Fri Feb 19, 2016 2:19 pm
Thank you all for your helpful suggestions. they will particularly come in handy for me in future teams. This time, I was able to make a number of changes, but most of the players you all suggested were already taken. With that said, however,
I improved my pitching staff by dropping one reliever and replacing a 5th starter with another who is also a long reliever.
I improved my left hand hitting vs right hand pitching by picking up Rollins, Utley, and Morneau to replace Kinsler, Escobar, and Braun. To be able to afford Morneau, I dropped Rosales, Braun, and McAnn (great vs LHP; I kept Montero because he is also LH and hits RHP well.).
I picked up extremely cheap backups at several positions.
There is no way, from the available free agents, to improve on Van Slyke (on pace for 38 HRs) and Ellsbury (hitting around .290, stealing bases, and also hitting HRs). Those two are too good to let go regardless of being RH hitters in a LH park.
My starting team is stronger hitting, a little weaker up the middle defensively, and I think the pitching staff is improved. Now all I can do is watch what happens.
I hope I haven't shot myself in the foot. But even if these changes do not improve this season for me, you all have given me great tips for the future. You're an unselfish, helpful lot. My hat's off to you all.
I would appreciate any feedback you might offer on the team as it now stands.
EW