Rangers Want Pitcher For Catcher

The Brewers don't really fit. They are happy with Kendall and have Salome (who is close), Lucroy and maybe Lawrie in the pipe and aren't that deep in pitching.

Marlins:
Jarrod Saltalamacchia (need a catcher and a 1B since they lost Mike Jacobs)

Rangers:
Scott Olsen (Texas desperately needs a solid pitcher...Olsen fits the bill here)

Mets:
Gerald Laird (Veteran catcher who resembles a combo of Schneider and Castro by himself)

Rangers:
Aaron Heilman (Solid Bullpen arm... Reclamation Starter)

BaseballFanatic40, I am now in love with that trade (Laird for Heilman). I'd even be willing to throw in a Brant Rustich or a Dillon Gee to give the Rangers a hard-throwing arm if they needed it. Let's get that rumor going!

I wouldn't exactly call Heilman a "solid bullpen arm", but reclamation project certainly fits the bill.

Brian Schneider was better than Laird this season, I don't see how trading for him makes any sense.

On the surface you're looking a 4 catchers in the Rangers system but really it might just be two. There's a good chance that Ramirez and possibly Salty wind up as 1B.

Metsobsessed :
Heilman and Rustich for Laird makes perfect sense for both clubs i would love to see that trade happen...

viktor06:
Laird was much better than Schneider this season he has a higher batting average, threw out more baserunners*, drove in more rbi's, and scored more runs that Schneider did... He IS a perfect combination of Castro and Schneider all in one player because he hits for power (castro) and he plays great defense (schneider)

It was reported this week that a Salty for Olsen straight up trade was rejected by Texas, not Florida. Thank God for that. Now, if they could get Miller for Salty? Go for it.

I think Texas will try to get either a legit. starter prospect like Homer Bailey, or a closer for Laird or Salty. Heilman's interesting, but I expect he'd be a fallback option if nothing else materialized.

Don't expect Texas to include Davis in any deals, and don't expect them to trade Teagarden.

I imagine that JD's already offered Salty for Buchholtz, and that Boston rejected it.

I think MaxRam will end up as DH, Billy Butler style. Salty, too -he'd probably be a big defensive liability at first.

Wouldn't be surprised if Texas can't resign Bradley, trades Blalock, and can't ship Salty for a decent pitcher, that they have a DH/backup catcher platoon of MaxRam & Salty next year.

I still like the Salty for Huston Street idea, maybe with a couple of prospects thrown in - one on each side - to protect against embarrassment, since they're in the same division.

Everyone's talking rotation, but Texas needs a closer - and JD's said publicly that he wants to revamp the bullpen.

Laird didn't have as good of a defensive year as people think. Also, he probably isn't ever going to be a power hitter like Barajas was - he might get you 10 homers. He's a decent doubles guy, he bunts very well, and he has good speed on the basepaths for a catcher.

All that spells NL to me.

Another variable that hasn't been mentioned is that Salty was hurt at the end of last season (throwing arm), and that they still haven't received word that all's well there.

I think Homer Bailey's "legit starter prospect" status is open to challenge at this point.

i'm pretty sure JD already mentioned they would revamp the bullpen via free agency. so the trade for bullpen help idea should probably be nixed (unless the rangers are approached with an overwhelming deal, and i don't see that happening).

i dont want the rangers to settle on olsen (and it seems they havent) because although he's a solid arm, i would rather the rangers package a catcher and another blue chip and go after a high quality front-liner. a straight up catcher for pitcher seems risky, so i'd rather see a package deal get done. personally i'd like to see names like borbon/beltre/hurley/andrus thrown about in addition to a catcher, and hopefully bring back a higher quality SP...

I expect the only reason why SF is mentioned is because they have a couple of arms that are expendable. But you're right, they don't need a catcher. And I highly doubt they want to move Cain or Sanchez.

tmoney:

I hope they don't trade Andrus or Beltre, and after what happened with Danks, I expect they'd be loathe to send away Hurley before he gets a real shot to see what he can do over the course of the year.

