Blanton May Be Traded

9:14pm: Fay suggests the A's would want Homer Bailey or Johnny Cueto, Joey Votto, and a third player for Blanton.

1:32pm: Paul Daugherty and John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer report that the Reds and Dodgers are talking to the A's about Blanton.  Seems to be a disagreement about whether the Dodgers are in on this.

10:31am: Check out this new Ken Rosenthal video (hat tip to MetsBlog).  The video is all about Joe Blanton.

• One Rosenthal source suggests a 50/50 chance Blanton is traded (presumably before the season starts).
• Two teams are showing significant interest.  Rosenthal believes the Reds are one, and the Twins or Rays could be another.  He rules out the Dodgers, Yankees, Rockies, and Indians.  The Reds have had preliminary discussions for Blanton already.  How about the Phillies?  They came calling in July.
• Rosenthal notes that the bounty for Blanton will be less than that of Dan Haren, because Blanton is slightly more expensive and an inferior pitcher.
• On January 14th, an A's source suggested to MLB.com's Jim Molony who expected Blanton to be the A's Opening Day starter.

Comments

[BaseBallz]

Presuming Beane could only get one good prospect and maybe a couple other lesser prospects, who do you guys think he would target on the Reds ???

Obviously he wouldn't ask for Jay Bruce; but, do you think he'd ask for a pitcher or a position player ?

[TWINSFAN]

As a Twins fanm I think it would be great to get Blanton, but he is not the type of player that the Twins would normally go for....what do you think

[jrfukudome]

Dude, are the Rays finally in a win-now mode? Or are they preparing to lose Kazmir?

[arly2380]

i just dont see A's settle for 1 top prospect and a couple lesser guys.A's would be better off keeping blanton and trading him when teams are more desperate at the deadline. should be no urgency with 3 yrs left on his deal. from the reds i wouldnt do a deal without cueto, but WK wouldnt even trade him for haren.A's asked a month ago for gomez/heilman/mulvey, so somethign similar i can imagine they'd still want. so 1 top 50 prospect in the deal at least

[patsfanatic83]

How the heck did the twins get in this, they just traded away santana for 4 prospects, and the mets inquired on blanton before as well, so who do the twins have to give up for blanton. if they gave up anything over 2 prospects, it would be a huge mistake for the twins, and the A's wont accept just 2 mid level prospects, therefore it just wont happen with the twins, so y even include a team looking to go younger into this... idk

[bsox21]

im not convinced haren is better than blanton.

i thnk they're both mediocre. both benefitted from oakland's home park.

i expect both to be #3 pitchers. haren will have times where he'll be better, but i think blanton might be more consistent.

haren gets an edge, but i dont thnk the difference is as big as people think.

[arly2380]

has everyone forgetten what Gil Meche got last year and Carlos Silva in 08?

consistant, durable pitching of league average innings is valuable and cost controlled for 3 yrs.

hell, lohse is looking to get 10mill lol

i'm not saying blanton is great, but he's a good #2/#3 type who would easily get 50mill on the open market.

[BaseBallz]

I don't know bsox. The Diamondbacks traded a huge package for him as if he was a #1 starter, and i hear that they are very good judges of talent, so i would have to believe that he is more of a #1 starter.

Though, it could be the case that you are actually a professional scout who has access to a great reserve of knowledge that the Diamondbacks and most other people in baseball do not have access to.

Are you actually Theo Epstein ?

[twinstapir]

I would totally not be surprised to see the Twins trade good prospects for Blanton. Mostly because it's a terrible idea, but it's their sort of terrible idea.

Rick Anderson says they don't need a veteran pitcher though, and maybe just maybe they'll actually listen to him.

[hippie07]

I see the Reds offering 1 top 50 prospect and I think that would much more likely be Votto than Cueto ...

I see them giving up a top-10 Red's prospect and 2 other guys...

[Rustad23]

I do not see the Twins and A's making a trade involving Blanton. Beane and Smith are both alike in what they try to do in trades and for that reason I highly doubt that they come to an agreement.

[tyler]

Hey, come on BaseBallz, Dan Haren's a nice little pitcher but he's obviously no Tim Wakefield.

[arly2380]

why would A's want votto? they got 1b barton and are still probably trying to dump dan johnson. any blanton trade would be centered around pitching and infielders.

[jpkinney7]

"A's would be better off keeping blanton and trading him when teams are more desperate at the deadline." - arly2380

I disagree. Blanton is the only quality starter on the block right now. Come trade deadline, teams will start realizing that they are not what they thought they were (White Sox, Reds, Mariners, Rockies, Dodgers, Toronto, etc.).

Beane timed the Haren trade perfectly (Trading him before Santana & Bedard). Now, he's timing a Blanton Deal Perfectly (Trading Joe Blanton after everyone is gone).

[lrs77]

I think Blanton would be an awesome #3 or #4 guy for the Rays and he would help get them 3rd place in '08, but with the bevy of talented pitching prospects they have-- I mean, they're seriously loaded with pitching, why would they want to give up anything for more? Especially since Beane will surely get more than Blanton's actually worth.

