If I look ahead to next year this is what I see
- A good starting rotation. Way better shape than we would have thought a year ago. Will a guy like Happ be as good, maybe not. But a guy like Stroman could take a step forward
- Average bull pen that will always need work. But the fact they have, what appears to be, an elite closer is a great advantage
- Strong bats in Donaldson, Tulo, Travis
- Good enough bats in Pillar, Martin, and Upton if he can find his swing again
- Good to great defense, particularly up the middle
So the primary holes are
- 2 outfielders. One which I say would have to be a good bat.
- A DH/1B with power and production if EE walks
But there is enough there to form the basis of a strong team still into next year.
I'm really not worried about losing Jose - he has contributed very little to the teams' record this season. Losing EE will suck because he has been money. But they could always bring Jose Canseco out of retirement.
Even with some uncertainty in the off-season, there is a lot to look forward to and be positive about.
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