I don't think they will make any risky trades. The catchers need to be moved because of the logjam, so I think fans are not only okay with that, but expect it to happen.

A package of Salty, Blalock and someone like Arias or Mayberry might be able to fetch you someone better than say Homer Bailey or Scott Olsen, so in that respect I agree with you. Should be an interesting week!

Buck:

While Blalock is definitely bait, I have heard no indication that the Rangers would part with Chris Davis. He's got legitimate 35/100+ potential, and can hit for a decent average. And he can play both 3rd and 1st. He's young, cheap, and controllable. In 295 AB, he hit 17 homers and drove in 55 RBI, and that was from the 7 and 8 holes in the lineup! How many guys are there out there like him?

So yeah, Cain would be great, but Texas isn't going to move Davis. That would be suicide with the fans, who absolutely love the guy (he's a Texas kid, too). Another way of saying this is that if you move a guy like Davis, you had better be getting Lincecum in return.

I really enjoy how someone like Homer Bailey is no longer a legit starting pitching prospect, but no one seems to bother and question Salty, who hasn't put up good numbers since 2005 in high-A ball and still might not even be able to stick behind the plate. He seems to profile as an above average offensive catcher at best, but if he's forced to play 1B, I can't see him ever being an adequate starter.

Lincecum for Davis and Hamilton LOL LOL LOL LOL

"I really enjoy how someone like Homer Bailey is no longer a legit starting pitching prospect, but no one seems to bother and question Salty, who hasn't put up good numbers since 2005 in high-A ball and still might not even be able to stick behind the plate. He seems to profile as an above average offensive catcher at best, but if he's forced to play 1B, I can't see him ever being an adequate starter."

Shhh

You're just a Braves' fan still smarting from that trade.

Rumors Salty can't stick at C are just rumors. His bat has shown life, and while his stock his down (hence the reason he's tradable), it would be foolish to call him a bust regardless of how you feel about Homer Bailey.

The only way i see Texas getting Buchholz from the Red Sox is if they trade Teagarden. Salty has too many defensive questions, and no way Laird is worth anything near Buchholz.

From the Red Sox point of view, for Laird, I would give up Kris Johnson and Chris Carter.

Johnson is a Lefty who pitched at AA this year and is projected as a solid middle of the rotation starter with three solid average pitches.

Carter is a good hitter with no defense, and could be a cheap replacement to Bradley for the next few years.

"I still like the Salty for Huston Street idea, maybe with a couple of prospects thrown in - one on each side - to protect against embarrassment, since they're in the same division. "

Horrible idea for both sides.

1. The A's have a young catcher. His name is Kurt Suzuki.

2. If the Rangers are going to move their young catchers, a starting pitcher is a better target than a closer. The Rangers can fix their bullpen without giving up the big prospects. Trust me, they can.

I mean, they did have a really good bullpen in 2007...granted Eric Gagne was actually good then, but still.

I appreciate the feedback guys.

I think Davis is as good of a hitter as Braun, albeit without the speed. Would you trade Braun straight up for Cain? I wouldn't.

I agree that Davis for Lincecum is crazy -but that was my point. Davis is probably worth more than Cain. Again, how many corner guys are there who can hit for average and have the kind of power that Davis does? Only a few. How many pitchers are as good as or better than Cain - quite a few.

I was only trying to point out that from everything I've read here in the media, including bloggers with ties to the team, Davis is simply not on the table.

And if the team loses Blalock in a trade, and Bradley to FA, they absolutely will need Davis' bat in their lineup.

*Andrus still HASN'T shown the ability at the plate...

J, if Cain by himself can't get Davis, then sorry, forget it. Cain has the upside he does because of his age, his contract, his health and ability to eat innings, and his stuff. If the Rangers would want more than Cain for Davis, then I invite them to find another pitcher comparable to Cain, who is available, who can be a #1 or #2 for years.

Because I don't think you'll find one.

J, then I understand your point completely. Davis would be a real prize for the Giants, and if the Rangers can get a solid #5 starter that could fill the role for 1-2 seasons at minimal cost (say Blalock) until their farm system can generate big team starters, then it makes no sense for them to ship Davis.

