The A's acquired Kevin Kouzmanoff and Eric Sogard from the Padres for Scott Hairston and Aaron Cunningham. Oakland GM Billy Beane dealt from outfield depth to add certainty at third base, while San Diego GM Jed Hoyer strengthened his outfield with a former Padre.
Kouzmanoff, 28, hit .255/.302/.420 in 573 plate appearances for the Padres last year. He's arbitration-eligible for the first time. His glovework grades out as slightly above average, according to UZR/150.
Baseball America ranked Sogard as San Diego's 17th best prospect coming into the 2009 season, before he hit .293/.370/.400 with more walks (58) than strikeouts (47) in Double-A.
Former Padres GM Kevin Towers dealt Hairston to the A's in July. Now the 30-year-old heads back to San Diego. He hit well with the Padres last year but struggled with the A's. He's arbitration-eligible for the second time.
Cunningham, 24 in April, spent most of '09 at Triple A where he hit .302/.372/.479. ESPN's Jerry Crasnick mentions in a tweet that Cunningham recently underwent surgery for a sports hernia. This is Cunningham's third time being dealt.
MLBTR first reported the trade, with Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle naming the players involved and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports pointing to the deal's completion.
Our apologies for initially naming Gio Gonzalez as part of this deal.
Well, at least the Bucs don’t have to worry about losing LaRoche to the A’s anymore.
I doubt that was ever close to happening. The Bucs reportedly told them Ryan Sweeney and Gio Gonzalez would be the price for him, which, of course, is laughable.
LaRoche is an intriguing young player. But Sweeney appears to have a much higher ceiling. And Gio’s potential is enormous.
I’ve said it before, I don’t necessarily think that Sweeney and Gonzalez would’ve been a bad return for LaRoche plus another prospect, but the Bucs need infield help more than another outfielder. If Huntington was serious about dealing LaRoche to the A’s, I can’t understand why he wouldn’t have asked about one of the many 2nd base prospects that the A’s possess.
Nah. Sweeney’s turning into a stud. It’s gonna take a whole lot more than Andy LaRoche for them to part with him, right now. I wouldn’t have minded seeing Jemile Weeks or Adrian Cardenas put in a package for LaRoche, though. Both of them could make really solid 2Bs in a year or two. And we won’t need both of them, unless they still plan on converting Cardenas into a 3B.
Aren’t the Bucs doing okay at 2B, though? Iwamura seems like a decent enough player. And I keep hearing that LaRoche is likely to move there eventually, to make room for Pedro Alvarez.
I’ve said it before, I don’t necessarily think that Sweeney and Gonzalez would’ve been a bad return for LaRoche plus another prospect, but the Bucs need infield help more than another outfielder. If Huntington was serious about dealing LaRoche to the A’s, I can’t understand why he wouldn’t have asked about one of the many 2nd base prospects that the A’s possess.
I doubt that was ever close to happening. The Bucs reportedly told them Ryan Sweeney and Gio Gonzalez would be the price for him, which, of course, is laughable.
LaRoche is an intriguing young player. But Sweeney appears to have a much higher ceiling. And Gio’s potential is enormous.
Kouz is a good player.
I believe you meant to say “Kouz is the definition of mediocrity”.
Interesting. The A’s are players like the Padres used to be. The Pads are jettisoning players like the A’s used to.
Gio would have been enough for me! lol
I love Kouz, wow the A’s will be happy with his D at third!
Good luck Kouz!
I don’t like it as an A’s fan. I saw a lot of potential in Gio, even though he may not be the calibre of Anderson or Cahill, I thought he could be something special.
Billy Beane finally finds his man at third. Nice trade for both teams.
Nice return for Kouz by Hoyer…Gonzalez still has some considerable upside.
Kouz, on the other hand, has played in two of the worst hitting parks in MLB history. Lucky him.
It’s amazing how much Gonzalez’s stock has fallen.
WOW and what now there going to sign JD. Jermaine Dye
Dye would be atrocious defensively at Petco.
Wow didn’t see this one coming.
Susan Slusser from Twitter says it’s Kouzmanoff for Scott Hairston and others: http://twitter.com/susanslusser/status/7807371279
Damn, this is like the 3rd or 4th time Gio’s been traded and he’s only 24.
