Potential Edgar Renteria Scenarios, A Former Wideout Might Be Coming Up And A Potential Rick Ankiel - In Reverse...

Possible Stops For Edgar Renteria

The Braves were really serious about looking to unload Edgar Renteria and replacing him with Yuniel Escobar at the deadline, but the right trade couldn’t be made.  Now, the Braves will look to move him in the off-season.

Renteria has been excellent for the Braves and has regained his All-Star form.  He's basically an $8 million a year player since Boston is foothing a large part of the bill on his contract and would bring in two draft picks if allowed to leave via free agency.  The Braves are looking for some sort of pitching, or a centerfielder.

Is there a fit?

Sort of.

Take a look

1. Chicago White Sox - The Sox could offer Jon Garland and Brian Anderson and change in exchange for Renteria, who would fill a hole if the White Sox allow the awful Juan Uribe to leave.  The only problem is would the Braves believe that Anderson is a talent that just needs a change of scenery, or is he a disaster waiting to happen.
2. Oakland Athletics - Bubba Crosby looks done and there aren't a lot of shortstop options available.  The A's could potentially move parts in exchange for Renteria, but as far as any sort of impact talent, there isn't much on this roster that fits the bill.
3. Minnesota Twins - The Twins could be on the move, as Jason Barlett would be able to move over to Third Base and allow Renteria to take over short, plugging two holes at once.  The only issue is this...The Twins won't trade pitching, and even though they have some in the minors, they aren't going to move it.
4. Detroit Tigers - The Tigers have been looking for a way to move Carlos Guillen to first in order to manage the wear and tear on him.  They have the farm system to do the move and could afford the contract.  There is a fit here, especially since they have a centerfield prospect in Gorkeys Hernandez that Atlanta would find very tempting.  I like this move a lot.
5. Toronto Blue Jays - The Jays would like to add Renteria and would love to find a way to get him, but there isn't a lot to move here and the Jays would balk at any package surrounding Alex Rios.  There also isn't any farm products even near ready to be traded.

So all in all, the potential is there for a move, but really there isn't a lot of players that Atlanta would be able to come away with and claim victory for the trade.  Personally, I'd be all over a deal for the Tigers, as Hernandez could really be that good.

The Next Rick Ankiel? - Sort Of

Lance Niekro is a bad positional player for the Giants.

That much is known.

He was pretty much drafted by the Giants because of his bloodlines and the fact that his father played for the Giants.

Apparently, Niekro is going to give something else a try.

Pitching.

Niekro has been working on a knuckleball.  Should he feel up to it (and if the Giants feel, what the hell, can’t be much worse), he could try and pull a Rick Ankiel and come back…as a pitcher.

The idea isn’t unheard of.  Trevor Hoffman was a weak hitting shortstop before he became a hall of famer.  Ron Mahay was originally an outfielder before becoming a decent pitcher.  Troy Percival was originally a catcher before he became a pitcher.  First round bust Matt Bush was having success as a pitcher until he blew his arm out.  So the track record is there.

Who knows?  Niekro could wind up being very good.  He could also wind up being an even worse disaster than he already is.  We’ll see..

Samardzija Coming To Chicago?

The Cubs are considering bringing up Jeff Samardzija when the rosters expand on September 1.  Samardzija may get a start and appear in relief, depending on how far the Cubs are ahead or behind in the divisional race once the 1st rolls around.

I’m not exactly sure if this is a great idea.  I understand that Samardzija is classified as a power pitcher, but his lack of strikeouts for the year disturbs me.  I’m really not sure if this is a great ideal at all.  This idea seems #### horrible to me.

With the Papelbon post still raging on, here's my Cashman Vs. Epstein diologue, plus what i was going to comment on today, right here, right now...

Cashman Vs. Epstein.  Looking Into Two GM’s.

