Post by Saitama on Mar 16, 2014 17:38:27 GMT -5
Diamond Dozen: Being Inactive with DRowe
Our resident missing person shares his hot takes
It's a tough call really. I think it gave me enough to win, but the Tigers have made a surge recently, and Kansas City is performing as well. There is still a lot of time left, so hopefully my team can pull it together, but it might just come down to luck one way or the other at the end of the season.
2. Real life baseball question: What's your opinion on the 2014 Red Sox going into the season? Do you think Bogaerts is gonna make immediate impact?
I'm excited. Do I expect a repeat of last year? Obviously not, that was like a Cinderella story, but I expect them to win the east and get to the ALCS (Probably against Detroit). I just love the characters on this team. It is a breath of fresh air compared to the sox of a few years ago, who felt more like the "Yankees Lite" This reminds me more of the 03 and 04 sox, where the team has character, and seems like they are out there having a good time. I think X-man will have a big impact. Not only now, but for a long time down the road. Kid is going to be something special and I can't wait to watch him play.
3. You've got a solid rotation, but your bullpen still has a couple holes. You need a true closer bad. You looking to pick off the best closer free agent this offseason?
Definitely. Hoped I could have a few options that would work, but they didn't really pan out. Getting an elite closer is definitely near the top of my list this offseason, whether it be through trade or free agency.
4. Any plans to re-sign Pedro or are you letting him walk?
I gotta let him walk, he "Wants a winning team" so I can't re-sign him. I am not too worried about it though, he is my 6th starter as it is right now. I think I can replace his production without too much trouble.
5. Any ideas on why Todd Noel constantly underachieves with ratings similar to the true aces in the league?
No idea, I have asked that question too many times myself... I guess he is just unlucky. I definitely have a few upgrades I want to throw his way to see if that will help, the ones I have done so far definitely seem to have helped.
6. Cliff Lee is finally having a great campaign in his 6th year in the league. You think he's gonna be cheap to sign?
I don't know if I would consider it "Cheap" But I signed him for 3 years @ 6 mil, so I think I got a good deal on my end, if his performance keeps up. I'm happy to finally see him having a good year. Once again, I plan on giving him some upgrades that will hopefully help him out a bit.
7. With Victor Martinez and Jose Coll locking up your catching depth for the forseeable future, are you gonna look to move Wellington Castillo and Miguel Montero?
Definitely. I need to make improvements elsewhere, and they don't have a spot in my system. I definitely hope to move them this offseason to fill some holes I have, or add some depth elsewhere.
8. Do you think you won the Todd Helton trade?
Yea. Helton is getting older, and getting Blevins was huge. I accomplished a couple things with that trade. I extended my window, and added pitching, which I severely needed. My offense is pretty great, so taking a little bit of a downgrade there in Konerko, but getting a big boost in pitching is definitely worth it in my opinion.
9. With good financials and a revenue going up every year, you could easily spend some more this offseason. You gonna make a splash in free agency?
That is my plan. My problem has always been not knowing the market. I always thought I offered high and ended up offering a lot lower than what ended up signing someone. I am hoping to change that this offseason but we will see, maybe it will end up with me making a some bad signings. I guess we will know soon enough.
10. Which team scares you more going forward, Tigers or Twins?
Tigers. Nothing against the Twins, I just think he has the better team, and will continue to be for a majority of my window. Twins might be there towards the end, but I think our windows don't really line up as much as the Tigers and I do.
11. Besides the bullpen, are there any holes in your lineup/rotation you'd like to improve upon?
I would like to get an upgrade at one of my positions in the middle of the infield, but Gonzalez has been impressive this year. I would also like an upgrade in the outfield so I can slide Dunn into DH when Colbrunn leaves.
12. When do you think your window for competing will close?
I think I have a good few more years. Helton was a big part of my lineup, but Konerko will do just fine, and should give me a couple more years. A lot of my team is pretty young, Most of my team, apart from my bullpen, are 28 or younger. Of course I have Konerko, and Colbrunn, who will have to be replaced sooner, but my main concern is my bullpen. I had to get some vets in there, and would like to try to get my pen younger and improved this offseason, if I can.