Rule 5

[petes999]

Because some were talking about it in Columbus/Akron threads, let's start it in it's own section. Rank in order who you would add and who you would drop from our 42 man roster (2 on DL - Reyes and Sizemore).

Also, since we don't have any 40-man people coming off the roster after 2011 (like Westbrook, Branyan, Wood ... this year), you may want to look at who is coming up in 2011 to be rostered as you may not want to add someone who will be dropped the next year for a better talent (drop Graham when you want to add Stowell and others in 2011). It may be worth trying to get Graham and McBride through this year and see what happens, then add them only to drop them later.

People to consider to add in 2010
1) Hagadone
2) Bryson
3) Espino
4) Judy
5) Pestano
6) Kluber
7) Goedhert
8) Rodriquez
9) McBride
10) Graham
11) Drennen
12) Diaz (probably too low and no bat really)

Top 2011 candidates (top 3 to 7 are locks or close to it and rest up for grabs based on performance)
1) Chisenhall
2) Stowell
3) Phelps
4) Barnes
5) Berger
6) Price
7) Putnam
8) A. Perez
9) McFarland
10) R. Perez - catcher (should be in AA by next year)
11) Abreau
12) Greenwell
13) Fedroff
14) Cid

[petes999]

For me, I have always want about 10 – starters 12-relievers 8-infielders, 7 outfielders/DH (give or take) and 3 catchers in your 40 man roster to have enough depth to call up during the year and not to lose too much depth.

So, I would do
People to drop
1) Sutton (add Sizemore from DL)
2) Reyes (off of DL – add no one)
3) Germano (add Hagadone)
4) Lewis (add Bryson)
5) Todd (add Pestano)
6) Nix (add Goedhart)
7) Duncan (add Kluber )
8) Hodges (add Espino)

Leaves us with – 10 Starters, 11 Relievers, 3 Catchers, 8 Infielders and 8 Outfielders

Strengths are Relievers ... So we can go light there and expose people like Judy and Graham because there is depth coming.

Long term – you have C. Perez, Hagadone, Stowell, CC Lee, Price, Putnam, Bryson, Sipp (a solid 8) with Judy, Pestano, Ambriz, Hermann, Laffey, Putnam and others as potential relievers and depth as not all make it. But, where does Graham, Lewis, and others fit?

But our weakness is SS (after Cabrera), 1B (after LaPorta) and power OF.

So last position will be tough depending on how people finish. For now, I will keep them except possibly McBride for Valbuena.

Possible Out – Brown, Rivero, Marte, Valbuena
Possible In- Judy, Rodriquez, McBride, Drennan

I see Valbuena as redundant. Rivero has potential but he may sneak through waivers. Marte may be kept as a solid defensive 3B until Chisenhall is ready (that or he is dropped for FA 3B). Brown needs to hit to keep a spot as we are weak in power at OF and 1B (see Weglarz as DH when Hafner's contract is done).

Judy is a good reliever that may be taken but where is his future with our talent at reliever. Good depth though. Rodriquez is a potential utility behind Donald (if he wins 2B between Phelps and Kipnis). And McBride and Drennan have power potential at a weak position for us (and Drennan barely has power).

[Lloyd Christmas]

Didnt think you could drop anyone without their permission

[MadThinker88]

Pete,

You know I love talking Rule 5 and 40 man roster.
Thanks for getting this started. Guess we have to get together to share a brew or 2.

[MadThinker88]

Didnt think you could drop anyone without their permission

I think you are confusing going on a rehab assignment or going onto the DL.
Player has no say on if they are placed onto waivers or not (otherwise may people would never leave a team for fear of never getting another chance in the majors).

[dnosco]

People to consider to add in 2010
1) Hagadone - Yes
2) Bryson Yes
3) Espino - No
4) Judy - No
5) Pestano - Yes. I think he will be in the majors by then
6) Kluber - No
7) Goedhert - Maybe
8) Rodriquez Maybe
9) McBride - Maybe
10) Graham - No
11) Drennen - No
12) Diaz (probably too low and no bat really) - No

In the end, they may roster only 2 guys although, with September callups, they may roster more.

