When was the last time Jed traded prospects to upgrade the roster during the off season? Under Theo does not count. I honestly don't know. But I suspect NEVER as I fear our fearless GM is a prospect hoarder.
"We" Don't fill out a lineup card. "We" aren't privy to organizational discussions. Under Ross there was resistance but there is a new sheriff in town.
The next couple of years will define Jed's legacy. Sure, he won a ring but that was under the umbrella held by big brother Theo. At this point I think it's safe to say that Jed can build a farm system. Theo saw the writing on the wall and knew he couldn't operate under the Rickett's constraints and bailed. Can Jed take the organization to the next level?
What I'm saying is Bregman is currently unavailable as are other potential 3B options. That landscape could change around the trade deadline. The current options are unappealing. A glove first Chapman would require a multi-year offer and has had a qualify offer making it even uglier proposition. There are potential in-house solutions that work (Madrigal) that won't win you a world series but will let you tread water until more viable solutions can be obtained without handcuffing the organization. Shaw plays 3rd in AA and Morel at 3B in ST,
Fix what you can fix now (1B/DH) preferably of Left handed variety and pitching.
Plan on addressing 3B at the deadline if Morel / Shaw situation is not satisfactory. Bregman still may not be available but maybe Tampa is out of it and then Paredes // Lowe is an option. (My point is there will be MORE options at point then there are RIGHT now).
***And I'm not advocating building around Nick freaking Madrigal....he is just the lesser of two evils.
I really hope Jed decides to address 3B around the trade deadline when Bregman could become available and/or Polanco could be cheaper. Focus on Pitching and lefthanded bats (1B/DH) now and use the intervening months to see how the in-house options fare at 3B. (Morel,Shaw) Provided Madrigal is on the field he is not going to kill you production wise.
Naylor at first base is really starting to make more and more sense. Besides the obvious offensive upgrades while being a left-handed bat. His improved infield defense will benefit whomever Counsell runs out there at 3B.
Jed Hoyer is not trading PCA - Period. He is too cheap has too much defense up the middle and too much team control. The ultimate Hoyer prospect put it to bed already.
Lack of any movement is surprising. I thought once Ohtani and Soto got sorted out there would be some action. Does Jed still have a pulse? Or is he on another 3 day binge drinking bender like last year (When he signed Mancini)?
Just don't think Jed is going to trade PCA - period. PCA is cheap and should provide GG caliber defense up the middle with years of team control. Hopefully being humbled during his first ML stint will bring the needed changes for him.
I can empathize with you Stratos. These days are so very sad. Glad I grew up in an era where there were no cell phones, no high speed internet and the neighborhood was safe enough for kids to play. Some of my fondest memories growing up are playing neighborhood baseball / whiffle ball games.
First noticed mine when Jim Hendry flipped Maddux for Cesar Izturis so he could knock in runs with his glove... close second was the Milton Bradley contract. I've got anti-bodies now nothing surprises me anymore.
This.
Be it CF or 1B considering that the POTENTIAL long-term solutions at those positions could already be on the 40 man roster in PCA and Mervis. Rhys Hoskins is a far cheaper bridge to sort out first base than Bellinger.
Would really like the Cubs to tell Owen Caissie to bring his first base glove to spring training.