Email a copy of 'Free Agent Faceoff: Ian Desmond vs. Howie Kendrick' to a friend
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By Jeff Todd | at
Email a copy of 'Free Agent Faceoff: Ian Desmond vs. Howie Kendrick' to a friend
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loufigueroa
Still think Kendrick. Always solid still has potential. Would love him to reunite with angels and have them platoon LF until mid season then maybe trade Wilson for LF as by then you can see how the rotation stands or if needed to stay under luxury tax line.
Cam
Potential for what? Howie Kendrick is the absolute definition of what you see is what you get.
JoshBoman2001
I think Desmond, he does have good power numbers and good speed, I’m surprised no one has got him yet, he is able to play other positions, good luck to the both of them.
stymeedone
When has Desmond played other positions? Isn’t that what Boston said about Ramirez?
Jeff Todd
I’ve never really been in love with that idea, because he’s still a solid-enough shortstop.
He also has far more present athleticism than HanRam, so there’s more sense in it in that regard. But he’s not that level of hitter, so I don’t see the sense in moving his bat off short.
JoshBoman2001
He’s played the outfield before, Desmond is more athletic than Ramirez, the market now is not big for shortstops, he may not get a contract till February or March, you never know
bigkempin
Desmond has played 7 innings in the OF. You can’t reasonably expect him to make the transition. His bat also has far less value as a OF than it does as a SS
prestigeworldwide
I think the Dbacks get one of the two.
Deke
I think you’re right. The curious thing is who will the DBacks trade with to clear roster space?
whtstr314
I wouldn’t mind seeing Chris Owings competing with Cesar Hernandez for 2nd Base…
Deke
I’d like to see these polls taken before and after each article. Be curious to see what people think before they the information presented to them and then see if people change their minds based on reading the article. Be kinda interesting.
BoldyMinnesota
Desmond has higher ceiling while Kendrick has the higher floor. Which ever one I could get cheaper is the one i’d want
Soxfan912
I agree regarding the ceiling/floor. I think the question of who lands more money depends on a lot of factors. Desmond should make more money in 2016, but it is possible he goes for a short deal to prove his value again. At least with Kendrick you know what you will get, so he will probably go for more years. I dont really see anyone giving desmond 5/80 right now. But he could get 2/32 and then a 3/48 afterwards if things go well.
hojostache
Desmond has the higher upside, but a 4-5yr deal is scary if the team thinks his first half last yr might come back. The QO makes a 2yr deal much more costly, so I suspect a team could offer 3+1 vested option…but I wouldn’t.
Soxfan912
The QO could increase the chances of a team with a protected first rounder going for a 2-4 yr on a huge buy low. This could also apply for a team that already lost its first pick. I realize his floor has dropped significantly but if you’re a team desperate for offense and low on coin then he could certainly be worth losing a second rounder. If he turns it around you could even trade him down the line.
marinest21 2
As a Nats fan I may be biased, but I don’t think there is any way Desmond gets close to $70 million, let alone 80. While his power numbers over a 162-game season seem to suggest that value is realistic, when you watch him night in and night out, it’s painful to realize how much he’s continually regressed over the past three seasons. Notwithstanding the fielding miscues, at the plate he refuses to make any type of adjustments, especially in approach. The guy swings out of his shoes – on any pitch, in any count. He doesn’t shorten up with two strikes and has cut the field in half because he is unable (or refuses) to hit the ball to the opposite field with any type of authority; it’s just pull, pull, pull. His dismal RISP and “clutch” numbers really reflect his downswing.
I understand this is a harsh critique, but in this day and age where contact is a premium and strikeouts are detrimental, it’s likely Desmond is going to have to settle for a one or two year “prove it” deal to and demonstrate he make the necessary adjustments.
donniebaseball
I always prefer a high floor to a high ceiling. I’d go howie because you just don’t know what you’re going to get from desmond
bbatardo
I’d rather take a chance on Desmond, but the draft pick compensation attached to them has to be really hurting their markets.
beauvandertulip
There is not a chance that somebody signs Desmond to a 5 year deal, he needs to rebuild value. 2 year deal at max.
Jeff Todd
That was our pre-postseason assessment of his earning power. The way the market has developed hasn’t been favorable, it doesn’t seem, I’ll agree with that.
Rob66
My prediction is that Desmond goes to the White Sox, which would be a good move for both team and player. Kendrick ends up going back to the Angels, another good move for both team and player.
Kendrick is the steadier of the two while Desmond is has more potential upside (especially if he improves his defense).
SoCalShu
I don’t see HK47 back in an Angels uni for 2 reasons
1) Comp pick
2) Self imposed cap($189m)
IMO HK shoulda grabbed the QO and taken the 1/$5.5m raise….I actually picked him to be 1 of 2 players who I thought would accept offer…Rasmus was the other….
As for Desmond I have not thought he would come close to $70-$80m this off season….at the start of last season it was plausible if he didn’t suck it up all season….he has to be kicking himself in the butt turning down that extension.