[hippie07]

"why would A's want votto? they got 1b barton and are still probably trying to dump dan johnson. any blanton trade would be centered around pitching and infielders.

Posted by: arly2380 | February 07, 2008 at 11:11 AM"

Maybe they don't want Votto, but I think that's what the Reds would be most willing to give up ...
Votto, Malone, Roenicke.... for instance, would be 3 of the Reds top-10 prospects and 1 prospect who is top-50 all around prospect... that'd be a nice package for Blanton.

Votto can also play the outfield and would might a nice DH as well...

[hippie07]

I meant to say: Votto, Maloney, Roenicke.... not "Malone" :-)

[jclay]

Whichever team has middle infield talent available has the best shot. Maybe Reid Brignac from the Rays?

I still think the A's should hold onto Blanton though. He won't be intimidated by the "#1 starter" title, and it should help the kids feel comfortable much quicker without feeling like they have to carry a staff.

After Blanton who takes it? Harden? always hurt... Duke? always hurt, hasn't started since '03... Gaudin? hurt... Saarloos, Meyer, Braden, DiNardo, or Eveland? c'mon... there really is no one who is major league ready and not perpetually injured.

[jclay]

After watching the video, sounds more like Rosenthal speculating than any hard news.

I highly doubt anything happens unless the A's are completely blown away with an offer. They believe that they are already on the fast track back to being a contender and are anticipating winning more games this year than last.

[bernie]

Don't be so quick to dismiss the Twins as a possible trading partner! The Twins might be willing to move 2B Alexi Casilla who Beane said good things about last season. He could also play shortstop.

I have no idea if Beane is fond of any other Twins players who might be available,but one of the young starters along Casilla and a couple of good prospects could perhaps interest him.

I have no idea what Beane would be looking for back in trade (maybe he covets the newly acquired Deolis Guerra) but the Twins might be able to put a package together if they really want Blanton.

[bsox21]

"Though, it could be the case that you are actually a professional scout who has access to a great reserve of knowledge that the Diamondbacks and most other people in baseball do not have access to. "

Maybe it was the same brilliant scouts that paid Russ Ortiz a big sum of cash to come to Arizona?

[Pseudofool]

If the Twins make this trade it will be pitching for pitching. Pick two of Mulvey, Tyler Robertson (who Sickles ranks as the Twins top prospect prior to the Santana deal), Blackburn (BAs pick of the Twins top prospect), Duesing, and a projectable arm like Sosa or Burnett...

[arly2380]

slowey would be a SP A's might target

they like mulvey before in mets talks

both profile as mid rotation guys

what did beane say about cassilla?

plouffe is a SS prospect they liked in past drafts

[Pseudofool]

Twins can't afford to give MI away, unless Crosby's part of the deal.

[wayne gomes]

I agree with the poster who said the A's would be smart to hold him until the deadline. I could see some fading first-half surprise team or a big team with an injury make a crazy deal for him. Blanton is a valuable pitcher, his K/BB and home run numbers are very nice but he's basically a 4.50 ERA guy outside of OAK.

I don't think there's a huge risk that he'll kill his trade value if they hold him because he's been a consistent performer.

[BaseBallz]

"Maybe it was the same brilliant scouts that paid Russ Ortiz a big sum of cash to come to Arizona?"

Ya i'd have to agree with you BoSox. If i was Arizona and took a look at Russ Ortiz i would have to be on drugs to sign him.

Who would have wanted a pitcher who was never on the disabled list, threw over 200innings in his six previous years, and had a record of 103 wins with only 60 losses that finished fourth in Cy Young voting the year before.

Scouts should be able to anticipate rib cage injuries. Maybe you know something about Dan Haren's rib cage that we don't know ?

Admit it, you are Theo Epstein !

[jclay]

I love Blanton. Despite his flaws, he is a big game pitcher. He may not be flashy... but he gets the job done and keeps his team in the game.

[jclay]

The scouting director for Az when Ortiz was signed resigned in August of that year. There is a new scouting team in place that is in no way associated with that signing.

But Haren a #3? C'mon... you obviously don't watch him pitch. To attribute his success to the park would be the same as attributing Peavy's success to him pitching in a pitcher's park. I know you're a Mets fan, which means you prob watch a lot more NL ball than AL so you don't see what Haren brings to a team. He is incredibly consistent and reliable.

Only 4 games of 4 ER+ last year, 3 times he didn't get through the 6th inning, tied for ML lead (with Peavy) in QS%, top 10 in AL in WHIP 2 years running, top 10 in AL in K:BB, K, starts, and IP 3 years running. And turning the magical 27 this year.

[bsox21]

i was mocking baseballz who thinks mlb teams are infallable.

haren is overrated. doesnt mean he isnt a good pitcher.

