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The reality is this small market, highly popular (regionally) is cash strapped. Normally, I'd just play out a couple of seasons using the same roster and rotation, with some minor changes .... while developing young players.

But, since I'm presenting a dynasty here, that would not be very interesting or fun. So, I looked into our best assets, and there's Mookie Betts sitting there making 40+M AAV over the next 5 years. That's the contract that keeps us from making any significant moves. Reminder: Fictional contracts.

So, I shopped Betts to see about possibilities.

This was the most intriguing offer.

[1] Since, I'm shipping a big contract, I felt like I should take on some (albeit lesser) contract, to be somewhat realistic and fair.

[2] There's Max Scherzer ... a longtime love lust for the city of St Louis. Scherzer a hometown hero (U of M) and fantasy of the fans, is still serviceable at age 41.

[3] The real interest is in SS Ortiz. StL had plans to improve their up the middle defense to help out the SP and lower their league worst BABIP against.

[4] The real plan is to cut money to create budget room .... to make a run at SP Logan Webb, and extreme groundball pitcher with great control that could continue to produce with a good defense behind him.

[5] There is some realism in the trade from the New York side as well ... after seeing both Boston and Baltimore make the postseason, the cash rich Naturals decide to go in and start packing the roster with stars.

Reminder 2: One of my "house rules" is that I cannot add to or remove things from the proposal, so no sneaking a hidden minor league gem, or adding a good draft pick here and there, etc.

... and it's done. Let's look into the pieces.

In my mind, I'm also factoring in Webb, Suarez, or a 2nd-tier starter that I am able to sign in FA due to the free'd up money.

Betts joins Judge in NY, serving as their SS and leadoff batter.

OH NO!!! What have I done?

Gutierrez is a decent prospect for NY. He's all singles and stolen bases, which may play in this steal happy league, but StL already has 2 players of this type.

I didn't like losing Morlando. His defense isn't good enough to be a regular starting CF on a contending team, but he may become a great 4th OF or a good platoon partner.

Now to St Louis ....

Despite being 41, Mad Max is still a good mid rotation SP, for 14M/y over 3y. If he sucks or gets injured, I'm hoping he'll just retire.

... and the fan base loves bringing home the hometown star, also meets an owner goal.

Great SS defense, enough bat to produce daily, and an affordable contract moving forward. He may be the steal of the trade. Also allows me to let Baez and his 2.8 M demand to walk.

The fans even like it a little.