Links for Friday, as the Rangers keep streaking…
- A few Cubs people told Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald that they're not trying to move Kosuke Fukudome as aggressively as it seems. The Cubs would still like to trade him, though.
- In a piece for the New York Times, Baseball-Reference creator Sean Forman says the Padres may be one above-average bat away from sustaining their surprisingly good start.
- Should the Dodgers trade Matt Kemp? Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports answers that question with a definite 'yes.'
- Alex Speier of WEEI.com reports that Mike Lowell's hip issues, which have landed him on the disabled list, prevented the completion of the deal that would have sent Lowell to Texas over the winter. Lowell tells Speier he knows his DL stint will hurt his trade value.
- John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer wonders if the Reds could trade Aaron Harang.
- The Padres need to add a bat, writes Bill Center of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
- Check out my appearance on Bloomberg Sports' Ballpark Figures series right here.
- Joe Torre told Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times that he would have room for Robinson Cano on his all-time Yankees team (Twitter link). Torre also managed All-Star second basemen Chuck Knoblauch and Alfonso Soriano in the Bronx.
- Kevin Kernan of the New York Post says it's the Mets' turn to make a big mid-summer acquisition. Kernan would like to see the Mets bring Cliff Lee back to the NL East.
- A person close to Lee told Andy Martino of the New York Daily News that the lefty would not mind playing in New York.
- Joel Sherman of the New York Post strongly endorses Bobby Valentine and Buck Showalter as managers. Sherman writes that the two skippers "are both fantastic at running a game" and would fit well in Florida and Baltimore, respectively.
Cano as an all time yankee might be a little bit to early to tell, but in a few years maybe he sure seems like it right now.
If Lee gets traded to the Mets, Ruben Amaro Jr. is going to need a body guard.
agreed. i am wondering if Lee might have a little more oompf on his pitches against the phillies…
Why, because he built up a loyalty to them after pitching for the club for all of 2+ months?
no, because he was sent to a joke of a team after helping them reach the world series.
His next team will be his fourth in two seasons. I get the impression that he doesn’t give a damn who he pitches for, as long as he stays healthy and in line for his gigantic payday this winter.
Oh, and the “joke of a team” you’re referring to was many pundits’ trendy pick to win the AL West before the season started.
i also get the feeling that (although it wont happen) if lee were to be traded back to the phils, he wouldnt harbor any bad feelings, i think he would welcome it with open arms, i mean the guy has been traded enough to understand that its a business.
and i find it hard to believe that money wasnt the issue with lee and the phils, the reports were that they were working on an extension, and then about a week or so later he was headed to seattle. but lee deserves the pay day, its not like he has had one to this point in his career.
i also get the feeling that (although it wont happen) if lee were to be traded back to the phils, he wouldnt harbor any bad feelings, i think he would welcome it with open arms, i mean the guy has been traded enough to understand that its a business.
and i find it hard to believe that money wasnt the issue with lee and the phils, the reports were that they were working on an extension, and then about a week or so later he was headed to seattle. but lee deserves the pay day, its not like he has had one to this point in his career.
Oh, and the “joke of a team” you’re referring to was many pundits’ trendy pick to win the AL West before the season started.
no, because he was sent to a joke of a team after helping them reach the world series.
Why, because he built up a loyalty to them after pitching for the club for all of 2+ months?
Cliff Lee doesn’t strike me as the kind of guy who’s fazed by playing in any ballpark in any city in any circumstance. Plus, he probably doesn’t mind money. Of course he wouldn’t mind playing in New York.
Getting Lee would certainly stick it to the Phils, fans would totally dig it. He’d also give them the best shot to win. Still wouldn’t rule out Dan Haren, they’ve been noticeably quiet about him and talked a lot with the A’s a couple years ago about him.
He is historically and notoriously bad in the second half of the season. Better off with Lee.
Completely agree, Lee is absolutely the move — for many reasons. By tipping their hand somewhat that they’re willing to rent him they’re basically in the same situation as the Twins. If the Twins have a better package I can still see them pivoting to Haren. But Lee is the move, he could put them in the playoffs and even help them win division. It’s been a very, very, very long three years.
As a Mets fan, would you revolt at the package of Flores, Meija, and a lesser prospect for Lee? As an M’s fan, that is what I would be hoping for, (sans obvious Ike Davis requests, which make little sense for the Mets). BTW, if you haven’t already witnessed it, watching Lee pitch is as good as baseball gets. He’s what it’s all about. Even if your farm gets partially gutted, I can’t think of anyone realistic who would give you a better chance at winning it all, Haren, Oswalt, anyone.
