I would really like to see if Snider can play center field in a passable way. When Lawrie is called up and Mr. Batts goes back to right field, it would be really nice to have Bautista, Snider and Thames in the line-up. It would really be great if he could hold center until Gose is ready.

I think you have been a bit kind especially to Hill, Davis and Patterson. Otherwise you have been pretty fair. JPA’s thumb injury is likely bigger than the team has let on and he was on fire prior to the injury! My biggest disappointment has been Hill and while he is still one of my favourite players, I think he needs a fresh start to clear his head. Perhaps St Louis?

It will be interesting to see what AA can pull off at this years trade deadline. After dealing Wells he has nothing to prove! But as you have pointed out there will definitely be suitors lined up for Molina. I also see a market for Camp, Frasor, Rauch and Dotel. Plus AA will likely not repeat the mistake he made last year where he kept Frasor, thinking he would surely sign elsewhere and we would get the pick. Then Frasor wound up accepting arbitration. Add in the fact that the pen is about to get crowded again with Jansen ready to come back.

I hope we have a firesale in the pen as I would like to see what some of the power arms in the minors can do in the MLB pen. I have posted on Chad Beck. But what about a Wes Etheridge (not a power arm but is missing bats at a nice clip), Joel Carreno and Alan Farina?

I also see a market for Hill, Encarncion and Cooper……perhaps as a package? Also in order to AA to remain truthful the EE, he will need to trade him prior to Lawrie coming up. The next couple of weeks could be really interesting.

Molina: I see Molina here in 12. D’Arnaud up in mid-12 and Molina traded then.

JPA: Healthy he’s AT LEAST a Buck or Barajas type. I’m not sold on his receiving – but I really like him. D’Arnaud is clearly the catcher-of-the-future…both offensively and defensively.

Lind: Man is he streaky. Reminds me of Wells – without Wells pop-ups and swinging at pitches that are so far outside you need binoculars to see them. Because of Thames, Snider and Lawrie I’m less concerned if Lind falls on his face. Up or down he’s a very valuable asset.

Hill: Waiting for Hech to push Escobar to 2nd. HOWEVER – while Hech has the leather – I am beginning to doubt he has the bat.

Escobar: Bautista has turned him from a kid into an excellent pro!

JoeyBats: What can be said – except – thank GOD he’s not on the Sox or Yankees!

Thames: Despite KLaw – who still thinks he’s an “extra part” I think this kid is an absolute star in the making – and I have thought so since we STOLE him in the draft!

Davis: He will be in 12 what he was signed for in 11 – namely the 4th outfielder and sometime pinch runner.

Snider: Slowly, becoming Mr Snider! Still just a KID himself – he’s fought adversity – and won BIG TIME. WOW – this guy is gonna soar!

EE: In 12 he’ll be AN EXCELLENT right hand half of a DH platoon. I suspect the port side of the platoon will be Loewen (who will also back up at first, and LF and RF).

Patterson: So long sir.

McCoy: Mr McCoy we’re going to change your name to JMac.

JMac: So long been good to know you. Seriously, been VERY GOOD to know you – but in 12 – the team will have moved on.

AS to Cooper – just not enough power to play 1st or DH – BUT someone will want a guy with OK defense (a big step up from what he used to deliver) and an above average bat tool. Gose will FORCE his way into CF – by mid-12 when Snider has shown he can play CF – but not excel. When Gose comes up it gets complicated at the corners and at DH between Thames/Snider/Bautista at the corners and Loewen/EE at DH all fighting for playing time. AA might make a move here. Sierra – is still a ways away.

I was also thinking that if you could move Encarnacion, you could bring up Adam Loewen. Just FYI, when he was pitching for the Canadian Junior team, it was not uncommon to see him playing first base, just to keep his bat in the lineup. So you have a guy that can play outfield, make an easy transition to first to back up Lind, and would likely be at least the equal of EE as a DH. He works out with Russell Martin in the Winter, who says that Adam is the best natural hitter he has ever seen, and Martin’s a pretty good batsman himself.