[GoTribe028]

People to consider to add in 2010
1) Hagadone - Yes
2) Bryson Yes
3) Espino - No
4) Judy - No
5) Pestano - Yes. I think he will be in the majors by then
6) Kluber - No
7) Goedhert - Maybe
8) Rodriquez Maybe
9) McBride - Maybe
10) Graham - No
11) Drennen - No
12) Diaz (probably too low and no bat really) - No

In the end, they may roster only 2 guys although, with September callups, they may roster more.

Don't see how Corey Kluber doesn't get rostered, but I do agree with the rest.

[tpaquette78]

People to consider to add in 2010
1) Hagadone - Yes
2) Bryson Yes
3) Espino - No
4) Judy - No
5) Pestano - Yes. I think he will be in the majors by then
6) Kluber - No
7) Goedhert - Maybe
8) Rodriquez Maybe
9) McBride - Maybe
10) Graham - No
11) Drennen - No
12) Diaz (probably too low and no bat really) - No

In the end, they may roster only 2 guys although, with September callups, they may roster more.

Don't see how Corey Kluber doesn't get rostered, but I do agree with the rest.

Do you people really think Josh Judy doesn't get rostered. Your crazy.

[GoTribe028]

People to consider to add in 2010
1) Hagadone - Yes
2) Bryson Yes
3) Espino - No
4) Judy - No
5) Pestano - Yes. I think he will be in the majors by then
6) Kluber - No
7) Goedhert - Maybe
8) Rodriquez Maybe
9) McBride - Maybe
10) Graham - No
11) Drennen - No
12) Diaz (probably too low and no bat really) - No

In the end, they may roster only 2 guys although, with September callups, they may roster more.

Don't see how Corey Kluber doesn't get rostered, but I do agree with the rest.

Do you people really think Josh Judy doesn't get rostered. Your crazy.

You people?! What do you mean....you people?!

As for Judy, I guess I'd make him a "maybe"...I've never been to crazy about the guy. Just a gut feeling I have on the guy.

[TonyIBI]

Judy is a lock.

[tribefan611]

People to consider to add in 2010
1) Hagadone - Yes
2) Bryson Yes
3) Espino - No
4) Judy - Yes
5) Pestano - Yes. I think he will be in the majors by then
6) Kluber - Yes
7) Goedhert - Maybe
8) Rodriquez - Yes
9) McBride - No
10) Graham - Maybe
11) Drennen - No
12) Diaz (probably too low and no bat really) - Absolutely Not

[tribefan611]

People to drop
1) Sutton (add Sizemore from DL)
2) Reyes (off of DL – add no one)
3) Germano (add Hagadone)
4) Lewis (add Bryson)
5) Todd (add Pestano)
6) Nix (add Goedhart)
7) Duncan (add Kluber )
8) Hodges (add Espino)

Not sure about Nix and Duncan coming off. You are talking about the middle of the order tonight. But I think they will be solid bench players next year. I would probably drop Marte and Valbuena in place of those two.

[tpaquette78]

People to drop
1) Sutton (add Sizemore from DL)
2) Reyes (off of DL – add no one)
3) Germano (add Hagadone)
4) Lewis (add Bryson)
5) Todd (add Pestano)
6) Nix (add Goedhart)
7) Duncan (add Kluber )
8) Hodges (add Espino)

Not sure about Nix and Duncan coming off. You are talking about the middle of the order tonight. But I think they will be solid bench players next year. I would probably drop Marte and Valbuena in place of those two.

Nix and Duncan are off.

[tpaquette78]

Judy is a lock.

Thank you Tony. How could some of you not think Judy was off?

[tribefan611]

People to drop
1) Sutton (add Sizemore from DL)
2) Reyes (off of DL – add no one)
3) Germano (add Hagadone)
4) Lewis (add Bryson)
5) Todd (add Pestano)
6) Nix (add Goedhart)
7) Duncan (add Kluber )
8) Hodges (add Espino)

Not sure about Nix and Duncan coming off. You are talking about the middle of the order tonight. But I think they will be solid bench players next year. I would probably drop Marte and Valbuena in place of those two.

Nix and Duncan are off.

Please explain. Why would you keep Marte and Valbuena on, and actually take decent players off?

