Detroit was the most disappointing team of the 2008 season. After trading for Miguel Cabrera, Dontrelle Willis and Edgar Renteria they were supposedly the team to beat in the AL. Setbacks to starting pitching (no one pitched to expectations) and injuries/aging to key position players contributed to the collapse. The emergence of Armando Gallaraga and the trade for Edwin Jackson have given Detroit two solid rotation pieces. Rebound years from Verlander and Bonderman and solid starts from either Miner or Porcello out of the 5th spot could give the Tigers a formidable rotation. Cabrera played up to his hall of fame standards the 2nd half of 2008 and has continued that production into 2009. However, as long as Detroit insists on playing him in the field they do not have a true DH. The addition of another bat would go a long way towards getting Detroit back into the playoffs.
The Detroit Tigers sign Barry Bonds.
I don't care about Bonds' steroid use, his pending legal trouble, his negative influence on clubhouse chemistry or the time he has spent away from baseball. He is one of the best hitters of all time...and is looking to play at the league minimum salary. If Bonds is even a shadow of his former self, inserting him into the Detroit lineup will change the way opposing pitchers approach their lineup and will give other players more pitches to hit. Check out this lineup vs RHP:
CF Granderson
2B Polanco
DH Bonds
1B Cabrera
RF Ordonez
LF Guillen
3b Inge
C Laird
SS Santiago
Bonds hitting third allows Magglio to slide down to the 5 spot for more chances to drive in runs which he has excelled at in his career. It also moves Guillen, Inge and Laird down a spot which gives Detroit more depth in the order. Thames can still DH against lefties but should not be allowed near the starting lineup against righties. This is without mentioning the economic advantage of signing Barry...surely an increase in ticket sales would result from his signing. Adding Bonds would be a very smart move for Detroit.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Change of scenery
The Cincinnati Reds were hoping a healthy Alex Gonzalez would provide outstanding defense at SS with some pop. So far...not so good. They have gotten no productivity from SS this season. Oakland has 2 short stops and a good amount of young starting pitching...which means there will be many who don't make it in the bigs. Only a few project as possible front line starters. They also currently have a hole in the rotation due to Duscherer's injury.
The Oakland A's send Bobby Crosby and Gio Gonzalez to the Cincinnati Reds for Homer Bailey.
Bobby Crosby, once thought to be a future star, is blocked in Oakland by Orlando Cabrera and has worn out his welcome over the past few seasons. What better place to move for Crosby than the Great American Ballpark. He smacked 22 HR and won Rookie of the Year honors back in 2004. One could blame his falloff on any number of things...pitchers making adjustments, injuries, steroids, etc. However, he still plays above average defense and has power when healthy...enough to warrant a flier by the Reds. If Crosby comes back to form and hits 20-30 HR that gives Cinci a big boost to their lineup. Gonzalez is a nice, young, hard throwing lefty who could work his way into the middle of the Reds rotation or be an asset in the bullpen. It all depends on whether he can master his command. Bailey pitched miserably last season and couldn't wrestle the 5th starter spot away from Micah Owings this spring. It's time for a change of scenery.
Bailey was once one of the top prospects in baseball. According to scouts, he still has the raw stuff to be an ace. However, his lack of command and attitude problems have left him without a spot in Cinci. A move to the AL west to a large ballpark and some guaranteed starts could help Bailey reestablish himself as a premier young starter. Along with Brett Anderson, Trevor Cahill, Dana Eveland, Dallas Braden and Sean Gallagher, Oakland would have the potential for another stellar rotation for years to come. He is a low risk, high reward acquisition for Oakland. Crosby is not much of a loss as they had been trying to move him and have Cabrera playing a solid SS. Gonzalez was acquired in the Swisher deal with Chicago AL and has a great fastball. He struck out more than a batter per inning in Oakland last season. However, he doesn't have as high a ceiling as Bailey and it is worth the gamble for Oakland to gain a potential ace.
The Oakland A's send Bobby Crosby and Gio Gonzalez to the Cincinnati Reds for Homer Bailey.
