The Red Sox and Padres have begun the second half of the season with some fireworks, announcing on Thursday night that Boston has acquired left-hander Drew Pomeranz in exchange for top right-handed pitching prospect Anderson Espinoza, who is widely considered to be one of the 20 best prospects in all of Major League Baseball. Infielder Josh Rutledge moves to the 60-day DL for Boston in order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for its new starter.
The Padres acquired Pomeranz, 27, from the A’s this winter for the now-bargain price of Yonder Alonso and Marc Rzepczynski. After talking his way into the rotation mix in Spring Training, Pomeranz has broken out as the ace of the San Diego staff and fulfilled a good deal of the potential that pundits believed him to possess when he was selected fifth overall by the Indians back in 2010. In 102 innings this season, the first-time All-Star has posted a 2.47 ERA with 10.1 K/9, 3.6 BB/9 and a 47.8 percent ground-ball rate. He’ll immediately slot into the middle of the Boston rotation and can be controlled for another two seasons beyond the 2016 campaign via the arbitration process. Not only does he have two years of club control left, he’s earning just $1.35MM in 2016, which will help to suppress his future arbitration salaries despite this season’s breakout.
While Pomeranz has been dominant in 2016, he doesn’t come without his risks, and chief among them is the limited workload he’s had in recent seasons. Pomeranz spent his early years in Colorado after being included in the Ubaldo Jimenez trade with Cleveland, and his innings totals were suppressed as he pitched poorly much of the time at Coors Field. Oakland deployed Pomeranz in a swingman capacity and utilized him more out of the bullpen than the rotation. Since being drafted, Pomeranz has never thrown more than 146 2/3 innings in a single season between the Majors and Minors combined. That total came all the way back in 2012 and has been followed by single-season innings totals of 112 2/3 (2013), 115 1/3 (2014) and 88 (2015). The Red Sox, however, appear undeterred by the fact that Pomeranz will be approaching uncharted waters in terms of workload as the season progresses into its final months.
The Red Sox have been tied to rotation help for more than a month, as the club’s Opening Day mix of starters has largely underwhelmed. MLBTR’s Jason Martinez noted earlier today in examining the top need of each American League contender that the rotation was far and away the Red Sox’ primary deficiency. Boston starting pitchers rank 19th in Major League Baseball with a 4.72 ERA this season, and only Steven Wright and Rick Porcello have posted earned run averages south of 4.00. David Price has righted the ship after a rocky start to the season but still is sporting a 4.34 mark on the year, while Eduardo Rodriguez has been slowed by injuries and pitched poorly even upon activation from the disabled list. Joe Kelly has been relegated to the Triple-A bullpen, and spot starts from Henry Owens and Sean O’Sullivan have been sub-par, to say the least. Excluding the work of Wright, Price and Porcello, the Red Sox have received a combined 7.22 ERA from the rest of their rotation.
From the Padres’ vantage point, the decision to move Pomeranz wasn’t a clear-cut one. We at MLBTR weighed the pros and cons of dealing Pomeranz and wound up with a split camp among our staff when debating whether the Padres should trade him (a topic that I first examined at length before polling the MLBTR staff for their individual opinions). Pomeranz is both controllable and affordable but also comes with limited innings and a pair of DL stints for shoulder and biceps issues.
While it’s possible that Pomeranz’s value will be even higher come the offseason, the Padres elected to move him now, and in doing so continued down a clear path to an extensive rebuild. Not only that, but the fact that the club focused in on the 18-year-old Espinoza when dealing a pitcher that could’ve provided significant value in both 2017 and 2018 indicates that the Padres may feel that a fairly lengthy rebuild is in order. Espinoza, who rated 14th on today’s midseason top 100 prospect update from ESPN’s Keith Law (ESPN Insider required/recommended), is currently the youngest player in the Class-A South Atlantic League but has held his own in spite of that fact. He’s totaled 76 innings and delivered a 4.38 ERA with a 72-to-27 K/BB ratio and a 48.9 percent ground-ball rate against much older competition.
Law notes in his scouting report that Espinoza sits comfortably at 94-95 mph with his heater and can touch 99, and he also features a plus changeup and curveball (with the former representing the better of the two secondary offerings). Jonathan Mayo and Jim Callis of MLB.com note that Espinoza repeats his delivery well, which allows him to locate the ball effectively. The MLB.com duo notes that his secondary offerings are much more advanced than those of a typical teenager. Baseball America, who rated him 15th in MLB on their midseason Top 100 list, wrote in the offseason that Espinoza possesses “obvious front-of-the-rotation talent, and makeup and intelligence to maximize his ability.”
The swap represents the second significant trade completed between the Red Sox and Padres over the past nine months, as Boston also acquired Craig Kimbrel from the Friars in exchange for Manuel Margot, Javier Guerra, Carlos Asuaje and Logan Allen in the offseason. While San Diego GM A.J. Preller has taken his share of flak for the Padres’ ill-fated attempt at an accelerated path back to contention in the NL West, he’s now flipped a pair of assets (Kimbrel, Pomeranz) within a year of acquiring them and received significantly more in exchange than he initially surrendered.
Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, meanwhile, has come to Boston as advertised: unafraid to utilize a deep farm system to acquire immediate impact talent at the Major League level in the name of winning now. While the losses of players like Margot and Espinoza sting, the Red Sox likely feel compelled to capitalize on the fact that young stars such as Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts and Jackie Bradley are emerging (or have emerged) as front-line talents, while aging veterans (most notably David Ortiz) are still productive and able to help the club push for a return to the postseason.
Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune first reported that Pomeranz was going to the Red Sox. Evan Drellich of the Boston Herald reported (via Twitter) that Espinoza was part of the return. Lin (Twitter link) and Jon Morosi of FOX Sports/MLB.com indicated that it was a straight-up swap of those two players.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
AidanVega123
Whaaaaaaattt
gtownfan
Wow just wow!
T_Rexx2
Looks like we can lay to rest the Teheran for Moncada rumors…
angrypoptart99
U still need more starters… Y’all rotation is trash
kylewait89
Really? Wright and Porcello are pitching well Price is coming back to his norm. Thinking they need to go out and get someone else is dumb.
milwaukeebeers
Only the most delusional Braves’ fans thought that was going to happen
braves2
I don’t know that any braves fans thought or wanted it to happen
Cd360
There were quite a few on here that definitely wanted it to happen.
Acuña Matata
Me either….However, I do know a slew of non Braves fan telling us what we as Braves fans expected or demanded….
Acuña Matata
@cd360 Want and actual expectations are completely different. If i went around and checked all of your logs I’m pretty sure I’d find something ludicrous.
In fact that goes for everyone who clamors to “can’t wait to see what Braves fans demand”….
JT19
While this obviously doesn’t speak for all fans, there were “Braves fans” expecting Moncada, Benintendi, Devers, Espinosa, etc for Teheran. I can understand the high price (i.e. No reason to trade Teheran, good numbers and friendly contract) it was still a crazy price. Again, not every Braves fan here has demanded that and there are level headed fans with reasonable/realistic expectations…but for every level headed fan there’s a fan who expects video game-esque trades to be acceptable.
Gogerty
Yeah, some of us just wanted the entire AAA HOF Top 10 of BOS. I guess with Ezpinoza out, so are the Braves. Haha
chesteraarthur
The braves are out…something i expect to hear plenty in future years….
bravesfan1234
As a Cubs fan you should definitely be used to hearing those words….
Gogerty
Always funny Chester
Mikel Grady
As a Cub fan it’s rewarding to hang in and see your team get better and build the farm system for the future. So hang in there take your lumps and watch the braves transform into perennial contenders . Enjoy the ride
Acuña Matata
Oh look chester is still talking out of his backside. How’s that whole “Freddie Freeman can’t hit” going for you? If i remember correctly you said i’m “clueless, in denial or both” because I said Freeman could still hit… So do you think I’m still clueless? In denial? Both?
petrie000
“if Pomeranz is worth Espinoza, Teheran’s worth at least Moncada AND Benintendi”
– Braves Nation in about half an hour
Acuña Matata
Looks like its only you saying it petrie
jrwhite21
You played yourself
BadCo
I guess those expectations will never be met… Unless your dealing with Arizona again
bigjonliljon
They’re rotation still sucks. They need at least one more guy.
Not sure if the change in home parks will cause some regression. Petco is a bit more friendly than Fenway
Kevin 23
Pomeranz has better road splits!
bigjonliljon
Plus NL to AL with DH won’t help
kenny217
There’s not some crazy difference between the AL and NL.
NL batting- .253/.321/.412 .316 wOBA .159 ISO
AL batting- .260/.324/.427 .323 wOBA .166 ISO
A whopping 18 point difference in OPS.
eggy
Is ur first name Brian nah just kidding
AndyM
Interesting but risky nevertheless.
Sonny 3
Dayum
rr30
Devers + Chavis is my guess.
Austin0723
Here come the butthurt Braves fans about how we didn’t give them our farm team
hanks1hammer
Hmm..I’m very happy to keep Teheran and you can keep your hall of fame prospects
Gogerty
Good call Hank.
tryptamine
I can’t imagine they give up more than Devers and that’s perfectly fine. My concern is that Pomeranz has never faced a full 200 inning season let alone extra play off innings on top of that.
EndinStealth
Pomeranz will help, but he will not be nearly as effective back in the AL. He seems better than previous seasons but his AL stats don’t bode well.
sascoach2003
Anxious to see what the overpay was…I’m not crazy about him in the AL East, either.
