You know, I am getting tired of this "we lack talent" routine.
Here is what I see as a possible starting lineup for Opening Day, 2018.
Kingery/Hernandez
Galvis
Altherr
Joseph/Hoskins
Williams
Franco
Herrera
Knapp/Alfaro
Now hitters 3-6 all have the potential to hit at least 20 HR (3, Franco, Joseph and Altherr, will do it this year).
In addition both Kingery and Galvis have the potential to pop 20. That is 6 out of 8 hitters who could have 20 dingers. That is NOT a bad lineup. Probably won't make the Nats shudder too much, but that would be respectable, fun team to watch.
The real problem is pitching. Nola, I think, is proving he is at least a legit No. 2. I would go out and sign one solid, reliable starter (not a one year flip him at the deadline type, does not have to be an Arrieta) and then see if we can get three other legit starters out of a group comprised of Lively, Pivetta, Eflin, Eickhof, Velasquez, Appel, Eshlemann, Leiter and Thompson. That would comprise a legit, competitive team that would be fun to watch.
I think it is time to stop bemoaning whatever happened a couple of years ago and start embracing what we have. That includes, I think, a new manager who would act like he actually believes in the players rather than complaining about them. I see the need for a manger who tells Altherr that he believes in him as his No. 3 hitter, who tells Joseph or Hoskins, "you are may cleanup hitter, go do it".
Of the player I listed in that starting lineup, the only one who I think may not be here by 2019 when I think this team could compete for a WC is Herrera. Hopefully Cozens, Quinn or Pullin will be read for 2019, Altherr could be moved to CF and Herrera shipped off to whatever loony bin will take him.
But c'mon, in 2018 it is time to start playing some baseball.