a terrific defender in CF as a youngster. Don't know what he has left in his defensive tank.

Ditto!

IMO when the smoke clears on this offseason...the WS will be the favorite.?

I favor using the DH position as a place to use one of our three catchers or an outfielder in a platoon in right or a day off for Eloy or Jose. Not missing anything when you play in a NL park. Not having EE allows you to have a more rounded player perhaps with defensive and speed attributes. EE wouldn't really bother me...just not my preference.

Engel would be my choice as well. Much better in the field and hitting lefties much better lately.

I love that you are passionate about Collins. I've been that same way about Madrigal. We've both taken some heat for our opinions. Doesn't make us wrong...just makes us fans.

I share your enthusiasm.

Eckstein was a very good player. Anywhere between Eckstein and Altuve will play.

That is the same dynamic at play in every extension. Players get more money for more years than they are currently guaranteed... kind of insurance against things that could end or hinder their careers. Teams hope to save some money by paying more than necessary now to have some cost certainty for years down the road. Sale was a great example of the player wanting the security while Kris Bryant wanted to gamble on himself.

From a team perspective...any extension is a gamble in order to save money long term. In Madrigal & Robert situations the OD lineup is also a factor. Since you specifically single out Madrigal...I will say I have more faith in Madrigal being a successful long term extension than I had with Eloy at the same time last year. Obviously extensions differ from player to player. Extensions for Eloy and Madrigal will differ substantially from extending Robert or Moncada.