Five years ago today, the Rangers traded John Danks, Nick Masset, and Jacob Rasner for the White Sox for Brandon McCarthy and David Paisano. Danks developed into a rock solid starter for Chicago (and recently agreed to a big extension), but McCarthy battled injuries and pitched to a 4.68 ERA during his four years with Texas. Here's the latest from the AL West…
- In today's Insider-only blog post, ESPN's Buster Olney says the Athletics never got into deep talks with the Reds about Gio Gonzalez, but they would not have traded the lefty for the four-player package Cincinnati gave up for Mat Latos.
- Within the same piece, Olney wonders if the Athletics will eventually trade Kurt Suzuki after acquiring Derek Norris in the Gonzalez trade. Suzuki is under contract through 2013 for a total of $11.45MM, plus the team holds an $8.5MM club option for 2014. The 28-year-old backstop hit just .237/.301/.385 in 2011, though he's started at least 120 games behind the plate in each of the last four seasons.
- Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports suggests that the Angels trade Mark Trumbo this offseason while his value is high (all Twitter links). Enough teams need a power bat that there will be a market for him, and Morosi speculates about a fit between the Halos and Indians. He notes that the Angels are looking for bullpen help, and the Tribe have some arms to spare.
- Some Athletics people were hoping the Rangers didn't win the bidding for Yu Darvish because they felt Texas could offer more for Gonzalez than what they got from the Nationals according to Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com (on Twitter).
- Geoff Baker of The Seattle Times hears that the Mariners will declare a $6.75MM operating loss in 2011, the second largest of the Safeco Field era behind 2008 (Twitter link). Baker says the team has past surplus revenue to cover the loss.
I’m surprised Beane wanted Norris from the Nationals after the .210 season he posted. What could Suzuki get back?
A) norris also posted a 816 OPS (.367 OBP), hitting 20 homers in AA, and throwing out 40% of baserunners, so that was a solid, moneyball pickup, dude is an on-base machine.
B) i have no idea what he could fetch, but Suzuki is definitely a fit for the rays
Wasn’t aware of those stats. So how long until Beane trades those guys for other prospects? Over/under five years?
gun to my head, milone in 3 years, the rest stay, maybe cook is traded away if he’s solid enough
low babip = bad luck = low batting average. simple equation.
His defense is stellar, he hits home runs and walks like the second coming of Youkilis. His floor isn’t even close to Suzuki’s ceiling, I really hope Beane can package Baileey, Suzuki, Balfour & McCarthy for another solid chunk of prospects.
suzuki could fetch a decent package from the rays who’re in serious need of a solid backstop….and i’ve officially become a broken record
just as long as you dont cut and paste its all good
Norris actually had OBP’s above .400 from 2008-2010. From what I read he’s had some nagging injuries the last two seasons and has played less than 100 games each of those two seasons. The last full season he playe4d he hit .286 and had 23 hr’s. He had 20 hr’s in far less at bats this past season than when he hit 23. So maybe he’s trying to muscle up too much. Either way, he’s right up the A’s alley with those high OBP’s. He’s ranked the 10th best catching prospect in all of baseball.
Oakland has been stockpiling catchers the last couple of drafts. And they just parted ways with Suzuki’s backup, Landon Powell. Suzuki is on the block because of the amount of money he makes, so there’s a lot of room for promotion if you’re a catcher in the A’s organization.
Though I feel like with the down year Suzuki had, the A’s might be better off holding on to him, at least until Norris can prove he is ready. They might also have Suzuki tutor Norris at the big leagues for awhile (Ala what Kendall did with Suzuki in 2007) given that Suzuki is very good at handling the pitchers and very good defensively. Point is, Suzuki’s value is pretty low and unless someone offers Beane a deal he can’t refuse, then Suzuki will most likely be the A’s opening day catcher in 2012.
Ouch is that a shot at the Reds or Padres..
well i cant see them wanting volquez and boxberger wasnt really a need
they did ask for alonso and grandal but were turned down
Geoff Baker of The Seattle Times hears that the Mariners will declare a $6.75MM operating loss in 2011, the second largest of the Safeco Field era behind 2008.”
