There is some wisdom in what the Astros did during the off-season, in the trades that brought them Miguel Tejada, Jose Valverde, and Michael Bourn. While Ken Rosenthal can rail against the deals all he wants, there is one thing you need to keep in mind.
None of the players traded was really a superstar. In fact, many weren't really all that good.
Yes, I know, Chad Qualls and Brad Lidge are plenty badass. But Lidge was likely gone in a year and Qualls, while solid, isn't a lights out reliever.
And of the prospects, the only one of real note was Troy Patton, who was sent to the Orioles. Everyone else that was dealt was either a disappointment or wasn't a world beater.
Overall, the Astros likely looked at their system, didn't like what they saw, and decided to spent what little collateral they had to improve their team. So long as they draft the best player available from now on, there is every reason that the Astros can replensih the farm in a short period of time.
That's IF they spend money and IF they draft the best player available, not just who will sign.
Koby Clemens Moving To Catcher
After another year of disappointment, the Astros are moving Koby Clemens back to catcher.
Originally drafted as a catcher, the Astros moved Clemens to third base, feeling that he would his stocky frame would allow him to take the abuse of catching, and his arm would be more than adequate from behind the plate. His bat, which has been disappointing thus far, would also look a lot better from behind the bag as well.
It's clear that there was some pressure on the Astros to draft Koby due to his dad, who was on the staff, but really, the Astros would have been better off spending the six figure bonus on someone else. Anyhow, Clemens could really provide some value from behind the plate if he's able to be a adequate catcher. Catching prospects are currently lacking in the majors and if Clemens can turn into at the very least a Gregg Zaun type of player, he's got a lot of value.
Astros Need To Re-Establish International Presence
Okay, one more, because quite frankly, I've had enough.
The Astros need to figure out why their pipeline to Latin America has dried up.
In the past, the Astros were kings of the Venezuelan Talent Market, with them signing player after player that was a serious talent. Some of the former talent mined from Venezuela: Bobby Abreu, Richard HIdalgo and Freddy Garcia, all of whom have enjoyed solid big league careers.
The talent has dried up.
Part of it has been Drayton McLane's tightening of the purse strings and refusing to pay up for big money talent in the draft or abroad. But the other part is that the Astros didn't evolve They weren't able to adjust for the times and as a result, several other teams now dominate the Venezuelan market and the Domincan, areas where the Astros did relatively well.
Whatever the case, it's time for Houston to re-establish their presence on the International Market.
Because all of the patch jobs, no matter the price, won't keep the franchise stable for much longer.
The Orioles have been killed by bad free agent acquisitions, defections, scandal, and the meddling of a owner that holds way too much control for the team to be successful. Add it some rather poor trades over the years and it’s safe to say that the Orioles have just shot themselves in the foot, but have emptied the entire clip into it.
Starting Rotation
Erik Bedard (LHP) – Bedard emerged as the Orioles ace last season and lead the team in strikeouts and in starts. Bedard will likely lead the team again, as he’s clearly become the best starter on the roster, and he keeps improving, he’ll be an easy choice for the All-Star team and a building block for the Orioles to build around.
Kris Benson (RHP) – Benson was pretty much how people projected him to be. An innings eater that will break close to .500 as far as win totals go. Benson will likely be the number two starter in the rotation, even though he should be lower. Looking at the Orioles roster, I doubt that any of the other starters will knock him down a peg unless Hayden Penn comes on strong and takes a job in the rotation away from Adam Loewen or Daniel Cabrera.
Daniel Cabrera (RHP) – Cabrera was awful last season, but he did improve as the season went on. The onus is on Cabrera to improve, more than any other pitcher, as Wright and Benson are known quantities. Because should Cabrera again be terrible, it’s going to be a long season in Baltimore.
Jaret Wright (RHP) – A pretty decent gamble by the Orioles, as Wright is cheap and the Orioles really had nothing to lose except for the talented, but portly right hander Chris Britton. Wright was healthy last season and went 11-7, 4.49 in 140 innings. Wright isn’t a guy that will go the distance, never has, but if the bullpen is improved, than six is really all the Orioles will need him for. He’s an average pitcher that will compete to win, and it’s possible that reuniting him with his former pitching coach, Leo Mazzone, will make an difference in his performance.
Adam Loewen (LHP) – The Orioles had some high hopes for Loewen, but injury shut him down for months and when he returned, he was less than stellar. Loewen will likely be the fifth starter this season and, to be honest, he should actually provide average production from the position. It won’t be pretty, but it will be workable.
Bullpen
Chris Ray (Closer) – The Orioles passed on re-signing B.J. Ryan partially because they believed in Chris Ray. Ray rewarded the Orioles with a rookie of the year caliber season in which he went 4-4 with a 2.73 ERA and 33 saves. An even better piece of info is that Ray was better on the road than at home, a plus when you have several of the games best offensive players in your division. All things considered, Ray should continue to be a promising young closer.
Danys Baez (Setup Man) – Baez was awful last season, making the prospects received from LA by the Devil Rays more palatable. Baez surely can’t be as bad as he was last season and it’s possible with Leo Mazzone in Baltimore that he can regain some form of his old dominance. But then again, we’ve seen many closers implode and never be the same again. Hence, that three year deal of his is a lot more o####amble than the Orioles’ brass sees it.
Hayden Penn (RHP) – There’s a lot to like about Penn. He’s got great size and still can add some weight on and he has been able to throw a mid-90s fastball, change-up and curve for strikes. His biggest problem has been command, leading to more walks and home runs than he should be giving up. Penn will likely be in the bullpen to give him some experience, but he could be thrust into the rotation, depending on whether or not Loewen or Cabrera imploded.
Jaime Walker (LHP) – Orioles paid quite a lot of money to steal this lefty from the Tigers. I’m not sure that’s a wise decision, as his appearances have been decreasing over time, possibility due to a lack of durability or injury.