Mejia is pretty steep for a rental, he’d have to at least help get us to the World Series or win it for me personally to feel it was justified. While he’s still just 20 I think Mejia is going to be really good and I don’t blame you for wanting him.
I’d make that deal hoping that Lee gets the Mets at least to the series, and then ownership would be absolutely compelled to pony up for him – otherwise risking outright fan revolt. They let Mike Hampton walk after he helped get them to the 2000 series and the team really tanked after that.
I’m a Met fan and I would pay that price for Lee. Giving up Mejia kinda hurts but I’d do it because I think this organization will end up messing with him and he won’t reach his potential.
Your deal is a little steep mainly because of Flores. I have heard comparisons of Flores to hanley ramirez. A deal that us as mets fans would be hoping for is something like Mejia Fernando martinez and a lower prospect as a filler or Flores and Jeuryes Familia (good live arm). i find it hard to believe you will get both our top two prospects.
I know it is a steep price, (and one that doesn’t fit the bill of major league ready hitters that the M’s are reportedly seeking). If I were the M’s front office, however, I would be asking for impact players, and these two guys seem like feasible (although unlikely) targets of such reputation. While a long shot, here’s to hoping! I’d rather have those two than most any package revolving around the Twins’ Ramos.
If the M’s front office is as stingy as their fans they might as well just hold on to him and take the draft picks when he signs with the Yankees next year. It sounds like people on here are overstating the leverage two months of Lee brings, maybe a team will get desperate and blow their wad on the guy, but judging from the comments on here, nothing short of that will satisfy, and there might end up being some disapointed M’s fans.
Cliff Lee is the best pitcher in the better league having his best year ever. Last year’s Cliff Lee wasn’t this year’s version. He is the single biggest boost to a team’s playoff hopes available, comes with little financial obligation + two draft picks, and people pay for that.
Who isn’t stingy with what is theirs? Many Mets fans would love to get Lee for Thole and a pack of Pez. Of course M’s fans balk at that crap and would joyfully take the two picks if that were the best offer on the table.
The hope is indeed that a team will get desperate and blow their wad. Sadly for Mets fans, your team is one of the more likely candidates, much like the M’s were a few years ago. A package centered around Meija or Flores would be nice, especially if it included a few other decent guys like F-Mart. Still, someone could beat that offer.
I’m just one guy talking, but the Mets need an ace-quality pitcher like nobody else. If you guys settle for a Millwood or Guthrie or whatever, your can’t like your chances nearly as much as with Lee. There’s no comparison.
Mets or Twins + Cliff Lee = legit WS contender. Without they are likely also rans. Jack Z knows this and will wait for someone to flinch. I hope ya’ll do.
Twins are not going to be legit WS contenders with Lee alone. To be legit WS contenders, they will have to figure out how to beat the Yankees if they go up against them in the playoffs again.
Twins are not going to be legit WS contenders with Lee alone. To be legit WS contenders, they will have to figure out how to beat the Yankees if they go up against them in the playoffs again.
Cliff Lee is the best pitcher in the better league having his best year ever. Last year’s Cliff Lee wasn’t this year’s version. He is the single biggest boost to a team’s playoff hopes available, comes with little financial obligation + two draft picks, and people pay for that.
Who isn’t stingy with what is theirs? Many Mets fans would love to get Lee for Thole and a pack of Pez. Of course M’s fans balk at that crap and would joyfully take the two picks if that were the best offer on the table.
The hope is indeed that a team will get desperate and blow their wad. Sadly for Mets fans, your team is one of the more likely candidates, much like the M’s were a few years ago. A package centered around Meija or Flores would be nice, especially if it included a few other decent guys like F-Mart. Still, someone could beat that offer.
I’m just one guy talking, but the Mets need an ace-quality pitcher like nobody else. If you guys settle for a Millwood or Guthrie or whatever, your can’t like your chances nearly as much as with Lee. There’s no comparison.
Mets or Twins + Cliff Lee = legit WS contender. Without they are likely also rans. Jack Z knows this and will wait for someone to flinch. I hope ya’ll do.
Didn’t mean to hit like. M’s fans stingy? I seem to recall Mets fans calling for a Lee trade lead by Thole. Come on man. And the deal is for Cliff Lee and two first round draft picks. Not Jeff Suppan and a bag of doo doo butter. You give up value for Lee + draft picks.
