8:16pm: The Diamondbacks and Nationals are not currently discussing a trade involving Parra, reports Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. He says other clubs also expressed interest in the outfielder following the Kubel signing.
11:49am: The Nationals have expressed interest in Diamondbacks outfielder Gerardo Parra, reports MLB.com's Bill Ladson. GM Mike Rizzo is familiar with Parra from his time with Arizona, though it's unclear who the Nats would be willing to send the D'Backs in a trade.
Parra, 24, hit .292/.357/.427 with 15 steals and won a Gold Glove last year, but his role has been minimized due to the Jason Kubel signing. He's more than capable of manning all three outfield spots, and he won't be eligible for free agency until after 2015. The Nats have been looking for a long-term solution in center for quite some time, and Parra would certainly fit the bill.
Outstanding defender, decent OBP guy, shown the ability to hit for good average. Wonder how much he’d cost the Nats. D’backs have a tremendous defensive outfield with him Young and Upton. Id hold on to him, hes still young and controllable.
An OF of Young/Upton/Parra is one of the strongest defensive OFs in all of MLB. It’s one of the reasons the Kubel signing was so surprising to begin with. Given that fact, along with age/cost/controllable years remaining for Parra, I would think the Nats would have to part with something rather significant in order to make the deal happen. A deal for Parra at this particular moment is certainly a deal for more than just prospects. The thing is, other than Ramos (questionably) or Zimmerman (inarguably) the Nats don’t really have anything that would be a desireable upgrade over what the Dbacks already have.
And since I am quite sober, I have no illusions that the Dbacks are going to move Parra and Roberts for Zimmerman. (Though as a Dbacks fan I sure could be on board with that.)
Significant for Parra? You can keep him. Harper should be up soon, that locks up LF and RF is Werth’s for next six seasons. CF can be solved through FA next off-season. I don’t see why Nationals would trade something significant for fourth OF. You seriously think Nationals don’t have something more than Ramos and Zimmerman to offer to DBacks?
he wants Stras & Harper for Parra, just give them to the D’Backs, Parra is worth it… *sarcasm*
Sarcasm aside, I just happen to be of the opinion that the Nats are simply poor trading partners for the Dbacks when it comes to Parra. Do the Nats have exceptional talent that the Dbacks would love to have? Sure. But Parra isn’t enough for any of it.
On the flip-side, those players that the Nats have that Parra COULD be enough for, simply don’t make the Dbacks any better.
yeah, the only 2 I could see would be either Desmond or Espinosa & I don’t think the Nats wanna give up Espinosa yet considering how long they still have him (& given that he’s a power-hitting 2B)
Is rendon asking too much?
Parra is more than a 4th OF. For many teams he starts. And yes, as things stand, the Dbacks are going to expect significant return for a young, cost/year controlled excellent fielding OF with other good skills as well.
The Dbacks have all the leverage in any talks about obtaining Parra. There is no real incentive to move him. Do I expect the Nats to part with Zimmerman for ANYONE? Absolutely not.
The Nats might very well be best served by waiting to find a FA CF or a CF put on the trading block (like Crisp at the deadline or sooner).
But the Dbacks are not about to part with Parra for just prospects. And no, I don’t think the Nats have any big-league talent that is reasonable for the Dbacks to expect in return that improves them.
I think you are overvaluing Parra based on one slightly above-average season and cost-control adv. He might be great defensively, but if you think any team is willing to give up anything significant for this guy because he is under control for few more years, you are mistaken.
Dbacks aren’t trading him. They are going to groom him to play CF so they can unload Youngs bloated contract.
Parra would certainly be an answer for the Nats outfield trouble. The question is, what in the world do the Nats have that the Dbacks would NEED in return. Right now a 4-man platoon outfield of Upton/Young/Kubel/Parra is about the best possible scenario for the Dbacks, especially at this point since, until the season begins, there is no telling if Kubel will even work out for the Dbacks.
John Lannan and a prospect or a reliever. Done.
Lannan is a nice pitcher, but something the Dbacks already have in abundance is SP that quite likely is even better. What do the Dbacks do with Lannan?
Plug him in at #4/5? He’s better than Saunders, who’s slotted at 4 now.
Yea its arguable that Lannan is better for this year then Saunders/Collmenter/Enright/Bauer (4 guys Dbacks will look at for #4/5). But playing other side, why would Dbacks make a trade where they are giving something substantial up and getting something in return that doesn’t make them any better.
