NFT: Familia returns to the Mets, 3 years, 30 million

In comment 14218550 Shecky said:

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Lost Ramos, Swarz, and Bruce. Oh, and Reyes, can�t forget him...

Are we sure Reyes is actually gone? He seems to just not go away

In comment 14218550 Shecky said:

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Does anyone really think the team had a CHOICE in eating more money and keeping Kelenic??? I�ve always been the guy who hates people that point out payroll. Give me a 25 man squad of minimum wage Ocunas and a $15mm Yaroslavl and I�d be quite happy. So I don�t want to hear payroll. Until they have a choice to get a guy and balk due to $$. When that�s the on,y factor, I agree you can complain. But they added a young dominant closer. A top 10 closer to set him up. And a hal, of fame 2B to bat in the middle of the lineup so far. Lost Ramos, Swarz, and Bruce. Oh, and Reyes, can�t forget him... convinced if they signed Harper and Machado today we�d see nothing but bitching about the two draft picks and 1mm in slot we gave up lol

I have no idea what was actually on or off the table in return for $ exchanged. We know Cano's contract was so under water he would have been easy to get without Kelenic. I'm sure a line was drawn by Seattle when it came to Diaz. And for me personally, I'd have just taken 2 of the FA (Familia + Roberterson) we were interested in vs. giving up Kelenic. But I don't have a huge issue rolling the dice on Diaz - if he's the next Kimbrel it's worth it and for each of the next few years you could probably flip him for a similar prospect at the deadline if things go real bad.

I just think it's a little silly to not separate BVW's mostly encouraging performance so far from the reality that Wilpons appear to be playing the same games underinvesting in the team on the field they've played for almost a decade now. You mentioned that we collectively bitched about the BP last year - and that turned out to be the biggest culprit during the May/June slide. I applaud them for improving the BP but that doesn't excuse them being so restricted by payroll to make it difficult to address other areas of need. They want to compete for the division with the Nats, Phillies and Braves - they've each been extremely active not just trading, but increasing their investments on the field.

Probably to nobody�s surprise. Just because our payroll isn�t higher than 2018 yet, doesn�t mean we haven�t been making some impactful moves and we haven�t improved the team. We�ve probably done more than any team as of 12/14 and we still seem to be in on a lot more. To Shecky�s point, we also unloaded some bad contracts that EVERYBODY wanted to get rid of. So if the payroll is lower that�s a positive, not a detriment.

Also comparing spends on bullpens when we just acquired one of the best closers in the game, who�s making 500k, is only wee bit disengenuous.

Still more to do though. Definitely not denying that.

How could anyone defend the Mets low payroll/ not spending money? Theres no salary cap and the fans won't see any difference. The only difference is what the Wilpons make....

Mets fan are truly brainwashed.

The Mets ownership charges big city prices for everything inclusive of cable package, yet cries poverty when it comes to big ticket free agents. You can�t, in my opinion, have it both ways and not expect your fan base to react negatively. I�ll pay 100 dollars a ticket but if I am doing that I sure as shit better be receiving a product that reflects that price point, and that has not been the case. Fundamentally it�s an insulting position to take.

If they go out and sign Harper I�ll shut up, but that seems impossible at this juncture. So the reality is we have traded for a 36 year old ped user, an elite closer and signed our former closer. I am hopeful there is more to come but I am not holding my breath.

In comment 14218645 bhill410 said:

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The Mets ownership charges big city prices for everything inclusive of cable package, yet cries poverty when it comes to big ticket free agents. You can�t, in my opinion, have it both ways and not expect your fan base to react negatively. I�ll pay 100 dollars a ticket but if I am doing that I sure as shit better be receiving a product that reflects that price point, and that has not been the case. Fundamentally it�s an insulting position to take. If they go out and sign Harper I�ll shut up, but that seems impossible at this juncture. So the reality is we have traded for a 36 year old ped user, an elite closer and signed our former closer. I am hopeful there is more to come but I am not holding my breath.

Bingo. Not to mention the enormous tax breaks the Wilpons have received.

