No regrets when we made the trade because Miller was exactly the type of work horse that allowed this team to drudge through all the SP injuries in 2016. The only thing that sparks this conversation is the fact that Frazier is exactly what this team lacks now. Thing is, we're better suited now then we were then to use prospect capital to improve this team.
When they announced Miller trade, I thought it was a slight over pay but understood why they did it (and was for it) when LuCroy was announced. I was in for all in because our odds for WS went from 20-1 at BOY to 14-1 MOY and this was going to put us in thick of things. Like poker, you know when to go all in (even though there are no sure things like LuCroy). I just don’t see it (yet) this year with 38-1 odds and the number of holes we have. I would be more encouraged if I saw Jones, A Rosario and Miller in OF in ST to get their bats in lineup wherever it maybe. Yet, Indians aren’t showing signs of rushing guys to get seasoned this year for playoff run.
And, in 2016, we actually had more prospects at higher end then now. We had 2 top-30 guys in Frazier and Zimmer. We also had more top-100 guys in Aiken (yes right after draft), McK, Sheffield, Mejia and Bradley (7 guys). With another year of scouting and full year of play, we will get 5-7 guys by year end/next year into consensus top-100. However, what we are missing is $$$ to buy another Miller (even 3rd year guy who will cost more next year). The pre-arb guy with 4 or more years of control will take more capital and be harder to complete.
I bash the Bauer trade due to not going all in. Yet, they supposedly had a 2nd trade per Jeff E where it fell apart at last minute (they were pulling AA player(s) in to talk supposedly) which may have changed my opinion (we didn’t have enough hitting). I just see same thing now and see 23/24 as better chance to build around ... even if it means losing Bieber for just a comp pick.