Could Bonds Be Dealt In A Giants Firesale?

Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News spoke extensively with both Giants GM Brian Sabean and Barry Bonds, and some interesting information emerged.

First off, Bonds' comments seem to indicate he'd waive his no-trade clause if a need arose.  Let's say he hits #756 July 18th against Rich Hill.  That would work out nicely for the Giants, as the interest in Bonds as a sideshow would wane after he broke the record.  Sabean could ditch the $8MM or so remaining on his 2007 contract and the Giants could finally move on.  Bonds might be a nice fit for the Mariners for a couple of months.  The Twins would benefit even more, but that scenario seems highly unlikely.  The Angels or A's could definitely make a push and find some room for Bonds.

Baggarly's article also has Brian Sabean acknowledging that the Giants may have to go into sell mode.  Baggarly names Ray Durham, Omar Vizquel, Rich Aurilia, Matt Morris, Pedro Feliz, and Steve Kline as veterans who could be sent packing.  Might as well throw in Ryan Klesko, Randy Winn, and Dave Roberts.  If you're going to have a firesale, don't hold back. 

The Red Sox could snag Winn or Roberts as a stopgap in center field, but both are signed through 2009.  Not the easiest contracts to move.  Matt Morris could net a nice return.  With a 3.21 ERA, has has to be at the peak of his value.  He earns $9.5MM this year, $9.5MM in '08, and has a club option for $9MM with a $1MM buyout attached for '09. The Mariners, Phillies, Braves, and Astros could be possibilities.

Comments

[bravesbeast]

I definitely agree that morris could be a nice fit on the braves, but the braves and giants have a nice fit in yunel escobar. Escobar could go to the giants in a trade, as he would be a young shortstop or middle infielder who could fit in nice at the top of the order for the next decade. However, if the braves were considering escobar, they more than likely would want noah lowry instead of morris.

[giantsfan]

Bonds won't get traded. Magowan(the owner) won't allow it. The stadiums seats have to be filled for the owners to make back all the money they spent to build it. Bonds is a guaranteed seat filler, so he's going to stay.

As for selling, pretty much everybody except Lincecum, Lowry and Cain are on the trade block(zito, sadly, can't be traded so why mention him). Matt Morris' stock is really high, so I see him going to a team with playoff dreams like the yankees or mets.

[ZachAttack]

GiantsFan,
I can tell you without a doubt, Cain will not get traded.

[RotoRueter]

I believe Winn has a complete no-trade clause until the end of the season.

[giantsfan]

Zach, I never said Cain would be traded. I specifically said Lowry, Cain, and Lincecum are not going to be traded. I said everyone except them are going to be on the block.

[Beau Phillips]

If they were smart, they sell off anything they could...but they re-signed Bonds...so how smart can they be?

[ReflectionEphemeral]

Do you really think the Sox are going to look to add a CF? Crisp plays very good defense, and he just can't keep hitting this badly.

The Sox are going to have a very crowded OF next year (they already do this year, with WM Pena and Hinske, guys who could be starting elsewhere, not getting much work). I don't see a trade for a CF happening-- especially, as you point out, for guys who are signed through next year. Plus the Sox keep popping up in rumors about that outfielder in Japan, Fukudome(?).

Kline, on the other hand, would make a lot of sense. Maybe for David Murphy or someone like that.

[RotoAuthority]

Well, Fukudome is not a CF. But yeah, they should probably just stand pat this year.

[darkstar1661]

ReflectE,

The Sox have wanted to dump Coco since about 6months after the trade...Crisp does not play great D, he has a noodle of an arm and his hitting stats were greatly inflated in Cle. He's also very injury prone.

I know he makes the highlight reel with some nice catches, but for every one of those there are 2 attempts he doesn't come up with where he shoundnt have tried and the result is a double or triple. His speed works againt him in that aspect because he thinks he can get to anything, and Bos has way more ground to cover than he is capable of. Coupled with his horrible arm it means that the opposition will be sprinting around the bases putting more persure on everyone else.

Cle knew he wasn't a leadoff hitter and he showed that instantly in Bos. Cle knew he didn't handle pressure well and he keeps showing that in Bos as well. Honestly, he probably will keep hitting that bad until he is put on a team with less pressure and expectation of him.

That being said, Coco would be a great trading piece to offer up to get yourself a good CFer. The receiving team will get him kinda cheap for a while and think they can bring him back to his Tribe numbers. With him included in the deal you would also not need to offer much else in the package.

Infact, if Bos could dump lugo it might be a good fit to trade Coco/prospects to Balt for Tejada/Patterson. If Bos agrees to take the full contracts the return probably wouldn't need to be huge. Although Patterson isn't an upgrade over Coco, you don't lose anything in the switch and Tejada is a huge plus over current production. It also would be a trade that brings in a name player in return to Balt, which might take some of the sting out of it to the O's fans.

[YouthofToday]

Coco/prospects = Tejada/Patterson

Right.

