re: DAT 7/11: A’s (Bassitt) @ Astros (McCullers) | 7:10 CT

Upgrade areas that have been discussed:

A new DH - with Gattis’ resurgence I think this is less of a need now. Names that were talked about were Beltre, Moustakis and Abreu. Barring injuries, none of these three are replacing Bregman at third or Gurriel at first. The only time you’d use them would be during a matchup situation so I’m not sure we should be in the market unless they could be had for cheap. The best of the bunch is abreu.

A legitimate closer - Giles’ latest blowup has sealed his fate for not being a part of the postseason roster and possibly not even part of the organization’s future. He was trending that way ever since the end of last season. I think rondon had replaced him anyway as long as we don’t try to throw him in there to clean up a big mess like last night and previously against Cleveland. Pitchers that could be considered upgrades to an already solid staff that will more than likely use some of our starters to fill gaps in the postseason are Iglesias, Britton and Hand. Biggest problem, each of those won’t come cheap.

A catcher - The more I think about it, this could be the upgrade that pays the biggest dividends. McCann imo is on his last year. His knees are falling apart. He can still manage a game and take a walk every now and then but he can’t hit with the shift employed on him and he can’t run if he does happen to get on base. No telling how he does once he recovers from surgery. Stassi has been one of the biggest and most pleasant surprises this year. His defense has always been good but his offense has helped win games and helped turn the lineup over. The question is can he do that in the playoffs. This is where a guy like realmuto could really make an instant upgrade. I think he matches what we have defensively, and can provide a boost offensively that adds to the catcher position in the lineup and diminishes any need for another bat mentioned in the DH note above. He’s young and can run the bases. But like the relief pitchers, what will he cost the organization to get him?