[lex24]

Late last season and throughout the early part of this season, Luciano experienced significant back issues.  Based on his recent results, it appears he may finally be getting past that problem.  As we have seen with Matos, it is all about being able to play without nagging pain.  

As long as he doesn’t have a relapse, I think we can look forward to seeing Luciano in SF next year.  The question is:  at what position, SS or OF?

My guess is OF.  Everything I’ve read suggests he’s not a plus defensive SS.  Schmitt and Fitzgerald are long term SS possibilities.  Arteaga is very young, but supposedly a defensive stalwart.

In any event, the Core is coming.  Faster than believed. My 78 is going to be way short. If the Giants can solidify their rotation (I read Brisbees article in the Athletic but still believe they need 4 starters and only 1 bullpen out of 5) they can make a run. Wood will be back.  If he’s close to ‘21 version he will be a nice add.

There is no dominant NL team.  I’m just hoping Dodgers don’t grab Ohtani at deadline.  .

As long as the Angels are in the mix, Ohtani will stay in Anaheim.  However, I think it is only a matter of time before he heads up the freeway to LA.  

On another subject, Friedman must have missed Sabean’s memo about the value of building a pitching staff from back to front.  The Dodger bullpen woes are epic……

True on Ohtani. So I hope the Angels stay in through the Deadline.

Let’s hope Bluehead bullpen woes continues. They have good bullpens the last couple years but they lost the back end of it – Jansen, Trienen etc. and some guys who were good in the past - Vesla for example – have been awful this year. Which tends to happen with relievers. Always somewhat of a crapshoot in my opinion.

[lex24]

Late last season and throughout the early part of this season, Luciano experienced significant back issues.  Based on his recent results, it appears he may finally be getting past that problem.  As we have seen with Matos, it is all about being able to play without nagging pain.  

As long as he doesn’t have a relapse, I think we can look forward to seeing Luciano in SF next year.  The question is:  at what position, SS or OF?

My guess is OF.  Everything I’ve read suggests he’s not a plus defensive SS.  Schmitt and Fitzgerald are long term SS possibilities.  Arteaga is very young, but supposedly a defensive stalwart.

In any event, the Core is coming.  Faster than believed. My 78 is going to be way short. If the Giants can solidify their rotation (I read Brisbees article in the Athletic but still believe they need 4 starters and only 1 bullpen out of 5) they can make a run. Wood will be back.  If he’s close to ‘21 version he will be a nice add.

There is no dominant NL team.  I’m just hoping Dodgers don’t grab Ohtani at deadline.  .

As long as the Angels are in the mix, Ohtani will stay in Anaheim.  However, I think it is only a matter of time before he heads up the freeway to LA.  

On another subject, Friedman must have missed Sabean’s memo about the value of building a pitching staff from back to front.  The Dodger bullpen woes are epic……

True on Ohtani. So I hope the Angels stay in through the Deadline.

Let’s hope Bluehead bullpen woes continues. They have good bullpens the last couple years but they lost the back end of it – Jansen, Trienen etc. and some guys who were good in the past - Vesla for example – have been awful this year. Which tends to happen with relievers. Always somewhat of a crapshoot in my opinion.