I wouldv liked to have seen what u thot of Mulder, Hudson and Zito coming out of Oakland. I bet u thot zito was an "ace" too.

I watch lots of AL baseball....probably at least as much as u. In fact, iv been to oakland and watched 4 games there. Foul territory is enormous, the OF is HUGE and the walls are v high. it's a pitcher's paradise.

i think haren is good. i dont think he's as good as others make him out to be and i expect his stats to suffer by going from oakland to arizona.

luckily for him, the NL west is full of minor league hitters, cept for when the rockies play at home.

[BaseBallz]

I don't mean to correct you Epstein .... i mean Bsox, but you were mocking me for mocking you !

[BaseBallz]

All joking aside,

Wouldn't it be crazy if the Rays got Blanton ?

He could be a #2 and push shields and Garza down a spot, allowing the 5th starter to be the best of the rest.

With 4 legit pitchers, their new BP, and the crazy assortment of offense/defensive player they would be a huge sleeper force in the AL East.

[jrfukudome]

Breignac, Sonnanstine, plus one?

[jclay]

Never thought Zito was an "ace". He is far too incosistent, has games where he can't hit the plate. Definitely did not think he was when he was up for free agency. Wanted the A's to keep Hudson and that's it.

I see the move to the NL offsetting the move to a hitter's park. He's 10-3 in interleague play. Clearly a Top 10 pitcher in the majors IMO

[jclay]

just about what i was thinking jrfukudome.... brignac, sonnastine would be enough IMO.

[BaseBallz]

It's funny how Zito is more of a natural #3 on the Giants squad. Linceum and Cain are far more dominant.

[arly2380]

do red sox jump in the mix with schilling's shoulder issues now. also not a given red sox might sign beckett long term according to gammons.they do h ave the prospects in a deal to give up like a lowrie/masterson etc.

[jrfukudome]

Beane is good, jclay, so let's say:

Brignac, Sonnanstine, Hammel

[bravesbeast]

Dude.... If the asking price is A shortstop and a young starter, I would probably not hesitate to offer Lillibridge and Jair Jurrjens for Blanton, simply because blanton is young and proven enough to move to the national league and be a solid number two in the NL. Since we seem to be interested in Kris Benson, I would definitely not hesitate to still make a move for a picther who could help us out not only this year, but in 09 and beyond.

[lookatthosetwins]

Haren had a 3.37 era on the road, in the American League last year. Doesn't sound like a #3 starter to me.

[ksesxe]

Ahhh, my Braves brought into the discussion! As a fan I wouldn't mind seeing Blanton in uniform -- although it's not likely to happen. Beane already got us pretty good in the Kotsay deal & I don't see the two teams meeting up again in regards to Blanton. Lillibridge I'd be willing to part with but I'm interested to see how Jurrjens fairs in Atlanta before parting with him.

[BaseBallz]

lookatthosetwins,

having a road record of 3.37 era is not good enough for BoSox.

Russ Ortiz had a road era of 3.61 before he got signed to the Diamondbacks, and we all know that BoSox doesn't even think that kind of era is worth having in the rotation, maybe the bullpen ?

[bravesbeast]

I agree with arly... The redsox should be in the discussion. They now have a decent reason to pursue Blanton, have the prospect depth to give up enough without hurting their farm, and have the money to sign him long-term. Blanton would probably be the 3 in boston, and they better monitor Bucholz without having rely on him for more innings than he actually needs to pitch. Once Wakefield starts to boob up, they can then slot Buchholz in to take his spot.

[Fish&Mets]

saw a couple posts saying Blanton would be a "good #2" in the NL... there is no way. He pitches in a pitchers park and his ERA the past two years: 3.95, 4.86. Those numbers dont impress me much.

[darkstar1661]

Not sure if mentioned because I didn’t read it all but:

I think Blanton to the Dodgers is a great idea for that club if they can get him without surrendering too much. Their rotation isnt exactly the most secure thing in the world as it stands, they have so much depth they can deal from hitting wise and the Oakland Coliseum to Dodger Stadium trasition wont actually be that dramatic. Add in facing the pitchers and weaker NL 6-9’s and you could see Blanton having a much easier time in LA than he even did in Oakland.

Blanton elseware might scare me, Blanton in LA makes a ton of sense though…

[BoSox]

Report from the Boston Herald says Schilling has a bad shoulder and may require season ending surgery. Sox may get interested in Blanton quick. Oak is looking fro a CF as well. Maybe Coco and 1 or 2 prospects for Blanton.

[arly2380]

dodgers, rays, reds, red sox, twins, etc.

the market was slowed down w/ the santana/bedard soap operas, now its heating up, just what beane was waiting for

maybe GM's realize that the FA market is filled with retreads and injured pitchers, if they are willingto give up prospects, we might see a deal done

[wihargo]

If I was the Rays I'd be leary of trading Brignac, if only because of a lack of IF prospects/depth in the system.
What about a package based around Desmond Jennings?

[Dan Moriarty]

Blanton's numbers look MUCH better than they are b/c of Oakland's stadium.