So now the Padres have 7 ex-WhiteSox on their roster with Gio, Cunningham, Poreda, Russell, Richard and Dexter Carter.
Indeed.
A’s now have plus defenders at EVERY position and are the best defensive team in mlb top to bottom.
Do they get Sheets now to cover the loss of Gio?
Naw, I think the Mariners are by far the best defensive team in baseball still. And they probably will be better defensively next season…if that’s possible.
Naw, I think the Mariners are by far the best defensive team in baseball still. And they probably will be better defensively next season…if that’s possible.
Slusser says Scott Hairston is in the deal:
http://twitter.com/susanslusser/statuses/7807371279
Heard Scott Hairston was involved? Any truth to that?
I think old Beane needs to be tested for ADD. How many prospects has he traded for and then flipping them a year later? Gio, Wallace, Car-Go…I’m sure there are others. I honestly have no clue what he’s doing.
Seems like Gio would have been more valuable than Kouz, younger with more upside.
-He got told to get Holliday by the ownership, that failed. Cargo was expendible and cant get on base. The NL and Denver make his numbers look better than they would be in Oakland.
-He traded Wallace because Carter and Barton already are battling for 1B
-This trade was necessary because there was a giant black hole at 3B, literally no one there and only miserable FA options. Now with Suzuki-Barton-Ellis-Pennington-Kouzmanoff-Davis-Crisp-Sweeney the A’s have the best 8 defenders of any team in baseball. From top to bottom theres not a better team, every single player is a plus defender, should be incredible for the pitchers. A’s will be a miserable hitting team again though, might not matter if they win all their games 2-1.
Let me re-state, the A’s dont have the BEST defender at every position, but no other team in baseball has a plus defender at every position. There’s always a bad fielder/good hitter in there somewhere. I cant see another team with 8 plus defenders out there.
Mariners, Red Sox
Its just as easy to walk people in Petco
Good haul by the Padres. Cunningham has been one of the best hitters for the A’s in the minors, although he is blocked, so he to be moved. I don’t like seeing Gio go, but the A’s were stacked with young rotation talent. Good trade for both teams, but the A’s know what they are getting with Kouz. The Padres could end up with an ace and an all-star OFer, or a couple AAAA players, so time will tell on this one. For now, I see the A’s as the winner, but a year from now?
What…..I watch this thing all day like a hawk and leave for a hour and come back and Kouz is gone? lol Looks like we have faith in Headley. Hey Mickey doesn’t this move free us up a couple Mil?
Kind of a swap, good deal for both teams, Hairston will get paid some too. But IMO will further entice his bro to play in SD!
Cunningham in 08 was their I think 9th best prospect. We lacked athletic outfield depth to patrol Petco just got that, Headley wasn’t going anywhere.
Cunningham was the A’s top OF prospect, but they traded for Michael Taylor an they already have an outfield filled with Plus defenders so Cunningham was expendable. Stil a great pickup for the Padres. RH with some power and some speed and plus defense at the corner OF positions.
Hairston will likely be looking at $2.5-3.5 million in arbitration. Since Friday was the last day to exchange numbers with the teams, I wonder what happened with him?
Kind of a swap, good deal for both teams, Hairston will get paid some too. But IMO will further entice his bro to play in SD!
Cunningham in 08 was their I think 9th best prospect. We lacked athletic outfield depth to patrol Petco just got that, Headley wasn’t going anywhere.
Now, this move puts Blanks in LF, Headley to 3B, Venable in RF and Gwynn Jr/??? in CF???
Cunningham deserves an everyday role. He’s ready-now.
Gwynn VS RHP and Hairston VS LHP in CF
Might be Hairston rather than Gio. Sorry about that…we will keep the post updated.
Nice rep for your site in the ESPN.com article. They wrote that,”MLBTradeRumors.com and the San Francisco Chronicle were first to report the deal.” Keep up the good work!
I really thought he’d end up with Minnesota in deal centered around Glen Perkins.
susanslusser-Kouzmanoff and a prospect for Hairston and Aaron Cunningham, confirmed.
http://twitter.com/susanslusser/status/7807800084
Nice job by both sides. This should allow Headley to move back to his original position of 3B and perhaps be more comfortable at the plate (pure speculation I know). There is still somewhat of a logjam in the OF, but I imagine Cunningham is the 4th OF with Blanks/Gwynn/Venable in the OF. I’d really like to see how those two corners do with 550 PAs.