[tpaquette78]

People to drop
1) Sutton (add Sizemore from DL)
2) Reyes (off of DL – add no one)
3) Germano (add Hagadone)
4) Lewis (add Bryson)
5) Todd (add Pestano)
6) Nix (add Goedhart)
7) Duncan (add Kluber )
8) Hodges (add Espino)

Not sure about Nix and Duncan coming off. You are talking about the middle of the order tonight. But I think they will be solid bench players next year. I would probably drop Marte and Valbuena in place of those two.

Nix and Duncan are off.

Please explain. Why would you keep Marte and Valbuena on, and actually take decent players off?

Marte is not even close to being considered and Valbuena I think will stay on. They value him as a utility guy that can play 2B, SS and 3B. Has more upside than Nix and Nix can't play SS.

[tribefan611]

People to drop
1) Sutton (add Sizemore from DL)
2) Reyes (off of DL – add no one)
3) Germano (add Hagadone)
4) Lewis (add Bryson)
5) Todd (add Pestano)
6) Nix (add Goedhart)
7) Duncan (add Kluber )
8) Hodges (add Espino)

Not sure about Nix and Duncan coming off. You are talking about the middle of the order tonight. But I think they will be solid bench players next year. I would probably drop Marte and Valbuena in place of those two.

Nix and Duncan are off.

Please explain. Why would you keep Marte and Valbuena on, and actually take decent players off?

Marte is not even close to being considered and Valbuena I think will stay on. They value him as a utility guy that can play 2B, SS and 3B. Has more upside than Nix and Nix can't play SS.

You aren't making even a little bit of sense. Name me a utility infielder that has 10 HRs. Valbuena is an awful 3rd baseman, a terrible SS, and a bad 2nd baseman. Nix is a bad 3rd baseman, a good 2nd baseman. Nix can also play the outfield which Valbuena can't. Nix has a power bat with acceptable defense that you don't find in any other utility infielder. And Marte is not even considered?? Give me a break. He will be the first one off. Nix is BY FAR the best option for utility infielder we have over Marte and Valbuena. And you didn't justify your reasoning for taking Duncan (AKA the best pinch hitter in the AL) of the roster.

[tpaquette78]

People to drop
1) Sutton (add Sizemore from DL)
2) Reyes (off of DL – add no one)
3) Germano (add Hagadone)
4) Lewis (add Bryson)
5) Todd (add Pestano)
6) Nix (add Goedhart)
7) Duncan (add Kluber )
8) Hodges (add Espino)

Not sure about Nix and Duncan coming off. You are talking about the middle of the order tonight. But I think they will be solid bench players next year. I would probably drop Marte and Valbuena in place of those two.

Nix and Duncan are off.

Please explain. Why would you keep Marte and Valbuena on, and actually take decent players off?

Marte is not even close to being considered and Valbuena I think will stay on. They value him as a utility guy that can play 2B, SS and 3B. Has more upside than Nix and Nix can't play SS.

You aren't making even a little bit of sense. Name me a utility infielder that has 10 HRs. Valbuena is an awful 3rd baseman, a terrible SS, and a bad 2nd baseman. Nix is a bad 3rd baseman, a good 2nd baseman. Nix can also play the outfield which Valbuena can't. Nix has a power bat with acceptable defense that you don't find in any other utility infielder. And Marte is not even considered?? Give me a break. He will be the first one off. Nix is BY FAR the best option for utility infielder we have over Marte and Valbuena. And you didn't justify your reasoning for taking Duncan (AKA the best pinch hitter in the AL) of the roster.

Crowe would be a better 4th outfielder than Duncan. It's the American league teams don't save roster spots for pinch hitters. Nix has power and that's it. Their is a reason he was cut by the White Sox. Valbuena still very young will not be given up on and will continue to be groomed for Utility role along with Donald if Phelps or Kipnis takes over at 2nd eventually. Valbuena had decent rookie season has had a terrible sophmore campaign but has shown he can handle Triple A. Upside versus Nix who has reached his potential and is the wong side of the age bracket for the Indians and their future considerations. This makes sense not your scenario.

[hoof32]

Serious question: Could Hafner be left off?

[petes999]

Here was some of my logic. It was a bit hasty and some of it I am already rethinking.