So……..when does King Felix get traded?
At least a year. I’m just curious to know what he gets traded for. If I was the Yankees, I’d go after him. I’d offer up any of Montero/Betances/Banuelos, but not two of the three. He will cost a lot. Banuelos, Romine, Sanchez, Warren, and Williams?
I’m pretty sure the Yankees would have to have Montero in there.
more poignant-> are they really in on Fielder? Not sure it would help them into the black…
“Baker says the team has past surplus revenue to cover the loss.” Still pretty confident he won’t be dealt. If he is ever dealt, it likely won’t be to the Yankees. Other teams have more desirable prospects and positions of need than the Yankees. I still say Pineda is more likely to get dealt than the King.
Suzuki is worthless it’s just better to release him. Great guy horrible baseball player.
I like Suzuki in everything he does except throwing out base stealers.
catching is a scarce position, he’ll have value despite hitting struggles. maybe put him in a better lineup and easier hitting ballpark. definitely durable and athletic. plus he signed fairly decent cointract for 2 more yrs
since A’s could probably go cheap with a donaldson/recker combo + norris later on
If the Indians actually did trade for Trumbo I believe they will win the central in 2012.
Because they traded for Trumbo? He had a sub .300 OBP last year, and he’s going be worth 10 wins? Indians will finish 6-10 games back next year.
So you’re telling me that a players OBP can’t get better? I mean he hasn’t played only one full year in the majors or anything……
Not saying that at all. I’m saying adding him, they won’t go anywhere but 2nd place. If they added Jose Bautista, they would finish in 2nd place.
Dude, look up the Tigers’ depth chart for 2012. There is not a chance in the world for the Tribe to win the AL Central just by adding Trumbo.
The reason they fell behind the Tigers was because of injuries. If players can stay healthy then they have a legitimate shot at the playoffs.
The reason they fell behind the Tigers is because the Tigers are better. The Indians have a bad rotation and bad offense. The Tigers have a great rotation and a great line up.
Sorry baseball expert.
Great might be an overstatement. The only ones that are great are Verlander and Cabrera.
The reality is the Tigers overperformed last year and are likely going to regress. Most notably, Fister, Young, and Avila. Even Verlander is probably going to regress as well. He will still do well, but he definitely will not win 24 games again.
Tigers fans might not like to hear this. They might be the favorite to win, but they are definitely not a lock. The division is still very wide open. You don’t know if the Royals prospects finally start clicking, or the Twins actually get a full productive season out of Mauer and Morneau, or if the Adam Dunn returns to his normal numbers and leads a potent White Sox lineup.
Ad of course the injury factor. God help the Tigers should Verlander get injured.
considering fister, and young we’re added late in the season, you kinda just proved his point no?
the indians rotation is probably just about as good as the tigers rotation. The only solid pitcher the tigers have is verlander, fisters decent, and scherzer is pretty terrible. The only bad pitcher we have is Fausto, every other pitcher plays right into our defense. The indians have a far superior bullpen and defense then the tigers do, but the tigers have better hitters. If the Tribe could get another hitter in the line up, AND we have healthy players then we are serious contenders for the central.
Well I do agree that the Indians do seem close, but Trumbo wouldn’t be the answer. Fielder might put them over the top though.
the indians rotation is probably just about as good as the tigers rotation. The only solid pitcher the tigers have is verlander, fisters decent, and scherzer is pretty terrible. The only bad pitcher we have is Fausto, every other pitcher plays right into our defense. The indians have a far superior bullpen and defense then the tigers do, but the tigers have better hitters. If the Tribe could get another hitter in the line up, AND we have healthy players then we are serious contenders for the central.
Some Athletics people were hoping the Rangers didn’t win the bidding for Yu Darvish because they felt Texas could offer more for Gonzalez than what they got from the Nationals
Really? What kind of a package were the A’s expecting to get from Texas, something like Profar + Perez + Martin + Olt? The Rangers would never offer up such a package for anything less than a legitimate CYA caliber ace. Gonzalez is good, but by no means that good.