In comment 14218645 bhill410 said:

Quote:

The Mets ownership charges big city prices for everything inclusive of cable package, yet cries poverty when it comes to big ticket free agents. You can�t, in my opinion, have it both ways and not expect your fan base to react negatively. I�ll pay 100 dollars a ticket but if I am doing that I sure as shit better be receiving a product that reflects that price point, and that has not been the case. Fundamentally it�s an insulting position to take. If they go out and sign Harper I�ll shut up, but that seems impossible at this juncture. So the reality is we have traded for a 36 year old ped user, an elite closer and signed our former closer. I am hopeful there is more to come but I am not holding my breath.

You bring up a good point, they also own SNY, are they not making any money from the network?

They own 65% of SNY through their Sterling Entertainment business. Regional sports networks are a goldmine business.

Getting people to think they don't make money is a thin form of defense against calling them out for their baseball spending. They are greasy owners, probably being tightfisted with their money to recoup their Madoff losses.

always liked Harvey, personality and all but 15.5 million guaranteed despite the fact he will miss the season and Harvey... not even a whisper. Sad really

that should read Garrett Richards 15.5 guaranteed.

Spot starter role at least initially. Throws up to 99 mph and has worked mostly as a starter. Interesting gamble getting him in with Callahan and Eiland.

for now.

My off-season plan was bullpen, bullpen, bullpen

add a starter (not yet done)
and improve defense where they can (I targeted 1B and that as b/c I assumed it would be Bruce at least part time at 1B, but Cano even at 36 I believe helps improve the D, I bet he'd be a good 1B too).

Losing Bruce and Swarzak are positive subtractions
Adding Cano, Diaz and Familia all positives.

I won't even get into Rule V pickups, because penciling them into any legit role is scary to me, they're like lottery tickets and should not be relied on for anything meaningful.

Like ZG said, still work to do.

And to be clear I'm not happy with the Cano trade, and I wouldn't have made that trade, but it's impossible not to agree the Mets are better today (significantly) than they were at any point last year (on paper)

In comment 14218699 DanMetroMan said:

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always liked Harvey, personality and all but 15.5 million guaranteed despite the fact he will miss the season and Harvey... not even a whisper. Sad really

I was always a fan of Harvey too. Remember this article from 2013?

"It�s getting late, closing in on two in the morning. Harvey leans back, buzzing on the high of being on a team that is, at least for now, winning. Still on a rookie contract, he knows he may soon have to renegotiate with the team for a long-term deal (online sportswriters speculate he could get a seven-year, $70 million deal). The Mets, of course, would be insane to let him go � but the Mets are the Mets, so anything can happen. Still, one thing Harvey knows for certain: �No matter what, New York is now my home,� he says, finishing the night�s last drink. �I could buy a place now, but I�ve gotta wait for that $200 million contract. If I�m going to buy an apartment, it has to be the best apartment in the city.�
Harvey Mens Journal - ( New Window )

In comment 14218730 ZGiants98 said:

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Spot starter role at least initially. Throws up to 99 mph and has worked mostly as a starter. Interesting gamble getting him in with Callahan and Eiland.

FG doesn't think he can be a successful MLB SP, more of a filler talent.

" "Ceiling of low-leverage middle reliever if he takes to a �pen role and finds a more consistent off-speed pitch. If he can�t do those things, will be a 4A guy lacking another speed to pair with his high-velo fastball. OFP 40."

here. Fringe secondaries

11. New York Mets
Kyle Dowdy, RHP (from Indians)
Dowdy�s nomadic college career took him from Hawaii to Orange Coast College and finally to Houston, where he redshirted for a year due to injury. He was drafted by Detroit and then included as a throw-in in the Leonys Martin trade to Cleveland. He�s a reliever with a four-pitch mix headlined by an above-average curveball that pairs pretty well with a fastball that lives in the top part of the strike zone but doesn�t really spin. He also has a mid-80s slider and changeup that are fringy and exist to give hitters a little different look. He could stick in the Mets bullpen.

Rookie maximums for at-bats (130), games pitched (30) or innings (50) in the major leagues"

If the 2 leaders are within 5% of each other, or the leader has less than 30% there will be a run-off between the top 2. If a run-off results in a tie the tiebreaker will be vote total in the previous poll, we will continue to "go back" in the polls until there is a clear leader.