You’re basically asking the Dbacks to give something up in return for adding another similar player in an already crowded position.
Not too familiar with Nats system but I would imagine Dbacks would want a 2b/ss/3b prospect. Hill is up after ’13, Drew after ’12 (has ’13 mutual option) and Roberts is a guy they could improve on.
Lannan would be gone at the end of the season. The Dbacks simply will not need him for what his arbitration cost would be. He’s not a big enough improvement over Saunders over the same period that he would be worth that much extra money.
The only thing Lannan does is potentially block Skaggs or Bauer, both of which project out to be much better pitchers than Lannan.
So the Dbacks give up talent and controllable years to pick up an unnecessary piece that will cost significantly more money when they are already “over budget”?
Lannan isn’t better than Saunders, they are pretty much the exact same pitcher. DBacks would never trade Parra for Lannan and anything else. They need a SS/2B/C.
This needs to get done for the Nats.
Parra is not great in CF
Actually, his natural position is CF. However, with Young in CF and Upton in RF, Parra was never going to break in anywhere other than LF. With any sort of regular playing time in CF, he’ll only improve, and he’s already a fair sight better there than anyone the Nats will be running out.
false, natural position is not CF. much better corner outfielder.
In both the minors and in winter ball, Parra played almost exclusively CF. I agree he is better suited to the corner though, espcially if the incumbant CF happens to be Chris Young.
However, in the case of the Nats, an improving Parra in CF is better (defensively) than anything the Nats are currently going to be running out there.
Actually his natural position is CF, when his mom gave birth he slid out all the way past second and into center making him a natural center fielder. True story. All of the rest of the CF’s out there were delivered via C section.
How about Coco Crisp to the Nationals instead?!
yes, please, yes! he’s just not eligible to be traded yet without his consent.
I am hoping the Tigers try to get this guy instead to play LF. With him and Austin Jackson, the Tigers would have the best OF defense to make up for some of their infield woes. We have plenty of bullpen guys which would fill Arizona’s needs.
Though any team will always enjoy improved pitching, the Dbacks don’t really have any actual pitching needs. Their SP rotation is already a bit overcrowded, without even considering top prospects Bauer, Skaggs, and Bradley. And their bullpen is solid enough that there will be strong competition for the last “mop-up” slot.
Fair enough, I just look at the DBack’s lineup and pretty much every position is filled. The rotation’s full but the bullpen could be improved in my opinion though.
From that perspective I can’t argue. Outside of 3B (only maybe) the bullpen might just be the Dbacks biggest weakness. I’ll take that with a 7th, 8th, 9th of Saito, Hernandez, Putz.
Yeah 3b perhaps, but Ryan Roberts contributed well across the board there last season and they have two internal top 3b prospects so I wouldn’t make a move to upgrade there. If I were Dbacks ownership however, I would hang on to Parra. They can get him enough starts platooning with Kubel and play Kubel at 1b to platoon with Goldschmidt.
Bullpen guys? Dbacks don’t need bullpen help. They were top 10 last year and are projected to be even better with the Breslow acquisition and Saito signing.
Kevin Towers is a Great baseball guy, but Parra’s overall skills (hitting+defense+baserunning) makes him more valuable to the Diamondbacks than Kubel. Even if Kubel hit 40 HR’s. Dude can’t run or field. Idk what the thought was here, unless it was to maximize on Parra’s season, get something for him and use Kubel in the interem.
Kubel will not come near 40 homers.
Not likely. But that just underscores the point being made.
I said even if. Meaning I do not think he will.
The idea is this: instead of trying to win games in the 8th or 9th, be IN THE LEAD going into those innings. That’s why a 80-95 RBI guy in Kubel is a GREAT add, especially in the thin air of Chase and Coors, and the long fences in LAD, SF, SD. Instead of hoping for a late HR to win, lead by the 7th, pull Kubel for Parra, and let the bullpen finish the thing. Baseball 101 folks. It’s not that hard. Parra is good. Kubel will produce runs in bunches.
Yes that was the Giants philosophy
He talked about leading in the 7th, not riding Aubrey Huff to glory.
He talked about leading in the 7th, not riding Aubrey Huff to glory.
Is it just me or are the Nationals obsessed with acquiring a centerfielder? They’ve tried BJ Upton, Denard Span, Gerardo Parra, I’m sure I’ve missed some.
Maybe because they don’t have one? Werth is serviceable, but has no business being there full-time.