Chad Bradford (RHP) – Former Met took the Orioles money to move back to the AL. He was solid last season and so far, things look to be pretty good as far as projections go.
Scott Williamson (RHP) – Not sure why the Orioles went after him. He could have just been an excuse to spend money.
Projected Lineup
Brian Roberts (2B) – This solid leadoff man and offensive beat should continue to improve as he distances himself more and more from this Tommy John procedure. I think he’ll have a big year, and will be making a case for a huge raise, one way or another.
Corey Patterson (CF) – Entering his walk year, Patterson should be a solid fit in the second spot, and regained much of that luster he had when he was with Chicago (before Dusty Baker drove him crazy.)
Nick Markakis (RF) – This young rookie put up monster numbers after his callup and should be a solid producer for many years to come. He’s not going to be nearly as good as his stat line indicates, but he projects to be very much like a Grady Sizemore type of player.
Miguel Tejada (SS) – Tejada really should move over to third base, as he’s no longer got the mobility or the range to play the position well. Unfortunately, ego won’t allow him to accept a move, so the Orioles will just have to live with it. He’s also losing power, which is very worrisome considering that the Orioles are looking at him to be the cleanup hitter and main power source on this team. He should produce a batting average around .310 with 20 or so homers, but look for the RBI totals, and perhaps the injuries, to begin piling up before too long.
Aubrey Huff (DH) – Huff really isn’t the emerging star that he was back in 2003, but he still is a quality signing as far as the Orioles go. Huff still can hit for power, he takes walks and produces well enough to be a DH. He can also play the outfield and infield corners (not well, but he can play them), allowing them to swap him in for Millar or Payton at any point in time. All in all, Huff gives the Orioles a pretty nifty #### for their buck.
Melvin Mora (3B) – Mora is also another hitter that seems to be losing punch in this lineup as he gets older. But Mora, like Tejada, was also fairly productive and did a pretty good job at third base. He should be okay for another season, provided he hits farther back in the order and the onus isn’t on him to be a main run producer.
Ramon Hernandez (C) – Baltimore did well to acquire the former Padre, who was just hitting his prime at 30. Hernandez is solid defensively and able to it for power and his average. In a sense, he’s rather much like Javy Lopez, the man he replaced. Hernandez should be able to keep up his production for another three years, but by then his deal should be finished and he’ll be able to transition to another position or become a DH, depending on production.
Jay Payton (LF) – Payton did nicely in left field for Oakland, but he took the bigger payday in Baltimore than what Oakland offered for him to stay. Payton should provide some very solid performance as long as he gets some time off now and then, because let’s face it, he’s not exactly entering his prime here.
Kevin Millar (1B) – Millar improved from his awful 2005, but he just went from awful to mediocre. Expect much of the same this year.
Bench
Adam Stern (OF) – Stern is a solid defender and can play all of the positions, plus serve as a pinch runner. But unfortunately, he hits worse than Bako.
Paul Bako (C) – A solid defender, but that bat is awful.
Jay Gibbons (OF) – Abarrage of injuries ruined a promising season for him early on, and his health in spring is something you should watch. It’s possible that if things shake right for him, Gibbons may get back to 25 homers and 90 RBI if he stays healthy. With Jay Payton’s health not the best in the world, he should get a fair shake.
Freddie Bynum (UTIL) – This former Cubs utility guy hit .252/.308/.456 in 71 games with the Cubs last year. His primary asset is his speed and his versatility, as he played all three outfield positions and second base last year, and shortstop and third base if needed.
Down On The Farm…
The Orioles have a nice young core of talent to build around, with Markakis and Ray looking like future stars and Loewen, Cabrera and Penn possibly having impact potential. But the system is lacking in ready prospects for the moment, with only these guys possibly having some affect at some point during the season.
Garrett Olson (LHP) – This Cal Poly product moved quickly through the system with thanks to a plus fastball and curve. He’s got a favorable changeup and has very neat mechanics and can last through games. Unfortunately, as a college pitcher, he’s pretty much a finished product, meaning he’ll be a back of the rotation innings eater at best.
James Hoey (RHP) – Hoey doesn’t project as a starter, but he could be a great reliever and setup man. Hoey’s got extraordinary velocity, with a fastball that sits in the high 90’s and can hit over 100 at times. But the lack of a breaking pitch limits his success, as seen when he was destroyed during a major league call up.
Jeff Fiorentino (OF) – A poor man’s Jay Payton, Fiorentino is on the short list for prospects to be called up in the event of an emergency. Fiorentino has solid plate discipline and makes good contact with the bat. He has average power and can play all of the outfield positions. He should be a solid bench player in the future.
In Conclusion
No way in hell this team finishes higher than 4th (unless Peter Angelos has the entire 25 man rosters of the Red Sox, Yankees and Blue Jays kidnapped.)
Final Standing: Fourth in the American League East
This column was originally supposed to have been posted yesterday.I figured, hey, it’s the Fourth and I’ll have time.
Instead, I got monumentally drunk.
With that episode behind mere, here is the column.
Even with a great many teams remaining in contention, the fact of the matter remains that some guys are out of the race withno chance of getting back in.And many of these teams have players that could be valuable for a team in need of one more player to push them over the hump and into the playoffs.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the teams across baseball that can help your team.
Baltimore Orioles
Back in the basement, the Birds are paying the price for neglecting their farm system and for their owner’s reluctance to spend any money.With a team that is largely laughed at and being used to pad opponents’ win schedules, the Orioles need to patch the wholes in their ship and get things back on track.
Untradable
Kevin Millar – The Red Sox were justified for getting rid of the poo-slinging, under productive Millar.He isn’t much better this year, hitting .242 with 6 homers and 32 RBI’s.
