TempeAngel

Yes, but this is everything about the Dodgers approach. It's the key to their success. There really can't be a comparison between the Dodgers and the Mets because the Mets haven't done this. Let's see where they're at in 3 years.

I don't think the Cubs would trade Hoerner unless they sign Dansby Swanson.

I agree. Ideally, the two bats can take a walk and have an OBP higher than the .312 league average. It's something our lineup needs. Even our new guys are not really on base guys who will take a walk. Renfroe has a career .300 OBP. Urshela is at .321. Rengifo is at .294 career OBP. Fletcher is at .297 and .288 OBP the past two years. Stassi is at .295 career OBP. Walsh was .269 last year. It is a blaring weakness in the construction of the team right now.

You left off some columns - the projected salaries and if there is a QO. Factoring that in I still like Rodon if they will go over the luxury cap. If not, I think Greinke or Syndergaard on a 1 year could be interesting. But I think they may stay with what they have for a 6th starter - Canning, Rodriguez, Silseth. Or sign Lorenzen.

Will Myers as a 4th OF'er? Interesting. We have Urshela but he could play some 1B also. What would you pay him? I see he only played 77 games last year. Is he healthy?

I think Minasian has done a nice job so far with Anderson, Urshela and Renfroe so even if he is unable to upgrade at SS or add another SP we are a better team and could compete for the wild card. From here, my priorities would be: 1. Find a way to keep Ohtani. Sign him before he becomes a free agent if possible. He should have an Angels cap on his plaque in Cooperstown - Next to Vladi and Trout. 2. Find an upgrade at SS but don't trade Sandoval to get one. He is a top of the rotation pitcher with four more years of control. It's probably through a trade but I would be happy with Swanson. His defense is more valuable than ever without a shift. If Swanson goes to the Cubs then a trade for Hoerner would be great. 3. Find a 6th starting pitcher. Maybe it is Canning. He's healthy and started a throwing program last month. Maybe it's Lorenzen. If they are willing to go over the Luxury cap then sign Rodon for 5/135

Most seasoned Angel fans probably feel both - all in with tempered expectations.

Is this thread fantasy or reality based? Or both?

Ned Colletti = Bill Bavasi

It must be fun to be a Padres or a Mets fan right now.

Dodgers have never done this. Friedman built a system rooted in player development and then pays for anything they are lacking. Because they can. The Mets are just writing blank checks. Crazy. I bet Eppler is having the time of his life. Good for him! After dealing with Arte the Hun he deserves it.

This is really informative. There is plenty of reality based optimism and the interviews are great. Thanks to all!

Fixed.

Where in this did he say there is no need for an upgrade at SS? I think it's a pretty fair assessment of what he currently has.

Not true. I am an Angels fan since my Dad took me to games in the 1970's. The first game I can remember was with Frank Tanana on the mound and Dave Chalk at 3B. Game six was one of the happiest of days of my life. You have entirely missed the point. Do you know who William Safire was? Do you know why I mentioned him in response to your post? Do you understand sarcasm? Good night @Pancake Bear

Fixed. I saved you a shitload of unnecessary typing. William Safire would now applaud your brevity.

I'd love to know the source the Cardinals beat writer had on that one. It does not equate.

They will all be starting - at 1B, 2B, SS and OF. It's their starting lineup https://www.fangraphs.com/depthcharts.aspx?position=ALL&teamid=29

Right. And a team that was better than the Marlins did not make the post season. Therefore, the shortened season made it more difficult on a better overall team that got off to a slow start. The Dodgers were clearly one of the best teams in the league but if they struggled for the first 20-25 games they may not even make the playoffs. In a 162 game season they figure it out.

You are proving my point with your case. I said "a case could be made". The case: In a 60 game season the best teams may not even make the playoffs because a flawed team gets hot early or a really good team has a 3-4 week slump. So to win in 60 games can be more difficult than winning in 162. In a full the season the best and worst teams are fleshed out.

His idea is to trade Sandoval. So the scenario is also without Sandoval. Smart teams don't trade young, cost controlled pitchers with front of the rotation potential. Perry seems smart. Sandoval is not going anywhere. He is building around Sandoval, not trading him.

I just think it's BS that some of us Angels fans want to discount the Dodgers WS win. Every team played by the same rules. Get over it. In a 60 game season all it would take is a 3 week slump and a team may not even make the playoffs. Over 162 games it's likely the best teams are playing in October.

I do not concur. There is a case to be made the 2020 WS Championship was more difficult to achieve than a full season World Series Championship.

Signing Correa would be great but signing a fourth $30 M - $35 M guy doesn't feel like it's rooted in reality. They would end up with a tax payroll of $250 M or more.

I think it could be a Japanese ownership group and I think that could be a very good thing.