Add McCutchen and some long relief guys and we're contenders for the central. Eaton, McCutchen, Tilson with Garcia platooning in right as needed and DH'n. McCuthen can DH too. Abreau gets on track all season, our young middle infield thrive, Frazier whacks 30 and drives in a 100. We make a trade for a catcher or bat if we're in contention. I cnq t see giving up on a team with Sale and Q as the 1,2 punch.
On it's face, I agree that it seems ridiculous to give up on a team with Sale and Q at the top of the rotation. The top of our rotation could be a postseason nightmare for our opponents, especially if Rodon improves as he did at the end of the season.
The problem is, that although we're well-constructed for the postseason sprint, we're not well-constructed for the 162 game marathon. I don't think McCutchen fixes that and I don't think Abreu is good enough to anchor a lineup. I know he's had success, but when I look at his bat speed, I think he is what he hit last year. He'll be streaky, but that's typical of any player who is good but not elite.
McCutchen is an interesting case. He might be done. He might have had a down year. I can see an argument for getting him, but I think he's < 50/50 to ever be an All-Star caliber player again. Also, I think he needs to play a corner OF at this point in his career.
The problem becomes, even if we upgrade with McCutchen, Wieters (or whatever C you want), and some bullpen arms, we still need everything to break our way. Abreu would need to be a top 1B. Frazier would need to rebound. McCutchen would need last year to be an aberration. Jones would need to stay elite in the pen. Rodon would need to show improvement. And everyone would need to stay healthy because we have nothing in our system.
Now, last night's results notwithstanding, typically if you need everything to break your way perfectly in order to win, you are going to be on the losing end. That is where the Sox are likely to be next year.
