The Plan May Be Unfolding…

It appears that Andrew Friedman wasn’t not just posturing as I thought when he said he wasn’t worried about the CBT. After adding journeyman outfielder, David Peralta yesterday and another $6 or $7 Million onto the payroll, it’s clear Friedman is not concerned with re-setting the CBT. It’s not the last time I was wrong. I am, however, always looking for the rest of the story or for the other shoe to drop. To me, this is a precursor to something bigger. Much bigger!

Here’s what I think (and part of the reason is I want to think it): I think that Pittsburgh has backed off their asking price for Bryan Reynolds – they know he is adamant about being traded, and the Pirates have dropped their “ask” to something more reasonable. That ask may be something like Ryan Pepiot, Mike Busch, James Outman, and Dalton Rushing. It’s still a big ask, but one that really doesn’t gut the farm. I’d like to keep Rushing out of it, and use Leonard or Vivas instead. Or… Devin Mann or Hunter Feddducia maybe?

Here’s my thinking: CT3 and David Peralta will platoon in LF, while CT3 plays every other place that he plays as well. That should be a productive platoon that could produce 25 to 30 HR. One thing about David Peralta – he can flat-out hit LH Pitchers…. well, usually. Last year he only hit .267 against them, but RVS and Company may likely fix that. In 2018, he hit .318 against LHP, with .946 OPS and 22 HR. Interestingly, RVS was with the Diamondbacks in 2018 when Peralta had his career year. So there is that!

I didn’t believe Andrew Friedman was serious about not staying under the CBT. I was wrong, But I don’t believe he is serious about playing Steven Duggar, Bradley Zimmer, James Outman, or Jason Heyward in Centerfield. I do believe that he will try and trade for Bryan Reynolds, and he might as well do it now. This team with Reynolds would be pure championship caliber:

1. Betts RF
2. Lux SS
3. Freeman 1B
4. Martinez DH
5. Muncy 3B
6. Smith C
7. Reynolds CF
8. Vargas 2B
9. Peralta/Taylor LF

That is a fearsome lineup. It could be the best in baseball. I’d rather Lux hit leadoff and Betts hit second, but that is me. The Pirates get Busch, Pepiot, and Outman.. all of whom will be starters. The Dodgers get a Centerfielder whose best years may be ahead of him. He has a career .842 OPS. I think the Dodgers can help him become a Superstar! (Cody who?)

YES, it is a lot of prospect collateral to pay, but CF is a place of need. James Outman may be a nice CF’er, but Bryan Reynolds is a borderline superstar, and with the best farm systems in baseball, the collateral is not that big of a deal. Andy Pages takes over LF in 2024!