So is Gio Gonzalez in this deal or not? If he’s not, I’m not sure I like this deal for the Padres.
is cunningham a center fielder? if so give him and scotty all the center field ab’s…no use for gwynn anymore….seriously
Hairston is not that good against RHP, .234 career. He will get 400+ abs while playing all 3 OF positions, but he is really not a starter.
is cunningham a center fielder? if so give him and scotty all the center field ab’s…no use for gwynn anymore….seriously
Wow no Gio? A’s win this deal now, awesome.
Ya good move for the A’s
Ya good move for the A’s
Agreed, I was mentally living without Gio for about seven minutes, and it sucked. Two OFers who are not in the future plans in an already crowded outfield mix, for an above average 3B with pop. I like the deal for the A’s. Are the Padres that hurt up for OF help? Both of those guys should be seeing significant playing time.
Could be a pre cursor to deal Adrian now…
OR at some point.
Could be a pre cursor to deal Adrian now…
OR at some point.
Not sure Kouz is “above average”. Using OPS+ (which accounts for ballpark) he grades out to be exactly average over the past 2 years with his bat.2008 – 100 OPS+2009 – 100 OPS+I guess with his glove (if UZR/150 is to be believed) that would push him into the above average crowd – but not by much. Out of 23 qualifying ML 3rd baseman he rated 14th in value, according to Fangraphs.
Now, I think “sabermetrics” are a nice tool to some degree but not an exact science. Kouz was 2nd in the Gold Glove award and broke THE RECORD for fewest errors in a season in the NL. ONLY 3 errors, that is unheard of and nothing short of amazing! He is also maybe the most accurate thrower in BB. I don’t have to read up on his UZR or what ever other “sabermetric” type stat to SEE with my own eyes that he is a very good defensive third baseman.
Again, I think “fangraphs” can be important, but ill take a knowledgeable scout, over “sabermetrics” any-day!
Unfortunately, knowledgeable scouts don’t agree with your assessment of Kouz’s defense either. He started his career as behind the curve defensively. To his credit, the defense has improved. But nobody, and I mean nobody, is putting Kouz in the category of Beltre, Rolen, Longoria, etc.
Please. Do not use GG scoring as a rational basis for a players defense. My team sports a GG winner in 09 who has ABSOLUTELY no business being mentioned as even above average with the glove. Torii Hunter was never outstanding and yet he has a whole wall of those golden mits. It’s an embarrassment that he is still winning those awards.
Errors tell a part of the story – unfortunately, it is a very small part. When you exclude things like range you are missing a critical component of defensive capability.
Finally, I’m not sure what this has to do with Gonzalez? How does moving Kouz make trading Gonzalez more likely? I do agree that he absolutely should be moved (along with Bell and Young – once he proves healthy). Just wondering why you think that this deal somehow has an impact on that decision.
Now, I think “sabermetrics” are a nice tool to some degree but not an exact science. Kouz was 2nd in the Gold Glove award and broke THE RECORD for fewest errors in a season in the NL. ONLY 3 errors, that is unheard of and nothing short of amazing! He is also maybe the most accurate thrower in BB. I don’t have to read up on his UZR or what ever other “sabermetric” type stat to SEE with my own eyes that he is a very good defensive third baseman.
Again, I think “fangraphs” can be important, but ill take a knowledgeable scout, over “sabermetrics” any-day!
Not sure Kouz is “above average”. Using OPS+ (which accounts for ballpark) he grades out to be exactly average over the past 2 years with his bat.2008 – 100 OPS+2009 – 100 OPS+I guess with his glove (if UZR/150 is to be believed) that would push him into the above average crowd – but not by much. Out of 23 qualifying ML 3rd baseman he rated 14th in value, according to Fangraphs.
Agreed, I was mentally living without Gio for about seven minutes, and it sucked. Two OFers who are not in the future plans in an already crowded outfield mix, for an above average 3B with pop. I like the deal for the A’s. Are the Padres that hurt up for OF help? Both of those guys should be seeing significant playing time.
Wow no Gio? A’s win this deal now, awesome.
Hairston was just on the Padres on July 4th of last year. Well I guess they missed him.
Hairston was just on the Padres on July 4th of last year. Well I guess they missed him.
WHO IS THE PROSPECT GOING TO OAKLAND????
