Good points. Happ’s K rate was actually a bit lower than projected; it wouldn’t shock me to see him bring it up over 7 per 9. At that point, he can afford the inevitable regression on BABIP.

I’d be thrilled to make a trade for Halladay with Happ as the centerpiece. But I’d be about equally pleased to have a good 4th starter who’s cost-controlled for years to come, and who’s old enough that he’s no longer really the injury risk you usually have to worry about with pitchers early in their careers.

http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2009/11/14/1157200/ryan-doumit-and-the-prospect-of

I do wonder about the wisdom of pursuing bullpen help in the offseason. It seems like everyone recognizes that bullpen efficacy is 10% having the right people and 90% luck in hoping that those people perform, and then in the same breath say that bullpen arms are a priority for the offseason.

I wouldn’t be too unhappy if we don’t sign an FA reliever – especially if it means an upgrade at 3rd.

I agree that our bullpen isn’t exactly in shambles, we’ve got the core for another run at the WS. But with every bullpen in MLB there is room for improvement. That’s just the nature of the beast.

A fairy tale wedding to be sure.

Granted, it’s hard to be objective when it’s your career, but if you’ve experienced success on a contender, finally played in a WS after all those years, it just HAS to be addictive. What’s in it for him to pitch for the Pirates, Royals or Nats other than to shorten your career for no point? (the opposite situation is true for Brett Myers, who needs to reestablish himself in an organization like this to re-brand/market himself for big dough.) The only mitigation factor is that as long as you’re healthy, even if you’re in your mid-30s, you can reasonably pitch in a defined role until 40. But not as a starter, Jamie Moyer notwithstanding.