Didn’t mean to hit like. M’s fans stingy? I seem to recall Mets fans calling for a Lee trade lead by Thole. Come on man. And the deal is for Cliff Lee and two first round draft picks. Not Jeff Suppan and a bag of doo doo butter. You give up value for Lee + draft picks.
If the M’s front office is as stingy as their fans they might as well just hold on to him and take the draft picks when he signs with the Yankees next year. It sounds like people on here are overstating the leverage two months of Lee brings, maybe a team will get desperate and blow their wad on the guy, but judging from the comments on here, nothing short of that will satisfy, and there might end up being some disapointed M’s fans.
I know it is a steep price, (and one that doesn’t fit the bill of major league ready hitters that the M’s are reportedly seeking). If I were the M’s front office, however, I would be asking for impact players, and these two guys seem like feasible (although unlikely) targets of such reputation. While a long shot, here’s to hoping! I’d rather have those two than most any package revolving around the Twins’ Ramos.
There is no way the Mets have the prospects it would take to get Haren
They absolutely do. They just won’t part with them – and shouldn’t.
Well thats part of the problem. The other part being last time I checked they didn’t have that great of a farm, and it would take more then they have.
The so-called rap on the Mets farm is a bit old, very 2009. That changed when Fernando Martinez tore up Spring Training hitting .350 (of course, he wasn’t injured at the time), Ike Davis was called up and is now here to stay, Mejia broke camp with the team and has now only been sent down to be showcased as a starter, etc.
Now the opinions are changing. This may come down to whether the Mariners want a highly touted catcher in Ramos from the Twins or a highly touted pitcher in Mejia. There are pros and cons to both. There will be others in each team’s package, but I have a feeling that’s what it’ll come down to.
Good catchers are hard to come by, good pitchers even harder. It may come down to how Mejia performs at double-A. He’s only 20. If he does well, the Mets may have the inside track. If he struggles, I’d give the Twins the inside track.
The so-called rap on the Mets farm is a bit old, very 2009. That changed when Fernando Martinez tore up Spring Training hitting .350 (of course, he wasn’t injured at the time), Ike Davis was called up and is now here to stay, Mejia broke camp with the team and has now only been sent down to be showcased as a starter, etc.
Now the opinions are changing. This may come down to whether the Mariners want a highly touted catcher in Ramos from the Twins or a highly touted pitcher in Mejia. There are pros and cons to both. There will be others in each team’s package, but I have a feeling that’s what it’ll come down to.
Good catchers are hard to come by, good pitchers even harder. It may come down to how Mejia performs at double-A. He’s only 20. If he does well, the Mets may have the inside track. If he struggles, I’d give the Twins the inside track.
Well thats part of the problem. The other part being last time I checked they didn’t have that great of a farm, and it would take more then they have.
They absolutely do. They just won’t part with them – and shouldn’t.
There is no way the Mets have the prospects it would take to get Haren
Cano as the All-Star Yankee secondbasemen? I think it’s a little to early, but I can totally see it with 2-3 more years.
Mets won’t get Lee bc they aren’t willing to give up the talent that will probably be required to get him.
I also don’t think the Mets will give up the prospects the M’s will require for Lee. I’m guessing the M’s would want a combination Mejia, Fernando Martinez, Flores, Thole or Ruben Tejada in the deal. I think the Mets would willingly part with Fernando Martinez and Thole. I’m not so sure about any of the other guys. I also don’t think Martinez and Thole will be the best offer the M’s get for Lee. That said, if the Mets got him and kept Philly out of the post season, the Philly GM would pretty much be lynched. There was no reason he couldn’t keep both Halladay and Lee for one season together. With those 2 at the head of his rotation they’d be in first place right now and the rest of the NL East would be sellers.
Will you just release Mike Lowell already?
No.
No.
They probably WOULD have released him yesterday to make room for Dice-K but his hip injury gave them another option.
They probably WOULD have released him yesterday to make room for Dice-K but his hip injury gave them another option.
Looking at the trade suggestions/prospects the Mets would likely have to give up for Lee, I just don’t get it.
Neither Philly nor Seattle gave up nearly what is suggested it might take the Mets to land him – and that was with more time left on his contract and a year younger.
I can only assume the supply and demand for his services is greater this year?
he single handedly pitched the phillies into the world series, and is without a doubt the best pitcher available. the demand will be high, and for a team like the mets who could be a cliff lee away from winning the pennant, youre going to have to pay up big time.