What would the Rangers want back for Blalock? The only two items the Giants have that would be minimal cost to them that could fill a #5 for the Rangers would be Lowry (if he gets cleared) or Joe Martinez at AA, because I wouldn't give up Sanchez for Blalock.

Somebody explain to me why Gerald Laird is an upgrade over a Schneider/Castro platoon? The guy has posted OPS+ of 64 and 92 the last two years. Schneider has posted 77 and 87 the last two years. Castro 127 and 96 the last two years. Why give any value up for that when you have a million other holes to fill?

"viktor06:
Laird was much better than Schneider this season he has a higher batting average, threw out more baserunners*, drove in more rbi's, and scored more runs that Schneider did... He IS a perfect combination of Castro and Schneider all in one player because he hits for power (castro) and he plays great defense (schneider)"

No, he wasn't really better then Schneider at all. If he was, it was just barely. Laird is a power hitter? He posted a .400 SLG one time in his career, playing in a launching pad in great weather to hit in. He has never hit double digit HR's. Where is this power you speak of? Do people even bother to check numbers or verify what they say?

Does anyone see the yanks coming in the picture for salty for 1b and eventually swapping positions with Jorge.

I never said that Gerald Laird was a "power hitter" what I said was... Laird has power similar to Castro's and he plays a much better defense(therefore I would rather have a platoon of laird and schneider even if it means giving up Heilman) who every Mets fan wants out NOW... he has no value to this team because he was apart of both collapses and he doesn't want to relieve he wants to start... If you read another post of mine I stated that I would rather have schneider than Castro leading to a trade for maybe Laird or another Rangers catching prospect (max ramirez) who can catch and may be able to play first in the future...

I feel nrmax88 cares way to much about a players OPS and doesn't account for other intangibles in a player ... if people consider trading a major talent who fell in stock a little like a Clay Buccholz or Homer Bailey for Laird then Mets would practically steal him by giving up Heilman who was awful as a reliever...

"

I feel nrmax88 cares way to much about a players OPS and doesn't account for other intangibles in a player ... if people consider trading a major talent who fell in stock a little like a Clay Buccholz or Homer Bailey for Laird then Mets would practically steal him by giving up Heilman who was awful as a reliever..."

Except that Schneider and Laird are pretty much a wash in terms of defense.

And, no way Texas accepts Heilman for Laird straight up. I think Heilman will rebound, but Heilman's value right now is low. Laird will cost Niese, especially with the dire catcher shortage on the FA market as opposed to the catching demand.

I don't understand why Omar prioritized catcher over pitching and 2B, unless they're giving the 2B position directly to Murphy. But still, the Mets need to deal with their pitching before dealing with catcher.

J the Dizzola-

Murphy should easily net Sonnanstine.

If the Rays insist on Jackson for Murphy, JD should insist on one of the higher level pitching prospects included in the deal (Davis/Hellickson, etc.)

I wouldn't do Heilman for Laird. Heilman is valuable, but his value is at a low. If the Mets are the target (which I have no idea why the Mets are targetting a catcher, fix the pitching plz), Niese has to be in the package.

Feliz and Holland will be scary when they're ready though. That could be interesting.

this would be a good chance for Boston to pick up someone who can take over from tek if he isn't re-signed or even if he is.

i wouldn't say no to a Bard - Salty trade, or even Zink who had a great season at AAA. i think we just need a left handed hitter, that way Tek can stay on the right side and although Salty is switch also, i think it would be a good fit.

There is no nice way to put this: Chris Davis is NOT worth Matt Cain.

Chris Davis can NOT play 3rd base at the Major League level. Chris Davis plays in Arlington Park, a power inflating stadium. Chris Davis is a below average fielder. Chris Davis's career K rate is 28%.

Chris Davis is a very promising player, who could have a legitimate career, but if you polled all the GM's in baseball I would guarantee all but one (Jon Daniels) would prefer Cain and his contract situation over a replaceable 1st Baseman.