Try these on for size:

Blanton's career ERA on road: 4.66.

Matt Belisle's career ERA on road: 4.55.

There is no chance I'd give up Bailey or Cueto for Blanton -- not even straight up. No chance at all.

[arly2380]

lol belisle, his best season is blanton's worst season

[forlife61]

Red Sox could inquire but Blanton is not a neccessity. You still have a solid 1-4 with Beckett, Dice-K, Lester, Wakefield and a guy with # 1 stuff in Bucholz. I dont see the Red Sox happening. That siad, they definitely have the prospects to pull it off.

[cincy_11]

lol..yeah..belisle's best is also his only

[Dan Moriarty]

I'm not arguing that Belisle is as good as Blanton.

Blanton has pitched twice as many innings as Belisle has, and he's done it in the AL.

But I am saying that maybe Oakland's stadium makes Blanton look better than he is (just as GABP makes Belisle look worse than he is).

So maybe the difference isn't as great as people think.

That's all.

[Dan Moriarty]

In fact... forget Belisle.

Here's my point -- Blanton is probably more of a 4.6 ERA guy than a 4.1 ERA guy.

Don't let his pitcher-friendly home park lead you to think he's better than he is.

[arly2380]

2005 mid 3's era
2006 4.8 era
2007 3.8 era

who's the real blanton? so he gets penalized for his 06 season?

[nrmax88]

"Ahhh, my Braves brought into the discussion! As a fan I wouldn't mind seeing Blanton in uniform -- although it's not likely to happen."

As a Mets fan, I wouldnt mind seeing him ina PHilly or Brave uniform either. In fact, if I were to find out the Phillies or Braves made a trade to pick up Blanton I might start spontaneously ejaculaating all over the place on the spot. Blanton would give up like 100 home runs pitching in Philly.

[Droptop]

Tim - Beane has already said it would take as much to land Blanton as it would (did) to land Haren because he is under team control even longer.
On a side note, for those posting Blanton's three ERA's, look at Haren's and try to not wonder the samething as to which Haren is which. His first/second-half split on top of that last year... Haren does have the better stuff, I love him, but very, very similar concerns can and should be held about Haren.

[Droptop]

Another simple fact about Blanton: Their isn't a single pitching staff (almost literally) that wouldn't be better off with him then they are currently without him.

[nrmax88]

"There is no chance I'd give up Bailey or Cueto for Blanton -- not even straight up. No chance at all."

Absolutely. I wouldnt even consider it for a second. Blanton is one of the most unimpressive winning pitchers I have ever watched in my life. Sort of like Brian Bannister. I dont really get how he gets people out. Atleast Bannister isnt a fat mess though. But nowadays fat guys seem to be called bulldogs, so hey. Wouldnt surprise me a bit if Blanton has a Steve Trachsel status 5 years from now.

[Dan Moriarty]

No, not "penalized." I'm saying make an adjustment b/c it's hard to score runs in Oakland's home stadium.

Here are Blanton's home/road ERA's for the last 3 seasons:

2005 home - 3.35 ERA
2005 road - 3.73 ERA

2006 home - 4.52 ERA
2006 road - 5.12 ERA

2007 home - 2.69 ERA
2007 road - 5.11 ERA

Career home - 3.55 ERA
Career road - 4.66 ERA

See the pattern? His ERA has always been lower in Oakland, and I'm saying that's largely b/c not as many runs are scored in that park.

A team like Cincinnati (or anyone) who's considering trading for him needs to take that into account. You can't put him in GABP for half his games and expect the same numbers.

So I'm saying, take out the "Oakland effect" from his numbers. That's why I'd view Blanton as more of a 4.66 type pitcher (career road ERA) than a 4.10 type pitcher (career overall ERA).

To be fair, there also would be an "AL to NL" adjustment, so in the NL maybe you'd expect more like 4.4 or 4.5.

[Droptop]

nrmax88 - Here are Blanton's career numbers vs. your Mets: NYM GS2 G2 0 W1 L0 0 0 0 IP15 ERA0.00 H8 0 0 0 BB1 0 K10 0
The link: http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/psplit.cgi?n1=blantjo01&year=00

I think it is beyond time for you to get off your "my Mets would crush him". As for the HR's in Philly, he has done a great job of becoming a much better groundball pitcher as he had 70 more GO vs AO. In 633IP, he has given up only 57HR's. You can spin it because of Oaklands ballpark but probably only half of his innings are in Oakland. His K/BB rate is just amazing. He came close to walking only one batter per game started. That's very very rare for any pitcher.

[nrmax88]

Oh okay, and I bet I could show you a stat where a guy who has an era over 10 for his career has an era under 2 in 8 sample innings against one specific team. Good job. Come back to me when you have something useful to say. I thin Blanton is garbage. I havent seen any reason to think not. The only "stuff" he has to speak of is a good curveball. He doesnt strike anybody out, and he is fat, and he cant pitch on the road. And I also didnt say anything about the Mets crushing him. I said he would give up 100 home runs in philly, but that is just because he sucks, and I wasnt biased towards the Mets, he would get equally rocked by everybody.