Most are also people they are better off staying away from also.
I can understand going after Crisp, or even Upton (if cheaper than the 7-8m already making AAV in FA next year) but that list they should be very careful about giving up prospects and then paying a larger salary for, other than Para who is fairly unproven yet to this point.
They were rumored to be eyeing Peter Bourjos at one time as well.
They were rumored to be eyeing Peter Bourjos at one time as well.
Look at the CF’s the Nationals have fielded since 2005 and you’d understand why
man, our whole team except one or two guys used to suck or injured all the time. nook logan, anderson hernandez, etc. so glad those days are gone.
Is it just me or are the Nationals obsessed with acquiring a centerfielder? They’ve tried BJ Upton, Denard Span, Gerardo Parra, I’m sure I’ve missed some.
I’d do Lannan and probably like Bernadina to replace the empty bench spot left to Arizona. I might also ask for Geoff Blum for 1B depth. Are the D Backs really gonna use Blum? So then why not ask?
Goldy should get a chance to play everyday, said the Red Sox fan..
Golschmdt is the starting 1B. Overbay will give him days off and mentoring, as well as be a left-handed bat. Blum is one of “Gibby’s guys”. I don’t picture him being moved unless Drew comes back faster than expected and there are no takers for McDonald.
Blum is #24 or 25 on the roster. He’ll be Burroughs this year, nothing more. Barring injury or incident. Every team needs a #25 guy. And they’ll like his veteran PH approach. McDonald isn’t going anywhere, regardless of Drew’s situation.
If Drew comes back early and healthy, the Dbacks have 3 ss. McDonald is on a very affordable 1 year deal, is not a suitable pinch-hitter, and cannot play anywhere else. Blum hits from both sides, can PH, and is the Dbacks in-house best option for giving Roberts a day off.
The biggest reason McDonald is on the team is to provide depth at ss so that Bloomquist doesn’t need to be an “everyday” player. If that isn’t an issue, there is little reason not to move McDonald for some sort of middle-tier prospect, quite likely from Toronto.
The Dbacks already have depth in OF prospects, that’s why they shipped off Cowgill. And as far as Lannan goes, the only thing they have more of than OF depth is pitching depth. Lannan would be the #4 or #5 pitcher on the staff and have close to zero chance of being brought back after the season. So the Dbacks would be paying out more $$ and getting back something marginally (at the very best) better than what they already have in house.
more likely deal than some I’ve seen here; Ian Desmond and Jesus Flores for Parra. Nats move Espinosa to short and play Lombardozzi at 2nd. I say Desmond not Espinosa for the trade mostly because the DBacks more urgently need a SS, but either could get the deal done.
Far more likely to get done like this than for Lannan. The only way I really see Parra moving is part of a multi-player trade, as in, multiple players both directions. Parra would be the key piece for the Dbacks and Desmond for the Nats. But even that means the Dbacks would have 4 potential shortstops.
The Dbacks biggest “need” is an upgrade at 3B. That’s simply not happening in a trade with the Nats, not even for a combination of Parra, and Drew or Roberts combined.
unless the nats are insane and do rendon for parra.
Less insane if the Nats do indeed lock up Zimmerman long-term, but still, that’s a hefty price for Parra.
Less insane I said, but I would still agree that it is insane nonetheless.
you don’t see Stephen Drew coming back?
Drew has a mutual option for $10MM after this season is up. If he gets back from injury early AND he plays up to previous expectations, he’ll almost certainly opt out. If either of those things fail to materialize, the Dbacks will likely not be willing to pay $10MM for Drew when they will be competing for Montreo and still have Kennedy and Hudson extensions to address.
There are scenarios where Drew returns to the Dbacks, but they aren’t looking very likely right now. They will look even less likely if he is not in the starting lineup on opening day and the Bloomquist/McDonald tandem performs as well as last season.
This will likely be Drew’s last season in AZ. Too pricey, and for as good as he is, he is not worth what he will get. They like Chris Owings in the minors @ SS. If he can defend a lot, and hit a little, he’ll be fine. Drew has had ONE monster offensive year. One. Two above average ones. He’s not J-Roll or Jeter in his prime. He’s good, 5-7M good, not 8-10M good. You save money by not going Boras $ with him. And it’ll be the right thing to do.
