poppysox

I think the 2020 season is looking very promising. By my count we have 18 players who will probably make the 25 man roster. For the remaining 7 slots we have 19 players with the ready or near ready to help label. I also identified 7 other interesting players more likely used as trade chips. An argument can be made that in house we have the makings of a very competitive team without help from trades or free agents. Of course we all have players we like more or less than someone else but I think we have a lode of quality players currently under control. Without adding anyone via trade or free agency I am confident we compete for the Central at minimum. Obviously, anyone from any group can be used to strength the whole. I apologize in advance if I've omitted someone you happen to like. PROBABLE TO MAKE 25 MAN ROSTER: Starting Rotation includes Giolito, Lopez, Kopech & Cease (4) Bullpen pitchers include Bummer, Colome, Burr, Herrera & Marshall (5) Infielders include Abreu, Anderson, Moncada, Sanchez (4) Outfielders include Jimenez,Tilson and Garcia (3) Catchers include McCann and Collins (2) POSSIBILITIES IF DEEMED READY: Starting Rotation include Hanson, Banuelos, Covey, Lambert & Clarkin (5) Bullpen possibilities include Hamilton, Fry, Burdi, Ruiz, Osich & Minaya (6) Infielders include Madrigal, Burger and Rodon (3) Outfielders include Basabe, Cordell, Robert, Engel & Rutherford (5) OTHERS OF NOTE: Rodon, Palka, Zivala, Dunning, Adolfo, Delmonico, Walker (7)

I'm not high on Vaughn because of height but I take him if best player available.

Cordell is a better right fielder. Use McCann to DH.

He does make hard contact. It seems that the extreme shift guys mostly are home run or nothing, They really should work on the opposite field to widen out the playing area.

Just don't ask a player to bunt who can't.

I need to remind myself that there are many more fans who try to keep a positive attitude than there are negative nellies. They simply are louder and say the same stuff over & over. As far as your question (what's behind it) I think it's easier to take a shot at what someone else said then think up an original thought.

The future lineup and 4/5 of the starters are already here or getting here soon. Everyone is anxious to get past the Alonso /Covey stage and get to the fun stuff.

Don't think your going to get an argument from anyone on this board.

I think the intention was that many different types of things could happen in the next 12 weeks including the possibility of early callups that you mention. I'm not advocating for any one particular action. Example : The Abreu decision will probably be made in that time period. I'm 50/50 as I see both sides. Interesting 12 weeks.

I like the points made in this post.

Totally agree.

A really nicely played game. I never had one moment when I felt we might lose. I haven't given up on this year getting interesting. We only have Minnesota and Cleveland to beat. Stuff can happen as were seeing with McCann, Tilson, Bummer, Gio and others.

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.