This was so much fun to be a part of. That isn't sarcastic. Bryce delivered THE most memorable sports moment of my life to date, and I'm glad I was watching with my family and watching "with" you guys. Singing "Dancing on my Own" with Girl and proud Plat Snoop Dog the Puppy, with all the fans, and with my family will always be fond memories.
But again, timely hitting and timely pitching both served and failed them. How many 2 out and/or 2 strike hits/rbi did they have up until the WS? The bullpen was a ticking time bomb, but like the bats, got the job done. Brogdon stepped up. Alvarado stepped up. Seranthony is an animal. Eflin, though not a closer, could be a high leverage type guy to get them 5 outs. Ranger is what we wish Eflin was.
The regular season starting arms are there, but the postseason is a different story. In a refrain I'm tired of singing, they need something to work in the bullpen. Robertson wasn't it x2, Familia was a disaster anyone saw coming, and Hand was not good. They've tried offseason after offseason to address this and it hasn't been it, Chief. But someone has to stick somehow. That'll help the timely pitching in the back half of the game.
The front half of the game? If they get a truly reliable reliever, Suarez suddenly is your 3rd starter in the playoffs, which I think they should be making again next year with the expanded format. Is Wheeler/Nola/Ranger good enough in front of a decent bullpen? I think so, especially considering a decent arm will be relegated there a la Eflin. Further emphasis on the need of a reliever or f*** everybody, 2.
They have young arms coming which could help too.
As far as bats, I mean Castellanos has to be better next season right? RIGHT?! Hoskins is an above average run creator but a terrible fielder. If you don't bring him back, who plays first? If Castellanos steps up, a below average run creator at a run creating position would be easier to swallow- that's the reality we're facing if they let Hoskins walk.
There's a lot of money coming off the books this offseason. Do they spend it on a few pitchers? Or just Turner, an excellent run creator himself? He certainly would help the timely hitting aspect. No shifting will too. But no shifting also will further highlight this team's defensive shortcomings.
One thing is certain and that's Dombrowski is going to go for it. Whatever it is sure will be something, tell ya that.
A lot rests on Castellanos next year imo
