You probably will not be surprised to learn that Angels star Mike Trout has once again been rated the game’s most valuable asset by Dave Cameron of Fangraphs. Though he now comes with a long-term financial commitment, Trout has also promised away three more seasons of club control and remains highly underpaid for his services. Paul Goldschmidt of the Diamondbacks also made a leap, moving into the third overall slot on Cameron’s top fifty; the entire series is, of course, well worth a read.
Here’s the latest from the game’s West divisions:
- Mariners outfielder (and former second baseman) Dustin Ackley has drawn significant trade interest, tweets Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. Clubs are interested in a chance at a turnaround from a player who was once one of the game’s top prospects, notes Heyman. With Robinson Cano etched in stone at second and Seattle looking to upgrade its production in the corner outfield, Ackley could theoretically be included as part of a package or dealt away to create roster space.
- The Mariners plan to be on hand to watch Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo in his upcoming showcase, reports Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune. Of course, that does not mean that Seattle is in a unique position, as GM Jack Zduriencik explains. “Any time there’s someone out there showcasing, we’re going to have somebody there,” said Zduriencik. “This would be no different, but most other clubs will have somebody there as well.” Of course, the M’s are a particularly interesting team to watch with regard to Castillo given the team’s need for a right-handed hitting corner outfielder.
- The Giants are considering bringing in just-released second baseman Dan Uggla, CSNBayArea.com’s Andrew Baggarly reports on Twitter. While Marco Scutaro is back on the active roster, it may take some time to determine whether he’ll be a regular, healthy contributor. Indeed, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle said in an appearance on the Sports Virus Podcast that it is “not a real optimistic situation” for Scutaro to hold down the club’s second base job.
- Veteran starter Tim Hudson told Shea at the All-Star break that he and the rest of the club would welcome the addition of an impact player, especially a bat to bolster the lineup. There “wouldn’t be a guy in the locker room” who “wouldn’t be for it,” said Hudson.
- The Padres have not reached out to the Diamondbacks to discuss a possible new role in the organization for current Arizona GM (and former San Diego GM) Kevin Towers, reports MLB.com’s Corey Brock. “I know and like him,” said executive chairman Ron Fowler. “He has had a great relationship with many people in all areas of the Padres’ organization. That said, we have not asked for permission from the D’backs to talk to Kevin. I don’t know how this story got started.”
I’m more optimistic about Scutaro at second than I am Uggla at second…
M’s should just cut bait with Ackley and Smoak. They have had so many chances to succeed and both have been terrible at the plate. Hope Ackley and Smoak figure things out but I am afraid that it won’t be in Seattle. Maybe throw in both of them as filler in a potential Price trade with Tampa Bay as sort of lottery tickets.
The guy signed a $144M extension and is still the best bang for your buck in baseball. Incredible. Definitely says how electric a player like Trout is.
Not sure what Ackley would bring back. Maybe throw him in with another prospect for a bat.
I’d assume most teams that are interested and looking at it as a buy low situation. Hoping he can be had cheaply and turn it around.
What about Ackley for Brown? Both need a change of scenery and have upside. (Although Browns defense is just awful)
Look, I know everyone is down on Ackley and perhaps rightly so, but surely he could bring back more than a bat. Maybe a bat rack.
Everybody in the clubhouse would be welcome except 1 person, the one he is replacing.
SF should try to get uggla on minor-league deal and see if his avg. goes up.
Uggla is done. Can’t hit and can’t field.
Now that the Braves have finally released Uggla, he should do the right thing and release them from having to give him $15 million dollars next year for doing absolutely nothing.
If Uggla did that, he would be a cast as a leper from both the union and the players. The CBA exists for a reason.
In other words, he would set a very good example.
Uggla isnt turning it around soon…He is a k machine and is done being productive. Cant field, Cant hit. Feel bad for the next team to sign him