poppysox

I expect two moderates plus pickups like Benintendi, Kepler, or Wong types. Kepler is a favorite of mine, and you can pair him with any other solid player (3 WAR) to satisfy my expectations. I feel the FO might just surprise us with a big name, but two solid pickups coupled with Clevinger would be a good offseason. I am very optimistic that the new coaching staff will get through to Moncada, Robert, and Eloy as well. Pedro seems to already know that motivation is a problem to be addressed.

If I try really hard, I can remember Albert Belle.

Yes!!!

I am very hopeful that this rebuilt coaching staff can motivate/teach the players to play up to their potential.

Several teams have someone with the title. I understood the Tosar "promotion" for the reason you stated. Castro also needed a "promotion.", but Chris Johnson being brought up makes 3 hitting coaches. Looks like the front office is serious about fixing the offense.

I was trying to work that out when you posted.

What does a Major League Field Coordinator actually do?

Boat-loads of experience with other organizations. I like it!

Benintendi or Kepler would excite me.

With only 30 jobs available in your field...much easier to tolerate some BS.

Yep...and the Jose money is better spent elsewhere.

I wouldn't be surprised to learn that TL had something to do with that decision.

The Twins would take Kelly in my dreams.

I would love to have Kepler on our team. Plays with energy.

Yep...Tony sucked the life out of this club.

I was in agreement up until the .500 team part. I'm feeling good about Pedro pumping some life into the team. Upgrades to RF, 2nd base, and SP don't need to be high priced to make a big impact. I'm thinking the WS will have a payroll of about $200 and that is enough to get the job done nicely.

I certainly don't mind them looking in another direction, but Clevenger is no sure thing and will cost more than Cueto. If looking for moderate priced innings, Q might be as good as any.

Cueto would seem to be a no-brainer after what we saw last season.

I agree. The new coaches with a fresh approach will make a big difference IMO. Moderate upgrades at 2nd, RF, and SP and we will be looking good. Have players in their natural positions will also help a great deal.

If there is only $20 million available, we will be looking at Sheets in RF and one of the Mendick types for 2nd. The SP alone will cost close to $20. I would bet this payroll will be very close to $200 even with losing Jose.

We have three areas of need in RF, 2nd base, and SP. It is believed that we have minimal resources with which to fill those needs. Players like Kepler and Wong upgrade two areas of need while leaving more money available for that SP. These rumored deals don't bother me in the slightest.

Yep...remember TLR explaining that Leury isn't a utility player but rather a regular that can play different positions.

We don't really know what amount of money JR will spend for the right player. The FO bugs me frequently but spending the money isn't the problem IMO. My hope is that with a new on field staff...they support them with the needed players. Many teams win with much less money than JR has provided. I take their willingness to part with Jose as a sign they are taking this in a new direction. Usually, they cut bait a year late rather than a year early.

Yep!

Grandal is our backup catcher and should never see DH at bats. LaRussa over used Grandal and Garcia making them both look more pathetic than they are.