Me and Josh Q. Public got into it over Papelbon, then we got into it over Cashman and Epstein.  I promised i would profile both GM's and let everyone take a look at it.  So, let's get to it:

Accomplishments:  Cashman took over in 1998 and has won three World Championships, five American League Pennants and has won the AL East every year since he took over.  Epstein has yet win the division, but has one World Championship To His Credit.

Help From The Predecessors:  It's true that Cashman had largely inherited a World Championship team from his predecessor, Gene Michael.  However, Cashman added to it by acquiring Roger Clemens, the overrated Scott Brosius, David Justice and others to help the team whenever it looked like the Yankees were in trouble.  So, in spite of the fact that people say that the team was "Gene Michael's team", Cashman largely tinkered with it and made it his own. 

As for Epstein, Epstein inherited Manny Ramirez, Pedro Martinez, Trot Nixon, Jason Varitek, Tim Wakefield, Johnny Damon, Nomar Garciaparra, and Derek Lowe, all key pieces of that 2004 Championship team.  Epstein did add Schilling (using prospects drafted by his predessor, Dan Duquette as well), and signed Bronson Arroyo, David Ortiz and Keith Foulke as well, but that team remained as much a product of Dan Duquette as it was a product of Epstein's.

Meddling By Ownership:  Cashman has had far more problems with his owner than Epstein has had.  It's common knowledge that Cashman was on the verge of signing Vlad Guerrero until Steinbrenner killed the negotiations, having already signed Gary Sheffield.  It's also believed that Steinbrenner was largely responsible for Carl Pavano, Randy Johnson, as well as Jaret Wright. 

As for Epstein, ownership has largely been good to him, though it's also thought that Larry Lucchino and he had some all out fights over some personnel decisions. 

Signings:  Cashman made several free agent signings, most have worked out to a certain extent.  Damon is one of the better ones, as well as Hideki Matsui and Mike Mussina has been a horse since joining the team.  On the other hand, he's also got Jason Giambi to answer for, as well as the money spent on disasters like Kenny Rogers and others.

Epstein's record is a bit spotty.  Adding Arroryo (after cut by Pirates) and Ortiz are solid ones, but Epstein also has Matt Clement and Edgar Renteria to answer for as well.  Both of which were made after allowing Derek Lowe (who loved Fenway and would have done well there) and Orlando Cabrera (who also would have loved to have stayed) walk.

Trades:  Cashman dealt some prospects away early in his career.  Jake Westbrook, now with the Indians, was a horse the Yankees could have used for the past two years, as well as losing other prospects in trades to other teams for veterens.  As much as he's maligned, Dioneer Navarro is sorely needed by New York, especially since Jorge Posada is getting older.  However, Bobby Abreu was a solid deal for New York, especially since they gave up almost nothing in return.

Epstein's record is much more devistating.  Hanley Ramirez and Anibal Sanchez would have kept Boston from collapsing last year.  Losing Andy Marte to Cleveland for Coco Crisp is looking worse and worse as Marte looks to be a star and Crisp is, well, still a question mark.  Damon also wanted to stay in Boston, but many in ownership, Epstein included, didn't think he was worth the money. 

Unleashing King Felix A Good Idea?  Yes and No…

Inept Mariners GM Bill Bavasi is talking about unleashing Felix Hernandez this year, saying that it's time for him to step up and start to dominate.

Is this a good idea or a bad one?

If this means that the Mariners are going to have Hernandez head the rotation, then great.  It's about time.  Hernandez is easily the best pitcher on the staff and will be one of the best young pitchers in baseball, plus a perennial Cy Young Candidate (by the way - over or under 2 Cy Youngs for Hernandez, lifetime.  I got the over.) 

But if the Mariners mean that they're going to let Hernandez do what he wants on the mound, ehhhh, I'm not to sure about that.  Hernandez is still very young and still needs to gain some experience.  And while the Mariners have been doing well with his promotion and working with him as far as his innings pitched (they've been slowly adding more and more innings per year in an effort to get him to eventually adjust to the 200 inning mark.)  He's still prone to fits of wildness and when he gets wild, Hernandez blows up bad.  Really bad.