Michael Macaulay-Birks
I don’t think they’re done we need more than just him
bostoncityofchampions
Great pick up by my Sox, I’m already saving up money for World Series tickets!
sngehl01
Why do I feel like this is bigpapi4life…
Out of place Met fan
+1
But papi would have added some ludicrous trade idea involving Castillo for Trout
Gogerty
I miss Bigpapi
bigpapi4never
Hey guys
Gogerty
Don’t play with my emotions like that…
noonecarez
No. You rotation is a joke. A leftie can’t pitch at Fenway park. Mark my words.
bobcavic
Yeah… That Lestet guy sure sucked.
MB923
Lester?
klesko 2
He meant the Vampire Lestat, noted Sox pitcher.
Bruin1012
Actually lefties have a pretty long time history of pitching well in Fenway.
Kevin 23
They can if they can throw a cutter inside to a righty.
Michael Macaulay-Birks
31 wins
BadCo
Tell that to John Lester!
robb2103
Great pickup? Are you serious! Trade Espinoza for that? It’s stupid!
aff10
“That” does have a 2.47 ERA, 3.18 FIP and more than a strikeout per inning. I don’t love it because of his lack of a track record prior to this year and questionable health history, but it’s not as if Pomeranz is a nobody, and there seem to be scouts who believe he’s truly turned a corner in his career
Kevin 23
For that? If “that” is a 27 year old, All Star, with 2 and half years of team control, a sub 2.50 era, and is just reaching his potential? Then I will take “that”. Espinoza could be a great pitcher but he could also be a bust. The Red Sox are in a “win now” mentality and made a move.
YourDaddy
+1 Espinoza is a maybe. Pomeranz is a high performing now. Red Sox fans are delusional when it comes to their prospects.
tribe fan
Generally I agree but a 19 y/o who can touch 99/100 with 2 other plus pitches. I think that kid will be special
Brixton
Naturally I’d agree as well, but the Red Sox have a win-now team. Espinoza might of helped them in 2019, but they can’t worry about that right now.
InPolesWeTrust
And they finalized the deal for Groome. Add one solid arm and give up one, but still add Pomeranz? Not bad.
Todd_Joseph
Wow pretty suprised he went to the Sox
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
And let the market begin…………..3,2,1
Gogerty
Exactly what I was thinking.
blackleather
LOL, I swear Preller aint effin’ around, man…LOLOL. That kid would trade his Mama, if she had a batting average worth talking about. Just a day ago, I heard him say he wouldnt trade Drew for anything less than “a large package”….I kinda had it in my mind, Pomeranz wasnt going anywhere….ooops!
YourDaddy
I guess Espinoza has a large package.
jackt
Heyooooo
klesko 2
Preller offloaded everyone good in his farm last year, so this rebuild is pretty hilarious.
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
I’m assuming he didn’t like what was in the farm. He’s rebuilt it pretty quickly. It also doesn’t hurt he got to splurge internationally.
klesko 2
Padres thought they were in “win now” mode last year, for some reason. He’s done a decent job of reconstituting the farm, but he shouldn’t have blown it up in the first place.
Speak da Truth
+Pads Fans
LMFAO..
That was a good one.
Your to funny..
steelerbravenation
Thank God I hope we never hear another Julio Teheran to the Red Sox proposal again. I say Owens, Devers & Shaw
steelerbravenation
Nope so far Espinosa
Bruin1012
That would probably be about right for Pomeranz it’s almost surely Owens he was scratched from his start. I’m pretty sure it’s Devers and probably someone else not sure maybe Shaw.
ThatGuy 2
Yeah, supply just went down…
sascoach2003
Check to the Orioles. Interesting to see their counter move…
noonecarez
They should get Matt Boyd. He’s only good when you make him pitch against the blue Jays. In his last start he only gave up 1 run in 5 inning.
eatemuptigers 2
Yeah no chance.
eggy
Hector Santiago would be a nice addition for the O’s
BadCo
Trouble is there minors are not in very good shape
eggy
That’s not necessarily true because they have chance sisco they have jomar Reyes they have trey Mancini who has performed at every level and people forget they have Christian walker cause he’s not a prospect anymore I can see Reyes plus walker/Mancini going for Santiago
Bruin1012
Really interesting to see what they gave up I figured no way they give Benentendi thought if anything Sox would trade Devers but it will be interesting to see.
noonecarez
Lol Nl West pitcher coming to the hitter friendly AL east… Lol
highfivecity
The NL West has Chase Field and Coors, plus the recently homer-friendly Petco. Your point?
noonecarez
2 parks. Anyways.
Cd360
Petco isn’t as pitcher friendly as it used to be either. It’s safe to say Pom probably won’t continue at this level, but he should continue to be a 2/3 starter.
JStanton
Henry Owens was scratched from his start
iamthumper
Please be Devers/Owens/Espinoza…..
steelerbravenation
That would be a major coup for Pomeranz. Watch Owens go there and reach his potential ala Drew Pomeranz
iamthumper
As a Padres fan, that is the hope.
tryptamine
Getting Espinoza by himself is a huge win, getting the other two would make it an Atlanta style robbery.
chound
Yeah Espinoza is a big win for the Padres imo.
iamthumper
True, but one can always hope. But I really like th e idea of getting Owens and throwing him the rotation now .
Bruin1012
Wow it’s Espinoza not Devers surprised at that.
csamson11
Dombrowski is saving Preller and the rest of the Padres front offices’ jobs one trade at a time
Bob M.
Dumbrowski has saved many front offices and got a lot of his own staffs fired
Ray Ray
Yeah that dumb guy only built the former laughing stock Tigers into a consistent contender following his stint of building a WS champion with the Marlins. Yeah that guy knows nothing about building a baseball team.
kenny217
And those tigers will soon be the laughing stock again because he gutted their farm to win 0 WS.
stymeedone
It seemed to impress the Red Sox.
BadCo
Gentleman teams that look like dynimite on paper seem to always fizzle… Detroit, Nationals, and on and on. Chemistry has to be right!
Bbone34
More unproven Pomeranz or Espinoza? It’s much closer than I’d like.
YourDaddy
You are kidding right? Pomeranz has a 2.47 ERA with 10.1 K/9 in the majors and Espinoza has a 4.38 ERA in low A ball. This trade is a huge win for the Red Sox even if Pomeranz only pitches to Espinoza’s current ERA for the rest of 2016 in the majors. Espinoza is a prospect that is 3-4 years away from the majors if he makes it at all.
Bbone34
Pomeranz has basically pitched 17 games in the majors that would say he’s worth a top prospect. Espinoza has moved up the system at a rate that points to him possibly joining the majors in 2018. Obviously they’re not equally proven but my point is Pomeranz has done next to nothing (which is what Espinoza has done) in the majors as a relevant pitcher.
Michael Macaulay-Birks
Maybe Hellickson to round things out?
baronbeard
I don’t know if Boston is the best place for him. Never really did great in that ballpark, and the AL East kinda ate him up.
Kevin 23
Hellickson;s career era is as follows 3.38 vs Baltimore, 3.21 vs Yankees, and 3.61 vs Blue Jays. Would not exactly call that getting “ate up”,
MB923
Looks like it’s a straight up trade. Pomeranz for Espinoza
Brixton
Not bad for either side honestly. I like it more for the Sox then, and I’m a huge prospect guy.
Bruin1012
So maybe Espinoza and Owens he was scratched today
Bbone34
Reminds me of the Addison Russell-Jeff Samardza trade. Espinoza isn’t as far along in the minors but is that highly touted that he’s comparable. And Pomeranz is the definition of small sample size. I don’t think this was a smart move by the Sox, extremely risky.
YourDaddy
Addison Russell was the #1 or #2 prospect in baseball at the time. Espinoza is not in top 10.
Ray Ray
Samardzija had a bit more of a track record as well. Not to mention Hammel went with him.
Bbone34
In a year or two Espinoza will likely crack the top ten. Often times these lists also take into account how close to the majors prospects are because success in lower minors doesn’t necessarily lend itself to major league success.
Frank Richard
Russell never got higher than #6 and was #16 at the time because of his struggles and a hamstring injury the season he was traded. He had only recently come off the DL in the minors before being traded. Also at the time the Cubs were trading 2 major league starters one of which had another year of control and both had ERA’s under 3.
Kayrall
Espinoza will be ranked worse than he was with the Red Sox for the simple fact that his major league team is no longer the Red Sox.
kenny217
Except Margot and Gueera both seen huge bumps in their rankings despite being traded. Margot jumped 47 spots in baseball prospectus’ rankings, 54 spots in MLB.com’s and 16 in baseball America’s. Gueera went from not being ranked in any of the three’s top 100 last year to being ranked 52, 56 and 58 for BA, BP and MLB com.
MeowMeow
Feels fair in the end, at least for now. Espinoza is a player a rebuilding team would hold onto, but the Sox need a major league arm NOW and some pitching promise in the low minors for later.
steelerbravenation
Wow if that’s all they got than we def not moving Tehran. You mean to tell me Texas couldn’t beat Espinoza by himself. I mean it would still be a good haul but the SP market is weak who else is available ?
hanks1hammer
Ya, I was surprised to. Seemed like the Padres held all the cards with a thin pitching market and any team that had a better option (Braves) asking for a Kings ransom. Espinosa can headline a package just fine but it seems the rest of the package is missing
YourDaddy
Preller is not a great GM. One that doesn’t seem to know when he holds the cards. He took on BJ Upton. He gave up Trea Turner, Joe Ross and 3 others for Myers.
aff10
Just to play devil’s advocate, he got a quality package of prospects for Kimbrel, he effectively turned Yonder Alonso and Scrabble into a top 20 overall prospect, and while Trea Turner and Joe Ross turned out to be quality players, Wil Myers is playing like a superstar
aff10
I still don’t think he’s all that great btw. Matt Kemp is a disaster and he traded a quality haul for rental Justin Upton, but all-in-all, I’m buying in on him as a GM much more than I was at this time a year ago
MikePLV10
Why don’t we see how the next 2 weeks play out before we start saying the Padres held the cards in this market.. Though Espinoza is a really talented prospect, what’s to say the Rangers, Cubs, Dodgers, Astros, etc…didn’t find him very attractive, considering his lack of track record!!! Just like political forums- people take their immediate reaction as truth!
