The outfield defense has obviously been improved, and is probably the best defensive outfield in baseball. Assuming (a lot to do, I know) that Betancourt has learned how to throw the ball to the first baseman and not the fans sitting along the first base line, the infield defense should be solid, but not spectacular.

So far, we’ve seen that Z is a pretty no-nonsense guy, and hopefully Wakamatsu (sp?) is a reflection of the GM’s personality as well. Heilman should be in the bullpen, probably starting games. The rotation should be Felix, Bedard, Morrow, RRS, and Silva. Looking at the roster, if you’re trying to win games, that’s really the only rotation that makes sense. From what I’ve heard, Silva is working hard on not being a humongous fat ass this off-season. Maybe he won’t suck next year, but he’s a 5th starter anyway. 1-4 matches up pretty well with MOST teams in the AL. I don’t know what to do with Washburn, he’s not part of any long term plans and has little trade value at this point. Maybe the Braves will take him, they took Vasquez after all…

I was pretty surprised that Z didn’t make the move to get Mike Jacobs from the Marlins. I don’t remember them getting a ton in return for him, but he would have answered the questions at 1B.

FELIX?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! THAT WOULD BE ONE OF THE WORST DECISIONS OF THE 21 CENTURY AND BY FAR THE WORST MARINERS DECISION EVER!

I’m about 99.99999% sure the “Felix as closer” post was sarcasm.

Eddie Guardado wasn’t too bad if I’m not mistaken.

And why is everyone hating on Bedard, his injury wasn’t even as serious as they expected. Plus he wasn’t even that bad considering he was pitching hurt the whole year pretty much. It’s hard to pitch when you’re hurting I would know.

So if he can’t pitch consistently, how is he going to be any more useful as a starter than as a reliever?

Pitching consistently from the starting role and the closer role are two different things. And lets stop the crap about moving everyone to closer. FELIX?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! THAT WOULD BE ONE OF THE WORST DECISIONS OF THE 21 CENTURY AND BY FAR THE WORST MARINERS DECISION EVER! And Jarrod Washburn… The guy is a slow-throwing, contact pitcher, not exactly the guy you want closin out games…

Soooo, with the Braves inking Furcal to a new deal and still looking for rotation help, is there anyway we make a move for Yunel Escobar?

I was thinking about this prospect last night. Maybe a package of Bedard and Yuni/Lopez for Escobar and a couple of high-B prospects or some high-risk/high-reward lower minors types. I just can’t see the Braves going for that though.

Soooo, with the Braves inking Furcal to a new deal and still looking for rotation help, is there anyway we make a move for Yunel Escobar?

And yet HoRam is curiously still avaiable to Atlanta.