I guess this sounds redundant, but I agree with Bavasi on wanting Felix to step up and lead the rotation.  But, he also needs to realize that "unleashing" doesn't mean the same as "leaving him alone."

Yankees Right To Not Pursue A-Rod

At the risk of being called a “Yankees Rump Swab” I will place my take on the A-Rod situation.

Yes, I think the Yankees are right to let the public know that they won’t chase A-Rod if he opts out.  First of all, Scott Boras and Alex Rodriguez appear to be laying the groundwork for a possible departure, already putting reasons why they would want to stay and why they have they would possibly want to leave, putting the onus on the fans.  Plus, Rodriguez is already under contract, hence, why would the Yankees want to re-negotiate? 

With Cashman laying down the law as far as the opt out clause is concerned, he's made it perfectly clear to Rodriguez that if he wants to remain a Yankee, he's going to have to show a little loyalty and stay put if he wants to continue playing in pinstripes..  If Rodriguez wants to play the good soldier, Cashman gets #### points for laying down the law.  If Rodriguez chooses to leave, Rodriguez is the one that takes the hit in the public relations domain and Cashman and the Yankees get off scott free.

Now, will it hurt the Yankees offensively?  Sure.  The Third Base market is thin next season and unless a team is willing to consider a trade, maybe St. Louis if they feel that it's time for Scott Rolen to go, they're pretty much stuck with whoever is in the organization.

Introducing - Prospect Versus

Me and my friends got into it about prospects during one of our memorable drinkfests at Chili’s.  However, it did give me an idea as far as a column:  Prospect Versus.  And in this case, we’ll take a look at a pair of promising young righthanders with ace potential (and the two players that started the argument).

Jeff Samardzija (Cubs) Versus Kyle Drabek (Phillies)

The Skinny:  Both players were considered to be first round talents and both fell farther in the draft that many would have thought they would have (Samardzija, now referred to as Sam for the rest of the column, because it was thought he’d be in the NFL and Drabek for questionable behavior.)  However, both are also viewed to be as frontline starter talents and they actually match up well with each other.

• Build:  Sam’s got the larger size, as he’s a massive 6-6 and he’s still got the potential to add a little weight to him.  However, Drabek himself is still pretty thin and it’s possible that he could add some more bulk and velocity if he continues to fill out.  Verdict:  Wash
• Bats/Throws: Both Are Right Handed, so this goes into the wash.  However, Drabek will be a better hitter.  Verdict:  Drabek
• Delivery:  Sam's delivery is rather straightfoward and really doesn't do much. He's going to have to change it in order to have any sort of success.  Drabek has already had to adjust his delivery, as his old one put too much stress on his arm.  He's thus far adjusting it to it admirably, but it's going to take a while.  Verdict:  Drabek
• Fastball:  Both throw in the mid 90’s, with Sam touching 99 at times.  Drabek may hit 97 as he gets older, but at the moment it looks like Sam will be the harder thrower.  Verdict:  Samardzija
• Out Pitch:  Drabek wins this hands down with a hammer curve that is just nasty as hell.  Sam has a slider that has the potential to be a solid companion to his fastball, but it is still really, really raw.  Verdict:  Drabek:
• Third Pitch:  No one knows what the hell Sam has as far as a third pitch.  It’s believed to be a really raw changeup.  Drabek also throws a changeup and it’s got the potential to be a very good third pitch.  Verdict:  Drabek
• Makeup:  Sam has had nothing but good things said about him and is generally regarded as a standup guy.  Drabek’s fell in the draft because of makeup concerns and is regarded to have a mean streak.  Verdict:  Samardzija
• Projection:  Drabek has a lot of projection on him, more so than Sam, as he was considered to be the top high school player in the draft.  He can still add some weight and can gain some velocity out of it.  Sam is older, but he’s never really dedicated himself to baseball before and as a result still has some projection left to him.  However, Drabek is still far more projectable than Sam in this category:  Verdict:  Drabek
• ETA:  Both pitchers are going to be a ways off to the majors.  However, Drabek will take a lot longer to reach the majors, considering that he’s really young and still has some growing up to do, while Samardzija will likely make the cubs in some shape or form in the next two years.  Verdict:  Samardzija
• Comparisons: Sam has earned many comparisons to John Smoltz, though whether or not it is Smoltz the starter or Smoltz the closer is unknown. Drabek, in a perfect world, should be a slightly better, more dominant version of his father.  I think you know who I’ll be going for in this one.  Verdict:  Drabek, unless Samardzija becomes a starter

