JUSTgottaBELIEVE

Moncada was a league average 2b in his age 22/23 season and first full MLB season. That may be disappointing because the bar was set so high but he's still young and could easily emerge as an all star caliber 2b this upcoming season or next. If he's putting up the same numbers two years from now, then yes it will be very concerning but you have to give the kid some time to develop. I expect a step forward in 2019. Maybe not all star level but a very good season in the 3-4 fWAR range.

I have no idea what they would cost in a trade or if they would even be available but some other guys comparable to Castillo that I like are Marco Gonzales, Jose Urena, Dylan Bundy, and Joe Musgrove. Could build a larger package without expending any of the system's top 5 prospects for those guys.

If you sign Machado and Harper, I'd make a trade for a young, cost controlled starter. I mentioned a guy like Luis Castillo in another thread, though he's likely not available with the Reds trying to compete in 2019. There are other guys like him that may be available on teams that are just starting to rebuild or a few years out still.

Now add Harper to that lineup as well and the team could make a legitimate run at the Indians for the division if they get even a modest improvement from the starting rotation and replace Covey with a mid-rotation quality starting pitcher.

Oh yea, I was suggesting include Rodon to even it up. I'm just not a big believer in Rodon and the fact that he's a FA after the 2021 season doesn't help either. Even with Machado, I don't see this team competing until 2020 at the earliest.

Which is why I think Rodon would be a good fit there. They've had great success with another fragile, formerly highly touted prospect in Rich Hill.

You think so? In my mind I was thinking, Rodon = Verdugo and Wood; minor league filler taking on Kemp's salary = Ruiz. I may be overvaluing Rodon though.

Right, which is why I added Rodon. Mid-rotation lefty starter that is under control at an affordable rate for the next 3 years.

Wood isn't a salary dump. He's a good pitcher that will be on an affordable arb salary. He'd also be a good flip candidate in July for a team like the Sox. Verdugo and Ruiz are both top 50 prospects. Those two have a lot of value. I think it'd be a pretty fair trade for both sides considering the other factors at play but not the type of trade Friedman typically makes so it's pie in the sky stuff for sure.

Unlikely with Friedman but it would make sense for both sides if Harper is destined for LA. They might give up one of Ruiz or Verdugo in that type of deal but probably not both.

But would they consider those guys for Rodon and minor league filler? I'd rather make a trade like that than sign Harper personally. I know that won't be a popular opinion but I'm not sold on Rodon staying healthy, he doesn't fit the contention window and Ruiz + Verdugo would be perfect fits for the Sox.

I agree and good timing as well with the Indians and Cubs both peaking a couple years back. Opportunity both within the division and local market (TV ratings) in the near future.

I was thinking someone that is cheap now, for the foreseeable future and under team control for at least 4 years (assuming Manny and Harper opt outs after year 4).

Agree 100%

Possibly but I see a trade for a young, controllable starter as more likely in that scenario. I wonder if the Reds would entertain a trade involving Luis Castillo.

Based on Steamer projections, this everyday lineup would be as productive as the Cubs’ lineup (better offense, worse defense). The pitching on the other hand will likely still be an adventure unless the young guys can turn a corner (Giolito, 5th starter, bullpen) and stay healthy (Rodon). Either way, it would give them a legitimate chance to compete with the Indians in 2019 if they get significant contributions from the young players (with guys like Cease and Dunning possibly contributing in the second half as well).

So THAT’S why Nicky is still on this roster. Now it all makes sense.

You probably thought the Big Hurt’s career was over at age 37 when he left the White Sox too. Some guys still produce between ages 37-40 and wouldn’t be surprised Cruz and Abreu are those types of guys. It’s ridiculous to write off Jose after one injury plagued season and Cruz has proven to be one of the best hitters in the league despite his age. Of course there’s some risk but a short term relatively low dollar amount deal isn’t much of a risk for this team.

Why? WS have a huge hole at 3B and a future starter in Madrigal at 2B. Rodon hits FA same year as Bryant. Move the contention window forward if the WS are serious about contending in 2019 and signing someone like Harper. Of course, that also means they'd have another hole in the starting rotation to fill through FA or trade. Bryant, Harper, Abreu, and Eloy in the middle of the lineup would be so much fun even if the pitching is atrocious.

How about a framework built around Rodon and Moncada? Russell is gone right? Baez is their new SS.

Assuming the Cubs pick up Hamels' option, they are basically a lock to exceed the luxury tax threshold in 2019 even without any significant FA signings, correct? https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/payroll/

Yelich really didn't start hitting for power until age 24 and big time power this year at age 26. The guys you mentioned have a few years yet before they turn 24. The power may still come, in varying degrees.

Makes sense given their 2018 seasons. Like I said earlier today, Charlotte is pretty barren right now. Signing a guy like Gio isn’t blocking anyone decent from an MLB opportunity any time soon.

Yeah. I think (hope) they sign one decent FA like Gio Gonzalez and then another couple veterans to minor league contracts to compete with Covey for the #5 spot.

I suppose everyone is entitled to their own opinion but I disagree. I'll leave it at that.