*Jeff McNeil is ineligible
*Chris Flexen is ineligible
*Drew Smith is ineligible
*Tyler Bashlor is ineligible

1) Andres Gimenez (SS) AA 19/37 votes- 51%
2) Peter Alonso (1B) AAA 24/36 votes- 67%
3) Ronny Mauricio (SS) Kingsport 12/33-36%
4) Mark Vientos (3b) Kingsport 16/31-52%
5) David Peterson (LHP) A+ 21/31- 68%
6) Franklyn Kilome (RHP) AA 20/33-61%
7) Thomas Szapucki (LHP) A 18/32-56%
8) Shervyen Newton (SS) Kingsport 12/30-40%, Run-off with Anthony Kay 17/33-52%
9) Anthony Kay (LHP) AA 18/26-69%
10) Simeon Woods-Richardson (RHP) Kingsport 12/30-40%
11) Luis Santana (2B) 15/26-58%
12) Will Toffey (3B) 10/29-34%, run-off with Cecchini 15/27-56%
13) Gavin Cecchini (2b) 14/26-46%
14) Francisco Alvarez (C) 9/26-35%
15) Dez Lindsay (OF) 7/18-39%
16) Tony Dibrell (RHP) 9/23-39%
17) Jordan Humphreys (RHP) 7/21-33%, Run-off with Nido 18/24-75%
18) Ross Adolph (OF) 6/25-24%, run-off with Nido 18/25-72%
19) Adam Hill (RHP) 4/26-15%, Run-off with Nido/Crismatt 11/26-58%
20) Junior Santos (RHP) 6/28-21%, Run-off with Nido 11/20-55%
21) Tomas Nido (C) 10/23-43%
22) Luis Guillorme (SS) 9/24-38%
23) Adrian Hernandez 6/26-23%, run-off with Wahl/Cortes 8/15-53%
24) Carlos Cortes (2b) 8/21-38%
25) Steven Villines (RHP) 4/16 25%, Run-off with Thompson/Wahl 9/23-39%
26) David Thompson (3b) 8/23-35%
27) Ali Sanchez (C) 9/17-53%
28) Bobby Wahl (RHP) 11/25-44%
29) Eric Hanhold (RHP) 7/21-33%, run-off 7/20-35%
30) Luis Carpio (IF) 4/18-22%, runoff with Uriarte 9/14-64%
31) Stanley Consuegra (OF) 4/20-20%, runoff with Uriarte/Valdez 6/17-35%, advances due to more votes in previous poll
32) Juan Uriarte (C) 4/19-21%
33) Freddy Valdez (OF) 7/17-41%
34) Daniel Zamora (LHP) 3/17-18%, run-off with Montes De Oca 10/12-83%
35) Jaylen Palmer (??) 3/12-25%, run-off with Montes de Oca/Vilera 9/16-56%
36) Ryley Gilliam (RHP) 5/22-23%, run-off with Manea 8/16-50%, advances due to more votes in previous poll

...based on numbers. That isn't really debatable. As long he isn't closing games in a big spot he'll be fine. We as Mets fans have all experienced the brutal truth that he doesn't have the balls to be a crucible loser.

talk about freudian slip.

signing makes sense for many reasons.

1. obviously it makes the set up role better because Familia is a good pitcher.

2. it provides depth at closer, since he clearly has a ton of experience closing.

3. it helps shorten games because when you have legit options like Gsellman (or a TBD addition), Lugo (if he's not added to rotation) or one of the flame throwers like Rhame, Bashlor, Smith, or other develops like the Mets hope you can only need your starters to go 6 innings.

Shortening the game is a key to major league team success,a and it protects the Mets biggest asset - the rotation.

Plus, people forget how good Familia was because of the WS and the Wild Card, but he was as good a Mets closer as anyone.

Quote:

Brad Badini ⚾️ ‏ @celeBRADtion 4h4 hours ago From August 1st 2015 to July 26th 2016, Jeurys Familia went 52 regular season games without blowing a save. #Mets #PutItInTheBooks

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The Tigers have talked with the Mets about Castellanos, I�m told. The asking price is high, among other words and phrases, according to multiple teams who have spoken with them.

but that was also 2 to 3 years ago. His effectiveness has clearly dipped since then but I'm still happy to have him back.

But its in the same vein as some people keep saying that we traded for a HOF second basement, one of the greatest to play the game! While conveniently ignoring that he's very expensive, 36 YEARS OLD, and coming off of a PED suspension.