MikePLV10
Meaning, they didn’t find Pomeranz that attractive..
southi
Espinoza is a high upside prospect that any organization would love to have. Yes, there are risks with him, and he won’t be a in the majors for a few years, but there too are obviously risks involved with Pomeranz as well.
Pomeranz lack of experience pitching high totals of innings may had been a detriment to higher asking prices. He certainly has question marks heading into the second half.
Congratulations to the Red Sox. They saw a weakness and addressed it as they felt best right now. Hopefully for Boston fans, it will be enough.
SoCalBrave
The reason Pomeranz didn’t net a bigger catch is because he probably won’t pitch over 200 innings this year. So he’s pretty much a regular season only guy with control for next year. Still Espinoza is a very good prospect to get for the Padres, even if he’s still a couple of years away from the majors.
Mo Vaughn
Reports saying it could be Anderson Espinoza for Pomeranz straight up.
Sonny 3
Oh my
goldenspikes19
horrible deal if its a straight up swap for the Padres
hanks1hammer
Wow..really, if this is a 1/1 Pom for Esp, I am a little surprised. I would have expected the Padres to get a little more. Espinosa headlining a package seems okay to me but he seems to be going without the package.
Stonehands
I cannot express how much I hate this deal. The Sox have been struggling to develop an ace since Lester and this was our best chance to develop one. I have no problem trading good pieces for a player that will move the needle, but Pomeranz is still a relatively risky and unknown commodity. I would have much preferred a Jeremy Hellickson type who almost surely would have cost pennies compared to this, and he would still be better than what we have in the four and the five slots. I would not have offered more than 3-4 guys in the 5-15 range of our system for him and if they don’t take it, move on.
Brixton
Difference is Hellickson won’t help you in the playoffs. Pomeranz can if he keeps anything close to his current production
Stonehands
I am not sold Pomeranz can keep it going though. He is moving to a division of hitting havens and has already exceeded previous inning totals. There is just too much risk for me to be comfortable dealing away a top 20 prospect. If the Sox were to deal away this level of prospects, why not throw Espinoza, Devers, Kopech and another piece or two and see if the A’s bite on Gray. Or go talk to the Indians and try and deal some combination of Shaw and Benintendi/Moncada with extra pieces for a starter?
Brixton
Because the Indians don’t want to deal their starters.
Giving up one 18 year old prospect (despite how good) for a guy with 2.5 years of control who is dominating is a solid deal. He probably (definitely) might regress, but thats the price of winning. Realistically, the next best options were Rich Hill (who would cost just as much for a rental, and has less of a track record) and Hellickson (who’s just not very good).
Stonehands
I understand Cleveland wouldn’t want to deal a starter. But that lineup is pretty bad. If you offered up Benintendi and Shaw, both of whom could help this year, on top of Devers and an extra prospect or 2, you’re telling me they wouldn’t put Carrasco or Salazar on the table?
Otto371
who says DD hasnt been talking with Billy Beane about Gray? what makes you think he hasnt checked in on what it would take to land Gray?
Michael Macaulay-Birks
That would be cool
stymeedone
Look again at the Cleveland line up. Other than C, it’s surprisingly solid. So far.
aznz
this so called bad lineup scores 4.95 runs per game, 3rd in the al behind the orioles and red sox, and are about to get their best hitter back into the lineup in 2 weeks or less. they aren’t breaking up the best rotation in the al, and possible all of baseball, for anything other than a proven star hitter with several years of control left..
AndThisGameBelongsToMySanDiegoPadres
So tell me Stonehands. Why would the Indians want to deal from their Major League rotation, their biggest strength, in the middle of a playoff race? Their goal is to make the Major League team stronger, not weaker! That’s the dumbest suggestion I’ve heard since the A’s traded Cespedes in the middle of a playoff race.
oceansnake84
I agree they won’t make any trades and those statements are silly at the moment. However, Carlos Carrasco should regress at some point because his fastballs aren’t that great therefore getting a blue chip prospect for him now could be a steal.
Bruin1012
The Sox aren’t trading Benentendi it’s pretty obvious.
hanks1hammer
I think you aren’t being realistic. Maybe Hellickson would cost less but you acquired a young, capable pitcher with lots of team control and you did it for a surprisingly cheap price. Considering the market of pitching right now, I think the Sox robbed the Padres.
Stonehands
Pomeranz has no track record, is going to blow past any previous innings limits, and the sox dealt away a potential ace who is working two levels above his age group. I don’t think the sox got robbed blind, but this deal favors the Padres and I don’t think it’s that close. I would’ve preferred if that level of prospect should have been packaged for a much more impactful player.
Cam
“Pomeranz has no track record”.
Uhh, what’s Espinoza’s track record?
YourDaddy
Don’t try to convince a Red Sox fan. Every prospect is the next coming of Cy Young or Babe Ruth.
Gogerty
Yes but the Red Sox even traded Ruth.
stymeedone
Actually, they sold him.
chound
Could say… they traded him for cash.
BadCo
Potential is potential and we’re talking about help right now up front… Years before you can rate this trade … Just glad the fleecing Bravos were not in this time
nohitter
I think Espinoza is involved. I always loved Dave Demobrowski with the Tigers. He is always making impact moves to make his team better. If Moncada or Benintendi aren’t involved I would say this is a good trade. Gotta love DD for making a big move to help the Sox rotation, and the good news is Pomeranz isn’t just a rental.
nohitter
Dembrowski*
SaladFingers69
Still wrong haha
ThatGuy 2
It’s *Gronkowski
Brixton
Regardless if this is straight up or not, Preller turned Yonder Alonso into Anderson Espinosa, so it’s not a bad day for him.
Pomeranz is a flash-in-the-pan type guy with unsustainable H/9 numbers. It’s a risk, but it’s a quality return if it’s one/one
mookiessnarl
Not thrilled with trading Espinoza, but you gotta give to get, particularly for a guy who still has some control. Now if DD somehow found a way to get the Pads to take Buchholz, losing Espinoza will hurt less. Not 100% sure on Pomeranz in the AL East, but his ground ball percentage looks pretty high, so it’s a worthwhile gamble.
Rally Weimaraner
3 years of an established player, even with an inconsistent track record, for a 18 year old still working through control problems in A ball is a pretty good deal.
Rally Weimaraner
One for one would be pretty lopsided. What are the Padres doing?
Bruin1012
Espinosa has a very high upside but he is young he sits at 95 can push 97-98 and has plus change and curve his ceiling is a future TOR arm his floor is probably a high leverage closer.
Cam
Absolutely no 18 year old in A-ball has the floor of a high leverage closer. Considering the most likely scenario when projecting someone that young and far from the Majors, is not making the Majors at all – saying he’d be AT WORST a top relief pitcher is absurd.
Bruin1012
I don’t think so at all unless he blows his ARM out pretty much the worse case for a special ARM like that is High Leverage bullpen piece. However with his advanced secondary’s he should slate in somewhere in the rotation in a few years most likely higher closer to TOR.
YourDaddy
+1 Bingo
Cam
There is an absolute glut of information out there regarding prospect bust rates.
Again, so say his FLOOR is a high leverage relief arm, is crazy. His floor is that he never makes it, like the majority of prospects. Especially when projecting based on his teenage and A-ball status.
MB923
I don’t think Boston is done. Rotation still has some holes. Pomeranz already has set an innings high in pitched and he may regress (keyword : may). I still think they will trade for another SP.
Maybe DD overpays for Grey?
Niekro
Overpay for a guy who isn’t on the market and is currently in the worst stretch of his career? Sure Beane has made some midnight deals before I don’t see it happening with Gray.
TheMichigan
No, the only reason Pomeranz hasn’t touched 200 innings or whatever is because he was never given a real shot, yes he was injured a few times but the Rockies full underused him, and As had him in the pen spot starting
MB923
Never giving him a real shot doesn’t argue against the fact that he already has a career high in IP and may regress a bit.
southi
You can’t accurately say “the only reason he hasn’t hit 200 innings is he was never given a real shot” AND “he was injured a few times” is basically giving two reasons that contradict each other.
Pomeranz has had opportunities but injuries and other situations have made him unable until now to rack up high innings. He is nearing uncharted territory for himself. He may rise to the occasion or he may falter miserably. Only time will tell.
Doug S.
Teheran and Vizcaino for Rodriguez, Shaw, Light and Chavis.
steelerbravenation
Gotta have Owens coming back. What woulda Devers, Espinosa & Owens for Pomeranz & Upton deal sound like to Padres fans ?
Brixton
Would sound awful, and I mean AWFUl from a Red Sox perspective.
Acuña Matata
yeesh that’s awful for the Red Sox
halos101
so since they just did a pomeranz for Espinoza trade. your proposal would be Upton for Owens and devers, which I cannot imagine sounds good for soxs fans
mack 2
Kind of a curious trade as the Sox are trading away their best pitching prospect.
I thought they would clear a logjam at a position to get an arm.
chound
Only the best till tomorrow when Groome officially signs.
Otto371
exactly. no way DD moves Espinoza without having a deal done with Groome.
steelerbravenation
Didn’t ask a Red Sox perspective. You guys hate every trade proposal cause every minor leaguer is bout to go to the HOF.