Bruce Chen – Chen had a great year last year, but has been terrible this year.The O’s are trying to figure out what’s up, but the fact is that he’s been awful.He had some trade value during the winter.That’s all up in smoke now.
Untouchable
Melvin Mora – Was just re-signed.
Ramon Hernandez – Still under contract.
Chris Ray – Could become the next BJ Ryan.
Corey Patterson – A steal for the Birds, is their centerfielder for the next few years.
Ramon Hernandez – Still under contract.
Chris Ray – Could become the next BJ Ryan.
Brian Roberts – Still under the Orioles’ control for next year.
LaTroy Hawkins, Todd Williams, and Kurt Birkins – This is the makings of a All-Star bullpen right here and the O’s shouldn’t blow it up.
Tradable
Miguel Tejada – The Orioles have been trying to find a way of moving Tejada for a while now. However, because Tejada has lost range, teams are interested in him as a third baseman or a DH. While Tejada will likely balk at being moved, he must realize that he must be accomodating if he is to return to the playoffs. Tejada should bring in several good prospects for the Orioles.Ideal Fit – Los Angeles Angels (Third Base/DH).
Javy Lopez – Lopez has proven that he can still hit, even if he can no longer play catcher consistently.And while he shouldn’t be anywhere near a catcher’s mitt if he gets traded, he can help out a team in need of a DH.Ideal Fit – Seattle Mariners.
Kris Benson – Benson is another luxury that the Orioles don’t need at the moment.An innings eater, Benson’s ERA is skewed by a terrible May.Still, he’s a fairly good pitcher and would add depth to a team needing help.His price would be a pitching prospect and a decent position player.Ideal Fit – New York Mets (Ironically), Texas Rangers (Anna In Texas.Woot!), San Francisco Giants.
Final Notes
The Devil Rays are keeping as many of their youngsters together as possible to build for a run in a couple of years.If they can unload Lugo and Huff for something good, the D-Rays should gain some more pieces to the future.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
They’re not likely to make the playoffs, but they are a team on the rise.And with all the extra outfielders and such, they could be a big trade deadline dealer to contenders.
Untradable
Pretty Much No One
Untouchable
Rocco Baldelli – Stud outfielder.
Carl Crawford – Fantastic player.
Scott Kazmir – Need I say more.
Delmon Young – Mildly crazy, but will still become a very good rightfielder.
Johnny Gomes – Has gone from outfielder to great DH.
Tradable
Julio Lugo – The Devil Rays have made it no secret that they want to unload Lugo before he walks.The problem is getting a fair deal.While Lugo is vastly overrated as a shortstop, he’d be a decent second baseman and his offensive numbers could be enough to entice a team in need of a second baseman for the stretch.Ideal Fit – New York Mets, Boston Red Sox (at Short), Houston Astros (At Short).
Aubrey Huff – Huff started badly, but has since regained his form from last year.Huff could latch on to a contender as a third baseman, outfielder, or Designated Hitter.Ideal Fit – Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros (OF), New York Yankees (OF).
Final Notes
The Devil Rays are keeping as many of their youngsters together as possible to build for a run in a couple of years.If they can unload Lugo and Huff for something good, the D-Rays should gain some more pieces to the future.
Cleveland Indians
Many expected the Indians to seriously challenge the White Sox for the division, if not make the Wild Card.Instead, the Indians are undergoing a setback this year and with the emergence of the Tigers and the revival of the Twins, the Indians would be better off selling off some of their parts in order to make a run in the future.
Untradable
Guillermo Mota – Mota has fallen fast in the past two years.He’s a liability in the pen and it’s likely that he’ll remain on the Indians until the end of the year or so.
Aaron Boone – Really not good enough to be an everyday player.However, it’s likely he remains on the Indians until the end of the year.But he’ll always have 2003.
Untouchable
Travis Hafner – Offensive juggernaut.
Ron Belliard – Good player.
Grady Sizemore – Centerfielders are in demand all around the league.
C.C. Sabathia – Duh.
Ben Broussard – One of the better first basemen in the league.
Tradable
Bob Wickman – Wickman has been an adventure in the 9th inning, blowing four of his saves for losses.He’s getting up there in age and with the Indians stressing the need for a younger team, Wickman could be dealt to a team needing middle relief or a setup man.Ideal Fit – Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers.
Jake Westbrook – Oddly enough, Westbrook’s name has been mentioned, mostly because he’s due to become a free agent after 2007.Westbrook is a quality innings eater and could help out a team in need of pitching depth.However, he’ll likely cost a team a high blue chip prospect.Ideal Fit – Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Cincinnati Reds .
Final Notes
Not much else to say about the Indians except that it’s been a disappointing season in Cleveland.At least the Browns look like they’ll be okay this year.
Kansas City Royals
Ah, the Royals.Eternally terrible, it seems.While there is optimism about Dayton Moore taking the reigns of this wildly off-course ship, the former Royals administration didn’t exactly leave him much to build upon.Thus, the Royals should use this season to check out their youngsters that are available at Triple A while shipping their few marketable commodities in trades to help deepen the system.
Untradable
Everyone…just kidding!!!Mike Sweeney – For starters, Sweeney is a shadow of what he once was.A promising hitter early in his career, it has since been derailed by injury and a balky back.However, even if Sweeney was even close to being productive, his huge contract makes it impossible to trade him.
Untouchable
David DeJesus – The stud of the lineup.
Mark Teahen – Has the makings of a steady third baseman.
Zack Grienke – Still can be a good middle of the rotation guy.
Joey Gathright – Was just acquired.
Tradable
Doug Mientkiewicz – Mientkiewicz is having a great year this year, hitting .278 with 4 homers and 35 RBI’s (Trying To Be Positive!)While he won’t be an immediate threat in the lineup, he could add some depth in the back of the lineup, allowing a team to further deepen their lineup while adding a quality glove at the hot corner.Ideal Fit – New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, San Francisco Giants.