What does it usually say when a guy puts words in your mouth and then uses a 14 inning sample size to prove his point?

[jrfukudome]

I just hope Billy Beane works faster than McPhail...

[themetros]

Beane will move fast if he gets a decent offer before teams smarten up!

ERA+ of 92 and 106 over the last two years. No esta bien. Not for a Votto-type player.

And really, if Beane does not get a blue chip, what is his motivation to deal?

[scribbletone]

Joe Blanton is a solid #3, and a good one in the NL, so he probably wont warrant an elite prospect.

Pretty much every person here has said that the Reds won't give up Bruce, Bailey or Cueto for Blanton. While I agree that that is the correct decision to make, a deal will be almost impossible otherwise. Considering that the A's already have Chavez and Barton at the corners, that means they'll have no interest in Votto, Encarnacion or Juan Francisco. Other than those guys, what else do the Reds have to offer for a pitcher of Blantons trade value? They could try and build a package around guys like Drew Stubbs, but I seriously doubt that an offer like that would be the best one the A's receive. Considering that, its either a deal for Bailey or Cueto (no way it'll be Bruce), or a Reds deal is extremely, extremely unlikely.

I think the darkhorse team here that people need to think about is the Chicago Cubs. Earlier this week, the team president stated that the Cubs had two trade offers on the table for "big name players", and he expected both to be done. I am assuming that one of those deals is a Brian Roberts trade. Couldn't the other one easily be for Joe Blanton? Blanton would solidify the Cubs' rotation with Zambrano, Lilly, Hill and some combination of Marquis and Dempster. Plus, the Cubs have to offer the one thing I think the A's would covet the most, a young, MLB-ready center fielder in Felix Pie. Pie could slip into center field for the A's, with Buck and Gonzalez filling the other two holes by '09. It seems like it makes almost too much sense to me. Adding Roberts and Blanton would definately confirm the Cubs as legit pennant contenders. The A's would have to be interested if the Cubs came offering something like Pie and Marshall.

[nrmax88]

Jeez. If I was a Cubs fan, I would be almost induced to tears at the though of even Pie alone going to Oaktown for Blanton. I actually think I just vomited a little bit in my mouth.

[Devlsh]

Darkstar...you really think the Dodgers rotation is that shaky? I don't even see where Blanton would fit. Penny, Lowe, Billingsly, Kuroda are all a lock, and the #5 slot is filled with two expensive options, Loaiza and Schmidt. They aren't going to trade one of the front four for Blanton, and the A's unloaded Loaiza on the Dodgers, so they aren't likely to take him back. Plus, I don't really see any "extra" offensive talent on the Dodgers either...they finished 10th in runs last year and while they've added Jones, they lost Gonzalez. That's an improvement, but nothing that makes them an offensive powerhouse with talent to spare....unless you count Pierre (grin).

[Droptop]

nrmax - I've seen you on these comments for over a year now blasting Blanton and hoping a team in the NL East gets him because the Mets would rock him. 15IP is a sample size but the simple fact is the Mets have never scored on him. In two different starts. As for not striking anyone out, he finished with 140 last year (with only 40 walks). Not an ACE but certainly in the relm of a quality #3 starter. He was able to greatly increase his effectiveness at getting groundballs but balls would be flying every which way out of Philly? What says he wont improve? Fat or not, many big pitchers have succeeded and had respectable careers. The amount of times you bring up his size as a reason for you not liking him, it sounds like you have more of a bias against fat people in general then it having anything to do with his pitching ability. His curveball is his best pitch but every season he has been able to improve his other pitches (fastball/2-seam/slider/change).

[nrmax88]

I like LA this year. Blanton could be a good fit there I guess, but they seem solid already as Devish just went through. Their lineup is also very solid.

Furcal
Pierre
Loney
Kent
Andruw
Kemp
Martin
Laroche? Nomar?

Pretty right handed heavy, but solid. And with a strong rotation, and JB and Saito closing games down, they should be very solid.

Blanton could work there, but they dont seem to need him much.

[nrmax88]

Droptop, I may not have all the reasons to not like him, but I have watched him pitch atleast 10 or 15 times before and am just not the least bit impressed. I am sorry. And yes, I would love for any of the competitors of a team that I root for to give up talent for him. You dont have to agree with me, but anytime I hear a rumor about the guy, I am going to blast him, because I think he is a scrub.

"The amount of times you bring up his size as a reason for you not liking him, it sounds like you have more of a bias against fat people in general then it having anything to do with his pitching ability."

And yes, you nailed it, I absolutely despise overweight people. I also hate anorexic teengirls, bulemic middle aged woman, and men that wear watches on their right wrist. I am a discriminatory motherfucker what can I say?