Big time is right but not as big as some M’s fans are projecting. There is no way in hell a deal will be made including flores and mejia (our #1 and #2 ranked prospects). a deal built around one could happen. I could see something like Flores Nieuwenhuis and Familia for lee or Mejia Nieuwenhuis and Thole
You’re right, Meija and Flores is probably too high a price.
Let’s be real about the #1 and #2 rankings, though. We’re not talking about the Ray’s top two prospects here. Meija and Flores are young projects with uncertain futures. The upside is tantalizing, but Lee could fetch a more surefire prospect.
Personally, I like the upside, and hope the M’s do too. Maybe the Mets are willing to sacrifice guys a few years away from helping.
Here’s to the 2013 Mariners!
It’s too high a price, but not too high a price to demand at this point. You never ask for what you’ll settle for.
It’s too high a price, but not too high a price to demand at this point. You never ask for what you’ll settle for.
Why would u say Lee fetches a sure-fire prospect now..with only 3 months left on his contract…he didnt fetch a sure-fire prospect with a whole season left on his contract…
there is no such thing as a “sure-fire prospect” , this guy needs to look up the definition of prospect…and why is it so important for them to get an “impact guy” in a year they’re already throwing the towel in? if they want a guy who’s ready-to-play it’s not going to be top guy, otherwise they need to take a chance, they are aiming high now and the fans are all emboldened by it, but they aren’t going to reinvent the wheel with this trade and what they get won’t be what their fans are expecting. seriously look at the recent history of late pitching rentals….”sure-fire prospect”…give me a break.
granted their are no sure fire prospects, we have no idea if any of these guys will amount to anything, but the M’s want the closest thing. they want a major league ready hitter, which is certainly not fernando martinez
Fernando Martinez is a good hitter and he was out of his element last year… he is hitting pretty well this year and tore up spring training. Scouts who see him say he has big time power and 5 tool potential. The injuries mask a lot of it. I don’t consider myself a “crazy met fan.” i think a trade like Familia Flores Nieuwenhuis and Evans would really be good for the mariners. (BTW evans who some people on this blog don’t like is hitting 281 with 12 hrs and 40 rbi’s in double A… good natural hitter.
Fernando Martinez is a good hitter and he was out of his element last year… he is hitting pretty well this year and tore up spring training. Scouts who see him say he has big time power and 5 tool potential. The injuries mask a lot of it. I don’t consider myself a “crazy met fan.” i think a trade like Familia Flores Nieuwenhuis and Evans would really be good for the mariners. (BTW evans who some people on this blog don’t like is hitting 281 with 12 hrs and 40 rbi’s in double A… good natural hitter.
granted their are no sure fire prospects, we have no idea if any of these guys will amount to anything, but the M’s want the closest thing. they want a major league ready hitter, which is certainly not fernando martinez
By sure fire prospect I meant someone closer to the major leagues who projects favorably. Someone like Wilson Ramos.
Cliff Lee is steamrolling like no one else in baseball, and he’s proven himself more than ever over the last nine months. The Indians took a bad offer from Philadelphia in a somewhat down year after the Cy Young 2008 season and before he put up those crazy post-season numbers for Philadelphia. The Phillies just gave him away for who knows what reason.
Lee comes with a little financial constraints. The two prospects he fetches are in a good draft year right around the corner. Why wouldn’t someone pay to give themselves a HUGE boost to their WS odds?
but first off…there is no guarantee that seattle gets the 2 high draft
picks…if washington signs cliff lee…and also signs another type a free
agent…u might get a 2nd rounder and a supplemental pick..
there are pros and cons to the extension being part of the deal…
if the receiving team offers arb, they can recoup some of the prospects
dealt..
this is why im really in favor of going after oswalt/haren…and THEN going
after lee in the off-season…
id rather have santana/pelf/oswalt/niese/dickey this year…
and then have santana/pelf/oswalt/lee/niese next year…
but first off…there is no guarantee that seattle gets the 2 high draft
picks…if washington signs cliff lee…and also signs another type a free
agent…u might get a 2nd rounder and a supplemental pick..
there are pros and cons to the extension being part of the deal…
if the receiving team offers arb, they can recoup some of the prospects
dealt..
this is why im really in favor of going after oswalt/haren…and THEN going
after lee in the off-season…
id rather have santana/pelf/oswalt/niese/dickey this year…
and then have santana/pelf/oswalt/lee/niese next year…
By sure fire prospect I meant someone closer to the major leagues who projects favorably. Someone like Wilson Ramos.
