Obligatory Armchair GM Post

Oh happy days! The Bucs are actually buyers and not sellers at the trade deadline (or so we’re led to believe). At the start of the season, I thought for sure that Paul Maholm and Ryan Doumit would be moved, and possibly even Lyle Overbay in a Dotel-like move, if he actually had a decent first half. But now the team is in a position to add talent to a NL Central contending squad, that quite frankly couldn’t hit water if they fell out of a boat. Pitching is fine, the biggest holes are 1B, 3B, RF and C.

First Base

Yes, Lyle Overbust should be gone. But who do you replace him with? A Jones/Pearce platoon might have been a viable option in April, but not for a contender in late July. Carlos Pena’s name gets bandied about, and he certainly would be an upgrade. But we would have to either give up some actual talent, or pay lots of cash in 2012 (due to an odd contract situation). Yes, home runs are sexy, but c’mon … in the last year and a half he’s hitting .204, getting on base at .327, and slugging .420! Hardly worth the 254 strikeouts in 938 plate appearances. If this is the type of production we’re looking for, I’d rather go get a Derrek Lee instead. He should cost us a lot less (prospects and money), still flashes great glove, is right handed, and a pennant race could be exactly what he needs to get going again.

Third Base

Don’t rush Pedro Alvarez. Let me repeat that. Don’t rush 24 year old Future Superstar Slugger Pedro Alvarez. He’s been battling injuries after a poor start, and is just now getting his groove back. Let him continue to rake in Indianapolis. I want Angry Pedro to come up on September 1, and lead us to the promised land. I can deal with Wood/Chase/Pearce etc for another month or so.

Right Field

Carlos Beltran, really? How much are we going to have to give up for 8 weeks? Too much.  Unless we’re paying his ENTIRE salary, stay far far away. Hunter Pence is intriguing, even if he seems like one of the goofiest guys in the league (ever watch him throw a baseball?) … but he is a good player. If the Astros can be talked into Brad Lincoln, Gorkys Hernandez and a third lesser prospect, I would jump at that because we’re getting years of control, and Houston’s new ownership is getting some future salary relief. They’re blowing up their team ala Pittsburgh did, so let’s take advantage of that.

Catcher

It’s cool. Michael The Fort McKenry is a legend in the making, and Jason Jaramillo and Ryan Doumit are on their way back. Stand pat.

Conclusion

Lee + Pence + injured guys returning = PENNANT WINNING BASEBALL. More kool-aid please.