Brixton
Or maybe.. just maybe.. high end prospects have more value than fringe MLB outfielders and a starting pitcher with no track record. Any reasonable Padres fan would love that trade, but it’s just not realistic in today’s game with the value that prospects carry
hojostache
To be fair…that starting pitcher was just in the all-star game and has a <2.50 ERA this year. That said, I'd be worried about his starter v. reliever splits….as overall he has looked much better as a reliever than as a starter.
Bruin1012
Actually the deal seems fair to me especially with the cost of Starting Pitching the Red Sox get a guy who slates right into their starting rotation and the Padres get a potential number one down the raid he will be the best arm they have in their system right away.
Brixton
I think people are getting to caught up in prospect rankings (me saying that is hypocritical, but ya know.. whatever)
Anderson Espinoza has control issues and is 18. Pomeranz can help them win this year, and for the next few. I think the deal is good for the Sox more so than the Padres, but its not “bad” for either
adshadbolt
Anderson doesn’t have control issues he actually has good control look at his scouting reports.
halos101
but pomeranz is not helping the Padres win for the rest of the time he’s controllable so I think good trade for Padres.
dthcm
Sox prospect Michael Kopech hit 105 on a couple of radar guns recently. Maybe they figured he had a better future.
Otto371
Kopech obviously helps and so does Groome.
Bob Smiley
i feel Pom is a top 25 SP right now. Anderson Esp is a legit arm. Adding Esp and Paddack along with some upside arms that the Padres have in the minors makes the Padres look better for the future. Pom will slot in that rotation and be just fine. good trade for both.
steelerbravenation
Wow Brixton is a Red Sox fan that speaks logic. Yeah prospects can help down the road but what fans don’t realize is by the time those prospects are ready that GM could be long gone. Established GMs make moves for the now. Rebuilding GMs make moves for the future. Red Sox are playing for this year you gotta give something to get something.
Stonehands
Brixton is a Phillie fan if I’m not mistaken.
Brixton
This is accurate. I’m an unbiased third party.
Cam
Even allowing for regression from Drew Pomeranz, he’s a controlled MLB asset.
The Padres are effectively trading Pomeranz for a kid with less than half a shot of turning into Pomeranz.
It’s like buying a lottery ticket where the prize is what you paid for your ticket.
Niekro
Or the Padres think Pomeranz value can only go downward hence they are selling high on him as he may not even be Drew Pomeranz 2016 in 2017.
Cam
Odds are Espinoza may not even become a regressed Pomeranz.
I understand the fascination with some kids upside, but damn – even a regressed Pomeranz is still above the median point of an 18 year old’s projection.
This would be more digestible if the Padres received some kickers to go along with it, maybe.
Niekro
If you view it like a stock market though the 18 year old prospect stock is much less volatile at this point, He is a chip the Padres now have for future moves, where as Pomeranz stock could crash before the month ends.
Cam
I respect where you’re coming from, absolutely.
Looking at what value Pomeranz provides (inclusive of potential regression) against what Espinoza may provide (whilst considering prospect failure rate), I just don’t like it.
Should Espinoza be flipped as part of something better, sure. But I feel, what the Padres are hoping Espinoza turns into, isn’t worth what they gave up.
Semi-certainty for uncertainty, effectively.
Then again, I’m not a Padres fan, so I’ll sleep fine.
halos101
cam I think your right about prospects and how they are a lottery ticket. But isn’t it worth it to have that ticket rather than pomeranz play on a losing roster for the rest of the time he’s controllable? Padres owner said 3 years of rebuild and that’s past his years of being controllable.
Cam
Absolutely noted regarding Pomeranz years of control.
I think this trade is a synopsis of AJ Preller’s dealings since he took over – boom or bust type stuff. Would have been nice if he was able to pick up some intriguing players alongside Espinoza, something that didn’t leave all his eggs in one basket.
Instead, he’s trading from a position of strength (in potentially the weakest availability pool of this generation) for a kid who’s still three promotions away from the Majors (and that’s excluding High-A).
It’s a gamble – which has summed his his tenure thus far. Which has failed pretty badly.
nyyanks29
Completely agree with that statement – Padres not getting anybody to take the roster spot of Pomeranz hurts because they won’t see any immediate upside on their roster as a result of the move – even if it were a throw in like Noe Ramirez who could slide right back into the Padres rotation.
Though to be fair, if Pomeranz were hit at all in his next couple starts and saw his ERA go over 3, teams are immediately lowering the valuation on him. At this point, it’s safe for them to trade him because his stock value only goes as high as he continues to pitch sub 2.5 ERA ball which is tough to expect out of anyone not named Kershaw. Pomeranz doesn’t need to do that on the Red Sox to be an asset and that’s mainly what both sides are banking on. It’s a risk for both sides but with the Red Sox farm and the desperate situation, the Padres are in – they couldn’t afford to pass on a blue chip when they’re rebuilding.
maxmadsen
Agree 100%.
JT19
Was just about to post something like this. Most trades are a “what have you done lately” type of thing. Despite his small sample size, Pomeranz has pitched well thus far. What increases his value even more though is the remaining years of team control. Similar to how Teheran has a lot of value because of his team friendly contract (with a couple of years of control)–neither Pomeranz or Teheran would be straight rentals. A think a good comparison would be if Rich Hill gets traded. Even though Hill’s numbers are similar (I think, might be wrong on that though), Hill is most likely a rental and would cost a little less than what Pomeranz got.
BadCo
Well funny thing is Pedro has put his stamp on this kid as being “the next Pedro”…. So do you think the Padres got took? Really?
steelerbravenation
Pedro said the same thing bout Teheran . Matter of fact a bunch of guys called him Baby Pedro when he was the 3rd rated prospect in all of baseball.
robb2103
Stupid trade by the sox!
mike156
Fine move for Boston. Trading a prospect for someone already accomplishing. I don’t get the move at all for SD. But then again…
maxmadsen
Pomeranz isn’t as good as his ERA would lead some to believe but this still feels like a pretty light return for a solid major league starter with 2 more years of arbitration left.
mbrunette48
Classic buy low sell high trade by Peller, learning from past mistakes
RedSox1124
Do the Sox get Don Orsillo back in the deal??
Connorsoxfan
^
rycm131
This has to be another embarrassing trade for the A’s as they gave him away for virtually nothing.
steelerbravenation
I thought the SP market was gonna make teams overpay but I guess not. Interested in seeing what the Orioles decide on doing. They need a SP bad and don’t have any real assets to move for one. Wonder if a team in contention that needs a bat will be willing to move an arm.
Can’t wait to see who else the Padres move and see what they get. Preller is exciting if anything else.
steelerbravenation
I thought the SP market was gonna make teams overpay but I guess not. Interested in seeing what the Orioles decide on doing. They need a SP bad and don’t have any real assets to move for one. Wonder if a team in contention that needs a bat will be willing to move an arm.
Can’t wait to see who else the Padres move and see what they get. Preller is exciting if anything else.
Jon429
As a Braves fan I’m kinda relieved seeing this. I was worried I’d end up seeing Pomeranz traded to Boston for a package that would have me angered that the Braves didn’t accept that for Teheran.
Bob Knob
DP made 17 appearances this year.
Only 1 against a AL team…….NYY @ Petco
Pitched well…7 IP – 5 hits – 1 Earned Run – 7 K’s – 0 BB’s
….just sayin’……
steelerbravenation
I just feel a combo of Pom & Norris coulda brought a lot more back than what the Red Sox have up with what the SP market was suppose to be
maxmadsen
Aware of the love Baseball America has for Espinoza. Maybe he’ll become a star, maybe he never gets past AA. Looking closer at him though, he’s much better than he looked at first glance.
hodor 3
Strongly believe the Sox will regret this one, maybe even by the end of September.
strice
Stupid Trade we could have gotten more or at least a package of players
halos101
no or else you would’ve ended up with 2-3 depth players. Prellers smart for going for quality over quantity and with the international signings they’ve been doing, I’d say they have a pretty nice start on the rebuild
raef715
this is going to be a really interesting trade to follow.
How much will Pomeranz have left as the season goes and his innings mount, and how does the adjustment go from Petco to Fenway?
steelerbravenation
Devers for Rich Hill ??????
Brixton
Nah, Hill has even less of a track record, missed a bit of this year because of an injury and has no team control
A'sfaninUK
Hill is a legit ace though, he’s had 10+ K’s in 6 of his last 17 starts and has not given up more than 3 runs in any of those last 17 starts.
I think if Boston isn’t messing around and throwing everything at getting Papi a title – also remember, Dombrowski has been in that mode in Detroit for a while, the “do anything sign anyone” mode – we might see Benintendi for Hill & Reddick go down.
greg 14
Question – would the Sox rather have Pomeranz or Andrew Miller?
halos101
I would say pomeranz because there rotation badly needs arms and he’s controllable
agentx
I’d say they’d rather have Miller, who could help bail out two or more starters per week and has the track record relieving that some are unsure Pomeranz has as an SP.
And speaking of Miller, this deal and comments from raef715 and others remind me of how BAL perspectives on Rodriguez-for-Miller have changed from the time of the trade to E-Rod’s breakout first season, to some of his less stellar pitching and injury status this year. BAL may have still lost that one, but not by nearly as significant a margin as it may have appeared halfway through Rodriguez’s rookie year.
Ed Charles
Typical Red Sox stupidity.
steelerbravenation
Miller would never be traded to the Sox this year. No way the Yanks ever do a deal with the devil.
alc1987
Isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black.
Zack35
Wow a 1 for 1 swap definitely didn’t see this coming
giants51
Nice move Boston…. Don’t stop now, another starter and a arm in the pen.. Could put you on top…..
SixFlagsMagicPadres
Wow what a way to end the all star break.