Marte over Duncan and Valbuena. I know this isn't popular but they aren't going into next year without a 3B other than Goedhert. Who is that? Not Nix or Valbuena. Also, you need someone at first, who is that? Laporta and Brown are the only ones. So you either have a FA or Marte. But, don't worry, when Chisenhall is ready, Marte is cut to clear room. It's just a one year move. And, Marte is easier to cut mid-season than a pricey free agent.

Right now, Duncan and Valbuena are playing like crap. And, once I say that, Duncan gets another HR last night. But, we just drove Peralta out of town and Duncan has worse numbers and worse defense. As for Valbuena, are we really going to keep a utility guy on our 40 when we have a better option in Donald and possibly Rodriquez (even though I didn't protect him). I see Valbuena as sneaking through waivers as I believe Barfield did. Yet, it will be a battle between Valbuena, McBride and Rodriquez for one of those last slot.

I added Espino and Kubler over Judy. I am rethinking this. But, with the state of our starters (Masterson, Tomlin and Rondon) who may be more relievers than starters, I was trying to keep some depth at starters. I know Espino is targeted reliever, but he is doing well as a starter. And again some of this is temporary as you also have Berger and Barnes at the same level but don't need to be protected next year. For me, relievers like Hermann, Lewis, Laffey are starting to be expendable after next year when we have to add Stowell, Price and Putnam to Bryson, Hagadone and Perez. For me, losing a potential starter (even BOR now) would be more painful than losing a reliever in Rule 5. But, to keep Judy over Espino is probably what will happen. And, even though I wasn't high on taking Kubler, I just don't see Indians taking him and then leaving him unprotected.

[petes999]

Also for those you want to cut Giminez and Crowe. I could see Giminez, but we need a 3rd catcher and right now that isn't McBride if someone gets injured next year. McBride is more of a once in a while replacement not a 2 day a week catcher. Also, Crowe may be considered but with Sizemore status for next year after microfracture surgery, they would want him around like we got Branyan for Laporta this year. Otherwise, you just have Brantley and Cabrera as your CFers.

[indianinkslinger]

I am still formulating and gathering information. I do not have answers in my own mind about 3B and RH relievers. That being said, I have some thoughts about who to add to the 40. Hagadone, Judy and Bryson are all locks IMO. Near locks are Kluber, Pestano and JRod. I am not sure how valuable JRod will be in the majors but you don't leave SS completely exposed in the organization and he would be a likely draftee from what I have seen this year. Other adds and cuts come later for me.

[dnosco]

One more comment: It was speculated in the PD that Bryce Stowell may be called up. He is, by his statistics, not ready and calling him up now would needlessly take a 40-man roster spot this winter, as he is not Rule 5 eligible until next winter.

In a system as deep as the Indians have, given that 2011 will probably not be a competitive year for the Indians, Stowell should not be called up now. Only foolish teams burn arby-free years during non-competitive seasons before the guy is ready or even needed in the majors AND before they must be called up. Yeah, exceptions exist, but many more situations exist where a team has run a guy out of option years and arby-free years before his contribution to the team is worthwhile.

Hey, if excels in ST or during the beginning of the year, bring him up if you have the roster flexibility. But this year? He hasn't earned it and his presence will most likely cost a guy to be left off the 40-man who should probably be protected.

Oh, before anyone asks, once next ST rolls around and we put guys on the 60-day DL, roster spots open up on the 40-man for us to add guys like Stowell to our ML roster. Happens every year to almost every team.

[jhonny]

I don't think McBride or Rodriguez are rostered (if they were going to roster Rodriguez, they would have just called him up by now) and I think Jess Todd sticks around - if nothing else, he'll play the Jensen Lewis role next year of the guy called up and sent down.

[TonyIBI]

Stowell is not coming up to Cleveland this year, I have an Atkins quote for MH which should lay that to rest. Also, Hafner is not being cut.

[dnosco]

Stowell is not coming up to Cleveland this year, I have an Atkins quote for MH which should lay that to rest. Also, Hafner is not being cut.

and

[toledobuck]

Also, Graham is definitely being added to the 40.

[MadThinker88]

Also, Graham is definitely being added to the 40.

