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It's mostly decided, but there are a couple spots at the end of the roster that are questionable, so I wanted to write it all down.
Position player locks:
Starters (8): Abreu, Hernandez, TA, Moncada, Yaz, Eloy, Robert, Engel
Bench (4): Sheets, Leury, Hamilton, Vaughn
Pitching locks:
Starters (4): Giolito, Lynn, Cease, Rodon
Relievers (7): Hendriks, Kimbrel, Bummer, Crochet, Kopech, Tepera, Lopez
Not much discussion needed for any of the above. I'm assuming Rodon is healthy enough despite TLR's recent comments (if not, Keuchel would take his spot).
So that's 23 of 26 set in stone. Who gets the last 3 spots? Very likely one from each of the following 3 categories:
Backup C: Collins vs. Zavala. I've been pretty confident for awhile that it's going to be Collins, and his performance over the last couple weeks (.817 OPS) has reinforced that. He's better than Zavala at everything except framing.
Other position players: A lot depends on Goodwin's health, which I haven't heard an update on. If he's healthy, he probably gets the nod, though I don't see much of a role for him. If Goodwin isn't healthy is where it gets tricky though. Options on the 40 man include Romy (with commissioner's approval as an injury replacement), Mendick, Burger, or Yermin. Of them, I would probably give the nod to Mendick for his versatility, and I just don't think Romy is ready for that kind of spotlight.
Relievers: The 3 options to me are Keuchel, Ruiz, or Burr. I hope it's not Keuchel - I don't think he offers much of anything in a relief role, but it's possible TLR gives the nod to the veteran based on "playoff experience" (keep in mind that playoff experience didn't help him much last year). Ruiz's peripheral numbers (FIP, xFIP) are a little better than Burr's so combined with more experience, I would give the nod to him.
So my best guess would be Collins, Goodwin, and Ruiz, with Mendick replacing Goodwin if Goodwin can't go.
The other possibility is they go with a 7-man bullpen for a short 5-game series, and include another bat. In that case, the extra bat would go to Burger (ability to play OF wouldn't be a requirement).
Position player locks:
Starters (8): Abreu, Hernandez, TA, Moncada, Yaz, Eloy, Robert, Engel
Bench (4): Sheets, Leury, Hamilton, Vaughn
Pitching locks:
Starters (4): Giolito, Lynn, Cease, Rodon
Relievers (7): Hendriks, Kimbrel, Bummer, Crochet, Kopech, Tepera, Lopez
Not much discussion needed for any of the above. I'm assuming Rodon is healthy enough despite TLR's recent comments (if not, Keuchel would take his spot).
So that's 23 of 26 set in stone. Who gets the last 3 spots? Very likely one from each of the following 3 categories:
Backup C: Collins vs. Zavala. I've been pretty confident for awhile that it's going to be Collins, and his performance over the last couple weeks (.817 OPS) has reinforced that. He's better than Zavala at everything except framing.
Other position players: A lot depends on Goodwin's health, which I haven't heard an update on. If he's healthy, he probably gets the nod, though I don't see much of a role for him. If Goodwin isn't healthy is where it gets tricky though. Options on the 40 man include Romy (with commissioner's approval as an injury replacement), Mendick, Burger, or Yermin. Of them, I would probably give the nod to Mendick for his versatility, and I just don't think Romy is ready for that kind of spotlight.
Relievers: The 3 options to me are Keuchel, Ruiz, or Burr. I hope it's not Keuchel - I don't think he offers much of anything in a relief role, but it's possible TLR gives the nod to the veteran based on "playoff experience" (keep in mind that playoff experience didn't help him much last year). Ruiz's peripheral numbers (FIP, xFIP) are a little better than Burr's so combined with more experience, I would give the nod to him.
So my best guess would be Collins, Goodwin, and Ruiz, with Mendick replacing Goodwin if Goodwin can't go.
The other possibility is they go with a 7-man bullpen for a short 5-game series, and include another bat. In that case, the extra bat would go to Burger (ability to play OF wouldn't be a requirement).
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