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D'Backs Rumors: Johnson, Webb, Byrnes

By Tim Dierkes [October 2, 2008 at 10:06am CST]

Diamondbacks GM Josh Byrnes talked to the media Monday afternoon; the transcript can be found here along with comments from beat writer Nick Piecoro. Let's discuss.

The D'Backs want to improve the offense and have good positional flexibility. However, Piecoro thinks it's possible the team relies on improvement from young players rather than acquisitions.
The team will wait a few more weeks before really engaging with free agent Randy Johnson. You get the impression the D'Backs have their limit for him, maybe in the $10MM range.
Byrnes intends to be more active in free agency than he has in the past.
The D'Backs will continue to talk with Brandon Webb about a contract extension (they can control him through 2010 already). Byrnes said Webb may want to see what C.C. Sabathia gets.
In another post, Piecoro talks about Eric Byrnes' no-trade clause. Byrnes gives the impression he might waive it if he feels he's not wanted. If Conor Jackson stays in left Byrnes could be the fourth outfielder heading into '09.

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Trading Eric Byrnes for Luis Castillo still makes the most sense, in my opinion.

As far as free agents go, it'd make sense if they bring Randy Johnson & Adam Dunn back in the fold, and use that as the extent of their free agent action.

But, it would be interesting to see the D'Backs make a play for K-Rod or Fuentes; they've said their content with Chad Qualls but this is a team who could have used a reliable closer these last few months.

Posted by: WestCoastBias | October 02, 2008 at 10:32 AM

they're content*

Posted by: WestCoastBias | October 02, 2008 at 10:32 AM

I think the Castillo for Byrnes trade makes sense. D'Backs are going to need a 2b when Hudson moves on. Byrnes is expendable since Connor is in the OF. Don't need Randy because you have Mad Max and Randy is too old and often injured. Qualls will be a good closer and should resign Lyon or go after Wood who will be less money.

Posted by: YouGottaBelieve | October 02, 2008 at 10:50 AM

I like the Brynes/Castillo swap. Lessens the outfield jam & takes cares of second base. I think they need a new hitting coach; way too many strikeouts. I don't know if it's a big enough deal to the D-Backs to have Johnson win his 300 game in a Arizona uniform. No K-Rod, no Wood, no Fuentes. Don't see them spending that kind of money on a pitcher after the Russ Ortiz disaster. Qualls will close next season with Pena & Rauch setting up. Adidos Lyon.

Posted by: sunblazer | October 02, 2008 at 11:30 AM

Honestly I think a Byrnes-Castillo swap helps the Mets more than the Diamondbacks. At his best, Byrnes can give you 20-25 homers and 30-40 steals and solid all around production on offense and defense. Castillo at his best will give you solid defense, a .350-360 OBP with no power at all and 20 steals. And Castillo is under contract for a year longer than Byrnes, even if Byrnes is due $22M to Castillo's $18M. Byrnes offers far more upside than Castillo and honestly he seems like a perfect fit for the Mets. Castillo on the other hand would hold most of his value in the fact that he makes $6M/year to Byrnes' $11M.

Posted by: scribbletone | October 02, 2008 at 11:54 AM

I have wanted Eric Brynes to be a Met since the first time I saw him play. He's got enough heart, hustle, and grit to fill that locker room by himself.

Posted by: ReardenTech | October 02, 2008 at 11:55 AM

The Dbacks had 23 blown saves this year, so I am perfectly fine with going out and finding a better closer. Qualls and Lyon make me sick every time they take the mound.

Johnson is going to give you a solid 10 wins at least every year, so I'm ok with signing him to a cheaper deal.

I would hope they could get someone better than Luis Castillo for Byrnes.

Posted by: Jude22 | October 02, 2008 at 12:09 PM

"I have wanted Eric Brynes to be a Met since the first time I saw him play. He's got enough heart, hustle, and grit to fill that locker room by himself."

Exactly what I was talking about. He would give the Mets some energy and grit on the field that really seems to be absent most of the time. Plus being around Byrnes would probably loosen up the locker room and let Reyes relax more, which seemed to be an issue last year although its not really one now.

I just really think that the D-Backs could do better than a worse than league average second baseman with 3/18 left on his contract.

Posted by: scribbletone | October 02, 2008 at 12:42 PM

The Mets are going to have to throw something else in. Castillo is a scrub. Brynes can be a very useful outfielder.

Posted by: bjsguess | October 02, 2008 at 12:57 PM

Would Castillo and Heilman for Byrnes work? Anyone? I think this is getting a little greedy for the Mest though

Posted by: scribbletone | October 02, 2008 at 01:09 PM

How about Byrnes for Castillo and one of Wilmer Flores or Ruben Tejada? I'm sure the D-Backs would most definitely agree to that. They get a future replacement for Hudson/Castillo for a "heart-and-soul" player that would improve the Mets team.

Posted by: Ink&Paper | October 02, 2008 at 01:47 PM

lol, Wilmer Flores is going nowhere, he's probably more untouchable then F-Mart right now. Tejada is a possability though, had a horrible year but he was also horribly rushed (18 years old in A+ ball). I think he'll do much better when repeating the league next year.

Posted by: AdropOFvenom | October 02, 2008 at 01:58 PM

Yeah Wilmer Flores is the Mets' best prospect now. He projects as a middle of the order hitter and a solid 3B, his ceiling is huge. Him and Niese are the only two guys they have that I would be shocked if they moved. Guys like Martinez, Holt, Parnell and Pena are unlikely to moved as well but it's possible

Posted by: scribbletone | October 02, 2008 at 02:54 PM

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D'Backs Rumors: Johnson, Webb, Byrnes

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