The Juice-

FYI: Davis's home/away splits for 2008 are even. Dead even.

Although I agree that Cain for Davis is not really a good fit for the Giants. Really, I don't see the Giants trading Cain this offseason.

melonis- I'm not trying to argue whether it is a "fit" or not. My point is people's perceived value of Chris Davis in comparison to Matt Cain is off. I don't care whether or not either team makes this deal, but I like to point out how ridiculous some people think. If you are talking about a 1-10 scale where 10 is extremely valuable, Cain probably ranks at a 9 and Davis around a 6.5-7. Maybe that puts things in perspective.

from tmacntn

"Anyone who thinks Chris Davis alone is worth Matt Cain knows 0 about baseball."

First, I always laugh when someone says that - basically - if you don't agree with me, you know 0 about baseball. I might not know as much about baseball as you do, but I bet I know more than 0.

Second, we're talking about trade value, aren't we? It's not like you can look under Chris Davis' hat and see a number, and then do the same for Cain. It depends a lot on the market, the supply, the demand, a guy's contractual status, and many other factors. Look at it this way, was Delmon Young worth Matt Garza, who is arguably as good as Cain? Yet they were involved in a 1-for-1 deal, and I think you'd agree that Davis is probably a better hitter than Young. So to act like I know what player is worth what and you don't is somewhat comical.

But anyway, my point was that all these bloggers who know so much about baseball and who are insisting that X team just go get Davis from Texas in exchange for X pitcher (because Texas is so desperate that they'll go along with anything), are mistaken. So much so that I maintain that Texas probably wouldn't even trade Davis in a 1-for-1 deal for Cain.

The owner Hicks has stated he will not trade away young talent, and with JD's trade history, he would be crazy to trade a guy like Davis - a Texas guy - before it's clear what his upside is. People around here are ready to hang him for John Danks, Chris Young, Adrian Gonzalez, Galarraga, etc. No way he gives them Chris Davis to add to that list. That would be suicide.

And like I already said, Davis isn't replaceable for this team, especially if Bradley and Blalock are gone. When Smoak comes up (at least a year away), then it become much more possible.

By the way, Cain is a nice pitcher, but his stats for last season aren't Sathathia like. For instance, there's the 91 walks. So he's got his flaws, too.

J the Dizzolla- "Second, we're talking about trade value, aren't we? It's not like you can look under Chris Davis' hat and see a number, and then do the same for Cain. It depends a lot on the market, the supply, the demand, a guy's contractual status, and many other factors."

When I look at a trade, and when other intelligent people look at a trade, they take into account the current market value of said players. Tell me many 24 year old Starting Pitchers on the market (1), who are in heavy supply (2)? Not many if any. The only other player is Zach Greinke and that is speculative as well. Therefore, demand is extremely high for these said players (3), not to mention that Cain's contract for a PROVEN 24 year old starter with room for improvement is the definition of a bargain when similar players are receiving $15 million a year on the open market (4).

So when you say that "I always laugh when someone says that - basically - if you don't agree with me, you know 0 about baseball. I might not know as much about baseball as you do, but I bet I know more than 0" those people may not be far off because by my most basic math skills 0/4= .000%

Sorry buddy, but if you want to bring your rebuttal you need to do some research. Walks as your sole argument against Cain just won't cut it. Jon Daniels would perpetuate his reputation as a poor GM if he refused an offer of Cain for Davis 1:1 because the value aren't even near equals. Haha.

"Anyway, I don't know why I'm bothering, since you're not a very reasonable person. Here's some free advice: you can disagree with someone without calling them names, and you can believe you are right without calling your opponent an idiot. That's just basic good manners, something you could use a healthy dose of."

a) I never called you a name, not one. I said you were batting .000 on your arguments, and you were. b.) more specifically, I can't find it where I called you an idiot? Please show me.

I'm sorry I shed some light into your faulty reasoning. I think Davis is a great player, but 1B with that type of pop are a dime a dozen. They may not be exactly the same, but that is the type of production you EXPECT, not hope for from a 1B prospect.