Correction - in your opinion Graham should be added to the 40 man.
In my opinion he is likely not added (because of the number of arms ahead of him).

With luck I will have a cut and add listing to post before Smoke Signals this evening.

[TonyIBI]

Also, Graham is definitely being added to the 40.

Actually, quite the opposite most likely.

[tribefan611]

Also, Graham is definitely being added to the 40.

Actually, quite the opposite most likely.

Aren't power relievers targeted most in the Rule 5 draft?

[tribefan611]

People to drop
1) Sutton (add Sizemore from DL)
2) Reyes (off of DL – add no one)
3) Germano (add Hagadone)
4) Lewis (add Bryson)
5) Todd (add Pestano)
6) Nix (add Goedhart)
7) Duncan (add Kluber )
8) Hodges (add Espino)

Not sure about Nix and Duncan coming off. You are talking about the middle of the order tonight. But I think they will be solid bench players next year. I would probably drop Marte and Valbuena in place of those two.

Nix and Duncan are off.

Please explain. Why would you keep Marte and Valbuena on, and actually take decent players off?

Marte is not even close to being considered and Valbuena I think will stay on. They value him as a utility guy that can play 2B, SS and 3B. Has more upside than Nix and Nix can't play SS.

You aren't making even a little bit of sense. Name me a utility infielder that has 10 HRs. Valbuena is an awful 3rd baseman, a terrible SS, and a bad 2nd baseman. Nix is a bad 3rd baseman, a good 2nd baseman. Nix can also play the outfield which Valbuena can't. Nix has a power bat with acceptable defense that you don't find in any other utility infielder. And Marte is not even considered?? Give me a break. He will be the first one off. Nix is BY FAR the best option for utility infielder we have over Marte and Valbuena. And you didn't justify your reasoning for taking Duncan (AKA the best pinch hitter in the AL) of the roster.

Crowe would be a better 4th outfielder than Duncan. It's the American league teams don't save roster spots for pinch hitters. Nix has power and that's it. Their is a reason he was cut by the White Sox. Valbuena still very young will not be given up on and will continue to be groomed for Utility role along with Donald if Phelps or Kipnis takes over at 2nd eventually. Valbuena had decent rookie season has had a terrible sophmore campaign but has shown he can handle Triple A. Upside versus Nix who has reached his potential and is the wong side of the age bracket for the Indians and their future considerations. This makes sense not your scenario.

I'm not saying we keep Duncan over Crowe. I think we should keep both. Duncan would basically take over Marte's role. He would be the backup first baseman and outfielder. Whoever said we need Marte to backup third, Donald can slide over to third for the day, or Nix/valbuena can play third JUST FOR A DAY. I think either Goedert/FA will play third next year. Valbuena over Nix makes no sense to me.You are acting like Nix is over the hill. He is 27.

[toledobuck]

Graham has had a sub 2.00 ERA since being moved into the bullpen. I see him being added to the 40 as a better decision than adding someone like Goedert or Espino.

[tribefan611]

Graham has had a sub 2.00 ERA since being moved into the bullpen. I see him being added to the 40 as a better decision than adding someone like Goedert or Espino.

I agree. Finally, I got someone!

[TonyIBI]

Aren't power relievers targeted most in the Rule 5 draft?

Yes, but of all the Rule 5 eligible relievers (we are only protecting 2-3 at most), he is of least importance. I'd rather lose him than a Judy, Pestano, Bryson or Hagadone. Can't protect everyone, and we likely will lose a reliever this offseason, maybe two to the Rule 5 Draft.

[TonyIBI]

Stowell is not coming up to Cleveland this year, I have an Atkins quote for MH which should lay that to rest. Also, Hafner is not being cut.

and

Listening back and transcribing the quote, not as cut and dry as I originally thought, but I still would be extremely surprised if he were called up this year:

"It is a little bit different [with a major league opportunity this year] because he is a non-Rule 5 eligible player, so we do not have to protect him this year. Because we do not have to protect Bryce, a little bit more will go into that decision making process on whether or not he comes up this year."

[TitoFrancona]

Connor Graham is a ML ready now reliever imo. I think Antonetti should do his due dilligence and try to package him in a deal before rule 5. I know we have pitchers ahead of him, but, statistically, he's been about as good as anyone of them.

