THE 2016-2017 NatsGM Washington Nationals Offseason Manifesto – Part 1 Pitching

Posted on November 14, 2016 by Ryan Sullivan

The 2016 Washington Nationals enjoyed a tremendous year, winning 95 games and capturing the National League East division for the 3^rd time in 5 seasons. No question the loss in Game 5 of the National League Division Series leaves a sour taste for both the fans and organization, but most should consider last season a success.

Now General Manager Mike Rizzo and Washington’s front office must look toward 2017 and how they can improve their roster to advance in the playoffs and win a World Series. The roster seems fairly spoken for, with potentially 20 of the 25 roster spots already locked up, although the team has clear needs at catcher, closer and improved roster depth. Also, there are questions about payroll, as the ambiguity involving the team’s television revenue likely puts a ceiling on what the team can spend this winter.

Last season Washington’s pitching staff was outstanding, finishing 2^nd in Major League Baseball in team ERA (3.51), 2^nd in total strikeouts (1,476), 11^th in total walks allowed (468), and 3^rd in batting average against (.234). These numbers compare favorably against the 2015 pitching staff, who finished with an ERA of 3.62, 1,342 strikeouts, 364 walks allowed and a batting average against of .250.

In Part-1, I have tried to rebuild the back of Washington’s bullpen through trades in order to be budget conscious, while also building a deep relief corps with pitchers of varying styles. The starting rotation will miss Gio Gonzalez’s dependability, but considering the overall payroll and his status as the 5^th starter, his departure and the reallocation of his salary was necessary. However, I did not want to rely too heavily on youngsters Joe Ross and a the combination of A.J. Cole, Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez to manage the back-end of the rotation, so I signed a competent, veteran innings-eater to shore up the pitching staff.

Finally, to make this realistic, I am assuming Washington will have a $160 million payroll next season, up from $145 million last season but in line with the $162 million in 2015. Therefore, I prioritized keeping the salary total for the 12 members of the pitching staff below $75 million, no small feat considering Scherzer and Strasburg make a combined $40 million themselves. Keeping these factors in mind, here is my master plan to build a pitching staff capable of winning the 2017 World Series.

2017 Washington Nationals Hypothetical Payroll -> $160 million

Signings -> Jon Niese 1yr $4 million plus incentives

Trades -> 1) Washington trades LHP Gio Gonzalez to Miami for *** and A Top Prospect

2) Washington trades RHP Blake Treinen and OF Andrew Stevenson to St. Louis for RHP Trevor Rosenthal

3) Washington trades SS Danny Espinosa to Seattle for RHP Steve Cishek

Starting Rotation

SP #1 – Max Scherzer $22,143,000

SP #2 – Stephen Strasburg $18,333,000

SP #3 – Tanner Roark $6,100,000

SP #4 – Joe Ross $525,000

SP #5 – (Jon Niese ) ($4,000,000 Plus Incentives)

Starting Rotation Total Salary: $51,101,000

Depth: A.J. Cole, Erick Fedde, Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez & Austin Voth

In the 2^nd year of his 7-year $210 million contract with Washington, Max Scherzer was again stellar for the Nationals, throwing 228.1 innings with a 2.96 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 284 strikeouts this past season. In addition, he is one of three finalists for the National League Cy Young award. He is one of the top handful of starting pitchers in baseball and should serve as Washington’s #1 starter again in 2017.

Stephen Strasburg endured a rather adventureous season in 2016, starting off the year in dominant fashion and finishing July with a 14-1 record, a 2.68 ERA and 155 strikeouts in 127.2 innings pitched. Along the way, Strasburg also signed a monster 7-year $175 million extension with Washington, likely keeping him under contract for the rest of his career.

Unfortunately August hit and Strasburg struggled the rest of the season with injuries and ineffectiveness, finishing 2016 with a 15-4 record, a 3.60 ERA and 183 strikeouts over 147.2 innings pitched. In early September Strasburg was diagnosed with a partial tear of the pronator tendon in his pitching elbow, which forced him to the disabled list for the season. Assuming a winter of rest and rehabilitation can cure his ailing elbow, Strasburg should again serve as Washington’s #2 starter (or Co-#1) next year.