Bobby Crosby, once thought to be a future star, is blocked in Oakland by Orlando Cabrera and has worn out his welcome over the past few seasons. What better place to move for Crosby than the Great American Ballpark. He smacked 22 HR and won Rookie of the Year honors back in 2004. One could blame his falloff on any number of things...pitchers making adjustments, injuries, steroids, etc. However, he still plays above average defense and has power when healthy...enough to warrant a flier by the Reds. If Crosby comes back to form and hits 20-30 HR that gives Cinci a big boost to their lineup. Gonzalez is a nice, young, hard throwing lefty who could work his way into the middle of the Reds rotation or be an asset in the bullpen. It all depends on whether he can master his command. Bailey pitched miserably last season and couldn't wrestle the 5th starter spot away from Micah Owings this spring. It's time for a change of scenery.
Bailey was once one of the top prospects in baseball. According to scouts, he still has the raw stuff to be an ace. However, his lack of command and attitude problems have left him without a spot in Cinci. A move to the AL west to a large ballpark and some guaranteed starts could help Bailey reestablish himself as a premier young starter. Along with Brett Anderson, Trevor Cahill, Dana Eveland, Dallas Braden and Sean Gallagher, Oakland would have the potential for another stellar rotation for years to come. He is a low risk, high reward acquisition for Oakland. Crosby is not much of a loss as they had been trying to move him and have Cabrera playing a solid SS. Gonzalez was acquired in the Swisher deal with Chicago AL and has a great fastball. He struck out more than a batter per inning in Oakland last season. However, he doesn't have as high a ceiling as Bailey and it is worth the gamble for Oakland to gain a potential ace.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Another Hamilton/Volquez swap?
The bane of the Texas Rangers is pitching...especially starting pitching. Playing 81 games at the Ballpark in Arlington will demoralize just about any pitching staff...but the Ranger's recent ones have been downright awful. They need to concentrate on power arms and pitchers who don't give up homeruns. The Florida Marlins have a ton of young power arms to go along with Hanley and co. However, Jeremy Hermida has failed to live up to expectations so far which leaves them lacking power from the left side of the plate to protect Hanley and Uggla.
The Texas Rangers send Chris Davis to the Florida Marlins for Chris Volstad.
There were trade talks regarding a swap of Saltalamacchia for Buchholz this past winter which could have been a huge step in the right direction for Texas since Clay is a potential ace and they have a surplus of catching prospects. Acquiring Volstad has less upside but still provides Texas with a young arm who is extremely stingy with the long ball, giving up only 3 HR in 89 IP last season. Volstad has a fastball that sits low 90s with great sink and a solid curve to keep hitters off balance. He is a potential 2/3 starter and exactly the type of pitcher Texas should be targeting in order to reconstruct their terrible rotation in a killer hitter's park. Removing Davis from the equation in Texas gives them more flexibility moving forward. Blalock can be given more time at 1B/DH which allows Michael Young to be transitioned slowly to 3B in order to give Elvis Andrus more AB at SS. More 1B/DH AB will be available for Salty. The Rangers may also choose to call up Max Ramirez for additional AB at C/1B/DH or possibly even future stud 1B Justin Smoak. Unless 3 or 4 starters put up career years, the Rangers won't be making the playoffs so they should get reps in for their highly touted prospects. A future rotation consisting of Neftali Feliz, Chris Volstad, Derek Holland, Matt Harrison and Brandon McCarthy/Kevin Millwood/Vincente Padilla is formidable.
Florida, while giving up a good, young arm who is currently their #3 starter, gains a power hitting 1B/3B to plug in the middle of their lineup between Hanley and Uggla. Davis projects to 30-40 HR and will provide significant protection for Hanley. Wes Helms is no more than a utility player. Jorge Cantu provides some RH power with low OBP but Florida is really missing a lefty presence. Bonifacio doesn't have enough power to play corner IF long term. A platoon that includes Davis, Bonifacio, Cantu and Uggla at 1B/2B/3B gives the Marlins increased flexibility and more productivity. Freddi Gonzalez also has a much stronger defensive infield with Bonifacio at 2B (Uggla's defense....enough said). Losing Volstad hurts, but Florida can slot Anibal Sanchez up to #3, Andrew Miller to #4 and use a combination of Hayden Penn, Dan Meyer and Kiko Calero at #5. Florida also has an abundance of good young arms in the minors who will be arriving within the next few years to replenish the rotation. The addition of Davis to the middle of Florida's lineup is worth at least a few wins.
