Dodgers: LA is clearing up the Outfield gut they've had for too long. Kemp can still mash, but he's a defensive liability. More importantly they have two stud guys in AAA (OF Joc Pederson and SS Corey Seager) who now have a clearer path to the majors. The last piece most believe LA is missing is another frontline to quality starter. It looks like most of the pieces they've picked up recently could work as bait or a cog to plug in place in the event of trading for another arm.
Boston: Cespedes for Lester was a calculated risk to pick up strong trade bait when Lester was 50/50 to return while they were on the outside looking in to the playoffs. I don't think even if they held on to him he would have resigned with Boston so basically they received Porcello for free. Cespedes is a name because he mashes homers, but his OPS and WAR are both surprisingly low and he'd probably walk at the end of this season. Trading him also opens an corner OF spot for Rusney Castillo some point this season, if not opening day. If they can swing a deal for another arm I think they'll be okay.
Oakland: I haven't a clue, but then again ever year Billy Beane does something crazy and every other year they make the playoffs - done it 8 out of the last 16 years - so who am I to argue.
Atlanta - The Braves are paying for the Upton mistakes. Because of those two signings they reached a point where they had to decide between Freeman or
Heyward.
Quote:
Originally Posted by packs
Have no idea what they're doing. Porcello is a guy who strikes out no one and gives up a ton of hits. That leaves very little margin for error. I would not want him.
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Porcello is a groundball pitcher (good at Fenway) who is as good as the infield behind him, which in Detroit hasn't been a strength in recent years.