But first,
^half the post seems to be doubled^
I really think the year is largely different if simply Smyly isn't in WBC cranking it up and plays out the season. Just give us that one. You can take all the other injuries and keep them. But if it's not a WBC year this could have been a great one. It was a WBC year. Can we learn to be more certain the WBC won't affect MLB seasons? Something here needs to change. Start it after the World Series instead? No fix seems perfect but we have to do better.
So I totally agree that If you give them injuries at realistic odds instead of the 2017 Marinjures that took the field they had a good shot at the playoffs.
His backing up Dipoto and Servais mostly just makes sense. What did you expect him to say? What he said about Dipoto was probably better than that. His thoughts on Servais I didn't read as much support in. Maybe that's partially my bias. I'm certain Dipoto has earned respect in the chair. Not so certain Servais belongs.
Haniger over Sexton is a relief to hear. They want to add but I look at almost all the Free agents and see aged veterans almost anywhere that I see players available who have put up good results in the past. There are plenty of Sextons out there. Who would be more Haniger like? Ohtani, Hosmer and that's about it for anything resembling youth or uphill side of their career. Except trades of course. Yu Darvish and a couple other expensive starters might just fit that still.