Preller is not messing around anymore. I liked this trade and I’m excited to see what happens next. Let the rebuild continue…
mikem-5
Meanwhile, the Cubs do little to nothing, with retread pitching moves rehabbing at AAA. I expect more of the same come August 1st.
A'sfaninUK
Why? They have so many blocked prospects, Vogelbach is never going to be a Cub and is shredding at AAA, Zagunis is ready for the bigs too and they won’t bring him up either. Both those guys are definitely going to get moved in the month, for what, I can’t tell you, but they have the prospect firepower rebuilding teams are looking for in exchange for current stars on bad teams.
jrwhite21
The thing is that Espinoza is still only 18 and could really go either way in being a star or a bust. Pomeranz doesn’t have to put up a sub-3.00 era to make the Sox rotation significantly better. It’s a mutually beneficial deal.
Bob M.
In a normal trade deadline scenario this would be a reach for the Red Sox, but he is the best available who is controllable. The off season is a wasteland outside of Rich Hill. Yes much better than reaching for an overachieving Teheran
A'sfaninUK
If you think this is an awful trade by Boston, you are wildly overrating and overvaluing prospects, which many of you need to stop doing. Many posters on here treat prospects like they’re legendary players but all GM’s are trying to win now and all they are is lottery tickets to them, and rebuilding teams need those, because that’s why they aren’t good in the first place, the lottery tickets they had did not pan out. I’m not saying prospects aren’t valuable, but winning in the immediate present is to GM’s, and that’s why they will trade top 1-20 guys, and will continue to do so, no matter how great you think Yoan Moncada is going to be.
Bruin1012
I think this is a win now move by the Sox you just have to get into the playoffs and anything can happen no doubt that Boston wants to win now.
The Padres are in a rebuild mode and won’t compete for several years so it makes sense to add an arm like Espinosa who should be ready to lead them when they are a better overall team. Trade seems fair from both sides win now for win later for Padres. Obviously both players come with risk they are pitchers. Seems it’s 50/50 people upset and happy both ways so seems fair.
A'sfaninUK
Whoa, was not expecting that response, kudos for being logical and correct in your appraisal.
Can’t wait to see what they get for Moncada and Benintendi though, they are a borderline playoff team but getting another ace SP and lights out bullpen arm will put them over the top in a very take-able AL pennant race.
Bruin1012
They are not going to trade those guys I am pretty sure Benentendi is ticketed for Left Field probably later this season and Moncada is just viewed with too high of an upside plus Boston paid 60 million when you count the 100% penalty don’t see ownership allowing him to move. They may move Devers in the right deal in a go for it now mode but they also may be done dealing we shall see.
Fenway North
If the risk on Pomeranz is moderate, the risk on Espinosa is high. This is a great trade.
Kayrall
You say that ‘all GMs are trying to win now’ and claim that there exist rebuilding teams.
Just because you do not believe in the pipeline system does not make others wrong to do so.
Bob M.
So begins Dumbrowski’s explosion of what Cherington put in place. All I can say is thank god for sox fans that the future controlled stars are hitting enough for him not to trade them for a year or two of a star.
Bob M.
Would have gone for depth instead of one top prospect.
start_wearing_purple
Potentially good trade on both sides. The Red Sox need more than a band aid to solve their pitching problems and Pomeranz is potentially that. The truth of the matter is I expected the Padres would want more.
YourDaddy
Steve, Seidler said in an interview with Bill Shaikin this past weekend that the Padres are not looking to start thinking about contending before 2019. No reason to have a guy like Pomeranz for two more seasons when they are not intending to compete for 3 years at the soonest.
We have no idea if Preller got more in return than he gave up until we see those prospects, and they are all prospects, play in the majors. We can look back in 5 years and maybe we will know by then if they were good trades or not.
chesteraarthur
Hey look, good pitcher didn’t cost Moncada + Beintendi! And no one outside of Georgia is surprised.
Gogerty
Cute.
bravesfan1234
Cool story, bro. Keep peddling that narrative and acting like a whiny infant.
dan-9
Enough Braves fans here have been “peddling that narrative” by making it a reality. As you know, and have just lied about. Apologize now, or apologize later when you have even less dignity. No, you don’t have a third choice. No, you’re not clever.
bravesfan1234
There were a hand full of Braves fans who believed that garbage and then morons like you and Chester came along and tried to say it was the entire fanbase or the “state of Georgia”. So who are the liars here? That would be you.
riotspode2
DD might make a move for a reliever with Owens as a chip now, w/ taz on the DL
Sky14
Think this is a great deal for the Sox, but I’m a big believer in Pomeranz. Espinoza might be great but he’s 18 and a long way off felt they should have got a little more, especially in the offseason. Seems like they traded a bird in the hand for one in the bush.
therealryan
For all the flack I’ve given Preller for his first year in San Diego, I like his returns for Pomeranz and Rodney so far. Makes me a little excited to see what the Rays end up getting for their controllable pitching the next few weeks.
YourDaddy
So far Preller has given up 3 major league regulars, a starting pitcher with a 2.47 ERA, a reliever with a 3.45 ERA and an everyday 1B, for an 18 year old kid in low A. Espinoza may turn out to be a middle of the rotation starter or he may turn out to be a bust.
thebighurt619
1. Yonder Alonso? 2 years of alonso, now 1.5, whos been hitting .251/.313/.348? And is a platoon at first given his .220 avg LOL everyday 1B, if thats the best joke you got dont quit your day job. God lets see what else you messed up.
2. The reliever known as scrabble who is primarily reverse lefty specialist? Oh yeah lefties are hitting .308/.338/.415. But that xfip of 3.8 looks good, oh he’s a FA at seasons end.
Both alonso and scrabble were DFA candidates when the padres traded them and got pomeranz and a decent looking lefty reliever pitcher in jose torress.
3. Pomeranz has had 1 solid year. Hes looked awful, been a good reliever swing option like hand and has 2.5 years left on control.
This is a pomeranz for espinoza switch and for a rebuilding team a top 20-30 prospect has more value than a pitcher who is FA before theyre ready to compete 2019 2020.
But continue to think alonso and scrabble have value. Meanwhile hand and buchter have been better lefties than scrabble and are younger. Ih and myers is an all star alonso is not and will never be.
sunset117
That’s a good point and fair but a top 20 level A player for a teams best pitcher who is cheap with 2.5 seasons of control seems like a steal, even if sox fans think the kid is the next Lester (which I doubt).
As made a bad trade. But the Padres didn’t get enough back; however I guess the low A kid for Alonso and scrabble is a good deal so if u look at it like that it looks ok
thebighurt619
Doesnt have the track record to net more. Half a season as an ace doesnt get you a lot of quality pieces. Itll get you decent amoint of quanitity or some quality. Not both.
A top 20 prospect for 2.5 years of a guy who may not sustain ace stuff and be a decent #2 solid #3 is a good deal for the padres if epspinoza pans out as a rotation piece.
AndThisGameBelongsToMySanDiegoPadres
“Half a season as an ace doesnt get you a lot of quality pieces.”
Tell that to Jeff Samardzija.
Bruin1012
He is not the next Lester he is right handed. Logan Allen who San Diego got in the Kimbrel trade was compared to Lester when he was drafted but doubt he becomes the next Lester. Actually When Pedro saw Espinosa he said the kid reminded him of himself really good fastball and nasty change up. Probably won’t be Pedro though.
hojostache
“Probably won’t be Pedro though”….lol.
I think that is a fair bet, though maybe all of the hype coming from Boston actually adds up for this kid in a 4-5 years.
thebighurt619
Why would I? Jeff Samardjza posted consecutive 2.7 WAR seasons and xfip of 3.38 and 3.45 while strike out roughly 9 k/9 pitching roughly 170 innings and 214 innings before being dealt the following year in 2014.
Also at the time of the trade it wasnt just samardjza it was jason hammel as well who was sporting a 2.98 era through 17 games that went to oakland.
Samardjza wasnt just an ace for half a season. And wasnt just him that was having a good season who went to oakland for addison russel and others.
AndThisGameBelongsToMySanDiegoPadres
Wrong again, at least you’re consistent. They didn’t trade all 3 of those guys for Espinoza. They traded Alonso and Rzepczynski for Pomeranz and then traded Pomeranz for Espinoza.
I do think the Sox won this trade but Pomeranz wasn’t going to be a member of the next good Padres team traded or not.
nostradamus84
Pomeranz has been good, but he doesn’t really have an extensive track record of pitching at this level. He also has a lengthy injury history. Espinoza is a good prospect, but he is a long way away from the majors and pitching prospects are always risky. They might have been able to get more given the cost of controllable starters ( I am sure some Sox fans disagree, since some circles of Sox fans tend to overvalue their prospects quite a bit. Remember when they said Cole Hamels wasn’t worth Blake Swihart?). Interesting to see how this will pan out.
KB R.