The A’s (and their fans) always seemed to be under the impression that Gio was worth a Perez/Profar, Olt, and Ramirez/Ross package. Even though all three pitchers mentioned are projected to be about as good or even better than Gio (which shouldn’t be difficult to do) and then you have Profar and Olt which I wouldn’t offer either straight up for Gio. Even if we didn’t get Yu, I would bet my money on a Garza trade had Texas traded for anyone.
Trumbo is so terrible at baseball, complete and prototype AAAA player. Mike Jacobs 2.0.
Literally the only thing he does is hit HRs, he doesnt even walk or play good defense, Cust without the walks? Ouch.
I’m kind of sick about hearing about Trumbo. I would say what I think about him, but you already did.
To be a little far on Trumbo, he has played above-average defense at 1B in his brief career. Career 6.5 UZR in over 1200 innings. Everything else you’re pretty much spot on.
Wow. As a rookie, Trumbo hit 29 homers and 89 RBIs. If that’s a terrible baseball player, I wonder what makes you’re list as a good one.
I’m sure texas would gladly take him as well, am i right? I’ll be extremely pissed if they trade Trumbo to anyone.
Texas? very doubtful.
would you not take him though for the right price if you were texas? I would, plus texas is a Sandbox compared to the Big A.
Are you related to him? He’s awful at doing anything but hit HRs. He’s got no future in Anaheim or in the bigs.
The guy lead the minors in homers in 2010. The guy wins AL rookie of the year in 2011. I’m sorry, you’re dumb… Trumbo has a future in the bigs. He’s not an elite 1B or 1st round fantasy player; but you’re a fool for even acting like he can’t play. He’s not a guy taking walks but he works counts and has produced more then solid contact numbers throughout his career.
Perfectly said.
ummm Jeremy Hellickson would like to have a word with you about the ROY award.
Even I make bonehead mistakes.
Do you just look at stats or do you watch the games, at all? If you think he has no future then maybe you should pull your head of where the sun doesn’t shine buddy.
Do you just look at stats or do you watch the games, at all? If you think he has no future then maybe you should pull your head of where the sun doesn’t shine buddy.
Sure Texas would love to have him cause he’d probably hit .280 here with 40 HR’s and 100 RBI’s. Is Scioscia getting tired of him yet?
Players with plate discipline are good.
Once the league figures out not to throw him crappy straight fastballs, I’m not sure he will even crack a 600 OPS.
wow, I fear you may be retareded…. I am not saying you are, I am just saying that comment on trumbo is… as a rookie he hit 29 hr’s with 89 RBI’s… and hes only 25. I guess you hate the angels or something but clearly you are wrong. and or dumb…
So a guy who can produce 2 to 2.5 WAR, costing the league minimum, is junk?
His defense grades out above average, his power sits in the 75 range on a 20-80 scale, and he is considered a great guy to have around in the clubhouse.
I don’t think anyone is suggesting that he is a top tier 1st baseman. However, there are plenty of teams on which Trumbo would be a huge upgrade. The fact that he earns nothing is just one more plus. Trumbo has far more value than you think.
As for Jacobs … normalize the stats. Trumbo posted an OPS+ of 113 this season. The best Jacobs put up was 108 (mixed in were a couple years in the 80 range). Jacobs defense was terrible (-28 UZR for his career). Honestly, the only thing they have in common was good power and low walk rates. Trumbo will hit for a better average, hit with more power, and play solid defense. He’s a far superior player to Jacobs.
I’m pretty sure the league catches up to Trumbo next year. Look at Tyler Colvin. The two are VERY similar hitters, numbers wise.
Chris_RG killed it. Yep, lets all just wait out for that inevitable sophomore jinx year, Trumbo will be back in the minors sooner than later.
I just don’t get this opinion at all. Do you even watch baseball, never mind the Angels?
Sure, he’s not a superstar but even if he just put up the stats he did last year he would be a starter at 1B for most teams. If he improves just a bit and/or is able to play serviceable LF or 3B, he becomes a very good starter.