   

• Final Analysis:  It’s tough to say about both of these guys.  Drabek could become a total bust if he lets his demons conquer him.  On the other hand, Sam has the same type of concerns, as no one really knows what he is at this point of his career.  Both are

   

See you all next week.  I need more time for an indepth analysis on the Epstein Vs. Cashman analysis arguement, but right now i'm due to head to the west side for a possible sale.  Expect a more detailed analysis later.  But, if you all have any other arguements, post them into the comments or drop me an email.  Credit will be given to all those that help out in the contribution. 

Any other Prospect Versus ideas would be appreciated.  Credit will also be given for the idea.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubbies boosted the payroll dramatically by spending nearly $300 million in free agency to boost their payroll (and surrendering some draft picks in the process, never a wise move.)  However, for all of the offensive improvements that were done, they still have glaring weaknesses, namely the rotation and the bullpen.

Starting Rotation

1. Carlos Zambrano (RHP) – Zambrano is one of a few pitchers I would tab as a certifiable ace.  His stuff is fantastic and he’s proven to be durable for much of the time, though people also argue that all those innings racked up at an early age spell future arm troubles, a la Pedro.  Zambrano is a strikeout machine that can dominate you at any given time and should put of another Cy Young caliber performance, especially when you consider the fact that he’s entering his walk year this season, with several clubs looking to give him a huge deal.  The Big Z himself has issued an ultimatum that unless he gets an extension now, he's gone.  We’ll see what happens, as I think there is a very good chance that he leaves Wrigley after this year.
2. Rich Hill (RHP) – Hill came out of nowhere, dominating the league after a shaky start, going 6-3 with a 2.92 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 13 games (12 starts) in the second half.  Part of this was that he was able to successfully add better supplemental pitches to his great curveball and he began to display some durability.  Still, Hill hasn’t been consistent in his career, so depending him on as a number two is a bit of a stretch. 
3. Ted Lilly (LHP) – Lilly has had some durability issues in his career, but he has been solid the last couple of years, either a sign that he’s finally put his history of injuries behind him or just a calm before a storm.  Lilly should actually do very well in the National League as he was one of the top AL lefties the past few years, with only Santana and maybe Zito ahead of him.  When you compare Lilly with Zito, the other major lefty to go NL, Lilly could actually be a wiser investment as his stuff is actually better than Zito, who’s performance was heavily tied to Oakland’s outstanding defense. 
4. Jason Marquis (RHP) – Okay, this is a puzzling addition.  Marquis was destroyed last season with the Cardinals, who left him off the playoff roster.  Add in the fact that Marquis has also been reluctant to accept instruction from pitching coaches and pretty much does what he wants and I thought he’d take a one year deal, prove himself and re-enter the market.  Marquis isn’t a lost cause.  If he’s able to make some changes in the way he pitches, he could be a bargain. 
5. Mark Prior (LHP) – Prior seems due for a rebound after years of injuries taking away his opportunity to be a star.  His stuff was still solid during limited action last season and it’s possible that he could regain some durability if his starts are limited at the fifth starter role.  In the event that he does falter, there are some fall back options, though they’re not good ones.