Bravo Tanner Roark! After a demotion to the bullpen in 2015 and a mediocre season pitching in relief, Roark was a revelation for Washington last season, finishing 16-10 with a 2.83 ERA and 172 strikeouts in 210 innings pitched. Not to diminish Scherzer’s excellence, but it often felt like Roark was the stopper and the backbone of the 2016 starting rotation. As a result, Roark will see his salary jump quite significantly this winter in his first time through salary arbitration and should begin 2017 as Washington’s #3 starter.

It was a bit of a tale of two seasons for Joe Ross in 2016, as he was excellent through mid-June (3.01 ERA, 59 strikeouts in 72 innings) but unfortunately a shoulder injury cost him much of the second half of the season. Ross looked rusty in his return from the disabled list in September and finished 2016 with a 3.43 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and a 93/29 strikeout to walk ratio. A full offseason to rest and recover should greatly benefit Ross, and the 23-year-old projects as Washington’s #4 starter next season.

In this exercise I have traded away Gio Gonzalez – this was primarily due to the fact he will make $12 million in 2017 with an option for $12 million in 2018. He is a solid pitcher and worth his salary, but as the Nationals projected 5^th starter, I “traded” him to clear payroll, improve the bench and bolster the farm system.

But after “trading” Gonzalez, I did feel the need to replace him in the starting rotation. In his proxy, I was looking for a durable left-handed pitcher, who has consistently thrown 150+ innings per season and has mild salary demands. After scouring the available free agents and the potential trade market, I believe LHP Jon Niese capably fills this role at a solid price.

Gupta if you want to http://frankkrauseautomotive.com/reviews/ order cheap viagra get rid of erectile dysfunction and gynecomastia amongst users of Finasteride.) Fortunately, there are natural dietary supplements obtainable, which can block DHT just as effectively or even better than prescription drugs. Healthy diet frankkrauseautomotive.com viagra samples free must be accompanied by proper counseling so that you will have the motivation to get better. Tadalafil is the active chemical formulation which is a orden viagra viagra PDE 5 inhibitor type of drug. Just some ages in loved this cialis wholesale online the past a close friend or family member. Prior to last season the 30-year-old Niese had spent his entire 8-year career with the Mets with generally solid results, throwing 1,068 innings for New York with a sub-4 ERA. From 2010-2015 Niese made 24+ starts each season and provided the Mets with 143+ innings annually – certainly not a superstar, but a capable #4/#5 starter.

Unfortunately Niese was traded last offseason to Pittsburgh and struggled through a mostly nightmarish year, posting a 4.91 ERA in 110 innings before the Pirates traded him back to the Mets. Niese only threw 11 innings for the Mets before suffering a season-ending knee surgery. Now he enters free agency coming off his worst career season with a 5.50 ERA in only 121 innings pitched. Obviously Niese is a gamble for whichever team signs him, but considering his age, prior track record of success and history of durability, he represents a potentially nice value in free agency this winter.

Bullpen

Closer – (Trevor Rosenthal) ($6,300,000)

8^th Inning – ((Steve Cishek)) ($6,000,000)

RH S/U – Shawn Kelley $5,500,000

RH S/U – Koda Glover $525,000

LH S/U – Sammy Solis $525,000

LH S/U – Oliver Perez $4,000,000

Long – A.J. Cole / Austin Voth $525,000

Bullpen Total Salary: $23,375,000

Pitching Staff Total Salary $74,476,000

Much like his teammates in St. Louis, Trevor Rosenthal struggled through a disappointing, injury-plagued 2016, posting a 4.46 ERA, 3.72 FIP and 56 strikeouts against 29 walks in only 40.1 innings. Prior to 2016, Rosenthal had established himself as one of the top relievers in the National League, with two consecutive seasons of 45+ saves and an all-star appearance in 2015. Rosenthal lost the closer job to Seung-hwan Oh last season and St. Louis might be interested in clearing his projected $6.3 million salary to shore up other weaknesses. I would think an offer of Blake Treinen and his four years of control plus a strong prospect like Andrew Stevenson (or someone similar) could bring back the new Nationals’ closer.

Additionally, I am proposing trading the last year of Danny Espinosa’s contract to Seattle in return for side-slinging righty Steve Cishek. I can envision these players being the frame work of a mutually beneficial trade for both teams, as Seattle seems to want a shortstop to allow prospect Ketel Marte to further develop and Washington needs relief help more than Espinosa.

