poppysox

Entering an interesting period leading up to the trade deadline on July 31. By then we will know if the results we see in Anderson, Moncada, McCann, Gioito Lopez, Tilson, Bummer, Marshall are real or just temporary flashes. Jimenez will be back and have a chance to show his wares. Will we be buyers or sellers when it comes to the 2019 club? Will Abreu be extended? Maybe bringing up Robert & Madrigal early by some peoples take on it. Is Rondon having surgery? A nice winning streak could change our minds about trying to make something of this season. Losses will have us trying to get something for those deemed expendable like Alonzo, Colome, Herrera and virtually anyone not in the core. If Minnesota cools down a bit we might find ourselves more interested in 2019 than most expect. Here's hoping!

The bullpen is starting to take on a different look as Bummer and Marshall join Herrera and Colome. Starting to feel like we can hold a lead if the starter gets past six innings. Lets keep it up. Only Minnesota has a team that looks tough. We don't have to give up when the Central is this thin of quality teams. The upcoming series with Minnesota will tell a lot about how far we go in 2019.

That Eaton trade is starting to look pretty good.

Giolito doing what good pitchers do. Getting through the game without his good stuff until he can find it. Very impressive outing for Gio.

That why they make chocolate & vanilla.

With the whole left side of the infield open a guy should get enough nubbers to hit above the Mendoza line.

At least move him down in the order...he puts a damper on the whole lineup.

I doubt anyone thinks McCann will hit his current ave. of .376 for the year. He is showing good command of the strike zone, hitting to all fields and mature approach. For a catcher he is not bad on the bases either. His choking up on the bat with 2 strikes is a welcome site.

This lineup looks so much better with McCann and Tilson in it. Nice win.

I like RH more than some of you...but he did buy a lemon in Alonzo. He is clogging up the lineup,

When moves the manager makes do work...it was obvious and when it doesn't he is pretty much clueless. Not an easy job. Like some others have said...he does it more and in situations that I don't like. I've brought it up before that Earl Weaver was criticized for his distain of the bunt by some. If you have to choose a manager type on this subject I prefer Weaver's of..."you only get 27 outs-don't waste them."

I'll take Madrigal. I like having a couple Madrigal / Tilson types on a ball club. They make things happen and someone has to be on base for the boppers. We've all seen what happen with long term contracts when the player stop producing and the contract has 5 years to go. No thanks.

Good insightful post.

Last I looked that guy was hitting about .250 with 4 HR's. I'll take Moncada at third.

Vaughn is only 5'11"...not very big for a 1st / DH.

Two major finds for basically nothing. What a wonderful country.

I said they would be contributors on contending teams. I doubt more than 2 or 3 won't fit that time table. Of course some of the more fringe guys might be packaged to get someone even more valuable.

From the standpoint of developing players who can / will be part of the contending years this has been a decent year. McCann, Tilson, Bummer & Marshall all look like possible contributers on those teams. When you find players from other than the highly touted group it gives a real infusion to the rebuild. Jimenez--Moncada--Anderson--Abreu--Madrigal--Robert--Cease--Kopech--Lopez--Giolito--Collins--McCann--Tilson are all looking as probable's. The whole lineup is already here. Need a couple of quality starters and a few relievers and we're good to go. 2020 it starts.

Looked like they were pitching around Tilson to get to TA.

McCann...WOW JUST WOW

Most important place on the field to have a high baseball I.Q..

Herrera looking better than his last few outings. McCann got that last call against Toronto.

Those near collisions happen much to often.

Good pitching...Good hitting...Good defense...Good baserunning...all of this is very entertaining. Someone should mention this to JR.

He does seem more useful doesn't he?