Cliff Lee is steamrolling like no one else in baseball, and he’s proven himself more than ever over the last nine months. The Indians took a bad offer from Philadelphia in a somewhat down year after the Cy Young 2008 season and before he put up those crazy post-season numbers for Philadelphia. The Phillies just gave him away for who knows what reason.
Lee comes with a little financial constraints. The two prospects he fetches are in a good draft year right around the corner. Why wouldn’t someone pay to give themselves a HUGE boost to their WS odds?
Why would u say Lee fetches a sure-fire prospect now..with only 3 months left on his contract…he didnt fetch a sure-fire prospect with a whole season left on his contract…
You’re right, Meija and Flores is probably too high a price.
Let’s be real about the #1 and #2 rankings, though. We’re not talking about the Ray’s top two prospects here. Meija and Flores are young projects with uncertain futures. The upside is tantalizing, but Lee could fetch a more surefire prospect.
Personally, I like the upside, and hope the M’s do too. Maybe the Mets are willing to sacrifice guys a few years away from helping.
Here’s to the 2013 Mariners!
Big time is right but not as big as some M’s fans are projecting. There is no way in hell a deal will be made including flores and mejia (our #1 and #2 ranked prospects). a deal built around one could happen. I could see something like Flores Nieuwenhuis and Familia for lee or Mejia Nieuwenhuis and Thole
Ussmariners has a great article from a few days ago about Cliff Lee being traded and that the Mets would probably make a good offer but how they are hoping the Twins get him instead. Check it out.
ussmariner.com/2010/06/14/trading-cliff-lee/
Rosenthal’s an idiot. Even in a horribly, horribly disappointing season, Matt Kemp is a well above average all-around centerfielder as a 25-year old. It’s nearly impossible to trade a young, accomplished, team controlled up the middle player like that and get a worthwhile return for him.
To be fair, Colletti’s no genius himself.
To be fair, Colletti’s no genius himself.
To be fair to Rosenthal, Kemp has not looked like an “all around centerfielder”. He has been absolutely horrible defensively and on the bases. I think it would be a mistake to trade him with his value at its lowest, but the Dodgers need to do something and they don’t have many options.
Typically I like Rosenthal’s takes. This is an atypical day. If he’s locked through 2011 or 2012 at below market value, and the divorce to be settled sometime in the next 6-12 months, why jump? The payroll is sub-100MM right now, and you’d have to imagine that when the drama is over AND the Dodgers re-secure local TV rights, the $$$ outlook will be much brighter.
Typically I like Rosenthal’s takes. This is an atypical day. If he’s locked through 2011 or 2012 at below market value, and the divorce to be settled sometime in the next 6-12 months, why jump? The payroll is sub-100MM right now, and you’d have to imagine that when the drama is over AND the Dodgers re-secure local TV rights, the $$$ outlook will be much brighter.
Well said. Rosenthal is one of those guys that would agree that Piazza should not be given money and be dealt away or that Big Papi is “done”. Give me a break.
Conventional baseball wisdom indicated that Ortiz likely WAS done. As a Sox fan, I am way pleased he bounced back, but even as an avid Ortiz fanboy, I was starting to have my doubts for a while too. Still wouldn’t offer him a contract over 1 year, $5MM next year, though.
Seriously. I’m as diehard a Big Papi fan as anyone else but after his horrendous April, I was willing to give him only 1 more month to turn it around before a release. Luckily he had the best May of any player in the AL!
Seriously. I’m as diehard a Big Papi fan as anyone else but after his horrendous April, I was willing to give him only 1 more month to turn it around before a release. Luckily he had the best May of any player in the AL!
Conventional baseball wisdom indicated that Ortiz likely WAS done. As a Sox fan, I am way pleased he bounced back, but even as an avid Ortiz fanboy, I was starting to have my doubts for a while too. Still wouldn’t offer him a contract over 1 year, $5MM next year, though.
Well said. Rosenthal is one of those guys that would agree that Piazza should not be given money and be dealt away or that Big Papi is “done”. Give me a break.
Rosenthal’s an idiot. Even in a horribly, horribly disappointing season, Matt Kemp is a well above average all-around centerfielder as a 25-year old. It’s nearly impossible to trade a young, accomplished, team controlled up the middle player like that and get a worthwhile return for him.