They could do better. Like if they wanted to trade Parra they could send him to Tampa for Tim Beckham. But Parra will likely not be traded. Nate Schierholz is a good comparison and he should be kept
Absolutely, I proposed a Desmond for Parra deal two weeks ago before this rumor came out.
The Tigers need him send Inge Schlereth and Casey Crosby to the D backs for Parra
The Tigers need him send Inge Schlereth and Casey Crosby to the D backs for Parra
Either the Nats give Desmond or Lombo, or the rays could give Beckham, or Hak Ju Lee. These are centerpieces, not the whole deal as the Diamondbacks would also require an average prospect.
Look for the BIG trade if anything. I’m thinking Parra, and two other prospects in an attempt to get Ryan Zimmerman. Arizona doesn’t need to trade Parra for any pitching, because that doesn’t help fill any potential holes. With that being said, they did throw a ton of money at Jason Kubel to replace a 24 year old gold glover….
The Diamondbacks were in the market for a 5th starter, right? Lannan could be a fit, he’s not great but he’s a good 4/5 guy and the Nationals have a rotation logjam. A package would be necessary with prospects… how about Lannan, Steve Lombardozzi, and Destin Hood? Two goodish positional prospects that’ll probably turn into some type of major league regulars.
The Diamondbacks were in the market for a #5 starter about 2 weeks ago. Now they have a full rotation as well as a few arms that will be left looking for playing time elsewhere. Lannan would be #4 at best and # 5 more likely in the Dbacks rotation now. Trading for him is trading for a one season rental while taking on salary and trading away a piece that is still potentially one of their starting OFers that is also young and cost/year controlled.
Accurate in every way except for the fact Lannan is controlled through 2013. I’m not saying it’s likely, just trying to cobble together a package the D-Backs would be interested in. Doesn’t appear to be a great fit.
How about Parra for Espinoza?
Lannan is arbitration eligible next season. But with Lannan already making $5MM this season, it is unlikely the Dbacks go to arbitration to keep a guy that essentially Joe Saunders 2.0, but with less innings. If Lannan wound up in ARI somehow, I’d expect him to be non-tendered.
I don’t mean to tear the guy down, but doesn’t Parra’s 2011 kinda remind you of Andres Torres or Angel Pagan in 2010 or Franklin Gutierrez in 2009… a modestly nice year with the bat propped up by a probably not repeatable defensive performance?
I think he’s talented and has usefulness, but I’ll take the under on his 2012 WAR compared to his 2011.
Torres is ten years older and took about as long to make the majors. Parra had a 2009 on par to his 2011. 2010 was just a bad year.
As a Dbacks Fan, I don’t see the Diamondbacks trading Parra.
For 3 main reasons :
1) They don’t need John Lannan, they have plenty of depth at Starting Pitching
2) KT (Kevin Towers-ARI GM) said they will not trade Parra, and that he was a “big” part of the teams’ success last season.
3) We need Parra! Unless we get alot of talent back, getting a decent back-up catcher, and outfielder, and maybe a reliever.
We need a SS not named Johnny or Willie…
We have one named Chris that could be ready in 13/14. No need to bring in another SS with what we have for this season.
What about that guy Steve?
KT (Kevin Towers) ARI (Arizona Diamondbacks) GM (General Manager). Always use initials, it saves the time of typing out the whole damn name.
KUBEL = RUNS.
If I’m the Dbacks, I’m tring to sell high and get Tim Beckham from the Rays and Gary Sanchez from the Yanks. The dbacks give Parra to the Rays and the Rays compensate the Yanks for Sanchez.
Why would the Nats make a trade for a guy in the same class of players they already have. He is equal to bernadina and short of Ankiel. Why would u give up talent for that. If you’re going to trade Desmond it doesnt need to be for someone with less potential nd the same stats as him.
Not at all. He is 23, has the best throwing arm in MLB and has consistently provided strong numbers for average and OBP with developing potential for 15 HR a year. He’s also very fast. Bernadina is a AAAA player and Ankiel hasn’t hit since like 2008 and is old. It is clear that Parra is not even close to that range of player.
You need to wake up from your day dream sir if you honestly believe Parra and Bernadina are in the same skill discussion. And claiming Ankiel is better is even more absurd. All that being said KT & Co. aren’t moving Parra unless The Nats want to send over Rendon or a package with Espinosa.
That C isn’t fooling anyone, Nelson.
I honestly didn’t get it.