[scribbletone]

"Jeez. If I was a Cubs fan, I would be almost induced to tears at the though of even Pie alone going to Oaktown for Blanton. I actually think I just vomited a little bit in my mouth."

I am a Cubs fan, and I wouldnt go that far. I mean I wouldn't be giddy, as I think Pie will be good, but I wouldnt be doing any throwing up in my mouth. I would be more offended if they dealt Pie for Roberts. Roberts isn't a need and DeRosa is fine at second. Blanton would solidify the rotation 1-5, and solid young pitching is the most coveted asset in baseball. Considering that our team is essentially built to win now, that trade proposal isnt all that preposterous.

And I agree with nrmax about the Dodgers. I don't know why but I just love that lineup. A ton of depth all the way through, and a lot of the young guys have a chance to be really special. Furcal and Pierre (unless Ethier gets the nod) offer a ton of speed at the top of the lineup. Loney is a batting average beast and should develop pretty solid power. Really this lineup could be fantastic if Kemp and Jones produce. The main issue with this offense is a lack of power, and between Jones, Kent and additional playing time for Kemp and LaRoche (as well as less playing time for Pierre and Nomar), that issue could be solved.

[darkstar1661]

“Darkstar...you really think the Dodgers rotation is that shaky? I don't even see where Blanton would fit. Penny, Lowe, Billingsly, Kuroda are all a lock, and the #5 slot is filled with two expensive options, Loaiza and Schmidt”

Shakey in the form of “not being able to stay healthy” and from “semi-deep” to “WTF are we gonna do now” at any moment. I had kind of forgotten about Kuroda though, so maybe it is pushing it a tiny bit ~ but… Well, 2008 could still turn ugly quickly; sadly, just like 2007… Oh, and 2006... Also cant forget 2005! Its depressing…

“Plus, I don't really see any "extra" offensive talent on the Dodgers either...”

If you know anything about the Dodgers, you know not to judge their depth on what the ML team produces. This team sits the more talented players in an effort to bring in the more widely known old guys making millions. It really seems as though the thought process is “well, we need a guy for __random position__ and we have __Random solid looking kid__. I have an idea, lets sign __random 7+M 35+YO guy__ to fill the spot!!!”. Its happening in Anaheim as well for whatever reason ~ must be in the water around here…

[nrmax88]

Scribble, I tend to use hyperbole a lot. Like a billion times a day :). You just have to get used to it I guess. Now, on how much I hate Blanton (again, not because of his pitching, I hate him for no other reason then his weight. Plus I hear he has an anorexic teen girl friend and his dad wears his watch's on his right wrist).

Its not that I think Blanton is that bad of a pitcher per se. Would I take him for free with his current contract? Absolutely without a doubt. But he is talked about in trades as if he is an ace, when really he is a solid number 3 right now with okay stuff and not much upside, who also happens to be overweight and has logged a ton of innings on his right shoulder. Is that more fair droptop? I definitely wouldnt want to give up a potential stud like Pie for him.

[Joe]

I think the Cubs could get Blanton for Pie, Marshall, and a low level prospect. Then we could trade Gallager, Patterson, and Cedeno for Roberts. Then we trade Murton for Byrd. I know we probably wouldn't get all 3, but it would be awesome if we did. Our rotation would be...

1. Zambrano
2. Lilly
3. Blanton
4. Hill
5. Marquis/ Dempster/ Lieber

Our lineup would be...

1. Roberts 2b
2. Theriot ss
3. Lee 1b
4. Soriano lf
5. Ramirez 3b
6. Fukudome rf
7. Byrd cf
8. Soto c

We would be by far the best team in the NL central with that lineup and that rotation.

[arly2380]

ugh who says blanton is an ace. no one, everyone agrees he's a good #2/#3 SP who's value is enhanced due to his durability, contract status, etc. his type are getting 50mill contracts, even worse guys are looking for 7-10 mill/yr. can anyone explain why its unreasonable for A's to ask for one top 50 prospect in a deal?

[scribbletone]

If the Cubs traded Pie, then I can almost promise you that Coco Crisp would become a Cub. How perfect could that work out? Pie and Coco will be similar players in '08 anyways: decent bat, not much power, good speed, and a fantastic glove in center. If the Cubs could deal Pie and Marshall for Blanton, Gallagher, Veal and Cedeno for Roberts, and then some decent prospect for Crisp, then we'd be set.
2B Roberts
CF Crisp
LF Soriano
3B Ramirez
RF Fukudome
1B Lee
C Soto
SS Theriot

Also, I would consider Rich Hill our #2 starter. I think he'll be great next year, better than both Lilly and Blanton.

Then Theriot could hit at the bottom of the lineup, where he belongs. And Soriano could hit in the middle of the lineup, where he belongs. Then again, our farm system would rival the White Sox in suckiness. It'd be like Vitters, Colvin, Ceda and Samardzija.

[BaseBallz]

If the Red Sox traded for Blanton, would you think that they would ask for Masterson ? It seems like they already have him in Joey Devine.