1. Their are a ton of CF on the FA market this upcoming off season, who are all better than Crisp.

2. So Crisp sucks--yet he will net Tejada? Huh?

3. Angelenos allegedly turned down Santana, Aybar and Kotchman last year around this time, wanting the Angels to add Adenhart.

4. Your prospects would probably have to include Buchholz and Bard at the absolute minimum.

[Chipper]

I wouldn't mind taking Matt Morris, he's definitely an upgrade. But I'd take Lowry before him.

[darkstar1661]

Youth,

I said it wouldn't have to be huge ~ ie it wouldn't have to be as high as trading solely for Tejada. I didn't by any means say that they would get those two for only Crisp and a bum though.

If Balt dumps the full Tejada & Patterson contracts, adds a change of scenery type as they probably see Crisp as (who comes pretty cheap), and still gets a high side & maybe second teir prospect then they should be thrilled.

If those prospects are guys that don't fit into Bos plans and ones they would be willing to give up for Tejada alone then they too should be thrilled. They would also be able to trade Lugo for some return adding to their club even more...

It was just a thought, one that I think makes since for both teams...

Oh, and did you see the trade history of Stoneman in the Tejada thread? He has never brought in anything more then bench guys through trade, I really doubt that Balt could have actually gotten what's been rumored from him. If it was actually offered I imagine Stoneman was dragging his feet ready to back out himself...

[nrmax88]

I think a good team might be smart to go after Bonds if they didnt have to give up much. Bonds numbers have been down, but honestly, in that absolute joke a of a lineup, why wouldnt they be? Rich Aurilia and Bengie Molina protecting him? Seriously? Dave Roberts and Randy Winn in the top of the lineup? Wow. Their lineup is just so old and bad. I think anybody that gives up any value for Morris is making a mistake. Bonds, though, put him in a lineup with good number 3 and 5 hitters, and he will mash. Imagine Bonds batting infront of A Rod and behind Jeter. It would be absurd. The thing about the Giants having a firesale is, theres really nobody on their team that I can see anybody giving up any value for at all. Maybe Molina or something. Lowry might get a decent return, but who wants a guy like Dave Roberts or Randy Winn. They are okay players, but nobody is going to give up much talent for one of them. Most of their team are eligible for their AARP cards by now.

[darkstar1661]

Oh, and although Bos could sign someone better than Crisp in the offseason, if I'm Bos I'm thinking "we look like we should have a Yankee-less playoffs ~ we need to do what we can to win this year while it should be easier"...

We don't know what the Yanks will do over the offseason, from Bostons standpoint I make this the year I stockup to win instead of waiting for 08...

[J.L.]

Anyone who thinks Boston has a chance of dumping Lugo is dreaming.

Morris makes a ton of sense to the Braves. But what about the Mets? Giants need young position players in the their farm and Minaya has said he's shopping for a starter. Morris would help to solify their rotation.

[Chipper]

The Braves would probably start their package off for Morris or Lowry with Yunel Escobar. He makes a ton of sense for the Giants.

[ArodSucksAtLife]

This just in Boston signs a SS, 4 years/40 million with a 11mm club option for 2011. He's in Atlanta now.

Lugo signed for 4/36. Pretty sure if they want to move him, they'll move him. Thanks for playing.

[Chipper]

I'm guessing your referring to Edgar Renteria. Good thing Bos pays most of it.

[k4lnamja]

Giants fan here...
Great post...finally someone addresses what the Giants SHOULD do. I have been calling for a fire sale since last year. We need to rebuild our farm b/c it is terrible. Cain and Lincecum are our only untouchables. Lowry is most unlikely to be traded b/c although I am not high on him, he is doing well this year and he is signed to a cheap contract. I do believe he will be a #3 or #4 starter AT BEST in this league. If he goes to the AL, he will get crushed. Morris will get the most in return. Why? He has playoff experience, a vet, signed to a decent contract compared to what others received this year, and he is the Ace of our staff. I believe the mets could get him for Gomez and the martinez (OF's). I would do that. Or how about Escobar and Salty from the braves? I know that's a lot but if you want to win, then give it up. We have the supply and you have the demand. Both teams will not go far in the playoffs without a bonafide starter. Other than Hudson and Smoltz, the Braves don't have anyone. The Mets SP staff is not as strong without pedro and who knows when he'll come back.
About Bonds being traded...I would love that. Hopefully he breaks the record before the deadline and before the ASG. He'll fill the seats and then we can finally LET GO. I love Bonds but he is too big of a distraction for my taste. His #'s would definitely go up if he was put into a decent lineup. Aurilia and Durham protecting him?! You gotta be kidding me.
Lastly, hopefully Magowan (owner) will "break up" with Sabean because Sabean is surely doing something under the desk b/c why he has a job is beyond me. The guy has been TERRIBLE since 02. We went to the WS and after that we have regressed. Accardo for Hillenbrand? Nathan, Liriano, Bonser for Pierzynski (1 year)? Overrated signings in Zito when his #'s have dropped each year since winning the Cy? Giving top dollar to Benitez when his MO is he blows BIG games?
In the words of Kruk and Kuip, "Eliminate Sabean"

[darkstar1661]

Chipper, I think the point was that Bos was still able to dump him.

