How does this translate into next year? What should we expect from them next year? Better than .500?
Expectations for next year are pretty high. If they sign an ace (Lester/Max Scherzer) or a TOR guy (like Samardzjia) they should be really good 90+ wins and they easily have the money to do so. If they don't they still should be over .500 and in the playoff chase.
Reasoning, Castro+Rizzo+Soler+Bryant (for 80% of season) is really strong middle of order, Coghlan/Alcantara, Baez, Olt, Wellington Castillo (aka Beef) and possibly Russell can add a lot as well, good young bullpen and starters like Arrieta and Hendricks (starting tonight)...
+1
Is this his 3rd or 4th time this year taking a noon into at least the seventh?
It would be really nice if he can be their #2 next year and they have an ace in front of him...