Yeah, I'm open to whomever Elias wants to deal, outside of the pre-arb players. I realize this season has been surprising and fun for a fanbase that has longed for it, but we can't be short-sighted when Elias' long-term plan is finally beginning to take shape. I'm curious what sort of return Lopez could get, as he appears to be our best available trade chip. Of course if there are strong offers for Mullins or Hays, I'd imagine those offers could challenge the return for Lopez, if not exceed it. I just don't have a feel on what we should expect.
10 years ago this board was going nuts over the prospects of trading for Headley.
You were pretty steadfast that deadline that the O's needed to be selling, not buying.
Not sure you were wrong then, or wrong now.... but I'm not real excited by the prospects of trading Mancini, Santander, Lopez, or Lyles right now.
You can logically make a case for trading them.
- Mancini, mutual option, thought that he won't accept his... do the O's want to extend?
- Santander... has additional control, but could replace immediately with Stowers.
- Lopez earned his All-Star birth, but relievers volatile...
- Lyles best trait is reliability, and the O's might be looking to improve on him vs. picking up the option...
My general take overall though, is you've spent the last few years building strong system depth, and even with recent and coming graduates... the system is getting a waive of new blood via the draft (and finally internationally as well).
I don't feel the O's have to move guys at this point, just to bring back fliers with potential.
It's very hard for a team that is used to losing, to learn how to win.
The vibes are strong right now. Unless the returns are higher than I expect... I'd be inclined to let the team move forward with these pieces.
- Mancini can be back, they can work a 3 year deal which works for both sides. Not everyone needs to be 24.
- Santander... if you did trade Mancini, could get time at DH.
- Lopez, I'd rather keep his arm and have him available in the pen going forward.
- The year could still fall apart... and if so, it will because the rotation depth is limited. Lyles is doing his job providing innings and taking the ball. With Kremer and Wells also performing; you've got 3 usable arms (Watkins and Voth are also contributing, but I'm skeptical you get through the remainder of the year with them). Behind those 5... you've got Bradish, Hall, Zimmermann... I'm sure each gets starts this year, but without Means and Rodriguez.... you'd really miss the dependability Lyles brings. I also think picking up his option probably makes sense.