He is a rookie after all…
Right, he’s a rookie who if thrown a crappy straight fastball, will deposit it into the stands.
He cant hit the side of a barn otherwise, nor does he get on base. There’s absolutely nothing good about a player who has an OBP under .300. The only guys who can get away with that are defense-minded SS, 2Bs and C’s. He doesnt play those spots so he’s pretty much worthless. But don’t take my word for it, just look at his numbers next year when pitchers know who he is and how easy it is to get him out.
So let me get this straight.
On a team with ZERO protection or threats in the lineup and a guy who played almost all year, no opposing teams and pitchers were able to figure out not to pitch fastballs to him?
I would give opposing pitchers and scouting a bit more credit than that. It’s not like he was up for just a cup of coffee.
Just when I think you can’t say anything stupider you come in and prove me wrong.
Just because a guy doesn’t post an OBP above 300 in his rookie year that doesn’t make him a bad hitter. Absolutely “nothing good” about him as a hitter? What?
Let’s use OPS+. It includes OBP, normalizes for ballpark and league. What did Trumbo do? 113. That’s 13% better than league average. Wow. BETTER THAN AVERAGE. By 13%.
I guess I’m struggling with why you are posting on this site. Apparently you know better than ALL of the scouts last season that prepped their pitchers. Organizations pay their guys millions of dollars to prep their squads. That’s money that should be going into your pockets. It’s obviously so easy to get this guy out.
Trumbo was supposed to be in AA ball last season.
Why wouldn’t they have accepted that hypothetical package from the Reds? Did they want the best available package or the one that best fitted certain needs? On second thought I guess it could be because at least half of the 4 the Reds traded already have ticking arbitration clocks. That sounds more likely.
Billy Beane has never traded a stud starting pitcher to another American League team in his entire career. I very much doubt he would have ever considered trading Gonzalez to the Rangers under any circumstances. He would have used them as additional leverage against the Nats to get even more in return, maybe, but not to send him to Texas. As it is, I’m sure the Nats overpaid. If Texas was in the bidding, they might have overpaid even more.
i read somewhere on here that beane stated that he’d be willing to trade within the division, if you get a better package from the rangers which possibly includes your future 3rd baseman (mike olt), why not?
Which is something Texas would never give up for Gio. The two wouldn’t be a fit because Beane acted like Gio was King Felix.
I’m just going by the fact that he has NEVER, NOT ONCE, EVER, traded a starting pitcher to another AL team. I surmise his philosophy is, I use AL teams as leverage, get the best package I can from an NL team, and never have to face the guy I traded unless I make the WS, and they do, by happenstance, as well. I can name something like 6 or 7 stud starters he has traded, and each and every time, he’s taken the deal with an NL team. Whether he says it or not, Beane’s got a practice of avoiding putting quality pitching in the hands of direct competitors, despite the fact that he might get more or better players from an AL team.
I dont know about overpaid, we already have a young catcher in Wilson Ramos so Norris was always a trade chip, Peacock will end up in the bullpen, Milone maybe a 5th starter innings eater and you have to hope Cole is as good as Gio. We have plenty of prospect depth where this trade doesnt even hurt us. When I thought the trade was going down the guys I didnt want to be in the trade were Strasburg and Harper of course, Espinosa, Ramos, Zimmermann, Storen, Clippard, Desmond, Goodwin, Rendon, Meyer, Purke, Hood, Taylor, none of the other guys were on my list. I had a feeling they would be picking from Peacock, Cole, Norris, Milone, Ray, Solis, Kimball, Perez, Moore, Nelo, Lombarrdozzi, Marrero, Detwiller. Having Gio for 4 years is a good thing.
I’m an A’s fan and I agree, WSN dealt a lot of their top 10 prospects, but they have a very good farm/org that contains the best young pitcher and best young hitter in the game. Gio solidifies the rotation as the #2 or #3, and he’s primed for a breakout season next year after working on getting his walks down in the last few months on 2011. The A’s probably couldnt have gotten a better deal, but the Nats could afford it and greatly improve their rotation. Adding one more bat gets them to 85+ wins next year, and maybe even 90+ if its Prince.
