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OFFSEASON 2023-24
#1041 · December 20, 2023, 2:19 am
Since Cronenworth’s 2023 performance at 1B was unimpressive … most have been down on him … but he does have a major contract that will be hard to move. So, how much can you expect a return to 2021-2 performance? Can his “value” be maximized with a return to 2B?
Remember in both 2021 and 2022 he delivered a 4.2 WAR good for 4th best 2B. (That also was probably the reason for an extension). The move to 1B did not work … although on a dWAR basis was a top 5 defensive 1B.
The offense cratered from wRC+ of 117 then 110 down to 90. If he had maintained the 110-117 range with the defense he would have been an “average” MLB 1B. Power wise the problem expected something in the high teens instead of 10. What went wrong? Did Cronenworth alter his approach trying to be something he is not (a power hitter) or is he just fading with age? Can they re-capture that 4.2 WAR if he returns to 2B? … that would surely justify his contract.
Have to debate whether shifting the same players from an INF of Machado - Bogaerts - Kim - Cronenworth to Machado - Kim - Cronenworth - Bogaerts would not only improve the defense but may position Cronenworth to offensive rebound as he only try’s to be what he is (was). If the Padres can get him anywhere near his previous 4.2 WAR they have a winner … so shouldn’t they make the effort to do so? Will Bogaerts move to 1B?
Will see an early season experiment if Machado is the DH and Kim at 3B? If Cronenworth excels back at 2B … do they convince Bogaerts to move to 1B?
#1042 · December 20, 2023, 6:09 am
My guess is AJ wants to have both Suarez and Matsui as RH/LH Setup/Closer options.
As was stated we lost so many close games the goal has to be not to let that happen again...even though most of that was due to no timely hitting rather than blown saves the 7th-9th arms are still critical.
Trading or keeping Suarez will be another sign of the payroll restrictions.
If we can move Cronenworth or we do trade Kim it could be, as Fenn said, so we can keep Suarez....?
While this off season isn't going to be about big moves and won't have the excitement of the last few it will definitely be interesting and also the most challenging for Preller to get a solid 26 in the dugout under budget.....could be a "prove your worth" time for AJ.
Signing Machado and Bogaerts etc. is easy...it's just spending your owners money...but this?
This is different
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JasonE135
#1043 · December 20, 2023, 6:18 am
We'll see if AJ has Tower's penchant for building a bullpen out of thin air, with no resources( money or prospects).
As you say Mr.P, easy to spend money( hell, many of us could do it!). Let's see if he has any chops.
#1044 · December 20, 2023, 6:19 am
Has there been any talk of Groome moving to the pen? Or do they still hold out hope that he can start? If so, certainly hope they give him a shot this spring- we have the opening!
#1045 · December 20, 2023, 6:29 am
Does anyone see a world where we trade both Kim and Crone, go with Merrill at SS or 2B, and then sign a Santana like player for 1B?
#1046 · December 20, 2023, 6:30 am
Quote from WindsorUK on December 20, 2023, 6:19 amHas there been any talk of Groome moving to the pen? Or do they still hold out hope that he can start? If so, certainly hope they give him a shot this spring- we have the opening!
Going to be very tough for Groome coming off a very very bad 2023 in EP … he rated one of the worst SP in all of the PCL … control was missing.
Then add that he does not have any minor league options remaining.
For now no 40 man roster issue so would expect he does get a look in ST but I would not put any money on him making the ML roster out of ST … therefore more likely will be DFA.
#1047 · December 20, 2023, 7:29 am
My "guess" is Vasquez or Brito takes the #4 SP spot and whoever earns the #5 in ST out of the 5-6 guys we have "ready" gets it.
Unless of course AJ signs a guy later this offseason after things settle...as he says.
Still trade possibilities as well...Crone could go but that would be costly as we'd have to pay to trade him so not sure what kind of return we could get.
#1048 · December 20, 2023, 7:48 am
Just as a baseline ... a "minimalistic" approach to changes:
- sign Matsui and keep Suarez should make the pen complete and improve the LH/RH mix for end of games
- do NOT make any trades of 26 man roster players setting up (assuming rebounds) and very solid INF of Machado - Kim - Cronenworth - Bogaerts (all of whom have history of playing around 150 games ... so Batten as the reserve INF should be sufficient ... Tatis (CF) and Campusano (C) would effectively round out 6 hitters in the line-up ... and good bats.
- With Tatis to CF ... install Marsee in LF ... sign Profar (super utility / DH) ... sign someone at the level of Tapia (corner OF .. should be cheap) ... and with what is left to spend another Tapia level corner OF. Mid-season Merrill and Pauley may be considered upgrades.
- SP past Musgrove - Darvish - King will be the survivor (initially) among Brito - Vasquez - Waldron - Avila (losers at SP will be RP so a lot of potential for mix and match). Mid season consider elevation of one of the prospects: Thorpe; Iriate, Mazur, Bergert, maybe Snelling.
Padres stay under the tax threshold and given the core players still should be a legit contender for the playoffs (not great competition) then pivot as needed at the trade deadline.
Not exciting but might just work with health and some luck.
#1049 · December 20, 2023, 8:11 am
Quote from fenn68 on December 20, 2023, 7:48 am
With Tatis to CF ... install Marsee in LF ... sign Profar (super utility / DH) ... sign someone at the level of Tapia (corner OF .. should be cheap) ... and with what is left to spend another Tapia level corner OF. Mid-season Merrill and Pauley may be considered upgrades.
The thought of Tapia on this team makes me vomit. He is horrible. He can only hit in COL, couldnt hit anywhere else. I would rather go with Pauley, Tatis, Marsee than see Tapia in a Padre uniform. And personally would rather keep Tatis in RF. I would go with Bader in CF before ever looking at Tapia.
Dont give to much credence to Tatis playing CF in the DR league, as he has also played SS this winter. His dad is running the team, and probably letting Tatis play where ever he wants.
#1050 · December 20, 2023, 8:58 am
Quote from BoosterSD on December 20, 2023, 8:11 amDont give to much credence to Tatis playing CF in the DR league, as he has also played SS this winter. His dad is running the team, and probably letting Tatis play where ever he wants.
I somewhat agree, although it's worth noting that Tatis only was slated to play SS before Preller got pissed and discussed it with him. I believe he's only played OF since then, no? It's logical to say that, if he is indeed listening to Preller's instructions, that AJ may also have told him to give CF a shot, as well.
But also, who knows...