Sunday morning, Anthopoulos sat in the dugout at Angel Stadium and tried to make some sense of his team’s record, 10 games under .500 — now nine under — in last place in the American League, facing two more months of meaningless baseball.
“It really starts on the mound,” Anthopoulos said. “If we have to rely on winning games 10-8, it’s going to be tough. It’s been the story of our year, not being able to get the starting rotation untracked.”
Anthopoulos spoke for more than half an hour on a wide range of topics.
Some highlights:
With $110 million already committed to 13 players next year, is there still money to make significant off-season roster changes?
“When we made the trades (last winter), it’s something we talked about. Going forward, ownership was aware, and ownership understood where the commitments would be, going forward, and they green-lighted everything. So, from a financial standpoint, the resources will be available for us. It won’t mean we won’t change some things and reallocate money as you do any time. But it’s not like those contracts are sneaking up on us. We really have two years of commitments after the current year and, other than Reyes who has been a great player for us, there’s really no long-term (five, six years out) commitments. Reyes is going to have four years left on his deal and everyone else either has two years with an option, or just two years straight.”
Do you have a payroll number in mind for next year?
“I dont’ have a number right now and I wouldn’t divulge the number but what I would say is that we won’t be going backwards. That’s not in the plan at all. The number is developed at the end of the season. That comes from our conversations with Paul (Beeston). But the understanding is that we will be able to financially handle those contracts so that was why we were able to do the deals. That was a big part of our discussions. 2013 was going to be fine. It was ’14 and beyond. Ownership was aware and that’s not going to be an issue.”
Are the starting rotation and second base the two most crucial areas that need to be upgraded?
“They’re definitely the most important areas. There are other areas that we can improve on. I definitely think those are the most important areas. I think the rotation more than anything else. I haven’t looked in the last few days, but when you’re second to last in starter’s ERA (5.16) that has to improve. It’s hard to get to .500, to contend, if the starting rotation ERA is where it is. You obviously put a strain on the bullpen, it puts a strain on the offence when you’re down that many runs.”
Can Brett Lawrie be the answer at second base?
“You just don’t know what’s going to present itself. If all of a sudden an all-star, Gold Glove defender at third base is available that’s something you could consider and take a look at. Right now, from a flexibility standpoint, he’s athletic enough that he can play anywhere around the field. Right now, I don’t see that developing trade-wise, doesn’t look like there’s a lot of guys out there at third base. Second base looks like it will be easier to fill but it doesn’t mean we will. Right now, if I had to project, there will be more second basemen available than third.”
Other questions answered by clicking the link:
Josh Johnson continues to struggle. How long can you keep sending him out every fifth day?
Are you concerned about Melky Cabrera’s legs continuing to affect his defence next year?
Are you unhappy with your situation at catcher?
Do you have any untouchable players?
How do you address the issue of this team’s poor grasp of fundamental baseball?
http://www.torontosun.com/2013/08/04/an ... ost-season
