If Harper had been healthy all year and not slumping when he returned this would have been a 90-win team or a little bit better.
It's been a year where we have taken some noticeable steps forward:
Suarez and Falter have shown to be pretty reliable mid-rotation MLB starters...
Stott looks like he could stick at SS and might hit, too.
Vierling, Maton, Hall, and even Sosa look like they have potential to contribute as bench or platoon players.
We gave up a lot for Marsh, but he seems to be a better hitter than his recent MLB numbers indicate (possibly better coaching), and is a nice defensive upgrade.
Painter has pitched well enough to be in the conversation as the best pitching prospect in baseball.
Seranthony seems relatively healthy and effective.
Even if we don't make the playoffs, I think we are poised to contend for a few years. We haven't gotten what we hoped out of Castellanos, Schwarber, and Harper, and still have played some good baseball at times. I'd guess that 2 of those 3 have better years next year.
I guess I'm fine with however this year ends; but a surprising run in the playoffs after sneaking into the wild card would be really fun.
