I get in with an early trade that moves our squad toward the way I want it to look this season and beyond.
TRADE 1 OF 5: (03/19): P Doc McJames, OF Kid Nance and C Tom Doran traded to Boston (AL) for 3B / OF Tommy Leach and LHRP John Skopec.
I have covered Kid’s troubles with us at length in previous seasons, he just never really got going at our club (1.9 WAR in 2+ seasons) and didn’t fit in my starting lineup this year. Having already expressed his unhappiness with playing a backup role, I knew it was time for him to move on. Doc was an iffy one, given the uncertain state of our rotation he remained a near-to-last option, but an option nonetheless, for another crack at starting. But the medical reports on Deacon are really positive and it looks like he’ll be ready and raring to go for Opening Day. Let’s hope I haven’t just jinxed that. Tom was no hope of ever seeing action with us.
Tommy is a gun who will start as our everyday 3B with some other shuffling to accommodate this, as was always my plan in one guise or another. He also plays plus-outfield in left and centre. John is a quality LH reliever who’ll give our bullpen some much-needed strength from that side.
After last year I am hesitant to read too much into either our 13-5 Spring Training or the predictions of us going 87-67 and finishing 4 back of the Cubs.
FULL PRESEASON PREDICTIONS