Mark Grudzielanek– The man who should have been KC’s All-Star, Grud’s still got something left.Not only is he still fairly productive at the plate, but he’s been perfect in the field.He could be had for very little and would help a contender in need of a steady glove at second that packs a punch.Ideal Fit – Oakland Athletics, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, St. Louis Cardinals.
Reggie Sanders – A veteran of the post-season races, Sanders has played in three World Series and has been in the playoffs 5 times in the past six years.While his experience would help, he’s no longer the power threat he once was.However, he’s very useful in a platoon situation against lefty pitching and can play the outfield well enough were he wouldn’t kill the defense.However, his large contract makes it hard to make the move.Ideal Fit – Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals.
Final Notes
The Royals are the Royals.However, if Moore plays his cards right, he should be able to do all right.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
No team has been a bigger disappointment than the Angels, who were a trendy pick to win the AL West this year.They’ve instead become the newest prison #### (no offense to prison ####es out there) to join the Royals and the Devil Rays (though it must be said that the Devil Rays are an entertaining team to watch.)And while Artie Moreno and Bill Stoneman are trying like hell to get back into the race, they’re already too far behind to recover.Instead, the Angels should try and rebuild their team with their farm system and spend the rest of the year tossing prospects against the wall and seeing what sticks and what doesn’t.And, to help get payroll under control, the Angels need to move some people around in order to deal with some of their issues.
Untradable
Adam Kennedy – No longer what he once was, Kennedy is hitting .257 with no power and no plate discipline.His defense, once exceptional, is now rapidly declining.His trade value is pretty much dead at this point, so the Angels should just ride it out and let him go in the off-season.
Darin Erstad – Erstad is widely respected on the clubhouse, but is no longer the player he once was.His defense is terrible and his offense is anemic.The only good news is that Erstad’s deal is in it’s last year.No team will take him (though if it was the NBA, he’d be a hot commodity), but at this point in his career, Erstad should look toward retirement and become Mike Scocias bench coach, where he’d be able to continue to mentor the little angels.
Garret Anderson – Anderson is also rapidly declining, but unlike Erstad, Anderson is locked into a ballooning four-year deal that runs through 2008 ($10 million this year and $23 million over the next two years.)While Anderson is one of the few holdovers from the 2002 World Series team, it’s time to pull the plug and have him sit.
Chone Figgins – A utility player, Figgins really doesn’t merit a starting gig since his batis largely weak.Figgins is cheap compared to the other guys, so the Angels
Jeff Weaver – Has been horrible in his AL return and at this point, he’s sitting on the DFA list, waiting for a trade or his release.It’s likely that the latter will happen.
Untouchable
Vladimir Guerrero – Need I Say More.
Kelvim Escobar – Was just re-signed.
Kendry Morales – Still can be great.
Bartolo Colon – Still is the ace.
Francisco Rodriguez – Fantastic closer.
Scott Shields – Fantastic setup man.
Jared Weaver – Could boot Colon out of the ace role.
Tradable
Orlando Cabrera – Cabrera has bounced back from his horrible 2005 season and is now looking like the player he was in Montreal.Cabrera still has that great glove at short and would be an asset to any team in need of shortstop help.Still, he’s got two more years on a large contract, which scares away some potential suitors.Still, unloading Cabrera allows the Angels to bring aboard Eric Aybar, their top shortstop prospect, who would give the Angels not only payroll flexibility, but a possible offensive upside that would be greater than what Cabrera offers them.Ideal Fit – Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox.
Ervin Santana – The most expendable for the Angels’ pitching, Santana’s got great stuff.While he isn’t an ace, he could be dealt to another selling team if the deal brings back a potential impact bat that is relatively cheap and can help out the Angels next year.Ideal Fit – Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies.
Final Notes
It’s rare that a team can unload and comeback in contention, but the Angels have that possibility with their farm system.While many in baseball are privately saying that the Angels have over-hyped their prospects, there are some very good players that the Angels have as options that can make a difference and possibly return the Angels to contention next year.
Atlanta Braves
It looks like the Braves’ run of dominance in the NL East is at an end.Part of it has been the underperforming of many of their stars.The other has been that the Braves had long dominated a weaker division.But with the Mets returning to power and the Marlins ahead of schedule, the Bravos are now battling age, both young and old, plus a high payroll that is starting to take it’s toll.
Untradable
Jeff Francour – But not for the reasons you may think.While he’s got great power potential, his plate discipline is among the worst in the league.And when you can’t get on base, that power isn’t much good to you unless you are consistently challenging for the home run record every year.
John Thomson– Once thought to be a quality starter to trade for, Thomson’s stock has plunged so far that the Braves wouldn’t be able to get anything great in return.
Untouchable
Chipper Jones – Jones is an institution in Atlanta.Trading him would be sacrilege.
Edgar Renteria – The Braves have a sweet deal with Renteria, who has a majority of his salary being paid by Boston.
Tim Hudson – Is having a down year, but his ERA is largely high because the Braves were destroyed in Interleague Play.
Adam LaRoche – ADD be damned, he’s still quite productive at the plate.
Brian McCann – One of the best young catchers in the league.
Horacio Ramirez – Could develop into a workhorse pitcher.
Tradable
Andrew Jones – Jones is the Braves’ most valuable trade chip that they have at the moment.Jones is currently on pace to hit over 40 homers this year and over 100 RBIs.However, Jones is also nearing the end of his contract, with 2007 being his last year.And with his agent, Scott Boras, wanting to set a high price for centerfielders, the Braves would lose him and gain nothing in return.Thus, Jones could be traded if it brings in young pitching and a near major league outfielder.Ideal Fit – Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals.
