Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes has been charged with abuse of a family or household member, the Associated Press reports (via SI.com). The 32-year-old has entered a plea of not guilty to the charges, which stem from his recent arrest in Hawaii for alleged violent acts against his wife during an argument. As explained in the linked post, the commissioner’s office will be watched closely as it applies the newly agreed-upon domestic abuse protocol for the first time to a highly-paid, high-profile player.
As we wait for further information in that disappointing and concerning situation, let’s take a look at some other links relating to National League clubs:
- The Pirates are “definitely listening” on all players entering their final year of contract control, ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark reports on Twitter. Closer Mark Melancon, second baseman Neil Walker, and first baseman Pedro Alvarez are all prime candidates to be dealt, says Stark. It certainly will be fascinating to see how the team proceeds with those notable players, including what they seek (and potentially obtain) in return as well as what other moves the ultimate decisions set up.
- The Diamondbacks are said to be looking into a variety of options to add starting pitching, including cashing in some young position player talent via trade. Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic breaks down the considerations facing GM Dave Stewart and co. Piecoro gathers the thoughts of numerous talent evaluators in the interesting piece, focusing his analysis on the timing of the team’s assets. Arizona is still testing several possibilities, he reports, but it sounds rather likely that some kind of hitting-for-pitching deal will come together at some point this winter.
- Bernie Miklasz of 101Sports.com takes a look at the Cardinals’ decision-making process regarding free agent first baseman/outfielder Chris Davis. There’s a fit on paper, writes the veteran journalist, but he says it would rate as a surprise if St. Louis emerges as a serious bidder — especially if the ask goes past five years (as it almost assuredly does).
- If those links don’t have enough interesting reading to get you through turkey day, check out these two recent pieces on Fangraphs: Brewers GM David Stearns spoke with David Laurila about a variety of interesting and relevant topics. And Jeff Sullivan assesses the trade value of all-world Reds closer Aroldis Chapman.
dodgers should get in on walker and melancon… kills two birds w/ one stone…
They would have to pay up big to get bith of them in a deal. Probably would want a grade A prospect for melancon alone. Add walker would want grade A prospect with a solid 1st base option for an everyday starter. I don’t even think that would be enough. Melancon is the best closer in baseball right now if they sell him it won’t be for cheap.
I don’t agree with melancon being the best closer right now
Chapman says hi
As long as he is doing it from the bottom of the division ;-)
The Pirates should get some major league players in exchange for them, in need of SP and BP. Could use a short term 1st base to bridge the gap between now and Josh Bell. So what could the Dodgers do there?
Nothing the pirates could afford. They really don’t need an arm for the pen from the dodgers I wouldn’t want anyone from that staff. And they’re only player at first the pirates would consider would be Gonzalez and he is way too expensive for the pirates to even consider. If melancon goes anywhere it will be to the Astros, Mets, or the Angels.
the angels don’t have enough to get melancon , unless they trade gott.
I don’t think the Pirates truly have many holes. But Melancon and walker alone won’t bring back the haul that most fans would like to see just because they are in walk years. If anything it’d be a three team trade. I think the only thing the Dodgers can do is eat a Morton type contract. The mets aren’t going to give up anyone substantial. The only way pirates get a huge haul is a team that has those three needs that doesn’t want to spend in free agency. There are multiple options out on free agency so I’m assuming trades for all three happen after the big chips fall.
The huge haul is the 20 million in salary relief from those two and another 8 million in pedro, hopefully another 4 million for Locke. though Mark and Walker should be worth a B+ prospect or two each at very minimum, any cheap mlb or close to mlb players is just a bonus.
Right now since the Pirates haven’t gotten any other options at MLB level starting pitching they cannot afford to let Morton go. Maybe later in the off season if they get some other options, or if they already have something in the works. As bad as his stats were last year he still had more quality starts than bad and should rebound some next year.
Dodgers have Scott Van Slyke that can play 1B as a cheap option with some power for the Pirates
Already got a cheap 1b option from the dodgers last year. Morse. hes cheap cause they almost paid us to take him… though I wouldn’t mind having another Van Slyke on the roster… worked out well the last one we had :-)
Not sure what’s left on his contract, but I’d say go after Howell.
It’s 1 at 6.5
Who else do the Pirates have to take over for Walker at 2B if they trade him? I understand the Pirates have a budget, but Walker is a hometown guy and a very underrated player.
All I am seeing on their depth chart is really Mercer if Harrison sticks to 3B and Kang stays at SS.
Unless they are fully confident in their #7prospect Alen Hanson to take over full time duties, I have a hard time understanding this one outside of a monetary crisis.
Is there something I am missing in regards to the Pirates backup plan if they do trade Walker?
I would think it would be Harrison at 2b, Kang at 3b, and mercer at ss. Then have Hanson or Gift come up as a middle infield backup. I think the pirates would be better off waiting till the deadline to deal him, though, as Kang is still uncertain to be ready to start the year.
Yeah that’s what I was wondering too with Kang’s injury. I just feel like that is a significant downgrade to their overall lineup though. But I’m not paying these guys so I understand that part.
Susac/Crick for Melancon/Morse?
Crick is no longer a touted prospect. Doesn’t look like he’ll be a big league starter, dropping his value immensely
that’s true but susac can probably be a solid catcher and morse probably has negative value, so, it’s not really that bad an idea
I disagree. I still think Crick has some talent left. I absolutely wouldn’t give up Susac for a return of weak ass Morse (disregarding Melancon). Don’t understand why people love him so much. Defensive liability and a shaky bat.
The Reyes case is going to be a real test for MLB. Since MLB and the Union just recently agreed to a pretty forward thinking domestic violence policy this is the first chance to show if it has any meaning. If Reyes gets a fine and a couple of games suspension then the policy is bogus. If Reyes gets the same time or more that he would for substance abuse then it would send a message.
Reyes has lil man syndrome, huh? He better watch it, most women could probably take him.
He’s 6’1 200 lbs…
I see melancon as a fit In Houston, they want a new closer To move Gregorson back to a set up role, and if Houston decides to not use Valbuena next year at third the. I see walker as a fit there as well at third, no need for Houston to get alvarez when they already have hit or miss bats in singleton, Carter and Springer, it would probably cost them mchugh or mcullers because Pittsburgh will want at least one major league ready arm and I don’t think their need for a one year filler at first base is a priority when they have Mike morse still on the roster.
The thing with getting rid of Walker, Melancon and Pedro especially is the salary to sign a starter (or two), some pen and bench help… those three alone are set to make 25 million (pending arb). that alone should get you a top of the line starter or one quality and bull pen arm.
As long as they take that money and put it to good use in the free agent market or in extending Cole, Polanco, Cervelli a year or two. Then it really doesn’t matter who they get
Walker and Melancon should both be worth a B+ or higher near MLB ready prospect and Pedro should be worth something to the AL, not sure what… but if someone offers a pack of gum for his salary.. you take it.
Also a non-tender candidate in Jeff Locke set to make 3.9M could use a change of venue. If they can just get a salary swap for him on a bull pen arm or potential bench bat. (bringing that total to 29M)
even with all 4 of those players gone.. the ‘Glarring holes’ the pirates have are the same. Starting rotation and bull pen/bench help.