The 30-year-old Cishek was impressive in his first year in Seattle last year, providing the Mariners a 2.81 ERA, 1.016 WHIP and 76 strikeouts in 64 innings pitched, along with notching 25 saves. His unique delivery makes him especially difficult against righties (.573 OPS) and his experience as a closer would provide nice depth in case Rosenthal struggles.

In the first year of a three year contract, the 32-year-old Shawn Kelley was a reliable member of Washington’s relief corps, providing Washington with a 2.64 ERA, 0.897 WHIP and 80 strikeouts in 58 innings pitched. The Nationals must protect Kelley a bit more than the average reliever due to his past Tommy John surgeries, but he should form a potentially lethal right-handed setup combination with Cishek.

A revelation in his rookie season, the 23-year-old Koda Glover went from an 8^th round pick in 2015 to become a major cog in Washington’s bullpen, pitching 19.2 innings for the Nationals with a 5.03 ERA and 16 strikeouts. He did appear to tire down the stretch in his first full professional season and there are reports he was dealing with an injury, causing his numbers to suffer. Glover should be fully healthy by spring training and projects as a major piece of the relief corps going forward.

Sammy Solis has long struggled with injuries but the 27-year-old stayed relatively healthy in 2016 and provided Washington with an effective lefty in their bullpen. Solis made 37 appearances for Washington with a 2.41 ERA, 1.268 WHIP and 47 strikeouts over 41 innings pitched. His success was a big reason Washington parted with Felipe Rivero in the Mark Melancon trade last July. Assuming Solis can stay healthy, he should serve as Washington’s top left-handed reliever in 2017.

Signed as a free agent last winter, Oliver Perez had mixed results for the Nationals in 2016, making 64 appearances and throwing 40 innings with a 4.95 ERA and 46 strikeouts. Perez was reasonably successful against lefties last season, allowing a .720 OPS and has a career .684 OPS against left-handed hitters. He might not be the dominant lefty specialist Washington hoped when they signed him, but his experience and skills against lefties should allow him to rebound in 2017.

The long reliever role in Washington’s bullpen will likely be a competition between Washington’s most experienced young righties, A.J. Cole or Austin Voth. The 24-year-old Cole spent much of 2016 in Triple-A with strong results, and showed some promise in 8 starts and 38.1 innings pitched, striking out 39 and allowing only 37 hits. The also 24-year-old Voth spent the entire 2016 season at Triple-A Syracuse, posting a 3.15 ERA with 133 strikeouts in 157 innings pitched. After an impressive collegiate career, Voth has now logged nearly 500 minor league innings and deserves the opportunity to prove he can be a major league contributor.

Further bullpen depth can be provided by RHP Trevor Gott, acquired from Los Angeles last winter in exchange for Yunel Escobar, along with LHP Matt Grace. In addition, I would not be surprised to see the front office sign several minor league free agents like Sean Burnett, hoping to uncover another Matt Belisle type value among the group.

In Part-1 of this endeavor, I must first acknowledge the many assumptions I am making, as I am hypothetically trading Gio Gonzalez, acquiring Steve Cishek and Trevor Rosenthal, plus signing a free agent in Jon Niese. I have reached out to various people to ask their opinion of the plausibility of each individual move and want to avoid hindering the legitimacy of this piece with lopsided, fantasy style deals.

Next I should confess the weaknesses of this 12-man pitching staff I have assembled – The starting rotation, while extremely talented, has several members such as Stephen Strasburg and Joe Ross who have injury concerns entering 2017. Additionally, the team will be relying on unproven young arms like Reynaldo Lopez, Lucas Giolito and A.J. Cole to provide depth when injuries occur. Losing Gio Gonzalez weakens the rotation, but I am confident Niese can suitably replace those lost innings. Finally, I am counting on the health and return to form of new closer Trevor Rosenthal, along with Shawn Kelley and Sammy Solis avoiding the disabled list.

That said, the starting rotation has the potential to have four excellent right-handed starters, along with a proven left-hander looking to pitch well enough to sign a big contract next winter. In the bullpen, the team has two pitchers with closing experience, several power arms and a collective group with various differing styles. Health questions aside, this pitching staff has a nice mix of veterans and young players, and nearly everyone has experienced success in the major leagues.