John Smoltz – Smoltz is another valuable trade chip that the Braves could deal.His record is only 5-5, largely because of the bullpen betraying him every start, but his 100 strikeouts and low ERA definitely bear paying attention to.Smoltz is worth a pair of high prospects for a team wanting to make a playoff run.But because of Smoltz’s love for Atlanta, it would be necessary to guarantee a second year out of him in order for any trade to go through.Ideal Fit – Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees, New York Mets.
Final Notes
With the Braves’ farm system weak in any ready prospects, the Braves need to step back for a few years, ditch some salary, and try to become competitive.However, I hope that the Braves now know that a solid closer is a must for anyone.
Washington Nationals
Seeking to rebuild using a homegrown team, the Nats will probably be the biggest seller at the deadline.
Untradable
Royce Clayton – His best years are behind him and he’s kryptonite to a contender.He’s going to stay until his contract expires.
Brian Schnider – One of the worst catchers in the league, Schnider also is going to stay until his contract expires.
Untouchable
Ryan Zimmerman – A great young third baseman, Zimmerman is the building block that the Nats will build on.
Nick Johnson – He’s still got a couple of years of service time left, so he stays as well.
Chad Cordero – A good young closer, Cordero is also staying for the long haul.
Michael O’Connor – The future ace of the staff, O’Connor has good stuff and years of service time.He also stays.
Tradable
Alfonso Soriano– The biggest name on the list, Soriano brings All-Star offense and speed to any lineup.The only problem is his strikeout totals.Still, he’s only months away from free agency, so only a team that is going to be right in the hunt should make a trade.Ideal Fit – New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels.
Livan Hernandez – Hernandez has some value as a fifth starter and innings eater, provided that he’s yanked before he does damage to his lead.Beyond that, I’d only trade for him if I had a strong bullpen.Ideal Fit – New York Mets.
Mike Stanton – He’s not what he once was, but he could be a help to a team needing bullpen relief.Ideal Fit – Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers.
Pedro Astacio – Has only made one start, but already could be gone.He’d benefit from pitching in a pitcher’s park as the fifth starter.Ideal Fit – San Diego Padres, New York Mets.
Ramon Ortiz – His terrible start inflated his ERA, but he appears to be returning to form.Like Astacio, would also benefit from a pitcher’s park.Ideal Fit – San Diego Padres, New York Mets.
Jose Vidro – One of the best offensive second baseman in baseball, Vidro gives any offense a boost.Ideal Fit – New York Mets.
Jose Guillen – Is going through a slump right now.He should be traded for only if you think he needs a change of scenery.Ideal Fit – New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers.
Final Notes
Is there any team that is in need of a makeover more than the Nationals?No.While I don’t approve of fire sales, in Washington’s case it’s necessary in order to allow the team to finally leave the Expos behind in order to come into it’s own.
Chicago Cubs
Times have been hard since that meltdown in 2003.
Since that day when the Cubs were only a few outs from reaching the World Series, it’s safe to say all has gone to hell in Wrigleyville.
The Cubs, now bogged down by large contracts, ineffective players, and a lack of direction from the management, will probably be listening to offers for some of their players in an attempt to restock a rather lackluster farm system.The fact of the matter is that it’s time for the Cubs to start over again and try to put together a young team in 2007, since the Central and the Wild Card are long shots for them to make this year…or longer.
Untradable
Juan Pierre – No longer what he once was, Pierre has gone from premier lead off man to filler in the back end of the rotation.He is reportedly wanting a big contract extension at the end of the season.Because his value is near zero, he’s going to stay with the Cubs until the end of the season.
Mark Prior – If Prior was a shell of what he once was, there’d be some trade value to him.Unfortunately, there isn’t even that.
Kerry Wood – The lone bright spot about Wood is that the Cubs will be done with him by the end of the season.
Untouchable
Derrek Lee – Was just given a long term contract.
Carlos Zambrano – The ace of the staff.
Ryan Dempster – Good closer, when he’s on.
Ronny Cedeno – Needs some work, but could be solid if he matures.
Sean Marshall – Promising starter that the Cubbies will build around with Zambrano.
Tradable
Greg Maddux – He might have enough in the tank for one final run.After that, Maddux is pretty much set to begin his hall of fame waiting period.Ideal Fit – Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers.
Aramis Ramirez – Ramirez has been one of the chief underperformers for the Cubbies at the plate.Still, he’s been improving as of late and he could be a nice pickup for a team in need of a third baseman with some pop.Ideal Fit – Los Angeles Angels.
Scott Williamson – An effective reliever, Williamson could be a nice pickup for a team needing pitching depth.Ideal Fit – Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, Texas Rangers.
Phil Nevin – Nevin is pretty much done.With that said, a team might take a chance on him considering that the Rangers have pretty much paid him up.Ideal Fit – ?.
Todd Walker – Not a bad player, he’s versatile and could be a DH in the American League.Ideal Fit – Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets.
Michael Barrett – A hard hitting catcher with good defense, Barrett could be the most attractive member of the Cubs for a team in need of higher offensive production out of the catcher position.Ideal Fit – Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies.
Jacque Jones – Had trouble early on, Jones’ power surge as of late is out of line with his career.He’d be a good solution for a team needing another bat, but that contract of his makes this prohibative.Ideal Fit – Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers.
Final Notes
Trading away some of the dead weight will help the Cubs in the future, but replenishing the farm system is something the Cubs need to do on their own as well.Because of that, it’s likely the Cubs won’t contend for at least another 3 or 4 years at the latest.
Pittsburg Pirates
The Pirates, the NL’s version of the Royals, seemed to be building to something good last year.However, with the youngsters struggling, the Pirates are likely to return to their usual spot:the bottom of the NL Central (though the Cubs could give them a run for their money.)
Untradable
Kip Wells – While it’s hard to target one person that is untradable, Wells has been absolutely awful this year, going 0-3 with a ERA over 15.Wells isn’t even worth a water cooler at this point.
Untouchable
Anyone with less than two years service time on them.Pretty much most of the team.