I think you sell Pomeranz a bit short. He was a 5th overall pick by the Indians org. Then traded to the Rockies. He was a highly ranked prospect in baseball before making his debut with the Rockies. He struggled there, but the second he left he has lived up to his lofty hype pre-debut. He has 393.2 career IP in the majors. In his last 257 IP he has a 2.84 ERA and 1.12 WHIP. In other words, his first 136 IP in the majors were rough…. he then adjusted (and got traded) and has been lights out since. Despite his rough go at it in Colorado he has managed to compile a career 3.66 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP….. that’s pretty decent. Those are WAY better numbers than what Rick Porcello put up in his first 6 years……. and the Red Sox are paying that joker $20+M a season.
sunset117
Personally, I’m absolutely shocked that the Padres got so little in return. I think Red Sox fans are a little too quick to pronounce prospects who are years away from the major-league to being a next Ace. You have to remember that more than half of these high prospects end up being a bust. Would you trade away your best SP who you have at a fair price for almost 3 more seasons for a guy who might be A contributor if you get lucky and he doesn’t bust?You’re getting DP for 2 1/2 years at a cheap price. Even if he doesn’t keep up his current pace, which is unlikely but who knows (I personally think dp has solid talent many don’t recognize) it seems like a major win for the Red Sox. Being a bay area sports fan, I saw a lot of Pomerantz when he played for the Padres as well as the Oakland Athletics. I always thought he had a lot of potential and am surprised by the rap he gets. Everyone knows this, and has a fair counter point, but he wasn’t really given a chance to shine in Oakland; however he did have some major flashes (which is why Oakland got two big league starters for him from SD). I agree he’s not super impressive when u see him, and he’s definitely not is good is the ERA he’s putting up this year, but he still continues to have decent outing time and again. For a straight up one for one, the seems like the Red Sox score big time. Yes they gave up a top 10 prospect, but I was expecting at least what they got along with some sort of AA or AAA guy with another high ceiling. I understand the preller is good it’s scouting minor-league players and has a legibly done a good job at restocking his farm, but I personally feel to an a half years of control cheap DP for the Padres even if they’re losing is better than a guy who might completely bust and never give you anything. I can understand why some people like the upside of the socks minor-league her, but it seems really risky. Personally I’d try to get a few people in return because so many of them don’t pan out, that way you at least have something. Hard to know, it’s possible in a few years the kid from the stocks is going to be the next Lester, but it seems highly highly highly unlikely … Seems like a major steel for the socks especially when there’s nothing available
KB R.
Wow. This is all they had to give up to get him? A 27 year old pitcher who has been pretty stellar since leaving Colorado (go figure). Not only that he has been lights out as a starter. Great news for Cubs fans. More proof to show Yankee fans none of their relievers are worth “a top tier prospect and then some” as they think they’re worth. If a quality, 27 year old starter is worth just a decent pitching prospect, 31 year old reliever Andrew Miller is worth that or less IMO. In terms of trade value, Relievers < Starters…… every time….. regardless.
mike156
Credit the Red Sox for preying on the weak of mind. But, this is meaningless when it come to potential Yankee trades. Miller is only worth trading for something quite good because he’s reasonably priced and very effective. He doesn’t need to be sold for something of lesser value. If a team has a need and they make a good offer, then he will be traded. The Red Sox own top brass paid a multiple prospect price for Kimbrel,
Kayrall
Nah bro, Schwarber+ for a reliever, I don’t care if a starter was had for less than that….
/sarcasm
Cd360
Fair trade for both sides. The Pads weren’t gonna contend with Pom and the Red Sox desperately needed pitching. I’m surprised there weren’t a few throw ins just to make the deal seem more appealing but this is very fair.
chound
I think this could narrowly tick the win column for the Padres. Its a pretty darn fair deal though!
greenmonsternews
What is up with the Padres GM? Speaking for all Sox fans- not complaining
sunset117
This is not even close to a good deal for SD, obviously I’ll bite my tongue is the lowA prospect becomes an ace but that’s a small chance. They get 2.5years of a solid sub3 era pitcher, even if he regresses to what he should be (more like mid3-4era) they get a guy who is actually in MLB, not a kid with a “shot at being X”. Can’t name all the prospects I’ve heard who were the next X… Boom or bust yet again for Preller(but he knows his prospects so maybe the kid would have been the next Lester(ha))
JPuzz96
Maybe now since Taz is on the DL,
Owens/Swihart for Mark Melancon?
ReysMLB
This would’ve be a good opportunity to drop a related link to the Red Sox’s RosterResouce page. I love that site you guys acquired, but due to ease, it would be nice to see links to those updated team’s page on posts like this, especially a blockbuster transaction.
JPuzz96
So since Taz is now on the DL,
Would a Owens/ Swihart for Mark Melancon work?
User 2997803866
Fair deal for both sides. No need for overreaction theater from either side. The Red Sox were smart to pounce on Pomeranz, a young arm coming into his prime who has begun to figure it out. This one could come back to bite them, but it won’t be for a while. That and you usually have to give up something good to get something good in return. Their rotation really is in good shape at this point, Price, Porcello, Wright, Pomeranz, with the 5th starter being the only question mark (they still have internal options to potentially fill that spot). If I’m the Padres, I’m cashing in the Pomeranz chip for a high upside arm like Espinoza and building for the future. Also, PETCO has been particularly hitter friendly this year meaning Pomeranz should translate ballpark wise just fine. If anything, it’ll be the DH that may present an issue.
hojostache
I’d re-order their rotation, as Porcello is NOT a #2. He is a #3/#4 in a weak rotation and a #5 in a stronger rotation. Price…..Pom….*big gap*….Wright…Procello…re-tread/#5.
As for the trade, it’s a good sign when both sides are happy and unhappy. I think Espinoza was a great get for a rebuilding team, BUT I would have liked another guy or two in there so it isn’t 1:1, which are scary when dealing with any prospect not named Mike Trout/Bryce Harper.
amazedandconfused
I really like this trade. Pomeranz won’t keep that era so low in the AL, but the reality is he doesn’t have to with our offense. Porcello and Price have been winning games just by keeping them in it and posting era’s around 4.
“Excluding the work of Wright, Price and Porcello, the Red Sox have received a combined 7.22 ERA from the rest of their rotation.” This is a really telling quote. The backend of our rotation isn’t keeping us in games. It isn’t easy to score runs when you’re down by 5 after the second inning. It sucks the life out of our players/causes them to become impatient at the plate. The last point I’ll make is that we don’t need another starter. If we can just make it to the playoffs we have enough starting pitching to compete. Our bullpen, however, still needs another arm given all of the injuries. Our bullpen might be worse than our starting pitching.
chieftoto
As a Padres fan, I couldn’t be happier about this. Great return.
rogerlodge
This trade is good for both teams. The Sox get someone who can help immediately and the Padres get someone who can help in 2-3 years with the other prospects they’re piling up.
The Sox effectively replaced Espinoza with Groome today, so I give DD credit for that move. Dealin’ Dave isn’t done yet and if he doesn’t trade Benetendi or Moncada then I’ll be happy.
Goose
The Padres must really like the kid as he is only 18. He is at least 4 to 5 years away. I am surprised the Padres didn’t get more considering the market and Atlanta putting a premium on Teheran. At worst Pomeranz could be another Andrew Miller if he can’t hold up to starting. It is still a reasonable pickup. At least you can roll out 4 decent pitchers. I doubt they will get true stud or #2. From here on out they will probably try to sure up the bullpen.
The Padres next best move would be to move Myers for some talent and then move Kemp to 1B to improve their OF defense. If Kemp somehow can make himself attractive at first maybe you can sucker someone into taking the contract next year.
stymeedone
Since Atlanta plans on contending sooner than San Diego, they should ask for closer to ready players than what the Padres received. Are they asking for “more”? Not necessarily. It just seems that way because lower level prospects aren’t as well known as those at higher levels.
bravesfan1234
I think this is a great deal for the Red Sox. They got Pomeranz for a guy who has given up more hits than innings pitched in low-A. That’s a pretty good deal. Not sure what the Padres are thinking. Surely they could’ve gotten more. Pomeranz is having a career year and has great numbers in an awful pitching market.
4ATalent
Clay’s days in Beantown could be numbered.
start_wearing_purple
Unless Clay is willing to sign for a minor league deal his days were numbered the second he was demoted to the pen. My bet is on Oakland or St. Louis signing him as a reclamation project.
Ray Ray
This is a very dangerous trade for the Padres. There is a reason that teams usually acquire 2-4 prospects for a major leaguer. It’s because prospects fail a lot. This 1 for 1 trade would make more sense if the guy they got was in AAA, but he is in low A. There have been lots of guys that absolutely dominated A ball and couldn’t make it past AA. Espinoza isn’t even dominating A ball. Yes he could end up being an ace, but lottery tickets sometimes win as well. That doesn’t make them a good investment.
bravesfan1234
I agree. I can’t believe they didn’t even get any secondary prospects. Espinosa is a big risk. He’s still only 18 and struggling in low-A ball. Very far from a sure thing. I don’t like this trade for the Padres. Espinosa could be an ace or a reliever at this point.
Ravens_Last_Place
Horrible move by Red Sox. Wow. Shocking and stupid. Padres robbed them.
start_wearing_purple
How? A young starter with great promise but with some issues for a prospect who by definition has great promise but potential issues.
Seems like a potential win win to me.
kylewait89
The Red Sox could trade a low level prospect for Mike Trout and you would come on here about how they lost. Shove on, turd. There is no factual basis behind your comment,
Flatline
Ray and BravesFan…You fail to take into account that more than likely there were zero teams lining up to give you 2-4 guys for Pom…even if his numbers are good, there are question marks all over him. The BoSox took a gamble as well so it evens out in the end. I dont think you are taking Espinoza’s level of skill into account either. Wicked change, FB in the mid 90s and topping into 100s, good breaking pitch….plus he is ONLY 18. He wouldnt be ranked in the top 20 of ALL prospects if he was a flash in the pan low A player that is struggling. Yes…prospects can fail, but so can a 27 yo lefty with a history of injuries and limited innings. Lucky we werent paying alot to Pom and now we have a live young arm with tons of control in the future. I think many people will be eating crow in a few years with this kid.
Ray Ray
He is ranked #19 by Baseball America. Just for fun let’s look back at previous BA #19 guys from the 2000s decade.