Ironicly, they were also able to get one of the best offensive prospects in baseball who they were able to turn over for what was thought to be the best CFer available. Bos ate some contract but its not held against their cap so it just comes out of the extra revenue they get from being on TV everyother day...

[k4lnamja]

Giants fan here...
Great post...finally someone addresses what the Giants SHOULD do. I have been calling for a fire sale since last year. We need to rebuild our farm b/c it is terrible. Cain and Lincecum are our only untouchables. Lowry is most unlikely to be traded b/c although I am not high on him, he is doing well this year and he is signed to a cheap contract. I do believe he will be a #3 or #4 starter AT BEST in this league. If he goes to the AL, he will get crushed. Morris will get the most in return. Why? He has playoff experience, a vet, signed to a decent contract compared to what others received this year, and he is the Ace of our staff. I believe the mets could get him for Gomez and the martinez (OF's). I would do that. Or how about Escobar and Salty from the braves? I know that's a lot but if you want to win, then give it up. We have the supply and you have the demand. Both teams will not go far in the playoffs without a bonafide starter. Other than Hudson and Smoltz, the Braves don't have anyone. The Mets SP staff is not as strong without pedro and who knows when he'll come back.
About Bonds being traded...I would love that. Hopefully he breaks the record before the deadline and before the ASG. He'll fill the seats and then we can finally LET GO. I love Bonds but he is too big of a distraction for my taste. His #'s would definitely go up if he was put into a decent lineup. Aurilia and Durham protecting him?! You gotta be kidding me.
Lastly, hopefully Magowan (owner) will "break up" with Sabean because Sabean is surely doing something under the desk b/c why he has a job is beyond me. The guy has been TERRIBLE since 02. We went to the WS and after that we have regressed. Accardo for Hillenbrand? Nathan, Liriano, Bonser for Pierzynski (1 year)? Overrated signings in Zito when his #'s have dropped each year since winning the Cy? Giving top dollar to Benitez when his MO is he blows BIG games?
In the words of Kruk and Kuip, "Eliminate Sabean"

[Chipper]

darkstar1661, they only traded Andy Marte, who was blocked by Chipper.

[darkstar1661]

Chipper,

I realize that, but the results still end with them being able to trade that bad contract for one of the best prospects avail...

The Mets need a 2nd baseman don't they? If they are really down on Millidge and since they have the OF depth in the minors, maybe a deal could be worked out there...

Who knows, the point is even the untradeable can be delt for return.

[ZachAttack]

Wow, k4lnamja, that was the worst trade idea(s) I have ever heard. Let's start off with the Braves one.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Yunel Escobar for Matt Morris:
First of all, this can't happen because the Braves can't take on 9 million dollars in payroll. The Braves have no intention of selling off the future for a "win now" mode. They have never done this type of trade. You will never, ever get Salty for that "ace" Morris, much less Escobar. The Giants would be drooling to see Escobar coming their way. Do you have any idea what switch hitting power hitting catchers are worth? That was just an ignorant comment.

Carlos Gomez and Fernando Martinez for Matt Morris.
There is no way in hell that the Mets trade Martinez and Gomez. What can Martinez bring in a trade? Try an Andrew Miller type pitcher. He is that good. Carlos Gomez is the fastest player on that team. With Alou being hurt, he is their everyday LF. The future for the Mets is Beltran/Martinez/Gomez. Of course you didn't think of that.

[nrmax88]

"I believe the mets could get him for Gomez and the martinez (OF's). I would do that"

Thats pretty cute. Fernando Martinez for Matt Morris. You would... you would do that? I hope you would do that. Thats like saying if The Giants would trade Tim Lincecum for Shawn Green, I think I would do it.

[nrmax88]

Looking at it again, you wanted Gomez and MArtinez for Matt Morris? Or Salty and Escobar? Jesus Christ, you are delusional. This is the worst trade proposal I have ever seen in my life. That includes the J. Jones and Ronnie Cedono for (insert superstar here) offers. MAtt Morris sucks. He is having a good year this year, but he is old and he is a middle of the pack pitcher at best. Lol. I kinda cant tell if your joking or not. Either way, it was funny.

[Teetz]

Carlos Gomez is Juan Pierre on training wheels. He's not all that great.

[nrmax88]

Yeah, only Gomez is only 21, he is 6'5 and only going to get stronger once he fills out, he is projected by a lot of scouts to be a 25/25 guy at some point. He is like the fastest guy in the league, definitely in the top 5. He plays spectacular defense and covers and absurd amount of ground. And he is not even close to ready yet. Too much upside to give up for Matt Morris. Teetz your saying that you would trade Martinez and Gomez for Matt Morris? IF you are saying that, then your boy Hendry has givin you the mindset that making bad trades is the way to go. If you wouldnt make that trade, then youre comment served no purpose.