Tradable
Sean Casey – Casey just signed a long term deal with the Pirates this past off-season and has produced at the plate.However, despite his quality hitting, Casey is a luxery that the Pirates can’t afford right now.Thus, they should dangle Casey to a team in need of a offensive threat at first or as a DH.Ideal Fit – Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels,
Damaso Marte – Marte, who has been valuable as a reliever, could be dealt for a young offensive prospect/quality starter prospect by a team in need of bullpen help.Ideal Fit – Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers.
Final Notes
There are so many needs for the Pirates that it would require a whole column to detail what they need.At the moment, though, the Pirates could get a decent start on fixing those needs if they were to become a seller at the deadline.
Happy Friday to ya’ll.I enjoyed my little “vacation” as best as I can.You all know how it is when guests come over.You’re glad to have them, but it can be a pain to constantly play host.Anyhow, here is my five pitch outing for today.
Miggy’s Days Are Numbered
It’s looking more and more like Miguel Tejada will probably be out of Baltimore by the trade deadline.
The Orioles, going nowhere fast and fast needing some good young pitching to rebuild their team around, are quietly shopping the Shortstop around, requesting a package centered around a major league pitcher with plenty of service time remaining.
While part of the reason for Tejada being shopped are because he’s such a valuable trade chip for a franchise lacking farm system depth, Tejada has also started ticking off executives and manager Sam Perlozzo with his tardiness in arriving for games. However, many of these stories have purposefully been kept quiet and Tejada has not been punished so as not to hurt his value.Another concern is that Tejada may be losing his range at the shortstop position and that as a result, he could become more of a liability at short, resulting him in having to move to the DH position, which in turn would create problems for Javy Lopez.
With this in mind, the Orioles should consider dealing the shortstop in order to acquire the trade chips necessary to rebuild for the future.Because of the situation with owner Peter Angelos is so toxic, the Orioles front office needs to focusing on building through the farm system in order to bring up new talent that would help the team.Because Angelos is so reluctant to spend money or take chances on players with even a hint of injury history, the best bet for the Orioles is to bring up their own men and spend the money necessary to retain them.
At the moment, the most serious team in the hunt for Tejada is the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, who need another power bat in the lineup.The Angels certainly have a lot of trade chips, and could offer shortstop Brandon Wood and pitcher Ervin Santana and maybe even throw Jeff Weaver in to sweeten the deal.The Orioles would get a suitable replacement for Tejada and have another arm in the rotation to back up Kris Benson.As for Weaver, if he were to go to the Orioles, it’s possible that he could rebound from his horrible start and possibly set himself financially.If not, well, then no big loss for the Orioles.
Other rumors abound about the Cubs, Red Sox, and possibly the Rockies, but all of these are far fetched.The fact is, the Red Sox would have to sacrifice their future of the rotation in order to win now, the Cubs are a mess and don’t need to add any more salary then they already have and the Rockies hoard their pitching prospects like a pirate does treasure.
But the fact of the matter remains that the Orioles do need to unload their shortstop as soon as possible, before something happens to kill his value, resulting in a Joey Gathright-esque trade in which the trading organization could have gotten so much more.
The Top Trade Chip Is…With The Yankees?
His Name Is Philip Hughes.
And he could be yours…for the right price.
While the Yankees are reluctant to part with Phil Hughes, their top pitching prospect, other clubs are tripping over each other to scout the hard-throwing right-hander in case the Yankees do move him for a stud arm or bat.Seven organizations that are scouting him have been the Oakland Athletics, who almost acquired him a couple of years ago, the Los Angeles Dodgers, who would have to offer something good to get him, the Diamondbacks, who could send centerfielder Chris Young or Justin Upton, both stud centers, in exchange, the Texas Rangers, who could attempt to move Adam Eaton and another outfielder, most likely Kevin Mench or Mark DeRosa, and three others, believed to be the Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and Washington Nationals.In 10 games for the Thunder, Hughes, 20, was 4-3 with a 3.18 ERA. In 621/3 innings, he had given up 49 hits, fanned 64 and walked 20. Opposing batters where hitting .217 against Hughes.
In looking at the possible trades, the Yankees probably won’t get many enticing offers that would benefit them long term.Looking at the possible trade offers:
Oakland Athletics – Barry Zito would have to be a part of the package.While the Yankees would gain a reliable left handed starter, the fact remains that they would have to pay through the roof to get Zito to sign an extension.Plus, Zito is almost certainly going to be available in free agency, so they could wait half a season and still get him.
Texas Rangers – Not a lot to offer in terms of outfield help.Brad Wilkerson and Gary Matthews Jr. are untouchable and DeRosa has been having a fluky year.And while Kevin Mench is a solid (but streaky) hitter, it’s unlikely that the Yankees would gamble the farm for either guy.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays – Has the talent to make an offer, the Rays could send Rocco Baldelli or one of their other outfielders to the Yankees for the prospect.All of them have years of service time left, giving the Yankees a chance to build a new core of youngsters for the future.While many would claim that Hughes is worth Carl Crawford, please remember that Crawford is a established commodity.Hughes isn’t.
Philadelphia Phillies – The swap would almost certainly involve Bobby Abreu, but such a trade is so extremely short term (plus such a huge payroll hit) that it isn’t worth it.Now, if the Yankees could swing a lesser prospect for the underused and underappreciated David Dellucci, then we might have something.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Ummm, why acquire another prospect when you’ve got several?This deal makes very little sense, unless the Dodgers are planning to spin Hughes in another deal for bullpen depth.But even then, the Dodgers have pitching depth to call up help from.
Washington Nationals – Jim Bowden wants to make a deal to save his job and would want to trade Alfonso Soriano to the Yankees in exchange for Hughes and a couple of the Yankees’ Class A prospects.But again, this is a case of why bring in said guy when you could get him in free agency.
