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« Odds And Ends: Thomas, Jays, Myers, Nomo | Main | Olney's Latest: Nady, Delgado, Clement, Lofton »
Tracy Could Be Trade Fodder For D'Backs
It looks like Diamondbacks 3B/1B Chad Tracy is close to returning from knee problems that have limited him to just one at bat since August 12 of last year. KFFL reported that he would work out in extended spring training starting this past Wednesday, and was slated for game action last night. Well, he's been working out, but has yet to play in an extended spring training game.
When Tracy does return, which should be in a few weeks, it looks like he'll be sitting the bench. The Diamondbacks have scored an MLB-leading 139 runs this year, so substituting Tracy for either Mark Reynolds or Conor Jackson -- who are both murdering the ball -- seems highly unlikely. While Tracy would provide a late-innings threat off the bench, as well as a capable backup who could spell both Reynolds and Jackson during slumps, he might provide more value in a trade.
Looking at the D'Backs roster, it seems -- as is the case with many teams -- that the bullpen is their weakest aspect. The good news is that it's still early, and they have time to figure out if they need an upgrade. If they do, Tracy would be a decent candidate to acquire one. He's owed $3.75MM this year and $4.75MM in 2009, with a $7MM club option ($1MM buyout) for 2010.
The Twins are the first team that come to mind. He'd be an upgrade over Mike Lamb, and they could spare an arm. While Tracy likely wouldn't help them contend this year, he could be part of the plan for 2009. The A's could be in, since Jack Hannahan hasn't been cutting it lately (and who knows with Eric Chavez). Houston could use an upgrade from Geoff Blum.
In any case, Arizona is in the driver's seat. Tracy is relatively young, cheap, and a league-average hitter. If they can't find what they want in a trade, he'd still be valuable coming off the bench.
Posted by Joe Pawlikowski, who writes for River Ave. Blues, a Yankees blog.
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Is the D-backs pen really that weak? Lyon may not be an ideal closer, but he, Pena, Qualls, Cruz, and Slaten are all pretty reliable. Medders is off to a great start. The only weak link is Petit, but he just does mop-up duty. Trading Tracy for a reliever just doesn't seem worth it to me.
I'd keep Tracy, let Reynolds show what he can do in a full year's time and then see what we can get for him after the season. Reynolds should fetch a lot more than Tracy could. With weak hitting Emilio Bonifacio the only option to replace Orlando Hudson in 2009, the D-backs could use a 2b. I'd be happy with Tracy at third if Reynolds could fetch Ian Kinsler.
Posted by: outinthedesert | April 26, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Tracy also slots in nicely as backup corner OF in AZ, spotting Byrnes when his aches and pains flare up and Upton when his growing pains crop back up (as they almost inevitably will).
There's room for Chad to get four or five starts a week, even if he doesn't have a regular gig. That's enough to effectively make him a regular against righties, which is about all he should really be.
Posted by: ykw | April 26, 2008 at 12:58 PM
ykw, I don't know if Tracy will see time in the OF. He's become too injury-prone and just had knee surgery.
You are right though -- he should ideally start every day at against righties. Career: .308/.371/.508
Posted by: outinthedesert | April 26, 2008 at 01:09 PM
Geez, I would think Tracy would have to be better at first for the Mets than Delgado at this point (at least vs. R; maybe a platoon with Easley vs. L would work), but I don't know that the Mets have anyone young of enough value to snag Tracy from Arizona at this point.
Posted by: Sunny Reiser | April 26, 2008 at 01:43 PM
How are we figuring that AZs bullpen is weak?
If anything - Tracy could be traded to restock a farm system with young hitters in the IF - but if that is the case - AZ would be well advised to wait until Tracy's value is higher.
Posted by: qudjy1 | April 26, 2008 at 02:22 PM
Right - who would the Mets offer?
Posted by: qudjy1 | April 26, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Reynolds for Kinsler? huh?
Posted by: qudjy1 | April 26, 2008 at 02:36 PM
It depends on what Reynolds does over a course of a full season. He's still probably overperforming. And he's on pace for over 200 strikeouts.
It's also more a lack of enthusiasm for Emilio Bonifacio than it is a love for Kinsler, though I do like Kinsler's contract.
My overall point is that the D-backs have a surplus of corner infielders. Conor Jackson is probably the best hitter among them. The only real positional need the team has after 2008 is 2B. Trading Tracy, or if necessary Reynolds, should be done to net a second baseman.
Posted by: outinthedesert | April 26, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Well, Reynolds sure looks ok to me. He has an ops+ of 136. He isnt perfect - but trading him to make room for tracy who hasnt proved he can stay healthy isnt a good idea.
Posted by: qudjy1 | April 26, 2008 at 03:02 PM
Well, I wouldn't do the trade now. Obviously, the D-backs don't need a 2b this season, they've got Hudson. But if (and yes, this is a big if) Tracy stays healthy all year and shows he can still hit, moving Reynolds makes some sense, particularly if his value his high. I'd rather do Tracy-for-Kinsler, but that's just not going to happen.
Posted by: outinthedesert | April 26, 2008 at 03:19 PM
Well like Dan Johnson, I wouldn't mind the Braves seeing what it might take to get Tracy. I still don't think Lillibridge is ready to contribute much at the ML level and we really need to improve our bench and send a C down. Tracy could back up both Tex and Chipper. /me shrugs
Posted by: jfish26101 | April 26, 2008 at 05:09 PM
Im not sure how much AZ would be willing to help NYM or ATL - unless the return was quite good. I am curious what an ATL fan would think was a good offer.
Posted by: qudjy1 | April 27, 2008 at 12:03 AM
The Pirates could swap Marte for Tracy. They need a 3b badly and have bullpen arms to trade.
Posted by: Newmie | May 01, 2008 at 02:25 PM