The Texas Rangers send Chris Davis to the Florida Marlins for Chris Volstad.
There were trade talks regarding a swap of Saltalamacchia for Buchholz this past winter which could have been a huge step in the right direction for Texas since Clay is a potential ace and they have a surplus of catching prospects. Acquiring Volstad has less upside but still provides Texas with a young arm who is extremely stingy with the long ball, giving up only 3 HR in 89 IP last season. Volstad has a fastball that sits low 90s with great sink and a solid curve to keep hitters off balance. He is a potential 2/3 starter and exactly the type of pitcher Texas should be targeting in order to reconstruct their terrible rotation in a killer hitter's park. Removing Davis from the equation in Texas gives them more flexibility moving forward. Blalock can be given more time at 1B/DH which allows Michael Young to be transitioned slowly to 3B in order to give Elvis Andrus more AB at SS. More 1B/DH AB will be available for Salty. The Rangers may also choose to call up Max Ramirez for additional AB at C/1B/DH or possibly even future stud 1B Justin Smoak. Unless 3 or 4 starters put up career years, the Rangers won't be making the playoffs so they should get reps in for their highly touted prospects. A future rotation consisting of Neftali Feliz, Chris Volstad, Derek Holland, Matt Harrison and Brandon McCarthy/Kevin Millwood/Vincente Padilla is formidable.
Florida, while giving up a good, young arm who is currently their #3 starter, gains a power hitting 1B/3B to plug in the middle of their lineup between Hanley and Uggla. Davis projects to 30-40 HR and will provide significant protection for Hanley. Wes Helms is no more than a utility player. Jorge Cantu provides some RH power with low OBP but Florida is really missing a lefty presence. Bonifacio doesn't have enough power to play corner IF long term. A platoon that includes Davis, Bonifacio, Cantu and Uggla at 1B/2B/3B gives the Marlins increased flexibility and more productivity. Freddi Gonzalez also has a much stronger defensive infield with Bonifacio at 2B (Uggla's defense....enough said). Losing Volstad hurts, but Florida can slot Anibal Sanchez up to #3, Andrew Miller to #4 and use a combination of Hayden Penn, Dan Meyer and Kiko Calero at #5. Florida also has an abundance of good young arms in the minors who will be arriving within the next few years to replenish the rotation. The addition of Davis to the middle of Florida's lineup is worth at least a few wins.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Trading Gary Matthews Jr...
Gary Matthews Jr. is currently a $10 mil a year 4/5 OF. The Angels starting rotation is in shambles after recent injuries and the tragic death of Nick Adenhart. Trading Matthews might seem next to impossible given his age, productivity and bad contract but there are a couple possibilities that could benefit both teams:
1. Los Angeles Angels send Gary Matthews Jr. to the New York Yankees for Kei Igawa.
2. Los Angeles Angels send Gary Matthews Jr. and cash ($5 mil/yr) to the Chicago White Sox for Clayton Richard.
Sending Matthews to the Yanks for Igawa is a swap of bad contracts and gives both teams more depth at positions they are weak at. Igawa, while not a solid MLB starter, can be plugged into the Angels rotation immediately and provide some decent innings while they wait for Lackey, Santana and Escobar to recover. The Angels don't need Matthews as a backup OF since they have Juan Rivera and Reggie Willets who are both capable in that role. Matthews, as a switch hitter, could be platooned in CF with Brett Anderson and provide some power at a weak position for NY. It also gives them the flexibility to possibly deal Melky Cabrera, who is reportedly on the outs in the Bronx.