Arizona Diamondbacks – The Snakes covet young pitching to rebuild their rotation, but I’m not sure that Hughes would do well in the notoriously hitter friendly Chase Field.Plus, while offering either Chris Young or Justin Upton would be a plus, the Yankees still would have to wait for either of these guys to mature before they could help.
A Reason To Like Derek Jeter
Here’s a reason why I like Derek Jeter, despite the fact that I dislike the Yankees.
A 16-year-old girl sitting with her parents in seats beyond the third- base line during Wednesday’s game.While her father went to the concession stand, the teenager bolted onto the field and jogged toward Jeter.When she neared the shortstop, the girl put out her hand.A lot of other players probably would have refused.Jeter, showing class, returned the gesture and shook hands.
Still, was it necessary to handcuff the girl when security escorted her off the field?
How Desperate Are The Tigers For A Left Handed Bat?!
How desperate are the Tigers in getting a left handed bat?
They called Larry Walker last week.
Walker retired after last season and is 39 and retired because of numerous nagging injuries.However, Jim Leyland was his former manager and the Tigers hoped that he would be interested in a Roger Clemens style comeback.
However, Walker, despite appreciating the call, but said he was happy in West Palm Beach, Fla.Looks like the Tigers will have to look elsewhere.
Aubrey Huff must be looking awful good to them right now.
Jose Canseco Is Back!!!
Jose Canseco returned to baseball yesterday when he agreed to a contract with the San Diego Surf Dawgs, whom you may remember signed Rickey Henderson to a contract in his attempt to get a major league team to sign him.
Canseco will be earning the league maximum of $2,500 per month and will be the team’s Designated Hitter and…pitcher?!?!
According to the press release, Canseco will be a knuckeballer.
As far as Canseco’s last pitching appearance, he pitched in the ninth inning for the Texas Rangers in a 15-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox on May 29, 1993.He walked the bases loaded and allowed three runs and two hits.He threw 12 strikes and 21 balls, most of which were far….FAR…away from the strike zone.
Shortly afterward, he needed Tommy John Surgery.
Hmmm, how long will this last.Friday Morning Closer will now feature Canseco Watch as part of the regular feature.This situation bears watching.
Canseco’s first game will be Monday night against the Chico Outlaws.Don’t miss it.
Because we as baseball fans are all wild about milestones, here is a list of one of the hardest milestones to achieve in baseball, 3000 hits.Looking at the field and the list of the current hit leaders in baseball, here are the likeliest candidates of players that have a shot at the milestone.
Craig Biggio
Current Number: 2867
The leader of the pack, Biggio will likely play one more year with the Astros, and should reach this milestone by next year, unless he has a tremendous year.
Chances:He’s A Lock.
Barry Bonds
Current Number: 2780
Barry would love to make the 500/3000 club as he’s a stat junkie.Bonds won’t hit 3000 hits this year, but if he decides to return next year as a Designated Hitter, Bonds should be able to make the club unless his body finally gives out.
Chances:Excellent, if he returns next year.
Derek Jeter
Current Number:2022
Jeter has years ahead of him and has reached the milestone near the age of 32.Provided that Jeter doesn’t suffer any lasting injury and maintains a relatively good production number, he should hit number 3000 by age 39.
Chances:Excellent
Alex Rodriguez
Current Number:1973
A-Rod will crack the 2000 mark at a younger age than Jeter.Rodriguez remains one of the most productive players in history and provided that he doesn’t break down or goes through a Chuck Knoblauch-like meltdown, he should crack 3000 hits around the same time as Jeter.He’s also going to be the next member of the elite 500/3000 club.
Chances:Excellent
Edgar Renteria
Current Number:1672
Renteria is in his early thirties and still has a few good years left ahead of him.If Renteria continues to tear it up and continues to stay healthy, he’ll hit this milestone.He’ll still need to eventually make a position change.On a side note, Renteria at the moment is a borderline hall of famer and will probably need to join the 3000 club to get in.
Chances:Good
Ivan Rodriguez
Current Number:2266
Pudge still can hit, as he’s proving, but he’s losing power.Still, Rodriguez can be a very good player for a few more years if he switches from catching to DH.If he’s able to move, he’s got a shot.
Chances:Good
Vlad Guerrero
Current Number:1666
Vlad just turned 30, so he’s going to be around for several more years.If he manages to stay healthy and keep a steady stream of production, I don’t doubt that we’ll see Vlad reaching this milestone by the time he hits 42 or so.
Chances:Good
Manny Ramirez
Current Number: 1987
Manny is 34, but he’s getting close to achieving career hit 2000 this year.Manny usually averages around 160 hits per season and has always been a constant force at the plate.Though he’s likely to begin breaking down this year because of age, Manny could go to another AL club to serve as a DH.Manny will come close and depending on how his body holds up, he could reach it.My diagnosis:he just misses it.
Chances:Fair
Ken Griffey Jr.
Current Number: 2350
Junior still needs to keep off the disabled list, though this time he actually returned from it.However, Griffey still has a few good years ahead of him if he signs as a Designated Hitter whenever his contract with the Reds ends.
Chances:Fair
Julio Franco
Current Number: 2537
Franco is a physical marvel at his age.He certainly could play everyday for some team if he got the shot, but because he’s now a bench player, Franco will likely never get to 3000.Still, he’s got good enough numbers and was a solid enough player both stateside, in Mexico, and in Japan, that he’s going to be in the Hall of Fame someday.
Chances:Slim
Miguel Tejada
Current Number: 163
Tejada just turned 30 this year and thus far continues to tear things up at the plate.But while Tejada remains a constant force at the plate, I’m wondering how the injuries that he’s fought through to keep up his consecutive game streak will affect his body as he ages.I’m not sure that Tejada will hit the milestone unless he eventually begins to DH.
