Agreed!! Some of the more aggressive moves (trade for Buxton, signing King, et.al.) seem fanciful. I like Kelly over Basset, but either will do. Start ST with Elder, Waldrep, Lopez, Holmes and Ritchie vying for the 5th rotation spot. The ideal would be Elder finds his consistency, Lopez and Holmes start year
In the pen, and Ritchie and Waldrep are ready to move up and step in.
We all know the key to 2026 is whether this offseason and ST the key core players prepare themselves mentally and physically to be more than average / good major leaguers. Can they find the durabilty, consistemcy and drive to be champions?
It has been very quiet. I am hopeful that they are exercising caution and being very selective,
My biggest concern is a recent comment that our pitching staff is quite adequate. I believe we ned another very good starter. I would feel more comfortable regarding re-injury. Holmes, for example.
It seems they are possibly omitting the signing of a DH. Management noted they would rely on a non-starter catcher or outfielder to bat as a designated hitter. I totally reject this idea. the Dodgers, Phillies, and Mets all have big sluggers as a DH.
I hope we don't follow the 2025 plan of "WINGING IT." ARE WE BEING TOO FRUGAL/CHEAP?
Good discussion of how MLB front offices approach free agents - "input" value makes sense. But I'm still concerned that there is a general assumption that Atlanta's starting pitchers are all going to be fine and start contributing from the start. I would be surprised if 3 of the 5 injuried pitchers are doing well after spring training. Hope I'm wrong, but I would love to see a strong effort to sign Ranger Suarez. He must chuckle at critics' denigrating his lack of velo - he just knows how to pitch and has been very good for several years in row. I can't see Bassitt being an effective starter for an entire season at his age.
I'm one of those velo critics for Suarez. I'm not down on him on a short deal, but the consensus prediction is like 5/$125M and that's longer than I want to go for a guy that's throwing 90.5 mph NOW
Amazing thoughts as always. Do you think the new pitching coach will be able to get the best out of Elder? It is crazy how much he effects the team each year and yet he doesn't have a starting role locked up yet (and may never). Fingers crossed for the no 1 or 2 pick in the draft. If they can land that tiny miracle it would do so much for this team. In 10 days we will see.
Welcome back Lindsay.
Yeah, it hurts to "lose" Cease. But i'd rathet keep my draft picks and $500,000 international 2027 bonus money.
I'm hoping for Bassitt and Ha-Seong Kim. Just don't pass the 3rd level and have our first pick pushed back 10 spots.
I thimk the Lottery is this week or next.. Go for a High Floor college player or a High Ceiling prep player. next Summer's Draft
Bassit and HSK, plus a rotational bat for the outfield (someone who hits righties well) and one more bullpen arm and I'm set, honestly.
Agreed!! Some of the more aggressive moves (trade for Buxton, signing King, et.al.) seem fanciful. I like Kelly over Basset, but either will do. Start ST with Elder, Waldrep, Lopez, Holmes and Ritchie vying for the 5th rotation spot. The ideal would be Elder finds his consistency, Lopez and Holmes start year
In the pen, and Ritchie and Waldrep are ready to move up and step in.
We all know the key to 2026 is whether this offseason and ST the key core players prepare themselves mentally and physically to be more than average / good major leaguers. Can they find the durabilty, consistemcy and drive to be champions?
It has been very quiet. I am hopeful that they are exercising caution and being very selective,
My biggest concern is a recent comment that our pitching staff is quite adequate. I believe we ned another very good starter. I would feel more comfortable regarding re-injury. Holmes, for example.
It seems they are possibly omitting the signing of a DH. Management noted they would rely on a non-starter catcher or outfielder to bat as a designated hitter. I totally reject this idea. the Dodgers, Phillies, and Mets all have big sluggers as a DH.
I hope we don't follow the 2025 plan of "WINGING IT." ARE WE BEING TOO FRUGAL/CHEAP?
Good discussion of how MLB front offices approach free agents - "input" value makes sense. But I'm still concerned that there is a general assumption that Atlanta's starting pitchers are all going to be fine and start contributing from the start. I would be surprised if 3 of the 5 injuried pitchers are doing well after spring training. Hope I'm wrong, but I would love to see a strong effort to sign Ranger Suarez. He must chuckle at critics' denigrating his lack of velo - he just knows how to pitch and has been very good for several years in row. I can't see Bassitt being an effective starter for an entire season at his age.
I'm one of those velo critics for Suarez. I'm not down on him on a short deal, but the consensus prediction is like 5/$125M and that's longer than I want to go for a guy that's throwing 90.5 mph NOW
Amazing thoughts as always. Do you think the new pitching coach will be able to get the best out of Elder? It is crazy how much he effects the team each year and yet he doesn't have a starting role locked up yet (and may never). Fingers crossed for the no 1 or 2 pick in the draft. If they can land that tiny miracle it would do so much for this team. In 10 days we will see.