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Phillyfan425
I’d have to imagine that this offseason’s goals for RAJ (yes, I’m assuming he’s still the GM – until he isn’t) are:
1. Convince AJ to turn down the option
2. Trade Papelbon (for pretty much anything to dump the 2016 salary)
3. Trade Byrd (maybe combined with Bastardo) for a pair of mid-prospects (outside top 100, still in teams top 10-15)
4. Sign 2 risky starters to lower money, 1 year deals (Justin Masterson, Brandon Morrow, Colby Lewis, Brett Anderson, Chad Billingsley)
I know everyone wants Howard gone – but I couldn’t justify outright releasing him and eating the $60 M owed, just to “be done” with him (may change in a year if Franco is tearing up AAA, and Asche is proving himself a starting MLB 3B). I’d listen on Hamels – but would really want to be blown away on an offer for him (also, wait until after Scherzer/Lester/Shields sign this offseason if they do trade him). Other than that, you’re stuck with Lee, while Rollins and Utley have 10-5 rights, so I don’t predict anything for them. And Chooch (to me) is more valuable to the pitchers than what he would net in a trade.
Brucellosis
I agree with most of your post. I know a lot of people are trying to move Franco to 1st, but he’s a plus defender at 3rd isn’t he? I know Baseball America named him best defensive third baseman and best infield arm in the International League so a move to first seems like a waste especially since Asche’s defensive metrics are less than stellar. Also, do you think Ben Revere has any trade value? I realize not a good defensive centerfielder, but contact hitting, speed and a few years of team control might generate some interest.
Phillyfan425
I don’t want to see Franco moved to 1B straight away. My point was more, if we have two guys who are performing very well at the same position – and one could move to first, I’d then consider just cutting Howard. I think Franco could be an adequate (defensively) 3B for a few years. He has a tremendous arm and soft hands (every scouting report says that). His problem is, he’s got really clunky feet – which limits his ability to move from side to side well. The guy I liken him to (build/position-wise) is always Edwin Encarnacion. He can get by at 3B for a few years, but ultimately will be a 1B. Asche isn’t spectacular in the field, but he’s improved every year since college (going by eye test/scouts – since minor league defensive metrics are rather unreliable).
As far as Revere goes, I love the guy. I think if he moved to a corner OF spot, he’d be a 3+ WAR player (basing this on the fact that he is +9 DRS in 900 innings in corner in the majors, compared to -26 in CF).
vtadave
Actually, I’d have to think Ruben still thinks he can make a run next year, so:
1. Offer AJ a two-year $30 million extension
2. Give Mike Morse a two-year $20 million deal to platoon with Howard and play some outfield
3. Sign Max Scherzer to an 8-year $208 million contract
4. Sign Pat Neshek to a four-year $36 million contract
MetsEventually
Mejia closes. Familia gets the 8th. Black & Parnell are the 7th inning and will spell Familia/Mejia on their days off. Could be baseballs best bullpen.
Notorious_CRM
I am failing to see where the almost 15 mil combined paid to Adams and Kendrick will be offset by arbitration raises. Arb eligible guys due for a spike are Revere, Bastardo and Brown. Failing to see more than 6 mil in raises there. I would argue Bastardo could be non-tendered, by a competent GM. I guess Rube will overpay as usual.