Seriously, there isn’t the demand for Lee right now that Boredas* wants you to think. There are 5 contenders with bad pitching situations: Mets, Phillies, Twins, Rangers and Angels. You can forget the last two – Seattle won’t trade within their division. No way Amaro is going to fess up to the worst trade in history and ask for Lee back. So that leaves Minnesota and New York, and the trades being rumored right now don’t give the M’s nearly what they want. My money is Lee stays in Seattle, signs elsewhere in the offseason and Zdurnieck gets two picks in exchange.
The Mariners would have no problem trading in the division, especially to Texas
The Mariners would have no problem trading in the division, especially to Texas
Seriously, there isn’t the demand for Lee right now that Boredas* wants you to think. There are 5 contenders with bad pitching situations: Mets, Phillies, Twins, Rangers and Angels. You can forget the last two – Seattle won’t trade within their division. No way Amaro is going to fess up to the worst trade in history and ask for Lee back. So that leaves Minnesota and New York, and the trades being rumored right now don’t give the M’s nearly what they want. My money is Lee stays in Seattle, signs elsewhere in the offseason and Zdurnieck gets two picks in exchange.
matt kemp to the braves?
Wishful thinking fellow nl east fan…
Wishful thinking fellow nl east fan…
Yeah. That would be pretty awesome.
Yeah. That would be pretty awesome.
matt kemp to the braves?
It’s ALL Rihanna’s FAULT! Matt Kemp isn’t going ANYWHERE. Rosenthal is a troublemaker. Dodgers need to do whatever it takes (besides trade Kemp) to get Cliff Lee, perhaps Oswalt. Gut the farm system to win this year. That’s what Tommy would do? Otherwise, Padres win.
It’s ALL Rihanna’s FAULT! Matt Kemp isn’t going ANYWHERE. Rosenthal is a troublemaker. Dodgers need to do whatever it takes (besides trade Kemp) to get Cliff Lee, perhaps Oswalt. Gut the farm system to win this year. That’s what Tommy would do? Otherwise, Padres win.
My jaw is on the floor after reading a great article analyzing the Padres … in the New York Times. I guess the sports world is left with no other recourse than to recognize the accomplishments of the Padres after an excellent first half. Padres definitely could use another bat, but the article is great about making it clear that this run has been more than just luck (pitching, pitching, pitching). I just hope we can keep the pitching in the process of getting a bat. Is that possible?
Granted, the Padres have had an outstanding run so far. I just can’t imagine a second half of the 2010 season where Garland and LeBlanc (and to a lesser extent, Richard) sustain anywhere near the level of success that they have had early on. In all fairness, the bullpen is the real deal. If they want to stave off the inevitable run that one of the teams below them is going to make (fingers crossed it’s the Giants!), they will definitely need a bat. I just don’t see any level of offense they will be able to add to combat the regression that is bound to happen in the rotation.
All that said, Latos is awesome to watch.
Granted, the Padres have had an outstanding run so far. I just can’t imagine a second half of the 2010 season where Garland and LeBlanc (and to a lesser extent, Richard) sustain anywhere near the level of success that they have had early on. In all fairness, the bullpen is the real deal. If they want to stave off the inevitable run that one of the teams below them is going to make (fingers crossed it’s the Giants!), they will definitely need a bat. I just don’t see any level of offense they will be able to add to combat the regression that is bound to happen in the rotation.
All that said, Latos is awesome to watch.
My jaw is on the floor after reading a great article analyzing the Padres … in the New York Times. I guess the sports world is left with no other recourse than to recognize the accomplishments of the Padres after an excellent first half. Padres definitely could use another bat, but the article is great about making it clear that this run has been more than just luck (pitching, pitching, pitching). I just hope we can keep the pitching in the process of getting a bat. Is that possible?
The Twins might be beter served by going after Harang. A change of scenery, and a pitchers ballpark might be just what he needs. Lee will cost too much, the Reds will be glad to dump salary and they have an abundance of young pitchers. Ramos for Harang is too much, how about the other catcher at AAA Rochester, switch hitter Morales. Very good hitter who has shown he can hit in the bigs, not as strong defensively and somewhat injury prone….
I’d give you Harang and Maloney or LeCure for Ramos.
I’d give you Harang and Maloney or LeCure for Ramos.
Harang is an improvement over…. which guy already in the starting 5 exactly?
Harang is an improvement over…. which guy already in the starting 5 exactly?
