22 Comments

Mike Hazen showing how it's done with Moreno, especially when Carson Kelly was their main get for franchise player Paul Goldschmidt.

You don't just have to fill holes to win, you gotta get better players than you already have.

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That's why they need to make a trade for Jorge Polanco, instead of thinking one of their internal options will work at 2b.

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Thought that crossed my mind yesterday, any chance we roll the dice on Realmuto for 1b next year on a pillow contract? Not sure if someone else has put this out there, but while his defense is pretty not great he's consistently been an above average offensive performer during his career. Would be a nicer fit as a platoon partner with Joe if he was LH but would still make for a very nice offensive upgrade

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Seems like a done deal that Santana will split time with Triolo and Endy at first base in 2024

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I think your thinking of the wrong player. Hoskins?

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Oops i did a brain fart, good call!

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I, for one, will still allow JT Realmuto to play first baseman for the Pirates. ;)

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I am certain he would be better than most of the guys we have thrown out there the last few years lol

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I don't think Bowen should be protected given our goals, so if they are worried that he will get selected then he should be on the trade block yesterday (if he isnt already)

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The Pirates did not overwhelm in last night's SRR victory, but did the little things like playing strong defensively and adding some offense. Bowen was in RF last night and made about 5 plays on fly balls or base hits to RF. Brannigan was at SS again, and fielded well at that key position. He also helped get the winning run home late in the game. With a runner at second and the score tied at 4-4, he hit a fly ball to CF allowing the runner to tag up and take third on the play. The opposing pitcher then helped by throwing a wild pitch to allow the runner to score the winning run.

The D'Backs went out on the limb by trading Daulton Varsho last December and getting C Gabriel Moreno, and OF Lourdes Gurriel, Jr in return from Toronto. Moreno was going to be a backup, but instead has become the STAR behind the plate. Gurriel quietly put up 61 EBH, including 24 HR and 82 RBI and has been a solid contributor in the playoffs.

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Gurriel definitely was a smaller piece in this deal, but he has undoubtedly lengthened the Dbacks lineup significantly

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Gurriel is finishing his last year at $5.4 mil - will be a FA after the season. Moreno just completed his 1st year of MLB Service at the league minimum, so two years until he reaches Arbitration.

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Huge steal, props to the Dbacks front office for having the kahones to roll the dice on that one

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Bowen looks like a sure thing for a roster spot.

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Probably says more about what's become of the AFL than anything. Super, super high offense environment.

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I highly doubt it. He’s a fringe roster guy at best. May become a “dude” one day, but he not there yet.

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There is absolutely no way a team could hide him on an MLB roster for a full season without a “serious” injury.

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Seems to me every organization has these type players. I have very little doubt he will be left off roster, and will not be selected. Much to the dismay of many readers on here.

But don’t get me started on Braxton Ashcraft. 😂😂😂

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Ashcraft feels like someone that actually would probably get selected to be honest, bowen is an absolute no for me

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As stated below, with very little exposure to pitching higher than A+, I can see not protecting him. It's a tough decision to make either way. Ashcraft needs to be on the 40 based on his numbers last year in A+ and AA. Coming back off of TJ Rehab, he did not show any signs of not having Command of his pitches as shown by his 9.9/1.7 K/BB/9 at A+ and 10.4/2.3 K/BB/9 at AA.

Last year they went short of 40 to have a pick in the MLB portion of the Rule 5 and that pick they used to get Jose Hernandez from the Dodgers. It worked out very well. Not sure they draft high enough to go short this year, and they will have their hands full protecting guys.

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It's always a good idea to have a spot clear. If a player you like makes it you take them, if not you have room to sign someone.

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He works hard and has elevated himself to being a consideration to help the Pirates as a RH hitter able to play CF, the two corner OF positions, and 1B. I think he could be a solid glove at 2B as well. Whether he makes the 40 is a toss-up right now, due mostly to having very little exposure to pitching above the A+ level, and just the numbers game.

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