If its Gallagher = lol.
The update for that is now in. It’s never a bad thing for a hitter to walk more than he stikes out. Not many players can boast of that and the ones who can are usually highly regarded and productive.
The update for that is now in. It’s never a bad thing for a hitter to walk more than he stikes out. Not many players can boast of that and the ones who can are usually highly regarded and productive.
WHO IS THE PROSPECT GOING TO OAKLAND????
If its Gallagher = lol.
Why is Billy Beane stock piling on 3Bmen. Chavez, Fox, Kouzmanoff.
Look at 2007-2009: http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=906&position=3B
That’s almost Pavano-esque.
Look at 2007-2009: http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=906&position=3B
That’s almost Pavano-esque.
Chavez sucks. Fox is not a 3rd-sacker, he’s a DH due to terrible defense. They aren’t stockpiling thirdbaseman they are making a smart trade to fill a need.
Chavez sucks. Fox is not a 3rd-sacker, he’s a DH due to terrible defense. They aren’t stockpiling thirdbaseman they are making a smart trade to fill a need.
don’t forget Dallas McPherson
No, go ahead and forget Dallas McPherson.
don’t forget Dallas McPherson
Fox can play corner outfield, Catcher, 3rd and first base
that’s why he got him.
Why is Billy Beane stock piling on 3Bmen. Chavez, Fox, Kouzmanoff.
THE MINNESOTA TWINS ARE OFFICIALLY ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL!!!!
I completely agree. Either that or the Padres didn’t ask the twins if they could beat that deal.
Well I still blame smith for not meeting the demands when he had a chance. Perkins for Kouz straight up was a joke offer.
I completely agree. Either that or the Padres didn’t ask the twins if they could beat that deal.
Yeah Billy’s really showing Mauer they mean business with another year of Harris/Tolbert/Punto at 3B. Cripes.
If I were a season ticket holder and they have a platoon of Harris/Tolbert/Punto at third and Casilla/Punto platoon at second, I would demand to have my money back. I honestly thought 2010 would be the year they seriously made the needed moves to contend and a high level. So far, I’m wrong in that assumption.
Yeah Billy’s really showing Mauer they mean business with another year of Harris/Tolbert/Punto at 3B. Cripes.
THE MINNESOTA TWINS ARE OFFICIALLY ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL!!!!
Wow A’s got a really good deal. Too bad the Jays need a long-term third basemen and KK has a good glove too.
Did you forget about Brett Wallace? He will most likely be the starting 3B and could very well be the ROY in the AL
Our GM said Wallace will be moved to first base.
Wow A’s got a really good deal. Too bad the Jays need a long-term third basemen and KK has a good glove too.
This is a nice deal for the A’s. I can’t say I’m a big Kouzmanoff fan. But at least he’ll fill the void at 3B. And all they had to part with was some outfield depth that they probably aren’t gonna need.
I’m actually a little surprised San Diego didn’t hold out for a little more. I think they easily could have (or at least not have thrown Eric Sogard into the package).
This is a nice deal for the A’s. I can’t say I’m a big Kouzmanoff fan. But at least he’ll fill the void at 3B. And all they had to part with was some outfield depth that they probably aren’t gonna need.
I’m actually a little surprised San Diego didn’t hold out for a little more. I think they easily could have (or at least not have thrown Eric Sogard into the package).
Not 100% sure about this deal…Cunningham appears to be a corner outfield type, similar to Macias. he was called up and down 9 times last year between the bigs and AAA. Not sure he can play CF in the spacious PETCO, is S. Hariston our CF to platoon with T. Gwynn?
Would have rather seen an arm coming back to the Pads, but I suppose it opens up some space in the logjam of the outfield. So now I would assume Venable in LF and Blanks in RF? Obviously Headley goes to 3B…
So for now
Cabrera SS
Eck 2B
Hariston CF
A. Gonz 1B
Headley 3B
Blanks RF
Venable LF
Hundley C
Wonder what this means in the big picture, I cannot imagine the arbitration raise Hariston will be getting is not close to what Kouz would have gotten. So maybe a few more bucks to pick up a quality #5 (I would love to see Smoltz or take a run at Bedard or Harden).
Any thoughts ?
Blanks should be a LF and Venable in RF.
Blanks should be a LF and Venable in RF.