Reds are more desperate for bullpen help right now then a catcher even though Ramos would be a great get … the Padres have been rumored to be shopping a reliever but they need a bat more then a SP
Reds are more desperate for bullpen help right now then a catcher even though Ramos would be a great get … the Padres have been rumored to be shopping a reliever but they need a bat more then a SP
The Twins might be beter served by going after Harang. A change of scenery, and a pitchers ballpark might be just what he needs. Lee will cost too much, the Reds will be glad to dump salary and they have an abundance of young pitchers. Ramos for Harang is too much, how about the other catcher at AAA Rochester, switch hitter Morales. Very good hitter who has shown he can hit in the bigs, not as strong defensively and somewhat injury prone….
I couldn’t give you Melky and Medlen fast enough (and Medlen is no slouch) for Matt Kemp. He is exactly what the braves need for the next couple of years.
Medlen is going to be in the rotation when we get rid of KK and Blowe.
Lowe isn’t going anywhere, and has pitched very well of late. A 4 man of Lowe/Hudson/Hansen/JJ is plenty good. In fact, I’d give them Melky and a choice of one of Vizcaino, Medlen or JJ if they asked. But I don’t think LA will sell Kemp at a low point.
Lowe isn’t going anywhere, and has pitched very well of late. A 4 man of Lowe/Hudson/Hansen/JJ is plenty good. In fact, I’d give them Melky and a choice of one of Vizcaino, Medlen or JJ if they asked. But I don’t think LA will sell Kemp at a low point.
If you got rid of both of those guys, even with Jurjjens back and Medlen in the rotation (which he already is, btw), you’d be left with 4 starters. Probably not the best strategy. And who are you fooling? Lowe and his bloated contract aren’t going anywhere.
If you got rid of both of those guys, even with Jurjjens back and Medlen in the rotation (which he already is, btw), you’d be left with 4 starters. Probably not the best strategy. And who are you fooling? Lowe and his bloated contract aren’t going anywhere.
Medlen is going to be in the rotation when we get rid of KK and Blowe.
I couldn’t give you Melky and Medlen fast enough (and Medlen is no slouch) for Matt Kemp. He is exactly what the braves need for the next couple of years.
Braves get: Matt Kemp
Dodgers get: Jair Jurrjens
That just sounds like a pretty fair swap to me. The Braves are doing very well without Jair Jurrjens and they need offense.
yeah but the braves dont stand much of a post season chance without JJ. JJ had cy young numbers last year, and without him youre talking about the braves trying to win a division with Tim Hudson and a shaky Tommy Hanson
The pitching has performed very well without him so far (aside from Kenshin Kawacrazy). That’s the only reason I suggested this trade otherwise.
The pitching has performed very well without him so far (aside from Kenshin Kawacrazy). That’s the only reason I suggested this trade otherwise.
Give Hanson a break. He’s 23 years old and if you take out his two clunker starts, he has an ERA of 2.60. He’s a guy that just about any GM would love to have near the top of their rotation for years to come. Also, I think you’re overestimating JJ a little bit. He has long been outperforming his peripherals and is due to regress some…kinda like he was doing before he got injured.
its not a knock on hanson at all, i like the kid and think he is going to have a good career. just given the whole “sophomore slump” thing and the fact that even though his peripherals are decent, over his last 10 starts he has an era over 5. he is just showing his youth right now, he is inconsistent.
its not a knock on hanson at all, i like the kid and think he is going to have a good career. just given the whole “sophomore slump” thing and the fact that even though his peripherals are decent, over his last 10 starts he has an era over 5. he is just showing his youth right now, he is inconsistent.
Give Hanson a break. He’s 23 years old and if you take out his two clunker starts, he has an ERA of 2.60. He’s a guy that just about any GM would love to have near the top of their rotation for years to come. Also, I think you’re overestimating JJ a little bit. He has long been outperforming his peripherals and is due to regress some…kinda like he was doing before he got injured.
they stand a better chance with Kemp in the lineup everyday, than JJ on the hill every 5th day.
the braves need a big RH bat and CF is a black hole
if were talking about the post season, do you really feel comfortable with a rotation that would feature Hudson, Hanson, Lowe, Medlin, and Kawakami? consider some of the teams you could be going up against. St Louis- Carpenter, Wainwright, Garcia, Penny. Philadelphia- Halladay, Hamels, Happ. San Diego- Garland, Latos, Richard. Not to mention whoever gets Lee or Oswalt.
Good lord, do you think Kawakami would start ANY postseason game? A 4 man rotation, possibly even 3, depending on how things go is what you’ll see. And it would be a good one.
i just happen to believe that there is a big difference between having Hudson, Hanson, and JJ. then having Hudson, Hanson, and Lowe.
