Any time you want to stop saying it, please do.

I think we have seen the best of Maine, but that doesn’t mean he can’t come close to that again. Expecting him to take a leap forward at this point is probably foolish.

I’m not sure this is all that difficult and they haven’t already done so. I mean, as a rule, you look for young, cheap talent, preferably in positions you need first, and even in positions you DON’T need as a secondary option.

I think following a strict plan is exactly what has gotten them into trouble. The plan was to go out and address their needs, and they did. What they were not able to handle was what they had not planned for: Injuries to guys they expected to be healthy.

So, I think the plan is not to have a plan. Instead, look at players the same way you would look at investments. Compile good investments, as many as possible and at all levels – within your defined financial budget. Try to stock the farm and retain prospects. Try to get rid of bad contracts and bring in young healthy talent with upside. If it means having 4 possible starting OF options, then so be it. If it means you have 2 possible setup men, then great.

Plan for the unexpected by not planning anything specific.

When you start to try and plan too much (like by filling certain needs, or by “adding grit”, or by adding “speed and defense”), you minimize the marketplace, lessen your options and move to a position of weakness.

Remember, these guys play half of their games on the road, in small parks, parks in high altitude, parks with different dimensions, different turf, different infield dirt, and so forth. Bring in the most talent you can. Omar had it right initially, before he started “planning”. He was amassing talent, and well-rounded players. Beltran, Pedro, Delgado, Wagner. It’s when he started following a specific plan that things began to unravel.

That’s my take anyway.

I also liked the piece from Janish (linked off the article matt linked to) about his mechanics. Very basic stuff, and it also illustrates how a small change can make a big difference with a pitcher.