And let's stop with "the bad contracts that EVERYBODY wanted to get rid of." Swarzak was NOT a bad contract and had one year left. Bruce was a bad contract but not in any way a back-breaking deal. More people were annoyed at the spot he was taking rather than the money it costed. It was great to get rid of them but all the Mets did was take on a WORSE contract with Cano. History tells us that we are going to be gravely disappointed with this move. LOL, we traded for the back half of a monster 10 year contract of a 36 year old in a league with no DH. How many times has that worked out for the team? I'll wait for responses...

maybe the worst defensive OFer in baseball, would push Nimmo to CF so the overall OF defense would be bad. Doesn't walk either. Steamer doesn't like him either. 1.8 fWAR for 2019

So... Nelson Cruz is to Nicholas Castellanos as Grandal is to Realmuto... It's only money! If you insist on a horrendous OF then... sign Cruz... don't pay a "high price" for Castellanos #Mets

Steamer: Nelson Cruz 2.5 fWAR, Castellanos 1.8... both are HORRENDOUS OF. One has a "high price" attached to him talent wise, the other... "only money"...#Mets

I think he'll bounce back to form.

and Bruce wasn't just a bad contract, he blocked other players from seeing the field and would play because he was a bad contract so there is a ripple effect.

Which is why I said he was addition by subtraction.

He kept Flores off the field last year, who was probably a better player (when healthy) and was probably the reason we're still not sure if Dom Smith has a future.

Hard to understand how Smith can turn into horseshit so quickly. Leads the PCL in hits and a leader in multiple offensive categories, to bust in less than a year.

Bruce, in part, prevented us from really finding out IMO.

Swarzak may have only been $8M, but the way the Mets operate if that $8M was on the roster it probably meant Familia wasn't (IMO), so again, addition by subtraction.

and there were no noticeable changes in his pitch mix or velocity. Lower FIP than 2015, highest K rate in his career. Also lower HR% than 2015. Obviously way less saves bc he wasn't a closer in the 2nd half, but 3 out of his last 4 seasons have been very similarly excellent - the exception being the injured 2017 season.

I know people remember the bad ones more than the good ones, but in 2015 lets not forget in that entire postseason he only got tagged for 1 earned run - the Gordon quick pitch homer. Prior to that he'd been almost unhittable and after that the entire IF defense around him imploded.

His average FB last year was 96.2 mph, exactly the same as 2016. His slider actually gained velocity and he used it a drop more than any other year.
Familia historical pitch mix - ( New Window )

In comment 14218917 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

I think he'll bounce back to form. and Bruce wasn't just a bad contract, he blocked other players from seeing the field and would play because he was a bad contract so there is a ripple effect. Which is why I said he was addition by subtraction. He kept Flores off the field last year, who was probably a better player (when healthy) and was probably the reason we're still not sure if Dom Smith has a future. Hard to understand how Smith can turn into horseshit so quickly. Leads the PCL in hits and a leader in multiple offensive categories, to bust in less than a year. Bruce, in part, prevented us from really finding out IMO. Swarzak may have only been $8M, but the way the Mets operate if that $8M was on the roster it probably meant Familia wasn't (IMO), so again, addition by subtraction.

Well, these seem like FO issues, not player issues. If a one year, $8 million contract is going to hamstring the Mets...you think the remaining 3 to 4 years of Cano's $120 million contract won't?

As for Bruce blocking players, this is a long standing Mets issue. They have a long history of benching younger, productive players in favor of nonproductive veteran players. LOL, they have already stated that McNeil will not be the starter at 3B to start the season. It's mid-December.

In comment 14218942 PhiPsi125 said:

Quote:

In comment 14218917 pjcas18 said: Quote: I think he'll bounce back to form. and Bruce wasn't just a bad contract, he blocked other players from seeing the field and would play because he was a bad contract so there is a ripple effect. Which is why I said he was addition by subtraction. He kept Flores off the field last year, who was probably a better player (when healthy) and was probably the reason we're still not sure if Dom Smith has a future. Hard to understand how Smith can turn into horseshit so quickly. Leads the PCL in hits and a leader in multiple offensive categories, to bust in less than a year. Bruce, in part, prevented us from really finding out IMO. Swarzak may have only been $8M, but the way the Mets operate if that $8M was on the roster it probably meant Familia wasn't (IMO), so again, addition by subtraction. Well, these seem like FO issues, not player issues. If a one year, $8 million contract is going to hamstring the Mets...you think the remaining 3 to 4 years of Cano's $120 million contract won't? As for Bruce blocking players, this is a long standing Mets issue. They have a long history of benching younger, productive players in favor of nonproductive veteran players. LOL, they have already stated that McNeil will not be the starter at 3B to start the season. It's mid-December.