I can the Indians losing at least 3 guys if left unprotected. For positively sure, Goedert and Graham. And I would guess that McBride and possibly Drennen might be taken. Although Drennen would most likely be returned.

[bmonnig]

I don't see why there would be a rush to get Stowell to Cleveland. Aside from the obvious 40 man issues it would create, he's already at his 3rd level this year and has had some struggles in Columbus. I think they should let him settle in the rest of the year and give him a shot to earn a spot in camp next year. If he forces you to bring him to Cleveland out of camp, you deal with the 40 man issues then. I imagine it would be a little easier to slip someone thru waivers in the spring than it would be to get one of the other relief prospects thru the Rule 5.

What are people thinking about Rivero? My thought is that they should remove him from the 40 man. Yes, he's still young but he's in his 2nd full year at AA and has seemingly regressed. He looks the part but hasn't shown he can hit and I've heard on here that his fielding is nothing special. I don't imagine that he would get taken in the Rule 5 (guess there's a chance just because of his physical attributes and he seems to have potential). However, even if he were to get taken, I don't see anyway a team could carry him on their big league club all year.

[JP_Frost]

I'd remove Rivero as well. Like you said, he's unlikely to get taken and if you do lose him, it's not a big deal.

[tpaquette78]

I'd remove Rivero as well. Like I said, he's unlikely to get taken and if you do lose, it's not a big deal.

I find it hard to beleive that there is even any question to whether he stays on or not. He is one if not the easiest choice.

[JP_Frost]

I'd remove Rivero as well. Like I said, he's unlikely to get taken and if you do lose, it's not a big deal.

I find it hard to beleive that there is even any question to whether he stays on or not. He is one if not the easiest choice.

There probably isn't any doubt about, but since we're just speculating, nothing is official.

[toledobuck]

Looking at the current 40 man and the guys that need protected, I do not foresee the Tribe losing anybody of significance. There is adequate room to take guys off and put minor league guys on the 40. As it sits right now there are a lot of options but I am guessing the Tribe will at least sign a FA guy or two in the offseason. Assuming the Tribe inks one major league FA, this is how I see the 40 man roster shaping up ahead of the rule 5:

Germano ---> Hagadone
A. Reyes ---> Bryson
Rivero ---> Judy
Sutton ---> Pestano
Hodges ---> Kluber
Nix/Marte/Brown/Carrera/Todd ---> Graham
Nix/Marte/Brown/Carrera/Todd ---> FA

I think this is a likely scenario moving forward. I think that the Tribe will DFA two of Nix, Marte, Todd, Brown, and Carrera if needed.

[tribefan611]

Buck- I don't see them signing a major league free agent. They may bring in a minor league free agent or two. But, even if they did sign a major league free agent, it would probably happen after the rule 5 draft, so that is not a problem right now.

[petes999]

Looking at the current 40 man and the guys that need protected, I do not foresee the Tribe losing anybody of significance. There is adequate room to take guys off and put minor league guys on the 40. As it sits right now there are a lot of options but I am guessing the Tribe will at least sign a FA guy or two in the offseason. Assuming the Tribe inks one major league FA, this is how I see the 40 man roster shaping up ahead of the rule 5:

Germano ---> Hagadone
A. Reyes ---> Bryson
Rivero ---> Judy
Sutton ---> Pestano
Hodges ---> Kluber
Nix/Marte/Brown/Carrera/Todd ---> Graham
Nix/Marte/Brown/Carrera/Todd ---> FA

I think this is a likely scenario moving forward. I think that the Tribe will DFA two of Nix, Marte, Todd, Brown, and Carrera if needed.

Just remember, you also need to get Sizemore off the 60-day DL and back on the 40 man roster. And, Reyes is on the 60-day DL, so releasing him does not open a spot on the 40 man roster. Before the trade for Carrera and Kluber, I don't think the Rule 5 draft was an issue. It just gets a little harder now. Something to ponder.

[petes999]

Buck- I don't see them signing a major league free agent. They may bring in a minor league free agent or two. But, even if they did sign a major league free agent, it would probably happen after the rule 5 draft, so that is not a problem right now.