2001 – Jerome Williams
2002 – Jerome Williams
2003 – Hanley Ramirez
2004 – J.J,. Hardy
2005 – Chad Billingsley
2006 – Andy LaRoche
2007 – Andy LaRoche
2008 – Elvis Andrus
2009 – Alcides Escobar
2010 – Aaron Hicks
Just looking at that shows out of 8 guys, about half would probably be considered disappointing (some worse than others) and two of the disappointments were the 2 time #19s. Yes, Espinoza could become a superstar, but I think there is enough evidence to show that just because he is a top 20 prospect does not mean he can’t miss.
As for the age thing. Michael Ynoa was the #20 BP prospect in 2009 at age 18. Young doesn’t always work either.
davidcoonce74
None of the players on this list is remotely comparable to Espinoza, however. It’s a cute conceit – hey, look at these #19 prospects! – but just going through the list is a little disingenuous. First off, lets just get rid of the position players. Comparing an 18-year old pitcher to a 22-year old JJ Hardy is a fool’s errand. But obviously, Hardy, Han Ram and Andrus have been terrific players; if the Padres get as much value out of Espinoza then they’ll be ecstatic. But those shortstops are obviously not remotely comparable.
So, as far as pitchers, we’re left with Williams and Billingsley. Williams was always a two-pitch pitcher; even scouts at the time doubted he would ever be more than a bullpen piece. For whatever reason teams kept trying to turn him into a starter, his stuff deteriorated because all he ever tried to do was throw the ball as hard as possible.
Billingsley was the opposite; a polished high-school pitcher who signed at age 18 and made the majors three years later. He was terrific for four seasons and decent for two before he broke. As much as we think top prospects should be superstars for decades, having six years of Chad Billingsey’s career for a half-season of Pomeranz would be an absolute win for the Padres.
and, btw, I love the arbitrary endpoints.
Fenway North
Isnt it 2.5 seasons of Pomeranz?
mrpadre19
Why “a half season of Pomeranz”?
Padres could have had 3 full seasons of Pomeranz…..plus,you know,resigned him!
Why wouldn’t he want to stay in San Diego?
Ray Ray
You missed the entire point of my argument, congratulations that is tough to do. I was not comparing Espinoza to the rest of that group. I was showing the OP that just because Espinoza is a top 20 prospect is not a guarantee of future success. I wasn’t directly comparing Espinoza to any of them.
and, btw, the last full decade is not arbitrary. That is a standard unit of time when making lists. I didn’t choose anything from 2011 on because those prospects have yet to play enough to decide if they are good or not I didn’t go further back because I didn’t feel it was necessary for my point. Although if you want here are just the #19 pitchers from the 90s.
1991 – Mike Mussina
1994 – Jeff Granger
1995 – Doug Million
1996 – Rocky Coppinger
2000 – Josh Beckett
Obviously you have to exclude Million due to his untimely death, but of the other 4 it still rates as about a 50% success rate. Of course the Padres would be thrilled to get a Mike Mussina or Josh Beckett type career out of Espinoza, or even a Chad Billingsley as you point out. But they would be equally disappointed to get Jeff Granger or Rocky Coppinger. My point is that just because he is a highly rated prospect really means nothing at this point. That is why teams normally will try and get secondary and tertiary prospects. I’m not saying the Padres should have held out for Devers or Moncada to be added to the package. Picking up a couple of rookie league/class A guys that have potential, but aren’t top 100 guys could have lessened the risk for the Padres without damaging Boston really at all.
davidcoonce74
Oh, maybe I did miss the point a bit; the #19 overall prospect is what seems arbitrary, but trying to make a list of all the top 20 picks of those ten years would be pretty unwieldy. But I think a better point could be made about this – what we expect from a prospect, right? Most minor leaguers won’t make the majors for much more than a brief cup of coffee. A team has done quite well if they develop a major league regular from within.
I can see your point about quantity over quality, but if you have a chance to cash in a half-season of what is, essentially, freely obtained talent for a top-20 prospect in baseball you do it, no questions asked, in my opinion. If he breaks, well, that’s unfortunate, but pitchers break. Pomeranz could break tomorrow. a team can’t be afraid to take a chance on a pitcher because of potential injury. FWIW, Espinoza seems to have very good mechanics, according to scouts.
And obviously, if the Padres got the career of Mike Mussina, a guy who should be in the Hall of Fame, or Josh Beckett, who compiled 35 WAR over his career, that would be a huge win for them. Pomeranz may have quite a career ahead of him; the track record doesn’t suggest as much, but he developed a cutter this year which has really helped him. He walks way too many guys to be an elite pitcher. But again, the Padres acquired him for junk and turned him into an elite prospect. That’s the kind of move a rebuilding team needs to be making.
JJ Hardy has compiled 28 WAR in his career. HanRam has put up 36 WAR, and Billingsley’s career WAR was 17. If the Padres got any of those outcomes out of Espinoza then they will have won this trade, unless the second half of Pomeranz’ career looks like Clayton Kershaw or something.
Flatline
Who said he can’t miss? Every single prospect is still a prospect…even Harper and Trout had question marks… I said I am OK with this trade because we are all in for the future. This team is rebuilding not trying to win now. I would rather see a kid with serious potential in our system for later than #2 – #3 starter having his best season ever wondering if he can stay healthy/uninjured on a last/almost last team.
highhop
The Sox didn’t gamble at all here. They’ve plenty of time to recoup by signing/developing more starting pitching down the road. They fleeced the Pad’s here. The Bosox absolutely NEEDED another quality starter so the Pad’s could afford to hold out for a greater haul. Preller must be some poker player. I’d love to have him in any game I’m ever in. The dude dealt a highly attractive commodity for bupkis here. If I were a Padres fan I’d be furious.
mrpadre19
If he throws 99 and has a “wicked change”,why are 20-21 year old teeing off on him?
I don’t care if he’s 18…..if he’s the next Pedro and has great stuff….he should at least be dominating Low minors.
kent814
Id wouldve much rather had 2-3 good prospects instead of one great prospect. Because if one flames out(which prospects seem to do), then theres still 1-2 more to look foward to
highhop
If I’m a Padres fan, I really despise this deal. Pomeranz represents a commodity in short supply, obviously, starting pitching, & thus, it was incumbent upon Preller to ensure he got the highest return here possible. Instead, all he got was a lottery ticket that, at best, can’t be cashed for at least 3-4 years and if, and that’s a big if, that ticket does come due, it’s mighty unlikely it ever delivers on its ceiling potential. I think Preller should be hammered for this deal. Just an awful fleecing of the Padre franchise here. Hate the Bosox but have to take my figurative hat off to Dombrowski for acquiring a quality mid+ rotation guy they control through 2018 for only 1 possible future peanut and they still retain those other prospects in that formidable farm system the Sox have. Unbelievable. Awful, awful deal for the padres.
davidcoonce74
I disagree completely. The Padres just, essentially, traded Yonder Alonso and Mark Rzepcynski for one of the top-20 prospects in baseball. Pomeranz was having a nice season, but he’s not likely to keep pitching this well and he certainly won’t be part of the next good Padres team. This is exactly the kind of deal a losing team with useful assets should be making. I love this deal for San Diego. An 18-year old already in high-A who has three above-average pitches, sits 95 and touches 99? Yeah, I’ll take that every day of the week over a 27-year old having an outlier season.
ronk
Salem is high A. Hes in Greenville and not dominating by any stretch. This isnt a Urias situation by any means…
davidcoonce74
San Diego employed Pomeranz for a half-season, then flipped him for Espinoza. Even in Pomeranz continues pitching this well he’ll be 30 by the time he’s going to be a free agent. If I’m San Diego I wouldn’t want any part of that.
davidcoonce74
You’re scouting the stat line; never a good idea. Plenty of superstar pitchers didn’t put up good numbers in A-ball. Hall of Famers even. So yeah, low-A – he’s still 2+ years younger than the average player in the league. I’ll take the lottery ticket over a career middle reliever having an outlier season.
AndThisGameBelongsToMySanDiegoPadres
I think that the Red Sox definitely won this trade. But the upside is definitely there with Espinoza and Pomeranz will be a free agent before the Padres contend again. Perhaps the Padres will re-sign him two years from now and then they’ll have him and Espinoza in the rotation when they’re finally ready to contend?
mrpadre19
Everyone defends this trade because we won’t contend for a couple more seasons…..I get that,but that doesn’t mean the return was enough!
Trade him…..fine,but get 3 players to increase the odds of ever seeing a major league return!
I don’t care how good this ONE kid is….the odds are still HUGE that we ever see him in Brown!
Pom may have been worth much more in the offseason also.
Plus now we get to see who…..Cesar Vargas?
AndThisGameBelongsToMySanDiegoPadres
Nah, 2.5 seasons of Pomeranz plus the added premium of trading for a front-line starter at the deadline has way more value than 2 seasons of Pomeranz.
But I do think that Preller could have (and should have) gotten more.
gomerhodge71
Two thoughts: 1. DD seems to have no issue pillaging his farm system and 2. He seems enamored with the Padres. Reminds me of the mid-1990’s when Dan Duqette seemed to be trying to acquire every Montreal Expo in existence.
bobo 3
Soo the rebuilding Padres turned a guy traded for Scrub Alonso and replaceable Rep, for a top 20 prospect in all baseball. You do realize all the trades Preller has made have been successes. Myers had shown to be an MVP type player at 1B and Melivin has become a beautiful reclamation. Not to mention the meagerness that was given up for Kemp. And please dispute his value over defense, but look at his offensive numbers first and say the Dodgers didn’t get the shaft end of that trade. This is factual evidence and if you disagree then you clearly have a bias. Preller went all in, understanding of the plan of reversion, then upon such acted within it. He has acquired talent beyond what the Padres had. He is building their farm for a future and you all need to respect the job he has done. He turned Pomeranz into a top 15 prospect and Rodney into a promising prospect. Padres have a future and from what has occurred over the past few months, it is something many teams should take note of.
ronk
Grandal has a better OPS+ than Kemp while playing a premium position and costing 14 mil less this year alone AFTER taking into account how much LA is kicking in. Oh and hes 4 years younger. This is all “factual evidence” that you seem to have ignored and totally disregards defense (of which Kemp is an abomination). I like this move for SD but Preller would take back that Kemp deal in a heartbeat.
mrpadre19
Last year how did they compare?
