A look at today's column from Buster Olney of ESPN.com..
- The Phillies could have an ulterior motive in exploring trade possibilities for left-hander Cole Hamels and center fielder Shane Victorino. The club could be suggesting that they are willing to trade the two veterans in order to pressure them to come to the negotiating table. However, it both cases, there appears to be a significant gap to overcome.
- Olney speculates that the Dodgers could be a good landing spot this summer for Kevin Youkilis if James Loney doesn't turn things around and the club is in search of an upgrade at first. Youkilis, of course, would have to appear healthy enough to take on for the rest of the season.
- The Blue Jays don't have a master plan for Vladimir Guerrero as they basically signed him for organizational depth, similar to what the Rays did by signing Hideki Matsui. If Guerrero shows in Triple-A that he can be a productive player, and a need arises for the Jays, then he could be promoted. If a need doesn't develop, then the club will allow Guerrero to pursue better opportunities elsewhere.
Hamels and Victorino are probably looking for a contender to play for and the Phils don’t fit the bill. The entire infield will have to be replaced during their contracts: Polanco, Rollins, Utley, even Chooch will all age out, as will Halladay and Lee. Howard will be under contract, only a shadow of his former self. Plus the Phils would have to let Victorino and/or Pence walk to pay Hamels, further weakening the offense. There’s not a single player on the Phils current starting team they can be sure of. They have no idea what kind of team they”ll be playing for in Philly as the farm system is tapped out. But LAD, WAS (and others) looks very healthy 1-5 years out. If they want to play for a winner, they unfortunately have to move on. Pence will be in the same situation after next season.
Hamels and Victorino are probably looking for a contender to play for and the Phils don’t fit the bill.
They’re looking for $$$.
Polanco’s done after this year. Utley’s done after next year. Rollins after the following. Hardly the overly bleak picture you present while you post an overly optimistic view of what the Dodgers are. It’s 30 games…let things play out. And besides, the payroll is still what it is, so when these salaries fall out, they can be replaced along with bringing up the good prospects that currently sit at AA.
Rollins’ contract will basically guarantee him to get paid in 2015 as well. And it depends, the payroll is what it is now, but if fans get frustrated at the team’s play and the sellouts stop….then it will be like 10 years ago when you could get a ticket with the purchase of a pack of hot dogs.
If Youkilis is going to return to old form the only way I see it happening is at first base. It will be less taxing and he should be able to bounce back to some sort of normalcy.
The Jays signed Guerrero because he can hit and they have 3-4 guys showing that over 162 games they can’t. If he plays well in extended spring training he’ll be up ASAP or traded ASAP, no dilly-dallying.
Phillies could net a comp pick by offering arb to Hamels, who’s surely to hit the FA market. It would help their rebuilding of the farm system after pillaging it time and again on trades.
I’ve thought Youk has made perfect sense for the Dodgers all along. The Sox have to hold out for something good though. I don’t think the Dodgers will let Zack Lee go, But Nate Eovaldi and one of Chris Withrow, the second and sixth ranked pitchers in the system sounds fair.
These days from the Dodgers you’re more likely to get salary relief and a bag of bats.
Please, we’ve had enough of the past-their-prime veterans prone to injury. Don’t count on the Dodgers to let any prized prospects go, especially not for a mid-season bat like YouKillUs. We have so few left in our farm system now.
Yeah, that’s not happening. The guy is making $12m this season and has been bad/injured. His value is at 3B, and at 1B he’s simply not worth $12m. He’s a free agent after the season unless he does something to justify his $13m option.
Salary relief and a couple mid-level prospects is about the best you’re likely to get, unless he suddenly turns it around in a big way.
Absolutely postively no Victorino on the Dodgers, no way, no how. I’d become a Ranger fan if that happened
The Diamondbacks could use really use someone better at third. Roberts thinks he’s going to hit 40 homers swinging from his heels, instead he just strikes out over and over. Youkilis fits their needs (would have nice power at Chase and has a great batting eye, something few other Dbacks players have) and can play some 1st if Goldschmidt keeps having trouble.