Would a package of Lowrie, Middlebrooks and Kalish sound more realistic ?

[The Juice]

Why not save the quantity and offer something up for Lowry from the Giants? He will be cheaper and cost less while providing similar production.

[scribbletone]

Whenever people bring up Noah Lowry pitching in the AL, I just immediate think of how he had 87 K and 87 BB last season in the NL West. Those are some scary peripheral numbers for a guy considered to be a solid middle of the rotation starter.

And Blanton for Bailey/Cueto, Votto, and a 3rd player is a joke. That kind of package should net them at least a quality #2, not an average #3. Beane should be ecstatic if he can get one of those pitchers in a package without Votto in it. Then he'd have 4 young pitching studs since he already has De Los Santos, Gonzalez and Anderson.

[J.L.]

Why trade Blanton now? Wait until the deadline again, and this year, actually make the deal with a desperate club. You might get more back that way.

[J.L.]

And for exactly the opposite reason brought up above. The Sox might think they are "fine" right now because they have Lester and Clay to fill out their rotation, but just wait until mid-season and one and both of them are ineffective---the Sox will come calling.

[Aduncaroo]

Baily\Cuento, Votto, and someone else? That would be better than the package the Mets gave up for Santana, no???

[joemorgan=#1]

Cubs fans I'm sorry but what is the deal with wanting marlon byrd? Do ou really think he'll be more productive then pie?And is that worth Murton and a pitcher? You guys are fine right now.

[BaseBallz]

Fay didn't actually said he knew that Beane was asking for "Homer Bailey or Johnny Cueto, Joey Votto", he just imagines thats who he is asking for.

Beane isn't dumb, so why would he ask for something he knows he can't get.

I would think he'd be asking for something like Cueto, Todd Frazier and Drew Stubbs.

That would address a bunch of needs and wouldn't cause the Reds to lose face by giving up 3 of their top 5 guys.

[minnesotawins]

no, beane isn't dumb. he doesn't have to trade blanton. he's asking for a whole lot, maybe the reds are desperate. if they are that desperate, then wow. billy beane knows what he's doing. he's pretty much saying "blanton is the last good pitcher left, give me everything or don't get him."

[quintjs]

Red Sox won't do this, they won't trade a young pitcher for Blanton (maybe Masterson, but he is more a reliever).. so how is a deal going to get done? Beane is going to want a pitcher or 3.

Red Sox went into the 2007 season happily with Tavarez as a starter, it worked ok, they can do it again (Tavarez or Buchholz)

Agree with people here, If I am the Reds, no way I trade one of those guys, those guys are the future of that team, if you trade them, you better get a star back.

[yankman27]

Is Beane smoking crack???

Bailey could be a number one, while Cueto could just as easily be the next Pedro Martinez. Votto, ehh, I'm not sold on that guy, but to even ask for one of the other two? Billy Beane, please put down your crack pipe.

[scribbletone]

Does anyone here realize that the A's best young position player happens to play first base? Daric Barton is locked in there. So, why would they be interested in Votto, unless they plan on DHing him? Don't they already have the cheap Jack Cust for that?

[minnesotawins]

billy beane wants to replenish his system, he will take as many good players as he can get.

and no beane is not smoking crack. first of all, we haven't actually heard out of billy beane's mouth "i want bailey or cueto, plus votto". we've heard speculation. but if i'm beane, i'm in a position where i have a pitcher i don't have to get rid of, that other teams want. so i'm saying "you want this guy? give me what i want. you don't want to do that, then you don't get him." it's actually pretty smart. i don't actually think the reds would make a move like that, but then again, maybe they're desperate for a pitcher.

[The Juice]

I'm not going to debate with scribbletone whether or not Lowry could hack it in the NL. My only point was that he and Blanton are going to similarly produce, and are locked in to affordable contracts, but Lowry would cost much less. I would imagine that a GM should at least gauge what it would take to get Lowry before giving up 2 top prospects in your organization.

[ianoconnor]

Please Krivksy, don't do this.

[yankman27]

There is no way that Blanton is the same type of pitcher as Lowry. To start Blanton is a righty and Lowry a lefty. The second difference is that Blanton actually has more control over his pitches, Lowry's control is shaky at best he had a 1 to 1 K/BB ratio which is very poor. His BB/9 was 5.02, while Blanton's was 1.57 in 230 innings. The final difference is though neither are strikeout pitchers, Blanton strikes out more, and surely would add a few with a switch to the NL. PS minnesotatwins I understand where you are coming from, but Blanton may be worth Votto and 1 or 2 others that will be average, but to ask for someone like Cueto or Bailey is crazy. I know that Beane would be giving up 230 innings he doesn't have to, but Blanton isn't good enough IMO to warrant one of those guys in return. He is a #3 workhorse/innings eater and not much else.

[themetros]

Why would Barton prohibit the A's from getting Votto?