Bullpen

• Ryan Dempster (Closer) – Dempster is the shakiest closer entering the season, mostly because he has the prior experience to do so.  He’s likely to be average at best, making it tempting to switch to Kerry Wood as the season goes on.
• Kerry Wood (Setup Man) – Wood will probably wind up as the setup man, a role that he excelled in during limited duty.  Long term, Wood could be a dominant closer, where he would be able to use his stuff in limited outings and not have to worry about the potential damage his explosive delivery will do over the course o####ame.
• Bob Howry (RHP) – This veteran right hander can provide good 7th inning relief and can spot close if need be.
• Neil Cotts (LHP) – Cotts had been the Sox' top lefty reliever on the 2005 World Series winner, but he has had some bad outings sicne then and was traded this past season.  Cotts can still become a awesome situational left hander, so it’s possible that a change of scenery (award from Chicago’s home run friendly park) will be good for him.
• Wade Miller (RHP) – Miller wasn’t bad in his limited outing after TJ surgery and the Cubs were heartened enough with his performance that they brought him back for another go.  With all the off-season signings, Miller will likely be pushed to the bullpen unless Prior self destructs.
• Scott Eyre (LHP) – A solid lefty reliever, Eyre dominates right handers, but gets killed by lefties.
• Michael Wuertz (RHP) – Wuertz should provide another setup option, in case Wood decides to make his annual trip to the DL.

Projected Lineup

1. Alfonso Soriano (CF) – Soriano not only proved he could hit in RFK, but he also proved that he could handle a new position.  With his newly minted status as a 40/40 club member, Soriano cashed in big with the Cubs, who sought an improvement over their existing centerfielder, Juan Pierre.  He should hit for power and steal some bases, but the strikeouts will hurt at the worst time and really, he isn’t the type of player that deserves as huge of a paycheck as he got.  He’ll be brutal at the tail end of the deal.
2. Mark DeRosa (2B) – The Rangers made a competitive offer to keep their utilityman, but DeRosa chose the prospect of starting full time in the infield over being shuffled across the diamond.  DeRosa finally seemed to put it together offensively, possibly due to his emulation of Michael Young and Rudy Jaramillo’s teachings, and while he won’t be as good as he was in 2006, he should be capable of hitting .280 and producing well in the second spot.
3. Derrek Lee (1B) – Lee severely underperformed after his breakout 2005, but it’s also likely that that 2005 was an fluke and he is returning to what he usually is, a solid first baseman that hits well at the third spot.  I think he’ll produce well at the third spot, hitting around .300 with some power, but he’s not going to be a dominant run producer.
4. Aramis Ramirez (3B) – Ramirez erupted during the second half, hitting .328 with 22 home runs and 67 RBI’s in 72 games and promptly opted out of his contract to get himself a megabucks deal.  When compared to some of the other deals that were signed on the market, the Cubs actually got somewhat of a bargain on him.  Hitting cleanup, Ramirez should take advantage of the RBI opportunities that are made available to him and should be a 30 home run threat for the next five years or so.
5. Jacque Jones (RF) – In spite of Jones wanting out, I think he’ll likely stay in Chicago because, to be frank, the Cubs need him.  Jones hit for power and for average, plus gives some balance to the lineup as a left handed hitter.  His defense is pretty good he’s got a little bit of speed on his wheels.  Hitting fifth, Jones should be a solid run producer.  Oh, and as for the trade rumors?  Jones could be dealt at the deadline if the Cubs are out of contention or need a starter and Felix Pie is ready.
6. Michael Barrett (C) – A solid offensive catcher, Barrett should be great this year, as he’ll be entering his prime as a catcher, plus will be placed in a good spot in the lineup for him to do his thing.  Now, about that thing with A.J. Pierzynski…
7. Matt Murton (LF) – Why the Cubs want to platoon Murton is beyond me.  He had a very good year, hitting .291 with 13 home runs and 62 RBI’s, and hit both left and right handed pitching well.  His defense is very good with the possibility of improving as he gets more time and with a year and a half of service time under his belt, he’s a cheap date for the next few years.  Again, I don’t understand the Cubs braintrust at all.
8. Cesar Izturis (SS) – I’d have thought the Cubs would have gotten much more for Greg Maddux.  Instead, they get a solid defender that can’t hit enough to save his life.

