I missed the tail end of the deadline and the entire game because I had tickets to what turned out to be a playoff game atmosphere here in Philly tonight. Fun seeing Jazz Chisholm crush 2 HRs and make some spectacular plays in the field.....
I guess it's easier to be optimistic after this huge series win. Early on in the game yesterday, I was pretty much down for the count and ready to give up. When this offense isn't going, it gets so brutal to watch, especially when the pitching is masterful. Salvaging a 3-3 road trip quit literally saved the season I think, though it doesn't get any easier from here.
I'm alright with the deadline acquisitions. In general, I think the bare minimum bar was cleared, but that bar was where it was because of how poorly Cherington acted in the offseason. A lot of the impact will be determined by how IKF performs for this year and next. I confess that he wasn't on my radar at all and I did not realize how much he'd bounced back this year.
De La Cruz is cheap power. He hasn't reached his true ceiling, so it sure would be something if he were able to unlock that here. God knows we need it. I do think the power is actually real and gives him an advantage over other players who he's comparable to for a variety of reasons from a value perspective. We needed that power, and for him I'm fine with the depth prospects who were given up. I wanted at least another competent bat to go along with him, and IKF checks that box.
IKF is really a Cherington/Shelton dream addition if you think about it, because he will allow Shelton to mix and match a ton and it potentially opens up paths for some of the younger and underperforming players to cement roles for themselves, both in the remainder of this year and next year.
I'm kind of indifferent to the axegrinding of someone like Perotto. If we just narrow our focus to Chisholm, it would have taken either Chandler or Johnson as the headliner to get him, and it seems like Miami wanted a batter. That's still an indictment on Cherington, but I don't quite see the financial angle being too relevant. The only real financially relevant guy being moved was Bell, and he's not a fit on this roster.
Cherington is still set up for an offseason in which he needs to add an outfielder, and I think the expectations should be that we'll add more and add more payroll too. That's one big question mark where I think it makes perfect sense to still be skeptical.
Until then, we'll see how these guys perform. IKF really lengthens the lineup and BDLC should add pop for the 5th-7th spots. The big statement is really not trading Chapman. That is the move of a team that has every intention on a postseason run, and while I think there was more than could have been done to push this team, I think it's an admirable stance to take. I headed into today thinking that the main thing we needed to do was get some kind of haul for Chapman, but we got some lineup help and didn't touch much of the depth we do have for potential future deals (I'd hesitate to call it a war chest, as we're really just a slightly better than middle of the pack system, and that's probably being generous).
The low key intrigue for me is how aggressive we'll be with Yorke and Cook. Both guys are close to MLB-ready, so giving one of them some run in the next few weeks could really change the look of this roster. I think they were good additions. I worry a little bit that Boston could revamp what Priester does and make him look a lot more effective, but realistically, his ceiling is probably an innings eater. If Yorke's hitting ability is real, he can be useful in some fashion, as early as next season.
Cook really seems under the radar, so I am going to look and see if I can dig up anything on him. The major numbers look good, but I have no idea what's under the hood. He looks like someone who can hit for average, take a walk, not strike out too much, and have meaningful enough power... that's enough for a corner OF, and he's got some speed too. Reilly was a solid pitching prospect and there's no reason to just burn those, but he was behind multiple guys and is replaceable. I like taking the shot there.