If this the actual deal then I think the Padres go with
Blanks LF
Venable RF
Gywnn/Hairston CF (much like they did with Gruet/Hairston last year)
With Cunningham most likely in AAA to start the year.
Money wise is a little savings. Hairston might get 2-2.5 million in arb, while kouz could get 3-4 million. But still, the Padres only currently have about 27 million tied up in payroll (before arb for Adams and Hairston). And the only holes on the team are Backup C and maybe a vet starter. So they could make a splash in Sheets or Bedard (unlikely thou, and Harden is signed with the Rangers).
I missed that one….sorry about the Harden thought…I can’t imagine Sheets or Bedard coming our way, but as Spring Training comes closer, maybe Bedard’s price tag comes down. Would be a “big name” splash the Pads have not had in a while, while not being a big dollar deal.
Maybe 5 mill with inning pitched incentives? Although I know Moorad does not like incentive based packages. Will be interesting to see how it plays out in the next few weeks.
If this the actual deal then I think the Padres go with
Blanks LF
Venable RF
Gywnn/Hairston CF (much like they did with Gruet/Hairston last year)
With Cunningham most likely in AAA to start the year.
Money wise is a little savings. Hairston might get 2-2.5 million in arb, while kouz could get 3-4 million. But still, the Padres only currently have about 27 million tied up in payroll (before arb for Adams and Hairston). And the only holes on the team are Backup C and maybe a vet starter. So they could make a splash in Sheets or Bedard (unlikely thou, and Harden is signed with the Rangers).
I generally try to avoid guessing lineups, but I will anyway now. My guess would be:SS Cabrera2B Eckstein1B AdrianCF HairstonLF Blanks3B Headley (finally! this feels good just thinking about it)RF VenableC HundleyHairston has too poor of OBP to be batted higher, and even here I think it is temporary until Blanks is comfortable as The Guy to protect Adrian. Hopefully Headley shows improvement too, pushing Hairston down to #6 (but let’s not get ahead of ourselves).I really hope we upgrade at 2B (& #2 spot) with Orlando Hudson, and I think it is realistic as he doesn’t seem to have many other options left to start elsewhere.
I generally try to avoid guessing lineups, but I will anyway now. My guess would be:SS Cabrera2B Eckstein1B AdrianCF HairstonLF Blanks3B Headley (finally! this feels good just thinking about it)RF VenableC HundleyHairston has too poor of OBP to be batted higher, and even here I think it is temporary until Blanks is comfortable as The Guy to protect Adrian. Hopefully Headley shows improvement too, pushing Hairston down to #6 (but let’s not get ahead of ourselves).I really hope we upgrade at 2B (& #2 spot) with Orlando Hudson, and I think it is realistic as he doesn’t seem to have many other options left to start elsewhere.
Blanks in Lf, Gwynn/Hairston in CF, Venable in RF
So VS RHP
Cabrera
Eck
Headley
Gonzalez
Blanks
Venable
Hundley
Gwynn
VS LHP
Cabrera
Eck
Headley
Gonzalez
Hairston
Blanks
Venable
Hundley/Other
Hairston is in line for a raise from $1.25 million in 2009 to $2.5-$3.5 million.
There has been talk that Sheets has lowered his asking price from the $11-12 million range to $7-8 million. That may be doable for the Padres who are still under $32 million including Hairston as of today.
Not 100% sure about this deal…Cunningham appears to be a corner outfield type, similar to Macias. he was called up and down 9 times last year between the bigs and AAA. Not sure he can play CF in the spacious PETCO, is S. Hariston our CF to platoon with T. Gwynn?
Would have rather seen an arm coming back to the Pads, but I suppose it opens up some space in the logjam of the outfield. So now I would assume Venable in LF and Blanks in RF? Obviously Headley goes to 3B…
So for now
Cabrera SS
Eck 2B
Hariston CF
A. Gonz 1B
Headley 3B
Blanks RF
Venable LF
Hundley C
Wonder what this means in the big picture, I cannot imagine the arbitration raise Hariston will be getting is not close to what Kouz would have gotten. So maybe a few more bucks to pick up a quality #5 (I would love to see Smoltz or take a run at Bedard or Harden).
Any thoughts ?
Pre cursor deal to set up an Adrian trade.
Venable in LF, Scotty and TGJ in CF and Cunninham in RF with Blanks moving along with Chase to their natural POS.