That’s a fair point, and I agree, FWIW. But I think the dropoff from JJ to Medlen is more than compensated by getting a RH that plays CF. Not that this trade would ever happen.
i just happen to believe that there is a big difference between having Hudson, Hanson, and JJ. then having Hudson, Hanson, and Lowe.
if were talking about the post season, do you really feel comfortable with a rotation that would feature Hudson, Hanson, Lowe, Medlin, and Kawakami? consider some of the teams you could be going up against. St Louis- Carpenter, Wainwright, Garcia, Penny. Philadelphia- Halladay, Hamels, Happ. San Diego- Garland, Latos, Richard. Not to mention whoever gets Lee or Oswalt.
they stand a better chance with Kemp in the lineup everyday, than JJ on the hill every 5th day.
the braves need a big RH bat and CF is a black hole
they stand a better chance with Kemp in the lineup everyday than they do with JJ on the hill every 5th game
braves need a big RH bat and CF is a black hole
they stand a better chance with Kemp in the lineup everyday than they do with JJ on the hill every 5th game
braves need a big RH bat and CF is a black hole
yeah but the braves dont stand much of a post season chance without JJ. JJ had cy young numbers last year, and without him youre talking about the braves trying to win a division with Tim Hudson and a shaky Tommy Hanson
No thanks.
I agree, the Dodgers shouldn’t do this, but not because of JJ. Cost controlled 24 yr old #1 starters (3rd in ERA/ERA+ last year at 23) are not plentiful or cheap. That’s a reasonable offer combined with some other ml ready journeyman piece
Dude are you serious? He wouldn’t even start for the Dodgers right now.. hes been that bad. FIP over 5, xFIP at 5.60. Has control problems and doesnt strike guys out. Sounds like a ACE.
Care to make a list of 24yo pitchers with 450+ innings of 122 ERA+? You are placing far too much weight on a very small sample. He is also cost sontrolled for another four years. He’s an extremely valuable commodity.
And while we’re at it, Kemp hasn’t been exactly killing the ball this year, his baserunning has been awful, and his defensive metrics are terrible. Based on your “expert analysis” he must be done, right?
And while we’re at it, Kemp hasn’t been exactly killing the ball this year, his baserunning has been awful, and his defensive metrics are terrible. Based on your “expert analysis” he must be done, right?
Dude are you serious? He wouldn’t even start for the Dodgers right now.. hes been that bad. FIP over 5, xFIP at 5.60. Has control problems and doesnt strike guys out. Sounds like a ACE.
No thanks.
that could actually make sense for both teams, maybe throw melky in there as well
that could actually make sense for both teams, maybe throw melky in there as well
This is hilarious.
How about Matt Kemp for Tommy Hanson? Yea, that is what it would take to get the Dodgers to talk about Kemp, let alone deal him. He isnt going anywhere
Braves get: Matt Kemp
Dodgers get: Jair Jurrjens
That just sounds like a pretty fair swap to me. The Braves are doing very well without Jair Jurrjens and they need offense.
if the mets dont get him, I hope the rays do…
with crawford and pena basically out the door…they already have 4 extra draft picks waiting for them…add lee and it goes up to 6…whatever they offer now…they have a ton of prospects and by offering arb, they can simply replenish whatever they give up….
ken rosenthal is stupid he can’t watch a player slump!!! why in the hell would the dodgers trade the NEW face of the franchise? him and andre ethier are still developing!!!!!
ken rosenthal is stupid he can’t watch a player slump!!! why in the hell would the dodgers trade the NEW face of the franchise? him and andre ethier are still developing!!!!!
it makes a lot of sense, the dodgers arent going to be able to retain all of those players, and he may be the weak link, might as well do something to help your team now.
If I was the M’s and I had to pick between trading Lee to the Angels or the Rangers I’d pick the Rangers to trade with because The Rangers aren’t going to sign Lee to a long term deal.
If I was the M’s and I had to pick between trading Lee to the Angels or the Rangers I’d pick the Rangers to trade with because The Rangers aren’t going to sign Lee to a long term deal.
As a Tigers fans, I really hope Cliff Lee goes to the Mets and not the Twins.
As a Tigers fans, I really hope Cliff Lee goes to the Mets and not the Twins.
Interesting that the names Cano and Kemp are mentioned in this post. Anybody else remember that tandem being casually floated as a rumor many times in the past? As a Dodger fan, I’m starting to wonder if we should’ve pulled the plug.