I don't want five years of Braun. it simply delays of what our front office is trying to accomplish and aside from his PED enhanced MVP playing, he is getting older. if he is playing well while being clean, then he is on a typical projection of decline very near, and if he is still on, we risk of having him eat into our payroll while potentially getting a season long ban.
as for the big bat in the line up, I think it would be wise to wait and see what our guys do for the rest of the season anyway. Grandal in a limited at bats has performed to be the best of our guys so far, Puig and Turner are underachieving badly and still serviceable, either one or both can turn it up in a month or so. Seager is the one obviously who should be the best overall hitter on our team by the begining of the playoffs if not by mid season, hopefully. Gonzo is now clear from his injuries of the past and simply now a matter of how soon his father time may come, but we have guys who are near ready down in the minors for 1B.
I guess what I am trying to say, is that 2016 was supposed to be a transitional season anyhow, but we still have a very competitive group and should let it play out before making any rash decisions such as bringing Ryan Braun who will obviously not only block some of our youth movement but delay the original plan of getting rid of bad contracts who will inevitably become deadmoney soon.
Quake Griffin wrote:Speaking of wanting an anchor bat in our lineup that puts fear in people's hearts....
For Trout?
I'd give up a lot.
Joc, Urias, DeLeon, Verdugo???
I would take Urias outta there, and think the Angels would be willing to get the same amount of contract back if not a bit more as long as they get what they need now with an ample of prospects.
I would trade them
Alex Wood - they need a starter and a lefty if they can
De Leon - he would become instantly their best prospect they will have in their farm and he is nearly ready, and could play now
Joc - a center fielder for a center fielder
Alex Guerrero - finally a position he can play, a DH. he could play their much needed LF as well.
Grant Holmes - this is where it will hurt.
Zach Lee - they could use another MLB ready starter. we have Bolsinger/Ryu/McCarthy coming back. this makes sense.
Joc/Holmes/De Leon are the center pieces and Wood/Lee/Guerrero fills their current need.
in return, I would ask for Trout + JIman Choi
then turn around and trade Choi and AJ Ellis to the Indians for Joba Chamberlain and MIcah Minlard. then promote Barnes to the major league roster, Joba becomes the SU man we desperately need before Jensen and Micah is a good prospect with a great frame and age who is not well appreciated in his current organization.