I think any such deal will have to of epic proportion to pry A-Gonz from the Pads.
I agree and the Padres have leverage for once!
I see it as a deadline move, not saying it will happen now, but NO WAY the Padres can resign Adrian IMO
Hey Mickey, nice to see you over here at MLB Rumors. I do not think it is entirely out of the question that the Padres cant sign Adrian. Moraad has stated that eventually the Padre payroll will hit $70 million. Currently it is at $27 million. The Padres have two more years of a cheap Gonzalez; therefore, we are talking 2012 before the Padres would have to start paying Adrian the big bucks. If the Padres are competitive in the first half of 2010 then I think the Padre brass might just try to sign a contract extension with Gonzalez. If Gonazlez would take $18 million a year I think the Padres can keep him. The Padre farm system is getting very very deep; therefore, it should supply a nice steady stream of low cost players for years to come which would allow for a contract the size of what Adrian will command. Even paying Adrian $20 million a year, that would still leave $50 million to spend on other players. The Padres could afford to have a few medium priced players to go along with Adrian because of the onslaught of young talent starting to arrive at the show for the Padres. One last thing, what years did you go to Eastlake? My son played baseball there after Adrian.
I agree and the Padres have leverage for once!
I see it as a deadline move, not saying it will happen now, but NO WAY the Padres can resign Adrian IMO
I think any such deal will have to of epic proportion to pry A-Gonz from the Pads.
Not a chance.
Why would you say that?
What do you mean?
I thought it was pretty self-explanatory. Name the perfect player for the Padres? (Hint: it is Adrian Gonzalez). Name the best bargain for a bat? (Hint: Adrian Gonzalez). Name one of the most inept offenses in the MLB?I frankly do not understand how any Padre fan could want to trade the one guy who fits best with our organization. Of course we will listen, but I seriously doubt anybody would meet our price considering his unique value to our team. If we ever move him it will be closer to his contract expiring, and after we make all attempts to resign Adrian.I did my best, but if you had to ask then I’m guessing you do not agree with any of this.
I didn’t know if you were responding to him being traded or resigned, you didn’t make it clear at all!
I do NOT want him gone, but I am also not naive to the Padres situation. Of course he is an incredible player and his value is perfect for the Padres NOW… but, when you are not going to make any big FA splashes and you can get several prospects in return (when you probably have no chance at being a playoff contender) when YOU KNOW there is no way this guy is going to sign, he also has been VERY outspoken about the fences, now they are NOT moving them in. Moorad was talking on 1090 about how much they could possibly afford to pay a player, it wasn’t even close to what Adrian will get! Its not a matter if he will be traded, just when!
I love Adrian but I also understand the dynamics and the business side of the game, just because i am a die hard Padre fan does not make me blind to reality!
You can “dream bigger” all you want to, it wont change Adrian from getting traded at the deadline.
One GM paid Bill James to do a study of what would happen if the team moved the fences in.James conclusion was the team would end up losing more games then they would win.
Bill James works for the Red Sox. I am pretty sure it wasn’t him that was hired to do that study, since he already is employed.
The study was done before james was a household name. It is talked about in a book named moneyball. That is where I got the information.I do not have the book handy but a GM came to him before Baseball teams even considered the type of stats Bill James is keeping. I do not want to quote the wrong team but you can check out the book. The point James was making is that baseball people up to that point did not take his stats very serious but during the off season a GM paid him to do a study about moving in the fences. When james told him you will lose more games the fences were never moved in, and the GM kept quiet about using james to do
the study.
You got owned earlier and never responded.
I didn’t know if you were responding to him being traded or resigned, you didn’t make it clear at all!
I do NOT want him gone, but I am also not naive to the Padres situation. Of course he is an incredible player and his value is perfect for the Padres NOW… but, when you are not going to make any big FA splashes and you can get several prospects in return (when you probably have no chance at being a playoff contender) when YOU KNOW there is no way this guy is going to sign, he also has been VERY outspoken about the fences, now they are NOT moving them in. Moorad was talking on 1090 about how much they could possibly afford to pay a player, it wasn’t even close to what Adrian will get! Its not a matter if he will be traded, just when!
I love Adrian but I also understand the dynamics and the business side of the game, just because i am a die hard Padre fan does not make me blind to reality!