Thanks man means a lot
If by downgrading, you mean adding a 20HR/85-90 RBI guy? Yeah, they’re downgrading. Parra still gets to play, you know. Look for him to grab 30 starts in left, 15 in center and 10-12 in right. Wake up people. Kubel is a very good player. Seriously, have any of you ever seen Kubel play baseball?
Per 162 games in his career for Kubel: 22HR/92RBI/.271/54BB/.450+ Slug %. And his range is minimal perhaps, but it is not like he kicks the ball out there. He has 13 Es in 390+ games in the OF. Click on the LINK to the guy’s baseball reference page IN THIS ARTICLE. My fellow DBacks fans’ baseball knowledge – not ALL, but on average – is on par with a gnat.
By that logic, this entire thread is nonsense. Arizona has three positions they need to shore up, c/ss/3b. So I either have to submit that they’ll attempt a straight up swap for Desmond/Espinosa (which has been discussed in depth already). Or I have to propose that they make an offer for Zimmerman or Rendon, which is more preposterous?
Kubel has only had one solid season with the bat. Every other season in his career he has been slightly above league average. That’s not very good for someone who is a big liability in the field.
I wouldn’t go that far now. He’s at least had as solid of a career as delmon Young has and most would say up until 2011 Young was a bat playing the OF.
One season? Was it the 20hr/78rbi .272 season? Or the 28hr/103rbi .300 season. Maybe it was the 21hr/92rbi .249 season (only .249 is ‘average). Career per 162: 22/92/.271.
Reassess maybe? How many ‘solid seasons’ at the plate has Parra had? How many 20hr seasons? How many 90rbi seasons? I LOVE Parra. His fire more than his skill. And he’s got skill. But Kubel IS the better player, despite Gerardo’s gun for an arm.
and btw, ‘solid’ = ‘slightly above average’ by definition. You could say only one ‘monster’ season for the 100+rbi/.300 season.
Delmon Young hasn’t had a very good career thus far with the bat, so your comparison isn’t a good one. Even WITH Kubel’s career year in 2009, he owns a .342 wOBA and 109 wRC+. That isn’t good for someone whose only positive value to a team is his hitting.
That was the point.. neither is spectacular.. A league average corner OF.
A league average bat as a horrible fielding corner outfielder is not good though. That’s what I’m getting at.
If they can hide him as much as possible.. LF.. Maybe even eventually relegate said person to a 4th OF role..
Back to the original poster and topic tho? Was Kubel worth 2/15m? Ehh.. probably not for a team without a huge payroll as a 4th OF, especially when better overall guys like Crisp got that much and Ross signed for 1/3m
Yeah, definitely a strange signing for Arizona.
Probably more along the lines of worth 2yr/11m. But hey, they’re hedging against their other lefty bat, Montero, walking after this season. Need a pop-lefty hitting after JUp, whether it is Montero (at an appropriate $), or Kubel pre-paid. A completely appropriate signing, at something above market value.
Kubel:
2007: .342 wOBA, 107 wRC+, .4 WAR
2008: .345 wOBA 111 wRC+, .7 WAR
2009: .383 wOBA 133 wRC+, 2.7 WAR
2010: .326 wOBA, 102 wRC+, -.2 WAR
2011: .333 wOBA, 110 wRC+, 1.1 WAR
From 2007-2011: .347 wOBA, 113 wRC+. That would put him in a class with 2011 versions of Mark Reynolds, Jeff Francouer, and Dexter Fowler. Again, as a terrible fielding outfielder, you want better offensive numbers than that. Kubel is a DH who is going to be asked to play the outfield everyday, which he has never been asked to do before for a reason.
He is going to be paid $7.5 mil a season, he has provided surplus value beyond that exactly ONE time. Every other season Fangraphs values him at $4.7 mil a season or lower.
Reassess maybe?
Hmmmm. Mark Reynolds, Jeff Francouer. Not bad, not great. “Solid” maybe? He’ll be hitting in a lefty-friendly ballpark against plenty of RHPs. He’ll be worth well over 5M+. 7.5? Nah. Doesn’t have to be. You are putting too much stock in defense for a LF. Few guys hurt their teams in LF. That’s what LF is for. Reassessed. Same conclusion. Kubel will strengthen the DBacks more than enough with the bat to compensate for his below-average LF skills. You are working too hard to minimize the likely contributions of an above average player. What’s in it for you? BTW, BA, SPCT, OB% are deep enough to go. I am a fan of the deeper stats, but the basic ones prove his worth.