It all depends. I think the two biggest needs that they may need to address are SP and 3B. I prefer to look within. At 3B, by the time you try Goedhert, Marte and possibly Donald (giving Phelps a chance at 2B), Chisenhall will be ready. At SP, you have too many question marks with only Carmona and Talbot in regular position and possibly Masterson for another season. Then it is a big ? with Tomlin, Gomez, Carrasco, Rondon, Huff and Laffey. They may want someone with more experience to stabilize the staff. But, if you do get a 1 year rental at 3B that wants a ML contract, Marte is gone. That leaves SP, which I think you have a lot of options including, Barnes, Berger, Kubler and White to take over if those 6 above falter in the 2 open positions. If Carrasco can come up and take charge of that 4th spot, it lessens the need to look for more options. Gomez is doing well now, but long-term he is either a reliever or needs another year in the minors to get his secondary pitches in order.

[TonyIBI]

I'd remove Rivero as well. Like I said, he's unlikely to get taken and if you do lose, it's not a big deal.

I find it hard to beleive that there is even any question to whether he stays on or not. He is one if not the easiest choice.

Yeah, he and a few others will likely be DFAed after the season, likely near the deadline to ensure he clears (though who would want him anyway?).

[tribefan611]

They have a lot of options to go through, and I don't see how it makes sense to bring in a vet. to take an opportunity away from a young kid. Maybe a Jon Garland- like pitcher. He worked wonders for SD, but they finished well last year and had an idea they might do something this year. Carrasco is a big key. If he makes a couple good starts up here, then that makes the rotation look better going forward. I said it somewhere else. The only SP they would possibly bring in is Westbrook. As for 3rd base, I want to see Goedert in Sept. If he does well, or OK, let him play next year. If not, get a FA. How many chances can Marte get? I also agree that if Phelps blows them away in ST, then they may let him have 2nd and give Donald 3rd.

[TonyIBI]

They have a lot of options to go through, and I don't see how it makes sense to bring in a vet. to take an opportunity away from a young kid. Maybe a Jon Garland- like pitcher. He worked wonders for SD, but they finished well last year and had an idea they might do something this year. Carrasco is a big key. If he makes a couple good starts up here, then that makes the rotation look better going forward. I said it somewhere else. The only SP they would possibly bring in is Westbrook. As for 3rd base, I want to see Goedert in Sept. If he does well, or OK, let him play next year. If not, get a FA. How many chances can Marte get? I also agree that if Phelps blows them away in ST, then they may let him have 2nd and give Donald 3rd.

They almost suredly will bring in a vet free agent pitcher. Along the lines of a Brian Anderson, Carl Pavano, etc. They just have too much uncertainty with the rotation, you need a vet or two to stabilize a little so I see one big league starter signed and maybe 1-2 NRI guys too.

[Lloyd Christmas]

Has anyone seen anything in Huff to warrant keeping him?

[tribefan611]

Has anyone seen anything in Huff to warrant keeping him?

No, but why get rid of him? He has plenty of time to turn it around. Way too early to give up on him.

[tribefan611]

They have a lot of options to go through, and I don't see how it makes sense to bring in a vet. to take an opportunity away from a young kid. Maybe a Jon Garland- like pitcher. He worked wonders for SD, but they finished well last year and had an idea they might do something this year. Carrasco is a big key. If he makes a couple good starts up here, then that makes the rotation look better going forward. I said it somewhere else. The only SP they would possibly bring in is Westbrook. As for 3rd base, I want to see Goedert in Sept. If he does well, or OK, let him play next year. If not, get a FA. How many chances can Marte get? I also agree that if Phelps blows them away in ST, then they may let him have 2nd and give Donald 3rd.

They almost suredly will bring in a vet free agent pitcher. Along the lines of a Brian Anderson, Carl Pavano, etc. They just have too much uncertainty with the rotation, you need a vet or two to stabilize a little so I see one big league starter signed and maybe 1-2 NRI guys too.

Carmona, Masterson, and Talbot have spots next year, correct? Unless Tomlin is HORRIBLE in his last outing or two, wouldn't he have a spot also? What does he have to do in AAA? And Carrasco, don't they have to look at him next year? I agree a vetern would help, but where does he fit? Not to mention Gomez, Huff, Laffey, Reyes.