You can “dream bigger” all you want to, it wont change Adrian from getting traded at the deadline.
I thought it was pretty self-explanatory. Name the perfect player for the Padres? (Hint: it is Adrian Gonzalez). Name the best bargain for a bat? (Hint: Adrian Gonzalez). Name one of the most inept offenses in the MLB?I frankly do not understand how any Padre fan could want to trade the one guy who fits best with our organization. Of course we will listen, but I seriously doubt anybody would meet our price considering his unique value to our team. If we ever move him it will be closer to his contract expiring, and after we make all attempts to resign Adrian.I did my best, but if you had to ask then I’m guessing you do not agree with any of this.
Why would you say that?
What do you mean?
Not a chance.
Pre cursor deal to set up an Adrian trade.
Venable in LF, Scotty and TGJ in CF and Cunninham in RF with Blanks moving along with Chase to their natural POS.
Billy Beane trading for a player who can’t get on base to save his life, but he drives in runs. Who knew?
Billy Beane trading for a player who can’t get on base to save his life, but he drives in runs. Who knew?
At last!
Padres fans should keep an eye on Aaron Cunningham, as I think this is the key for Hoyer. If he can eventually develop into a legit big leaguer, I will start to have some confidence in our new management’s ability to scout. Thus far, we haven’t had anything to go off.
Padres fans should keep an eye on Aaron Cunningham, as I think this is the key for Hoyer. If he can eventually develop into a legit big leaguer, I will start to have some confidence in our new management’s ability to scout. Thus far, we haven’t had anything to go off.
Cunningham is exactly the type of player Hoyer said was a fit for Petco.
Line drive hitter. Some power. Good Speed. Can cover ground in the OF.
He strikes out quite a bit, but still hits for good average.
I think he will probably start the season in AAA, but will be called up as soon as we see an injury.
At last!
The a’s have (3) CF’s in their OF now. The defense will be the best in baseball by far. They won’t hit any homers 🙂 but they will get on base and run (and SAVE runs).
The A’s stockpiling 3b??? Laughable. The haven’t filled that position correctly in 3 years. They have NOBODY in their organizatioin (again) to cover that position. With an overcrowded OF, they were able to deal 1 vet and 1 prospect for a GAPING hole on their squad. He may not have been the best guy avail, but he was cheap and had a great glove (again, solid defense all around the diamond).
The team is finally moving from station to station baseball to a more versatile team. They will lack power but should get on base and run and play solid defense behind a very interesting group of young starters.
This was the right move to make. BB strikes again.
this is interesting now, isn’t it…I’m hearing great things about the athletics and mariners defense, and the Red Sox (my team :P) clearly made a push in the same direction this year…this year will be interesting to watch, with these three teams clearly moving away from weak defensive/home run crushing players, instead focusing on defense and run prevention.
The a’s have (3) CF’s in their OF now. The defense will be the best in baseball by far. They won’t hit any homers 🙂 but they will get on base and run (and SAVE runs).
The A’s stockpiling 3b??? Laughable. The haven’t filled that position correctly in 3 years. They have NOBODY in their organizatioin (again) to cover that position. With an overcrowded OF, they were able to deal 1 vet and 1 prospect for a GAPING hole on their squad. He may not have been the best guy avail, but he was cheap and had a great glove (again, solid defense all around the diamond).
The team is finally moving from station to station baseball to a more versatile team. They will lack power but should get on base and run and play solid defense behind a very interesting group of young starters.
This was the right move to make. BB strikes again.
Anyone who thinks this is a straight win for Oakland is undervaluing Aaron Cunningham.
No one is underrating cunningham, he just was blocked in oakland. He wasnt going to overtake taylor and sweeney eventually and at least for 2010 A’s are committed to the defense/speed combo of crisp and rajai davis. Also another player in eric patterson. After that you got travis buck who has stalled some but was the A’s # 1 prospect in 2007 and have prospects brown, desme, doolittle, carter who have some OF milb experience.
Cunningham and Taylor both graded out as a B+ prospect. Taylor has more power, Cunningham better defense and higher contact.
False, Cunningham never was ranked a B+ by anyone. He’s a solid B prospect. Maybe even regressed a bit. Actually he’s not even a prospect anymore. In terms of upside its not closer, though cunningham should be solid. It shows the padres terrible OF depth and the A”s terrible depth thats evident
You are correct. Sickles had him as a B in 2009 on his website. Hitting as well as he did in AAA is certainly not regressing. .302/.372/.479/.851 with 11 HR in 334 abs.