In conclusion I believe this starting rotation is comparable to last season’s, with the legitimate possibility one of Lopez or Giolito blossoms into a impact starter during the season. The bullpen is deeper with more quality arms than last season, as five possess closer quality “stuff”. Finally, I have preserved the farm system by not parting with any top prospects and have successfully kept the budget for the pitching staff below $75 million. Overall, if the team can stay relatively healthy, there is no reason they do not have a top-5 pitching staff in 2017.

Thanks for reading… Please return Wednesday for Part-2 as we retool the Nationals’ offense.

5 Washington Nationals Free Agent Targets

Posted on November 11, 2016 by Ryan Sullivan

This week Major League Baseball held their General Manager’s meetings, which is the unofficial start to the offseason and free agency. Washington enters this offseason with much of their roster settled, yet with obvious issues at closer, catcher and depth throughout the roster, there is plenty of work to be done by the Nationals’ front office.

While big name free agents such as Yoenis Cespedes, Aroldis Chapman and Kenley Jansen have been linked with Washington, I wanted to highlight five cheaper options that could also bolster Washington’s roster next season.

Jon Jay OF San Diego Padres

A steady left-handed hitting outfielder, Jay has quietly produced a solid 7-year major league career, hitting .287/.352/.384 while playing all three outfield positions. The almost 32-year-old was hitting .296/.345/.407 for the Padres last season before injuring himself in June. Primarily a center fielder, Jay profiles best as a 4^th outfielder at this point in his career due to his declining foot speed, range and lack of home run power. That said Jay is a consistent, productive player and would fit well in Ben Revere’s role for Washington next year. He might command a multiyear contract in this market, but could serve as a nice fallback option if Washington fails to acquire a long-term solution in center field this winter.

Steve Pearce 1B/2B/LF Baltimore Orioles

This 10-year veteran had another productive major league season in 2016, hitting .288/.374/.492 with 13 home runs in 85 games for Tampa Bay and Baltimore. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to an injury to his forearm, an injury that should be healed before spring training. The 33-year-old Pearce has a career .852 OPS against left-handed pitching, which when coupled with his defensive versatility makes him an ideal bench player. His injury last season should keep his salary demands reasonable and Washington would be wise to sign him.

Jason Castro Catcher Houston Astros

The 29-year-old Castro finds himself in a unique position this winter, as he is probably the best free agent catcher behind the pricey Matt Wieters and the injured Wilson Ramos. In addition, many teams, including the Nationals, need catchers this winter, making this a potentially expensive market with limited supply and high demand.

Sex will become less pleasurable but you will best viagra in uk get absolutely complete recovery. There are very little chances buying that purchase generic cialis to cure the erectile dysfunction of men. It has the viagra price signature Pfizer name that is impressed on one side. As they say, educate a teacher and thereby, you educate viagra samples an entire community. A former all-star, Castro has the reputation as a solid defensive catcher with strong framing skills. Offensively Castro hit .210/.307/.377 in 113 games for Houston last year, in line with his career .232/.309/.390 batting line. He struggles mightily against left-handed pitching with a career .536 OPS, making him an ideal platoon candidate. If he can be had on a 2-year contract for $6-$7 million annually he could be a nice value, but odds are his numerous suitors drive that price significantly higher.

Greg Holland RHP Kansas City Royals

Certainly Kenley Jansen, Aroldis Chapman and Mark Melancon are the top closers on the market this winter and will receive consideration, but their potential salaries could have Washington seeking alternate options. The almost 31-year-old Holland was one of the top relievers in baseball from 2011-2015, saving 145 games and making two all-star appearances before having Tommy John surgery in October 2015. Holland spent all of last season recovering from surgery before performing earlier this week for scouts.

Assuming he is healthy, there should be enough interest for him to sign a multiyear deal, likely filled with contract incentives. Holland is one of the more intriguing risk verses reward options in free agency this year and could be a nice option for Washington in the late innings.

Brad Ziegler RHP Boston Red Sox / Arizona Diamondbacks

Although the primary bullpen need is at closer, do not be surprised if the Nationals also look for additional help for right-handed setup men Shawn Kelley and Blake Treinen. Somewhat quietly the 37-year-old Ziegler has been one of the better relievers in baseball, posting a 2.44 ERA, 1.228 WHIP and 3.38 FIP over his 9-year career. In addition he has notched 85 career saves, giving him experience as a closer.