Agree with all of this, but I have come to accept the way the Mets operate and hope for the best within those confines - hence my thoughts the Mets are better today than they were at season's end.

I think Kelenic is a future all-star and I wouldn't have traded him, but regardless, right now on paper for 2019 the Mets have improved.

I hope they continue to improve throughout the off-season.

just sucks that we always have to grade them on a curve. It is what it is and there's no point rehashing ad nauseam but post-madoff they have not spent anywhere near where they did in the decade prior and what's frustrating is the core of cost controlled young talent is there so if they just brought the payroll up a little bit, halfway between where it is now and where it used to be pre-madoff, they could be a true contender for multiple seasons.

I am surprised more aren't thrilled with this move. I expected him to get 11-13 million per year on a 3-4 year deal. He has proven that he can pitch well in NY and if Diaz goes down the Mets have a great replacement.

this guy will become a top notch choker. Hopefully as a setup man he will flourish

Familia breakdown per Rosenthal:
2019 - $8M ($2M paid as signing bonus)
2020 - $11M ($1M deferred to 2022)
2021 - $11M ($1M deferred to 2022)

$500K bonus for 50 GF in a season

In comment 14219025 Jay on the Island said:

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I am surprised more aren't thrilled with this move. I expected him to get 11-13 million per year on a 3-4 year deal. He has proven that he can pitch well in NY and if Diaz goes down the Mets have a great replacement.

100% agreed

Yasmani Grandal - C - Dodgers
According to Andy Martino of SNY, the Mets continue to show interest in free agent catcher Yasmani Grandal.

The Mets are on the hunt for a major upgrade behind the plate and have talked to the Marlins about J.T. Realmuto, but they continue to explore Grandal as well, who is the best catcher available on the free agent market. The White Sox have also been mentioned as a possible destination for Grandal, though their signing of James McCann on Friday could lessen their interest.
Related: Mets
Source: Andy Martino on TwitterDec 14 - 8:50 PM

Andy Martino
‏Verified account @martinonyc

Mets catching situation moving closer to resolution (not sayin tonight, but they�re working hard on it.)
I keep hearing from different people that they�re very serious about Yasmani Grandal
8:43 PM - 14 Dec 2018

signing? It seems like 90% of the posters like the move.

once there's a resolution with Realmuto.

In comment 14219136 Eric on Li said:

Quote:

once there's a resolution with Realmuto.

I like what I�m reading about Mets talking with Grandal

over the past 10 years or so the Mets org is almost dead last in war from RP and C. So any upgrades there could have a real big impact in terms of improvement.

In comment 14219145 Eric on Li said:

Quote:

over the past 10 years or so the Mets org is almost dead last in war from RP and C. So any upgrades there could have a real big impact in terms of improvement.

What would your very best offer for Cervelli be?

In comment 14219168 Metnut said:

Quote:

In comment 14219145 Eric on Li said: Quote: over the past 10 years or so the Mets org is almost dead last in war from RP and C. So any upgrades there could have a real big impact in terms of improvement. What would your very best offer for Cervelli be?

Hard to say but probably Dom Smith - which still feels like a lot for just 1 year of Cervelli. Maybe they also kick back 1 of their mediocre relievers too?

Just seems like Grandal for $$$ alone is much better than Realmuto + weakening your team by trading a Nimmo, Conforto or Rosario.

Add Grandal and really you are an OF and a LHRP away from a very nice offseason, imo.

Without breaking up the core but Grandal would be a great consolations prize.

In fact..

Cano, Diaz, Familia, Grandal wouldnt be a bad offseason by itself but Im guessing Brody STILL doesnt stop there.

is ridiculous too IMO. It's fine to not like giving up Kelenic... I get that. But not only did Cano put up huge numbers AFTER his PED violation and suspension but he also isn't making a lot of money on this deal from the Mets. An additional 4 mil is coming off every single year of the remaining of his contract via Seattle and due to the Bruce and Swarzak exchange he's basically free the first two years. Give me a break. We end up paying a guy about 65 million over 5 years total and that's supposed to be a problem?? Puhleeze. Even if the Mets stay in the 160 million range annually(Im guessing it goes up a little further) we have nothing on the books and the end should be easily absorbable.