Though I do disagree about your thoughts on Peacock, and Milone is a good shot to become the next Mark Buehrle not just a backend starter. The Nats did give the A’s 3/5ths of a 2014 rotation, no doubt, plus a catcher with astonishing walk and CS rates, but like should always be said, prospects are never ever sure things.
Its not about what you can afford to give up in trade. Its about what else you could get for the players in that package, or how it compares to other deals that have been made. In my mind, Rizzo gave a lot of quality here; more than I’d be willing to part with for 3 arbitration years (I believe) of Gio. He’s certainly a potential stud, but his WHIP and walks worry me.
I think Peacock can be a good starter.
Even though he’s been saying otherwise, you are right. He never has moved pitching to an AL team.
That’s probably why Bailey isnt in Beantown already. If Boston was in the NL Bailey would have been there months ago.
still curious as to what suzuki could fetch from the rays, given the a’s eat most of his contract
You have got to be kidding me. Trumbo was a ROOKIE why would you trade someone like him who has great potential for a CHEAP price and is under contract for a good while as well. Plain stupid.
because the indians need him
Trumbo really doesn’t have that much potential. He gets on base rarely, and he K’s a lot. I bet the league catches up to him next year and it won’t be pretty.
Trumbo really doesn’t have that much potential. He gets on base rarely, and he K’s a lot. I bet the league catches up to him next year and it won’t be pretty.
its called maximizing an asset.
Trumbo doesn’t have an every day job on the team. They invested a quarter of a billion in Pujols at 1B and you need a DH for guys like Wells and Hunter so that the kids can play the outfield.
Pretty straight forward if you ask me.
Agree, i like him but the Angels really need a 3B still. There has to be a team out there with a 3B prospect that would be worth the trade. Maybe a RP+ 3B prospect for him?
Where’s Callaspo playing?
He could play in a few other spots or be some nice trade bait for something. If it was a 3B prospect, Callaspo would still play 3B this year. He’s another nice player but I’d really like to have a longer term solution with some high end potential in the system.
Darnell from the pads sounds perfect for the Angels. Hit 313 with 23 homers but he’s stuck behind Headley; and the guy in AA last year (Gyroko) projects better than both. Too bad the pads have Alonso, Rizzo, Guzman, Blanks or else they might be interested in Trumbo. Maybe they can swap Darnell for other prospects.
because the Cubs Could’ve traded Gio Soto and gotten a ton for him after his rookie season. Now? who knows. All we know is that the Angels don’t need him, and can’t use him, so why not get better through a trade?
They don’t know if they need him….Kendrys isn’t a lock to return(to form) they made that assumption last season and it backfired….they got lucky Trumbo emerged….IF Kendrys flops then they have Trumbo who can DH and spell Wells and Hunter in the OF so they can get some days off…a BP arm isnt’ needed bad enough to deal away much needed inexpensive depth THIS off season…..
Trumbo to Rays?
Cheaper route than some of the Rays other options. I see a fit for Davis/Torres/Colome and a low level guy. That should be enough?
Anyone who trades for Trumbo is shooting themselves in the foot. I can’t think of a player who is primed to have an uglier season than him, maybe Y. Betancort, that’s it.
Did Trumbo steal your girlfriend?
Did Trumbo steal your girlfriend?
the only way angels will make a trade
. starting pitcher
. 3rd baseman with moderate to high power
. relief pitchers and prospects
. morales returns with diminished skills
. trumbo cant cut it at 3rd
if they were to trade i would trade for mark reynolds plus a RP.the O’s need a first baseman with pop and we need a third baseman and RP.the only thing i dont like about reynolds is he strikes out to much and his glove needs some work.
Trumbo, Callaspo and someone else for David Wright.
I have been saying that for awhile, i wish we would trade for wright but i dont know if it will happen
Come on. You hit reply and it posts at the end?
The Mets have Ike Davis.
The Mets have Ike Davis.