Nabo48 - 2043 and beyond ...

[circlechange11]

[circlechange11]

[circlechange11]

[circlechange11]

[circlechange11]

Just a quick opening trade to (1) free up some salary, (2) open up a 40-man spot, and (3) get rid of an attitude.

[circlechange11]

With Whitfield being able to play a respectable 3B, and 1B Ekstrom looking like a ML regular, Guichard became tradeable after getting an arbitration raise this year (and another one next year), as a backup 3B ... I shopped him to see what was out there, and Jaramillo popped up ... a clear upgrade on defense and at the plate over current C Jose Gonzalez. Jaramillo is added salary, about 12M more than Gonzalez ... so this trade is going to lead to other trades, to upgrade the team without adding to the overall salary total.

I'm also doing what I can to collect 2nd round picks with the idea of packaging them to a rebuilding organization for a higher 1st round pick. I don't know if they'll go for it, but it's worth a shot. If not, I'll have a handful of 2nd round picks to use.

[circlechange11]

With the acquisition of Jaramillo, Gonzalez was moved ... for as cheap as possible.

[circlechange11]

Looking to trade Taub's 11M/y contract, I shopped him and Boston offered the best option with C Rieyat. He'll be the backup, and possible future C (depending on how C McClain develops). If Rieyat is not needed, he's a valuable trade piece.

In the OF, I have 2 good prospects that need to play to develop, as well as, Chavira that is likely to be as productive as Taub (for 1/3 of the money).

But, Taub was a valuable player, and key part of some important playoff series.

So far, I've upgraded at C and back-up C while shedding some money. That's good.

[circlechange11]

Just when I thought I was done with a few simple moves, Jersey hits me with this ... a 1B Monster in the final year of his contract (like $52M), but offering to retain 85% in exchange for a good SS prospect (where I have 3 other similar prospects). I had to explore ...

I had to add a bit to sweeten the deal to get Jersey to retain 100% of Madrigal's contract. So, Whitfield will play 3rd, Madrigal at 1B, and Ekstrom can develop at DH.

There's no way I'm going to resign Whitfield for the 4y/88M he's asking for, and I'm not going to resign Madrigal for 3y/53M he's asking .... but I will QO Whitfield for the 1st Rd draft pick compensation ... and may see if I can lowball Madrigal and have him take it ... and be a DH going forward.

[circlechange11]

[circlechange11]

[circlechange11]

[circlechange11]

[circlechange11]

[circlechange11]

[circlechange11]

[circlechange11]

[circlechange11]

[circlechange11]

* Not included - opening day win vs Toluca

Swept preseason #7 Toros in Toluca. 2 close losses against preseason #3 LA, before thumping them in the final game of the series. Split 2 games against preseason #12 Nebraska. April is a tough schedule month.

[circlechange11]