Due to his age and unique side-arm throwing motion, most teams will view him as a right-handed specialist and set-up man, likely putting a ceiling on his salary demands. However, as one of the better relievers on the market, he should have 10+ teams seeking his services, giving him a chance to sign a multiyear contract at $7 million or more per year. If Washington does not bust their bullpen budget signing a closer, Ziegler could be a tremendous addition to the Nationals’ relief corps.

5 Players Washington Should Target In Trade Discussions

Posted on November 10, 2016 by Ryan Sullivan

The Washington Nationals enter this offseason riding high after a 95 win season and their 3^rd division championship in 5 years. Unfortunately the team’s loss in the NLCS exposed their need for additional depth both offensively and in the bullpen. Furthermore, with Wilson Ramos and Mark Melancon as key free agents, Washington has obvious needs at catcher and the closer position.

Considering the free agent market is softer this winter than in previous years, one might anticipate a busy winter with trade activity as teams attempt to fill the voids on their roster. As the front office begins finalizing their offseason plans, these are five players I expect (and encourage) Washington to target in forthcoming trade discussions.

Brian McCann Catcher New York Yankees

As mentioned above, Wilson Ramos is a free agent and reported to be seeking a multiyear contract, making it possible Washington will need to move on from the Buffalo behind the dish. New York is reportedly shopping McCann this winter, after the emergence of young backstop Gary Sanchez this year and the presence of backup Austin Romine. McCann has 2 more years on his contract, with a team option for 2019, and while he is still quite productive, the Yankees may seek to re-allocate the remaining $34 million toward other roster weaknesses.

Could Gio Gonzalez for Brian McCann be the framework for a beneficial trade for both teams?

John Jaso 1B/OF Pittsburgh Pirates

Ryan Zimmerman is Washington’s starting first baseman, but he has struggled the past several seasons with injuries and mediocre offensive numbers. Also, backup first baseman Clint Robinson scuffled in his sophomore campaign with a woeful .637 OPS, leading many to believe an upgrade this winter is necessary. Jaso was productive for Pittsburgh last season in the first year of a 2-year $8 million contract, hitting .268/.353/.413 with 8 home runs in 132 games played.

Considering the presence of veterans David Freese and Jung Ho Kang plus the emergence of prospect Josh Bell, Jaso is projected as a bench player for Pittsburgh next year. The small market Pirates could seek to deal Jaso this winter to save some money or fill another roster spot. Jaso would provide a nice backup for Zimmerman and a quality left-handed bat for Washington’s bench at an affordable price.

Wade Davis RHP Kansas City Royals
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While rumors will link Washington with top free agent closers Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen and Mark Melancon, do not be surprised if the Nationals tap into the trade market to fill the closer role. Options such as Oakland’s Sean Doolittle, St. Louis’s Trevor Rosenthal and Chicago’s David Robertson might be available, but if Kansas City is willing to trade Wade Davis, expect Mike Rizzo to make a strong offer.

Kansas City is likely reluctant to part with such a top relief arm, especially in this environment, but as a small market club, the Royals may decide to trade the final year on his contract for future help. Not to mention, the Royals still have the presence of Kelvin Herrara to act as closer and several arms to concoct a still impressive bullpen. I fully expect Kansas City to capitalize on the demand for top relief arms and trade Davis this winter.

Charlie Blackmon OF Colorado Rockies

The Nationals face one major decision offensively this winter – where do they play Trea Turner defensively next season and long-term, shortstop or center field? The answer to this question will reflect how the front office feels about Danny Espinosa and how easily they can find a center fielder.

Colorado might decide to trade the 30-year-old Blackmon this winter as he is only under contract for 2 more seasons, will see his salary jump from $3.5 million to close to $9 million, and they have several talented young outfielders. If Colorado is willing to trade this talented, left-handed hitting outfielder, Washington might have the young pitchers to entice the Rockies to part with Blackmon.

Jonathan Villar SS Milwaukee Brewers

Understandably it feels unlikely that the rebuilding Brewers would trade a 25-year-old shortstop coming off a season with an .826 OPS and 62 stolen bases. In addition Villar is expected to make near league minimum as he is under contract for four more seasons. But Milwaukee appears to want Orlando Arcia as their future shortstop and Villar struggled defensively last season when he shifted to the hot corner, meaning the Brewers must decide whether to move him to second base or trade him.

