Jose Abreu

Not only is Moncada batting 6th and not 5th here, but the handedness goes RRRRRSLSR. The three non-RH need to be split up more evenly

Medeiros was actually pretty good out of the pen as the season went on and is relatively close to MLB ready (as a reliever). I think Zavala, Covey, or Engel (assuming we sign another OF) are the clearest candidates

So do I, but the problem is his ABs are generally really short. I think someone posted here the other day that he saw an average of 3.3 pitches per plate appearance last year

I understand not wanting Grandal to bat first but is speed really that important from a leadoff hitter these days? And I do agree on this. The quality of Tim's ABs improved a lot as the season went on and I think he's a better option than Leury (easily) or Madrigal (for now at least) in that role

.380 OBP last year. Even if one thinks it’s a fluke, it was still .350 the year before and based on his quotes, it seems like he has realized the importance of walks and I don’t think that will change. We need to maximize his PAs. I’d love to have who I think will be our highest OBP player (though Moncada may challenge him) batting right in front of Moncada, Eloy, EE, Abreu, etc

It should be Grandal, but it won’t be. So I’ll go with TA or Robert. Only one I’d really hate is Leury, as it makes no sense to give the clear-cut worst hitter in the lineup the most PAs

I don't get where this bullpen fear is coming from. It was about league average last year and we didn't lose anyone. Sure, I'd like them to sign another arm or two, but I wouldn't call it a black hole.

If you're planning a starting lineup (even a weak side platoon) that requires moving guys around so that you can get ABs for Adam Engel, you're probably doing something wrong

If it’s not JDM, but Boston still makes sense, would we trade for Betts now that we have this high-powered offense in place?

I don't know why they haven't been announced but with guys like Dylan Covey and Seby Zavala on the 40 man, figuring out who to remove shouldn't be that tough

There's a fairly good chance that Madrigal is dead last among our starting 9 in OBP next year, and I'm not even one of the Madrigal haters. I don't see any way he gets on base more often than Moncada, Grandal, EE, etc.

On that subject:

It's a good thing nobody judged the move in isolation.

More people are believing him these days because he has gotten better with deleting his tweets that are eventually proven wrong. Unfortunately he’s still the same guesser he always has been

I think the Angels would be thrilled to get rid of him and actually get something of value in return

They certainly bucked the trend in their handling of Tatis, but I personally think they’re going to regret letting him play those handful of games in April come 2024 when he hits free agency a full year earlier than he would’ve under normal circumstances

I also don't think it's fair to lump James in with all of them. He has a very good track record with this stuff.

I love how after 4 hours this didn't even get a negative response. Soxtalk has really changed

To build off this, I am of the opinion that Revenge of the Sith, "high ground" and all, is the best of all the Star Wars movies. I know I'm in a vast minority, but the story is executed so perfectly.

For 12 or so games, I don't think it'll matter much

Adding EE won't preclude them from adding a backup IF

Agree with both of you. I just think they'd trade Collins instead.

I know your Padres are having a rough offseason but EE is far from "low end mediocre"

Signing EE probably ensures that he gets traded. Or McCann, but I'm guessing they'd rather trade Collins