The second move is a little bit trickier since LA has to eat a good chunk of Matthews contract. However, while Richard is unproven and not a top prospect, he could potentially provide some innings at the back end of the Angels rotation until other starters get healthy and then be used as a long reliever. He has the potential to be a 4/5 starter down the road. The move would also give LA some salary relief. Chicago has a huge hole in CF. Ozzie and Ken Williams have been trying to get younger and faster. Matthews, while aging at 34, still has decent wheels and would provide much more pop than Dewayne Wise or Brett Anderson in CF. Matthews isn't a huge HR threat, but playing in Comiskey Park can only help his power totals.
1. Los Angeles Angels send Gary Matthews Jr. to the New York Yankees for Kei Igawa.
2. Los Angeles Angels send Gary Matthews Jr. and cash ($5 mil/yr) to the Chicago White Sox for Clayton Richard.
Sending Matthews to the Yanks for Igawa is a swap of bad contracts and gives both teams more depth at positions they are weak at. Igawa, while not a solid MLB starter, can be plugged into the Angels rotation immediately and provide some decent innings while they wait for Lackey, Santana and Escobar to recover. The Angels don't need Matthews as a backup OF since they have Juan Rivera and Reggie Willets who are both capable in that role. Matthews, as a switch hitter, could be platooned in CF with Brett Anderson and provide some power at a weak position for NY. It also gives them the flexibility to possibly deal Melky Cabrera, who is reportedly on the outs in the Bronx.
The second move is a little bit trickier since LA has to eat a good chunk of Matthews contract. However, while Richard is unproven and not a top prospect, he could potentially provide some innings at the back end of the Angels rotation until other starters get healthy and then be used as a long reliever. He has the potential to be a 4/5 starter down the road. The move would also give LA some salary relief. Chicago has a huge hole in CF. Ozzie and Ken Williams have been trying to get younger and faster. Matthews, while aging at 34, still has decent wheels and would provide much more pop than Dewayne Wise or Brett Anderson in CF. Matthews isn't a huge HR threat, but playing in Comiskey Park can only help his power totals.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
And it begins
I've been meaning to start a blog to discuss my views on how the current MLB rosters are composed and how they can be improved. Basically I get to play GM for every team. Each post will consist of a suggested trade/signing/call-up/draft choice followed by my reasoning for the move. Here's my first (official) attempt:
Los Angeles Dodgers sign Pedro Martinez.
This makes far too much sense to not happen. Lowe signed with Atlanta. Billingsly broke his hip this offseason. Kershaw, while most likely a future ace, is 21 years old. Kuroda is a 3/4 starter thrust into the top of the rotation. Wolf can fill some innings at the back of the rotation. McDonald is completely unproven in the 5 spot. While Pedro is no longer an ace, adding him to that rotation will result in at least a few extra wins. He can take the ball every 5th day as long as he's healthy and throw 5-6 quality innings against weak NL West lineups. If his arm is sore, let McDonald make a spot start. Hopefully playing in warm California weather will help keep him healthy. Even if they sign Pedro and he's hurt most of the season, that $5 million gamble is worth it after throwing so much money at Manny. Don't start being cheap now LA, sign Pedro and give yourselves a better shot at taking the West.
Los Angeles Dodgers sign Pedro Martinez.
This makes far too much sense to not happen. Lowe signed with Atlanta. Billingsly broke his hip this offseason. Kershaw, while most likely a future ace, is 21 years old. Kuroda is a 3/4 starter thrust into the top of the rotation. Wolf can fill some innings at the back of the rotation. McDonald is completely unproven in the 5 spot. While Pedro is no longer an ace, adding him to that rotation will result in at least a few extra wins. He can take the ball every 5th day as long as he's healthy and throw 5-6 quality innings against weak NL West lineups. If his arm is sore, let McDonald make a spot start. Hopefully playing in warm California weather will help keep him healthy. Even if they sign Pedro and he's hurt most of the season, that $5 million gamble is worth it after throwing so much money at Manny. Don't start being cheap now LA, sign Pedro and give yourselves a better shot at taking the West.
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