Well, I was thinking today at work what type of players would be ideal to recieve for Doc.
So, I started jotting down some teams and some guys I would target.
So, in this order of preferance, these are the positions I would like to aquire.
1. A young SS, who can have a little service time. He must be a solid glove man, but have some stick as well.
2. A young, speedy CF. He as well can have a little service time. I want a burner, a guy who will steal some bases and force a move into RF for V-Dub.
3. A young, semi-proven MLB starter. Think less than 2 years of service who was a top prospect and can be a top-of-the-rotation arm for the building Jays.
4. A young catcher, who can hit a little, while playing solid defense.
5. A 3B, who is under control for at least 3 more seasons. This guy must be young-ish, not yet in his prime.
6. Prospects. My least disirable targets. I want guys who impact the team right away, so unless the prospect is MLB-ready, than I would rather pass.
So, with that said...I am going through the teams and putting together packages that I would love to see.
NEW YORK YANKEES.
Our new GM said that he would not hesitate to trade within the division. I would rather not, but I guess it isn't a terrible idea. The players I would target from the Yankees are Phil Hughes and Brett Gardner. Those are really the only 2 players that I would want. Hughes could be a solid number 2 starter type (the Ace for a building team) and Gardner is a good glove in CF and can run like the wind. His OBP is decent enough to make for a quality lead-off man.
You almost have to have another really good piece in this deal, and I would prefer it not be a top prospect. I highly doubt the Yankees would give up both Hughes and Joba Chamberlain, but they might prefer that over giving up top prospect Jesus Montero. The Yanks seem hesitant to define Hughes and Chamberlain, so maybe they might see them as relievers and think that it is not that bad of a deal.
So, let's assume that the Yankees would go for Hughes/Joba/Gardner. Would the Jays? I can't see how AA could turn down the potential of 2 young arms like that plus a replacement for Scutaro in the lead-off spot.
BOSTON RED SOX
With the Red Sox, there are 3 guys I would specifically target for a deal. The first, Jacoby Ellsbury. He would be a great lead-off option and would shift Wells over to RF.
The second, Clay Buchholz. He has showed glimpses of brilliance and could be a solid replacement for Doc at the top of the rotation.
The thrid, Jed Lowrie. Sure, he had an injured and terrible season, but he could replace Scutaro at SS and hit at the bottom of the order.
The package seems strong enough to get it done. You could always replace Lowrie with a young pitcher like Michael Bowden, but I prefer the young position player.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM
There are plenty of pieces I would love to grab from the Angels. SS Erick Aybar, 3B/SS Brandon Wood, C Mike Napoli, and SP Jered Weaver. I would love Weaver, Napoli, and Aybar.
Aybar would be a great SS and would be able to lead-off. The Angels could lose him and still start either Maicer Izturis or Brandon Wood at SS.
Napoli is a solid defensive catcher and has a lot of power. His on-base skills are very impressive and he would be a nice option in the middle of the line-up. Due to the presence of Jeff Mathis, the Angels could take the hit of losing half their catching platoon.
Jared Weaver would instantly be the Ace of the staff, but if the Angels turn it down, Ervin Santana would be a nice replacement. He has loads of talent, but lacks consistancy and has top-of-the-rotation stuff.
TEXAS RANGERS
Due to money issues, the Rangers may not even get involved. But, if they do, it will rise the price up for everyone due to their impressive dearth of prospects.
First, you target a catcher. the Rangers have a surplus with both Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden. Both had bad 2009 seasons, but have plenty of talent. Teagarden has the pwer advantage and is the better defender, so I say edge Teagarden.
Julio Borbon would be a great addition. He has blazing speed, so he could patroll CF.
For a starter, I would target Derek Holland or Tommy Hunter. Holland was a former top prospect, while Hunter kind-of came out of nowhere last season.
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
The Phillies really don't have any pieces that fit into what I think the Jays need. They could offer top prospects Michael Taylor or Dominic Brown plus Kyle Drabek. I would rather not take unproven prospects in return. Next.
NEW YORK METS
This is where I started to get creative. There is 1 player who I would love to acquire on the Mets. That player is David Wright. Acquiring Wright would require a long-term contract between Halladay and the Mets.
The Jays would give the Mets Halladay and Edwin Encarnacion. The Mets would trade Wright and Jon Niese. This is highly unlikely, but I'm sure the Jays would love to aquire a middle-of-the-order bat at a position that they have no minor league depth at.
