All of this. I don't think AV has really even scratched the surface playing under TLR/Frank. He has never really gotten a chance to play at his natural position yet. If Sheets and or Burger out perform even after a year of AV at 1B, then we can start entertaining a silly platoon idea of subpar players.
He is awful behind the plate, no argument there. He was just as bad at 1B IMO though. He is strictly the back up C as far as I’m concerned, and one slow start away from a DFA. There is no way in hell I go into 2023 intending to use him regularly at 1B or DH.
So the answer to your black hole idea is to platoon a couple of AAAA guys at 1B, thus creating another black hole at the previously mentioned premium offensive position? I mean, it tracks, but it’s hardly what I would call a good idea.
A team can live with poor production from the catcher’s spot, they can’t at 1B or DH. Grandal might be a sunk cost, but there’s no reason to create a black hole at a premium offensive position.
I would trade Hendriks for “a haul” in an instant, but we should probably temper expectations on this front. His funky contract probably hurts any potential return.
Call me crazy, but I feel Hahn would do the least damage by doing absolutely nothing this winter. That’s how little faith I have left in his ability to put a winning product on the field. I’m skeptical of whatever plans they do or don’t have and their ability to execute.
They just released two yesterday before this trade. Opening up more time for Biggio is the only thing that comes to mind. But I don't know if he's actually good. I don't know who they have in their system either. The need to get more left handed, but these are curious moves IMO.