Bench

• Ronny Cedeno (IF) – A solid defender, Cedeno didn’t do much to establish himself, prompting the Cubs to seek another shortstop option.   The crazy thing is, Cedeno could probably still be a better option than Izturis.
• Cliff Floyd (OF) – Yeah, I know, the bat is awesome when he’s healthy.  But really, what was the Cubs’ fascination for a hitter that’s clearly on the decline and will likely be a defensive statue when he is taking away at bats from Matt Murton?
• Henry Blanco (C) – Not a bad option, as far as backup catchers go.  He’s got some solid production as far as his bat goes and his glove is average.
• Angel Pagan (OF) – Pagan is likely going to be the forth outfielder role, as he can play the corners and can hit reasonably well.  But he’s terrible against lefties, meaning his options are limited.
• Ryan Theriot (IF) – Another infield, Theriot was pretty good in limited duty and can play the corner infield if necessary.

Down On The Farm…

A weak system, depleted by trades and poor scouting,   That sums up the Cubs in a nutshell. 

• Sean Marshall (LHP) – Marshall made his debut last season and it was as good as can be expected, going 6-9 with a 5.59 ERA, plus giving up a alarming 20 home runs.   To be fair, Marshall was also directly promoted from Double A, so it’s likely that he still needs some growing time.  Marshall’s best pitch is a slider that induces ground balls and he’s got decent command, but he needs a third pitch to go with his fastball in order for him to have long-term success in the majors.
• Felix Pie (CF) – The Cubs’ uber-prospect at the moment, Pie has a long, lanky body and has three of the coveted five tools (power, speed, arm strength).  His body is still projectable and he’s young enough to improve as time passes.  However, Pie needs to get some plate discipline as he tries too hard for the long ball and lefties have owned him for years.  He also needs to develop some more instincts as far as centerfield is concerned, but he should be able to stick.  Pie is likely to stay in the minors for another year, as he’s not quite ready for the big club yet.
• Eric Patterson (2B) –Patterson is an athletic second baseman with leadoff potential and speed on the base paths.  He’s a solid defender with a strong arm that should help the pitchers once he makes the big club.  However, Patterson gets killed against good lefties, hence he needs some more time to be able to adjust, time that the Cubs are willing to give him, unlike his brother, Corey.
• Scott Moore (IF/OF) – Moore was acquired along Bo Flowers for Kyle Farnsworth and he seems to be #### long term with Lee, Ramirez, Murton and Soriano blocking all of his spots.  Moore has got good power and seems to be a functional defender, but he also racks up strikeouts and may be a DH long term.  Which again, there is no spot for with the Cubs.  He’s likely going to be traded for help this season, depending on how well he does this season.
• Jeff Samardzija (RHP) – Just for kicks, let’s check out Samardzija, taking material from Dayn Perry (shudder), Baseball Prospectus and Keith Law.  Samardzija has great height and could pack on some more weight on his frame n the future.  Theoretically, he could become a power pitcher, as he’s got a mid 90’s fastball that hits the upper 90’s at times, and he’s got the makings o####ood slider, but he needs to develop it plus add a third pitch to be a solid starter in the majors.  Plus, consider the fact that he’s never dedicated himself wholly to baseball until now.  Hence, he’s really raw and the Cubs need to work with him slowly, in order to properly monitor the investment they’re making in him. 

In Conclusion

The Cubs will likely be in the mix for the NL Central Crown until at least the last month of the season.  But the Cubbies are gambling on Marquis and Prior to be some semblance of their former selves and the pen is solid on paper, but far from a sure thing.  The Offense will be better, so long as the Cubs keep Murton in the lineup often, but in all honesty, I don't think the Cubs have done much but improve themselves more than three places.  In conclusion, this team will likely finish above .500, but just a few games out of first.

Final Standing:  Third Place In The National League Central