How many games has Grandal been on the field for the Dodgers the last two seasons?
I realize Kemp is WAY over paid….but the Padres “went for it”.
It didn’t work.
But Kemp is a 2nd half player and good for 30/100 every year on a team that usually struggles to score runs.
Hopefully the DH comes to the NL in the next CBA to get him out of RF though to make room for Renfroe.
ronk
Last year he still OPS+d him (by 2), and made the allstar team. Yes hes an injury risk. I’d rather have a good player who gets hurt a lot than a bad one that plays a lot. C’mon man, I’m a closet Padre fan and want them to beat everyone but the Dodgers. You cant say with a straight face they won or even broke even on that deal. I remember the Kemp zoo plenty from my time here and I liked the guy. his bat is (was) legit. If he can get some patience back and stop going out of the zone hes a solid middle of the order guy. I can’t see how people defend him anymore.
rizdakc99
Lol, you say “All the trades Preller has made have been successes.” and then “but the Padres “went for it”. It didn’t work.” So which is it? If every trade has been a success then why didn’t it work?
IMO Padres should have gotten more than a low-A stud. Pom’s salary and controllable years are worth more than that. The odds of Pom being an all-star next year are higher than any low-A kid becoming one at all.
AndThisGameBelongsToMySanDiegoPadres
Last year Grandal was better (and cheaper). This year they’re about the same but Grandal is still cheaper.
A'sfaninUK
You do realize Pomeranz was not good with Oakland and also is a clubhouse cancer, hence all the trades. Preller got lucky on this one.
AndThisGameBelongsToMySanDiegoPadres
How exactly is Pomeranz a clubhouse cancer?
southi
All the trades Preller has made were a success? What real success did he get from acquiring Justin Upton?
I’m pretty sure that the braves are glad to have received Jace Peterson, Dustin Peterson, Mallex Smith, and Max Fried. That looks very good from a braves standpoint.
bravesfan1234
Jace has been tearing it up lately after a disappointing start to the season. Dustin Peterson has been a pleasant surprise and is a rising prospect in AA. Smith was coming on strong before he was injured. Fried has completely recovered from TJS and after shaking off some rust has looked really good. He’s back to throwing a mid-90’s FB with a nasty curve. That has turned out to be a really good trade for the Braves.
AndThisGameBelongsToMySanDiegoPadres
The Padres clearly got the shaft end of the Kemp trade! It would have been a fair trade if Kemp were making as much $ as Grandal but he’s not. He’s making like $18m more. And you can’t just disregard Kemp’s defense. It is so bad that it negates any goodwill he earns with his bat.
davidcoonce74
Great deal for San Diego. Learning the lessons they ignored with Ross and Cashner, i.e.: not trading a pitcher at the peak of his value and getting nothing in return. Instead, the Padres traded a half-season of unusually good production from a career middle reliever for a top-20 prospect. I love it as a Padres fan. Even if Espinoza breaks, going for it like this is refreshing with the Preller regime. He’s starting to turn around his awful debut as GM by making solid trades this season, so far (Apparently Tatis, Jr. looks great so far).
yanks02026
I think people are way over valuing Drew Pom. The guy has had one good season and it’s been in a huge park and the NL. I bet he turns out to be Johnny Cueto 2.0 from last season.
bravesfan1234
It just depends on if Pomeranz is for real or not. If he breaks down then the Red Sox will look stupid. If he keeps pitching like he has been then they will look brilliant. Pretty simple. I still think the Padres didn’t get enough of a return for a guy possibly having a breakout year who is controllable for 2.5 more seasons. I don’t care what Espinosa is rated on the prospect lists. He’s an 18 year old in A-ball. A lot could happen to him by the time he is ready.
Connorsoxfan
But Cueto won his WS game so I’d be ok with that!
Fenway North
His numbers in the AL are actually better. I know it isnt the best sample size either way but just saying.
Ken M.
“I bet he turns out to be”
“I hope* he turns out to be”
I fixed your typo.
forklift1
Todd Hundley was an under rated player as well!
forklift1
Jim Hickman recently passed away too.
fmfish12
Now give a call to Oakland is see what the price for Rich Hill is. Personally, Marco Hernandez for Hill straight up should work, considering Hill is a rental with him being a free agent this winter. The rotation of Price, Wright, Porcello, Pomeranz, and Hill should be a feared one in the American League. You have a proven ace, an All-Star knuckleballer, a sinker-ball pitcher, and two lefties with big hooks. If that all gets done, Big Papi gets a last trip to the Fall Classic to end his HOF career. Go Sox
start_wearing_purple
Yeah, the A’s won’t trade Hill for so little.
A'sfaninUK
There’s absolutely no way the Red Sox are getting Hill without giving up Moncada, Benintendi or Devers -if they gave up Espinoza for Pomeranz then they truly are in buy mode and the A’s could get so, so much more than Marco Hernandez from other teams….but Boston does have the pieces to get him, and getting Papi one more title is more important than any prospect.
Ken M.
If Pomeranz wasn’t worth Moncada, Benintendi and Devers and he has 2+ years of control…. how is Hill worth that when he is a rental???
Connorsoxfan
Well he could’ve been wort Devers, he and Espinoza seem to be valued somewhat equally.
Michael Macaulay-Birks
Not in this market they won’t
krillin
Well, looks like the Padres just landed a future perennial all-star, first ballot HOFer. If you don’t believe me, just go back in time 2 days and ask a Sox fan. Of course, now magically Espinosa isn’t any of that anymore somehow.
Fenway North
Oh, youre still doing this…don’t lump together “Sox” fans.
krillin
Fair enough. That is a good point.. Maybe I should have said “Some Sox fans”
Gogerty
Yeah Krillin, I must agree. If we don’t want to be lumped as “all Braves fans” cannot lump “all Red Sox fans” together.
bravesfan1234
I actually got a good laugh out of reading the Red Sox site Over the Monster. A couple days ago a guy like Espinosa would’ve been untouchable. Now after the trade they were talking about how he was likely to blow his arm out and his lack of size.
Ken M.
I know…. it’s like reading here about Shelby Miller from Atlanta fans before and after the trade.
bravesfan1234
Aww, don’t act butthurt. I don’t really recall any Braves fans acting like that towards Miller, but whatever.
Ken M.
I think you need to go back and read the comments, Chipper.
bravesfan1234
Why do you have a picture of a Yankee when you’re obviously a Red Sox fan? Lame attempt at trolling? And I don’t need to read the comments because I read pretty much all the Braves message boards and Braves fans actually thought Miller would do pretty well. At least a lot better than he has been. They certainly didn’t start claiming his arm would blow up and that he lacked stature. Got any other straw men you’d like to throw at me?
Ken M.
Chipper Jones…. always the internet tough guy.
bravesfan1234
Um, ok.
krillin
Haha, well played good sir. I actually am a Braves fan.
bigjonliljon
Personally, I thought they’d get more. Young, controlled for a few years, having a good year. Only getting a top 20 guy, plus he’s years away from the bigs. Could have got more
krillin
Goes to show why it is not so easy to be a GM. I would suck at it.
krillin
So, Do you guys think there will be a blockbuster trade this year involving mostly big league talent on both (or all three) sides? Or is it going to only be trades like this one where it is prospects for MLB ready guys. Obviously the latter is more common, but I am curious to see if there will be a trade like the for-mentioned.
Connorsoxfan
Red Sox will nab another starter. Probably Hellickson, Santana, or someone from the Rays.
bravesfan1234
I’m not even sure Hellickson is that much better than what they have now and Santana is pretty expensive in terms of cash.
stormie
They’ve gotten a 7+ ERA out of their starters not named Wright, Price, or Porcello, I think Hellickson or Santana could give them better than that. 1 more arm gives them 5 solid rotation pieces, which is all they need with their offense.
krillin
What I am asking is if there will be an MLB for MLB swap
olereb
Did you see that Groome is already ranked in the top 10 by Baseball America and Law has him as number 2 prospect in mlb
Connorsoxfan
Is that a joke? I can’t tell.
Connorsoxfan
And Hellickson is certainly better. You haven’t seen who they’ve been throwing out there I guess. Twins could take on some $$.
olereb
Only to sox fans
giants51
He’s just one piece ….. Don’t stop now
bradthebluefish
Wonder if Pomeranz would be open to an extension, especially when he’ll only make a few million over the next two years of arbitration.
olereb
Hell yes he would be open to an extension
hozie007
No need…….he’s under control the remainder of ’16 and ’17, ’18 and ’19. are his arbitration years and any extension at this point would be a very risky move by the team. His salary will be performance driven and if he can succeed in the AL East he will do well anywhere.
AndThisGameBelongsToMySanDiegoPadres
He’s a free agent after 2018, actually.
chesteraarthur
Why didn’t this trade include Moncada, Benintendi, Devers, and an assortment of green monster seats? Surely the padres “hold all the cards” so they should just insane return! Something must have truly gone wrong in the world
degrom4mvp48
I don’t get this move. Pomeranz is only 27 and they have Wil Myers and a bunch of prospects. Myers and Pomerzan are two good guys to build around.