He is STILL a prospect because he did not end the previous season in the ML and is not expected to start the season in the ML. He is not eligible for the Rookie of the year award. Different animals.
The Padres have great depth in the OF especially with the addition of Hairston, which is why Cunningham will start the year in the same place he spent most of 2009, AAA.
Well, agree to disagree. I dont consider venable, gwynn much competition. Blanks honestly shouldnt be an OF but is put there out of necessity. Hairston is likely a really good 4th OF/platoon bat, the same role he wouldve in oakland. Padres dont have much minors OF depth unless Hunter figures it out suddenly, durango has no power, kullbacki/payne are a bit further away if at all. Like i said Cunningham’s path isnt blocked if he produces. Matter of fact in that same 07 draft Kullbacki/Payne were in, so was Brown/Desme who are among the reasons why Cunningham may have been tradeable.
Cunnigham will be a good corner outfielder but his defense was not good last year. He did not read the ball coming off the bat but still young enough to improve.
His defense was not good in a small sample size.
You can’t gauge defense in a small sample size.
No one is underrating cunningham, he just was blocked in oakland. He wasnt going to overtake taylor and sweeney eventually and at least for 2010 A’s are committed to the defense/speed combo of crisp and rajai davis. Also another player in eric patterson. After that you got travis buck who has stalled some but was the A’s # 1 prospect in 2007 and have prospects brown, desme, doolittle, carter who have some OF milb experience.
Anyone who thinks this is a straight win for Oakland is undervaluing Aaron Cunningham.
Hairston found out about the trade when he saw his name on MLB Trade Rumors. Hairston then called his agent who confirmed the trade pending a physical.
http://www.gaslampball.com/2010/1/15/1253895/hairston-excited-to-be-back-in-san#comments
Immediately following that, he got a call from Kouzmanoff, a very good friend, telling him that it was him that Scott was traded for.
I think this was a good trade overall for the A’s. Like everyone is saying we gained something we needed desperately, a REAL 3rd baseman. Chavez is not someone we can really count on at this time.
To the mariners fan from earlier….you must be on something. Taylor will be in at some point this season and it’s unfair to say “He is no lock to be a top 50 defender.” Not saying he is, but he can cover his position and has a very good arm, that combination always works well. Davis is only slightly above average but has a good glove and is all over the place in CF. Sweeney is a lock and he continues to improve every year so I guess you got somethin right. I like your defense but ours is looking better sorry to tell you. Figgins is over rated but is still better than Kouz (not by much though), You have no catcher cuz Moore/Johnson is horrible and Suzuki is a rare player and very good defensively, Milton Bradley in left field is a joke and Saunders isn’tgonna get much time, while Crisp offers great defense when healthy….Ellis is MUCH better defensively than Lopez….Ichiro, Gutierrez, Wilson, and Kotchman I think are your true best defenders. My point is you guys have holes just like we do and I honestly think we have the better defense.
I love this deal the 3rd base is now filled! But I think we should still look into a shortstop option maybe sing orlando Caberea or maybe still add Miguel Tejada. The infield would be filled with amazing defense, def what billy beane trys to build the team around.
Great Move by the A’s
Cunningham will be the difference maker here. The Pads get to move Headley to his natural position, let Blanks get full time in left, get hairston and get another outfielder that has nothing to prove at AAA.
I am not a fan of Kouzmanoff. Now if he can learn to take a walk in Oakland then maybe he’ll be worth something. Kouz for Hairston is about a push. The most exciting part will be Cunningham and Sogard.
I can’t believe the Padres trade a hitter and no one posts that hitter’s road numbers. Petco Park effects hitting greatly. Some hitter more and other less. Kouz was a hitter that Petco Park effected greatly. That is why he is gone.
2009 home .220 .280 .382 .662
2009 Away .287 .323 .455 .778
2008 home .226 .268 .390 .658
2008 Away .292 .329 .473 .802
[b]Fielding[/b]
[url=http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=3b&stats=fld&lg=all&qual=y&type=0&season=2009&month=0]Utlimate Zone Rating / 150[/url] has Kouz 5th in 3B fielding at +10.7