Barton has no pop for a 1b. Give me Votto anyday of the week over thim. Throw Barton back to the Reds and get something else back. Stubbs maybe...

Barton is just not exciting in my eyes and I think Votto is a stud.

[arly2380]

Blanton/Dan Johnson

for

Bailey or Cueto/Votto/Stubbs/IF prospect

[jclay]

Barton has no pop? .347/.429 /.639 last year after his call up, and has hit at every level of the minors. Kid is 22 and has a natural lift in his swing. He's already at least as good a hitter as Votto and is 2 years younger.

That said, I agree that Barton's presence should not deter the A's from acquiring Votto. Move Votto to left and let him DH a little. Cust is not the long term answer, and Carter is still just a prospect.

[jclay]

i like that proposal arly.... gets rid of johnson too. he needs a change of scenery

[BaseBallz]

Right on Jclay, Barton is an awesome player to have, but that doesn't mean you can't get Votto too.

Trade for a DH may not be the answer, but if he play leftfield and Gonzalez in center and buck in right then your outfield is set and smokin.

If they got Todd Frazier that would be good to since he looks ready to jump to the majors soon somwhere in the infield.

[yesyeah]

"Is Beane smoking crack???

Bailey could be a number one, while Cueto could just as easily be the next Pedro Martinez. Votto, ehh, I'm not sold on that guy, but to even ask for one of the other two? Billy Beane, please put down your crack pipe."

Bailey COULD be a #1. He also COULD be a crap #5. His small sample size in the majors last year weren't impressive at all (except for a couple starts - one against the A's actually). He had the same number of bb's as k's. Hell, didn't Dallas Braden have 1 or 2 good starts last year?

Bailey is a great prospect and as such, it's hard to say what will happen. Cueto is a HUGE prospect and still hasn't seen ML hitting yet.

Blanton is a #2 starter on most teams in the NL - especially the Reds. He'd be (should be) slotted in right after Harang and before Arroyo. His numbers are better than Arroyo's. More importantly, it would give the Reds a very very strong 1-3, all capable of 200+ innings. Add Belisle and a 5th starter and it's a nice little rotation.

No getting around Blanton's road and home splits. But the what do you say about a guy like Santana - who in his career, has a pretty equal split, but had different splits for home/road (.81 ERA better on the road in 2007, and 1.19 ERA better at home in 2006).

Based on Blanton's overall numbers, he'd be a #2 in the NL w/o question. While Bailey MAY get to that point, I doubt it's this year and it could possibly be never.

[lrs77]

If Beane did acquire Votto or Encarnacion in a package trade with the Reds --and does *not* get Bailey or Cueto-- he could then flip them over to SF for pitching, as the Giants need a lot of help at the corners.

Lowry or Sanchez would probably be pretty appealing to Beane after trading away both Blanton and Haren.

[themetros]

Barton can hit boatlads of doubles alright, but I think Votto and his 30 homer potential would be nicer at first rather than 15 homer potential.

Votto has an ISOP of nearly .200 so I do not think any comparison between the two is all that great.

One is also 5'11" vs. 6'3". I do not see Barton turning many of those doubles into homers down the line and I think many other people agree.

Votto is a middle of the order bat. Sorry, give him to me any day over Barton.

Also, does anyone know who is a better fielding? I thought Barton was marginal at first as well.

I stand by what I said...why does Barton preclude you from getting a middle of order bat in Votto?

[themetros]

As for what Barton did after his call-up, we should be wary of sample sizes like that. Ellsbury fits that category as well. I do not see Barton as a big league masher. Nice average, nice OBP, a fair share of doubles...

I do like Barton, but for a team with limited power as is, they need to maximize it at the positions they can and 1b and COF are the most obvious places to get that done which is why I still like Votto to the A's.

They can figure out what to do with Barton later being Cust seems to be locked into the DH role.

[jclay]

I agree Votto has a place on the A's and Barton should not deter that. A lineup that had Barton, Votto, and Carlos Gonzalez would be pretty potent.

I disagree that Barton is just a doubles hitter and not middle of the order bat potential. His approach at the plate is more advanced now than most major leaguers and he's 22.

That said, I think moving Blanton is still a bad idea unless we get a package like Arly suggested. I think we can be a contender faster without trading him now. He'll still be a young, cheap, innings eater, who would make a solid #2/#3 after this year and may even improve his stock by holding down a #1 spot.

[bweav44]

No way in the world the Reds are giving up Votto after they traded Hamilton.

What's the point in trading Bailey or Cueto either right now? You don't know what you have yet.

IMO, the Reds should build an offer around Encarnacion and Volquez. If it takes Maloney and another player like Dickerson, do it. That's a nice package depending on how the A's value Volquez. E5's a legit hitter.

The A's need to dump Chavez's salary if anything. Anyone seen E5's Pecota projections...damn good. Defense will improve but will never be Chavez like. Of course he'll actually be on the field (sorry for the shot).

The Reds weren't going to overspend for Haren or Bedard and they won't for Blanton.