The Mets can never win. When big market teams take on bad contract to get better in the interim, Mets fans act jealous that the cheap ass Wilpons can't do the same. When they do just that, fans bitch about what the contract will look like in 2022.

This isnt paying Stanton for 10 years. This is a hall of fame player still playing at a high level for a measly 12-13 AAV average annually when top players are making 30 million AAV these days including our own actual albatross on the DL in Cespedes.

I could give a rats ass about 2023. Its time to win. The Mets team is better in 2019 because Cano is on it and I want to win while we have this pitching together. I'll cry about 2023 in 2023.

Put me in the camp that would be ok with Castellanos. He may be bad defensively in the corner OF but would it really be any different than Conforto-Nimmo-Bruce last year? With defensive positioning these days I feel like you barely feel it in the OF. Nimmo is passable in CF and I actually am in favor of him ending up there because it means we brought in more offense somewhere else. A no hit defensive CF with Nimmo in a corner doesnt interest me as much.

Catcher should be number one priority and I think it is but after that a RH hitter that can play some OF and even some 3B would suit me fine as the gravy on this train. That can be M. Gonzalez, Puig, Castellanos, etc.

0 Mets are on it including the recently traded Kelenic or Dunn.
Link - ( New Window )

I kind of feel like McNeil can be him if given a full year and has 5 years of control left and isn�t a horrible defensive player. Maybe that is homerish and McNeil never gets to 20 home runs but I am willing to see the experiment out.

clearly have, the first thing you want to build around your pitching is good defense. Castellanos makes no sense for the Mets.

get Realmuto. The marlins have to deal him, and if they don't move relatively soon they will lose their market.It will be Nimmo +. Realmuto's value will never be higher. We than grab AJ pollock, another lefty back, and a lefty in teh pain and call and off-season

In comment 14219185 ZGiants98 said:

Quote:

is ridiculous too IMO. It's fine to not like giving up Kelenic... I get that. But not only did Cano put up huge numbers AFTER his PED violation and suspension but he also isn't making a lot of money on this deal from the Mets. An additional 4 mil is coming off every single year of the remaining of his contract via Seattle and due to the Bruce and Swarzak exchange he's basically free the first two years. Give me a break. We end up paying a guy about 65 million over 5 years total and that's supposed to be a problem?? Puhleeze. Even if the Mets stay in the 160 million range annually(Im guessing it goes up a little further) we have nothing on the books and the end should be easily absorbable. The Mets can never win. When big market teams take on bad contract to get better in the interim, Mets fans act jealous that the cheap ass Wilpons can't do the same. When they do just that, fans bitch about what the contract will look like in 2022. This isnt paying Stanton for 10 years. This is a hall of fame player still playing at a high level for a measly 12-13 AAV average annually when top players are making 30 million AAV these days including our own actual albatross on the DL in Cespedes. I could give a rats ass about 2023. Its time to win. The Mets team is better in 2019 because Cano is on it and I want to win while we have this pitching together. I'll cry about 2023 in 2023.

100% agree Z. Mets have zero dollars right now committed beyond 2020 to anyone but Cano. Cano performed well after his return from suspension and there is very little reason to think that he will not be at least an above-average bat for the next year at least (I think his skill set makes it more likely, in fact, that he's an asset through 2021 at least).

But, really, the Mets are not going to be kneecapped by paying Cano on the back end of this deal and there's a damn good shot that he makes up the entire value of his 60mm within the first three years of his deal.

I get disagreeing with the move -- maybe you think Cano fades earlier, maybe you really believe in Kelenic -- but I think that anyone who can't admit that there are likely to be significant short-term gains from Cano is not realistic.

And that's completely omitting Diaz (the real centerpiece of the deal) from the analysis.

The only thing so far that I've disliked about the Mets' offseason has been rumored deals (remember we were going to include McNeil in the Cano deal) or breaking up the MLB team for Realmuto or dealing Thor. But, setting aside rumor and innuendo, what the Mets have actually done has been very good so far -- addressed a lineup deficiency (and hopefully they move Frazier to the bench unless he gets off to a torrid start) and give McNeil 600 AB's -- and really turned the back-end of the BP into a major strength.

So far, really so good. Personally, I think Grandal and Pollock and a LHRP would make this an A++++ offseason.