Obviously many teams would be interested if Villar was made available this winter, but the combination of young pitching prospects and perhaps a young infielder like Wilmer Difo could make Washington competitive in trade discussions. While a long-shot, do not be surprised if Villar is dealt this offseason.

Will The Washington Nationals Offer Ben Revere Salary Arbitration?

Posted on October 24, 2016 by Ryan Sullivan

On Episode #80 of THE NatsGM Show, guest Dan Rozenson and I were hypothesizing about possible Washington Nationals’ offseason moves – one particular comment Dan made, namely that Ben Revere would return in 2017, caught me off-guard. After Revere was left off Washington’s postseason roster, I had made the assumption that Revere would not be offered salary arbitration this winter, making him a free agent.

Considering how shrewd Dan is, I started re-thinking my assumption and decided to revisit the Nats’ decision – Will Washington offer Ben Revere arbitration?

The 28-year-old Revere suffered through the worst year of his 7-year career in 2016, missing the first 30+ games of the season with an injured right oblique muscle. When Revere returned, he hit only .217/.260/.300 with 18 extra base hits and 14 steals over 103 games played. These numbers are not simply awful, they made him one of the worst full-time players in baseball last season. According to MLBTradeRumors, Revere is expected to command $6.3 million in his final season of arbitration. Without question, these numbers do not warrant $6.3 million for 2017.

However, prior to 2016 Revere had been one of the more consistent hitters in baseball, batting above .294 each year from 2012-2015. Even including last season’s woeful numbers, Revere is still a career .285/.320/.342 hitter with 190 stolen bases over 748 games. Therefore, it is easy to ponder if last season was an aberration or the beginning of a steep career decline?

Due to clogging or narrowing of arteries, the overall blood circulation becomes sluggish. cialis soft canada Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotic pills viagra on line or creams. Medications The side effects of medicines like antidepressant drugs, medicines viagra 50mg online to treat hypertension, anxiety and benign prostate Hyperplasia (BPH). There is no single reason due to which twomeyautoworks.com cialis 10 mg this happens to him. One must immediately question if Revere was fully healthy last season, as the right oblique is the lead side for a left-handed hitter. Although his average exit velocity was relatively stable from 2015 to 2016, one must wonder why his velocity dropped so severely on off-speed pitches, going from 83.06mph to 78.41. A further look into his numbers also shows that Revere’s line drive rate dropped significantly from 2015 to 2016 (26.4% to 18.1%) and his fly ball percentage spiked, going from 18.9% in 2015 to 26.5%. Certainly these numbers could be a one year abnormality, but this does have me wondering if he was ever healthy last season.

Additionally, Revere struggled through a year with a BABIP of .234, 60 points below league average and 80 points below his career .314. Furthermore, only Ryan Howard had a lower BABIP in 2016 (.205) than Ben Revere. Normally players with Revere’s profile, namely very fast runners with good contact skills, do not see their BABIP decline so drastically, so there is good reason to expect this number to normalize in 2017. Finally, his BB% and K% percentages remained in line with his career averages, and Fangraphs graded him as a positive baserunner and defensive outfielder.

In conclusion, the Washington Nationals have a legitimately difficult decision with Ben Revere. If the team is convinced he was injured much of last year and/or believes he will rebound next season, it is a slam-dunk to offer him arbitration. The Nationals have long coveted a 4^th outfielder capable of serving as a starter if injuries occur, and prior to 2016, Revere was an ideal major league 4^th outfielder.

However, if the Nationals are worried Revere’s disastrous season was not due to injury, but the first sign in a career decline, Washington should obviously redistribute those funds toward other options. If Revere were to reach free agency, I do think he would have a large list of suitors gambling on an intriguing buy-low option in the outfield.

In the end, I believe Washington will offer Revere arbitration, as it gives the team tremendous positional flexibility and $6.3 million is the going rate for a quality backup outfielder. With the market rather limited this winter with free agent outfielders, keeping Revere provides Washington with a potentially strong 4^th outfielder, a possible platoon option in either center field or left field, and allows the front office to seek additional offensive upgrades from a position of strength.