Crawdad Chronicles 58.02 - 'Dads Offseason Priorities

[JimBob2232]

In this episode of the Chronicles we look at New Orleans top priorities in the offseason. In rough priority order.

1. Shortstop - Jason Newton is locked into Second Base (or maybe DH). But they dont have a true SS on the roster. We expect that will change, or last years rule 5 pickup Fateen Bin Mu'ayyad may be starting - and thats doesnt bode well for the season.

2. First Base - Not usually the spot you need to fill, but New Orleans hasnt had a great true first baseman in a while. The last few years it has been filled by Luis Estrada, who has now taken his 4.9 WAR into Free Agency. The Dads would love to re-sign Estrada, but thats not looking likely given his demands. New Orleans has no good options here, with the best being 1B Chang Jiu - but truthfully he should be nothing more than a backup at best.

3. Replacing Tatlock at Catcher. Tatlock was an undeniable stud. But his injury history made him expendible. New Orleans doesnt have a great backup option already on staff. Jim Inman was expected to be the eventual torch bearer, but last year he hit just .211, and the crawdads dont know how much they can trust him for the long term. C Domingo Quintana played very will in limited time last year, but his defense isnt exactly what one would desire behind the plate.

4. A big Power Hitter - New Orleans, historically, is known to be a power team. But last year they were 14th in the Johnson league in dingers. And the guy who hit 44 of their 142 home runs (Estrada) is in Free Agency. The dads need to find a way to replace that production.

5. Bullpen - New Orleans bullpen was 9th in the JL last year in ERA, has lost a few smaller peices, but needs to find some additional pieces to plug in to improve to a playoff level bullpen.,

6. Outfield - seemingly solid on the surface. Tom Guenette was a ROY candidate and should only get better. Jared Boll is a solid centerfielder. And Juan Donestabez in right. But Donestavez is 36 years old and probably should be a DH at this point. Boll will be a Free Agent after the season. And the cuboard is bare after that.