Thames

[coolhandluke121]

I can't believe they would even consider having Braun be the primary back-up 1B. He didn't like playing there and the Brewers didn't seem to like it either. I don't see Shaw as an option at 1B because they need him at 3B almost every day.

 

Don't get me wrong, there are theoretically lots of better uses of that roster spot than Thames, but a lot has to come together for those options to materialize. You'd want to trade Thames without having to attach an asset, find an LHB 1B who can also play some RF better than Thames, and avoid over-spending. It just gets a little too cute. And that's before you even consider the fact that there's still a pretty decent chance they can get a .900+ from a Thames/Aguilar combo at 1B next year, which is all you can ask for anyway - a reasonable chance of rock-solid production at a cheap price.

 

I agree with the people suggesting a sell-high on Aguilar, but I honestly believe that ship has sailed. Through the ASB last year, it was really hard to understand how Aguilar OPS'ed .800 through nearly 10 full seasons as a not especially young (for his placement) MiLB prospect. After the ASB, it wasn't hard to see at all. I'm still trying to understand what we see last year, because it defies the normal slump explanation. He literally looked scared of the ball.

[Roderick]

The stockpile led to Aguilar last year. Can’t have enough options.

 

Last year guys like Broxton and Santana could be sent down without losing them. You only get 25 spots and if none of the position players have options and you don't want to risk losing them...... That obviously is the main reason to look to trade away Thames.

[Outlander]

Right, there is not much flexibility with Santana, Broxton, Perez, Kratz/Pina, Thames and that is the projected bench right now if they got rid of nobody. Therefore, they have to trade one/some of these guys or DFA them if they want to use shuttle guys like Saladino, Dubon, Taylor, Stokes, Nottingham