Chances:Slim
Johnny Damon
Current Number: 1870
Damon is a special case.He’s 32 and has always managed near 180 hits for his career.However, Damon’s hard nosed, sel####estructive type of play in centerfield is likely going to cost this milestone, and possibly, a Hall of Fame ending to his career.
And now, to the inevitable conclusion to this rather Cub themed week:
Why He’s On The Block: The Cubs are beginning to give up on Prior. Despite his talent, Prior has been on the DL several times in the past two seasons. Without his presence in the rotation, the Cubs have fallen flat in the past two seasons. The Cubs also are running against the clock as to how long they have left to contend. Derrek Lee is getting older as is Arasmis Ramirez. Plus, Prior has already been passed by Carlos Zambrano. With more young pitchers ready to do the same, Prior's days could be numbered, especially with his inclusion in a failed deal with the Orioles.
Asking Price: Medium. The Cubs at this point are looking for whatever they can get for Prior. If they can get a couple of nifty pitching prospects, it would be a steal.
Negotiable: Yes. Prior’s medical history is going to put the scare on some teams. However, Prior will have suitors because of his raw talent.
What He Offers: While Prior has long been classified as a constantly injured starter or a bust, you must remember that when he's healthy, he's easily one of the best pitchers in the National League. Here's what Prior offers:
Plus: Great talent.
Plus: Power pitcher, could be an ace at any rotation.
Plus: High amount of strikeouts.
Plus: Issues low amounts of walks
Plus: Decent hitter for a pitcher.
Minus: Injury history will result in maybe half a season's work.
He Stay Or Will He Go: 40%-60% on him going, as Chicago is listening to offers. However, teams are unlikely to jump on him unless they have a solid pitching program that could help rebuild him. With that in mind, let’s see where he could end up.
Baltimore Orioles – 45%. Baltimore is a decent fit for Prior. Leo Mazzone would be able to properly put Prior back on track and undo some of the damage caused by his accelerated advancement to the Majors. Because the Cubs covet Miguel Tejada, it's likely that the Cubs would have to package Nelfi Perez, cash, and perhaps Rocky Cedeno to gain him. I'm not sure the Cubs would want to give up that much to gain Tejada and rid themselves of Prior. On the flip side, gaining Tejada would make the Cubs the favorite to challenge the Cardinals for the division.
Atlanta Braves – 30%. Atlanta, if it decides it needs more depth in the rotation, could deal for Prior to help solidify it further. Prior would also do well in Atlanta because of the system Mazzone had laid down over the years.Prior would be worked with by not only Roger McDowell, but also John Smoltz, who is a mentor to the young pitchers.This would be a good fit for Prior, but the Cubs would like him out of the league so they won’t have to face him.
San Diego Padres – 20%. The Padres want to add some depth in their starting pitching.Prior would do well in the desert that is Petco park.The question is, what do the Padres have to give in return?
St. Louis Cardinals – 5%. The Cardinals, with their strong pitching staff and Tony LaRussa, would be able to help Prior along, but at the risk of him being a middle of the rotation starter. However, it’s unlikely the Cubs will deal Prior to a division rival.
End Result – Prior will stay with the Cubs for this season, but if he fails to put up decent numbers, the Cubs will look seriously into getting rid of him.
Friday Morning Closer
Dwight Gooden got a year and one day’s worth of time in prison.This is a sad ending to what could have been a great story.I remember back in the mid eighties, when Gooden and Darryl Strawberry first arrived on the scene.Strawberry was seen as the next Ted Williams, with Gooden being projected to not just win 300 games, but to win 400.Gooden was electric when he pitched, with his complicated delivery to that fastball and curve.Perhaps New York was the wrong place for two impressionable teenagers with less than perfect family backgrounds back then.Perhaps Gooden had inner demons all along that he could never hope to overcome.All I can tell you is that Gooden was destined to one day make a speech in front of Cooperstown, with his plaque alongside him.Gooden fell far short of that mark.Still, his story and that of Darryl Strawberry should be told to generations of young ballplayers in the future, stories of how far God given talent can take you, and the things that can take it from you.
If you all get a chance, check out the specifications and available renditions for the new Mets stadium.I love the fact that it looks like Ebbets Field, which was still in good condition when the Dodgers left for the coast (for reasons that teams want new stadiums today: newer stadiums to generate more profit.)It sounds nice already too, from other details that are available.It’s going to have a capacity of 45,000, down from the current 57,333, but with roomier seats, better leg room, and restaurants built into the stadium.Sounds like quite an entertainment hub.Also, it’s expected to be able to expand to accommodate football and soccer.Nice!
Adam Eaton, more and more, is sounding like a man that is trying to protect his free agency payday instead of helping his team.If he gets off to a decent start when he returns to Texas, I would begin looking into trading him by the Waiver deadline.Jon Daniels never should have traded for Adam Eaton.He had reservations coming here and vocally expressed his displeasure in the trade and coming over.In my mind, if a player didn’t want to be here, such as Vicente Padilla and Kevin Millwood, then why bring them in.
I am mortally afraid of what Jim Thome will do to the American League this year.
God Bless You San Diego!You didn’t let Barry Bonds off the hook.
And, finally, the best story I heard this week I saved for last.
When was the last time a closer entered a game with the Village People? Brian Fuentes is the man! Now for my long held hope: that when Rivera enters the game, someone plays that song from the fifties, Mr. Sandman by the Chordettes. I can see it now:
Now entering....Mariano Rivera!
(scat “bung, bung, bung, bung..........)
Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream (bung, bung, bung, bung) Make him the cutest that I've ever seen (bung, bung, bung, bung) Give him two lips like roses and clover (bung, bung, bung, bung) Then tell him that his lonesome nights are over. Sandman, I'm so alone Don't have nobody to call my own Please turn on your magic beam Mr. Sandman, bring me a dream.
The Ranger Repot is tomorrow! Have a good one everybody!