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
I would love to aquire Colby Rasmus and Brendan Ryan. Rasmus would push Wells to RF and Ryan would be an excellent SS option. That is not enough, so David Freese could be added is and the Jays could send the Cardinals Edwin Encarnacion.
LOS ANGELES DODGERS
This is another team that I would love to get involved. Now, I understand that Clayton Kershaw is not happening.
I want Russell Martin and Chad Billingsley. Have them include Chin-Lung Hu, a good glove SS.
You could also add on pieces from both sides. An OF prospect to Toronto and C JP Arencibia to the Dodgers.
Martin would be a great addition (and not just because he's Canadian). He provides good on-base skills, is an excellent catcher, and is a better hitter than he showed last season.
Billingsley seems to have lost the confiedence of management, but is still a great young arm with Ace stuff.
COLORADO ROCKIES
This one is crazy, but it is worth writing down.
Roy Halladay (with extension) and prospects (which could include Justin Jackson and Kevin Ahrens if you can convice the Rockies that they still have all the potential of a first round pick) for Troy Tulowitzki and either Carlos Gonzalez or Dexter Fowler.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Examining The Free Agent Market
It has been what feel like forever since I put anything up on this blog. Well, I am finally ready to start looking forward to 2010.
With some recent smart pick-ups and the free agent filings, the Jays 40-man roster sits at 36, not including Shaun Marcum, who sits on the 60-Day DL and will need to be added on. So, let's call it an uneven 37.
Departing since my last update are C Rod Barajas, SS Marco Scutaro, SS John McDonald, and 1B Kevin Millar.
Arriving are LHP Sean Henn, 2B Jarrett Hoffpauir, and IF Mike McCoy.
Hoffpauir and McCoy could make for some fine utility infielders next season and Sean Henn could make for a decent 3rd lefty out of the penn if needed.
I expect to see Jose Bautista either traded or non-tendered as well, leaving another roster spot.
Recently, it seems that the Jays would love to get rid of Lyle Overbay. I don't know why. I mean, who else would be better to help Adam Lind turn into a respectable 1B? It's not like the Jays are loaded with above average players.
So, assuming that Overbay is gone and Lind is installed as the 1B, the Jays will either be going with Dopirak and Ruiz as DH or importing one in.
They will also need some semblance of a SS, unless anyone thinks Angel Sanchez could be the answer.
A solid defensive RF would also be a great addition, allowing Snider to play LF.
I am about to drop some knowedge on what I would do if I was continuing this build.
Catcher
The Jays need a good defensive catcher who doesn't embarass himself at the plate. In my opinion, an OBP less than .260 is embarassing, no matter how many HR someone hits.
I would love to bring in a youngish catcher who is underappreciated by his current team, like AJ Ellis from the Dodgers, who posted a .400+ OBP in AAA last season.
It would also be nice if a Halladay trade brought in a proven youngish catcher. Maybe Mike Napoli or Russell Martin.
My top free agent options are Brian Schneider, Ivan Rodriguez, Ramon Hernandez, and Josh Bard. Bard would splitt with Raul Chavez 50-50, while the others would play about 70% of the time.
If Arencibia gets off to a good start in AAA and shows some improved defense, he should be used in Toronto from June onward.
Short Stop
Again, it would be very nice if the Jays could bring back a good SS in a Halladay trade, like Erick Aybar.
You could also target young great glove SS with questionable bats. Chin-Lung Hu is a guy who immediately springs to mind. As long as the targets can get on-base and play really solid defense, anything they hit will be a bonus.
If you want to look at some free agent options, I would love to target Adam Everett, Alex Gonzalez, or reclamation types like Bobby Crosby or Khalil Greene. As long as you don't pay more than $2M.
Right Field
This is interesting, because a year ago, I had a thought that Rick Ankiel would be a nice piece to add if they were closer to contending. Well, the Jays aren't closer, but Ankiel had a god awful season. This could put him in the Jays range for a potential piece if the price is right. He is a very good defensive OF and has a connon for an arm. He also has exceptional power and could really help the team. He could even play CF with Wells moving into RF if Cito has enough ball-sack.
Again, you could always acquire a young piece in a Halladay trade, either in CF or RF. No names pop into mind, but if talks start heating up, I will look into what each team could offer. Michael Taylor in Philly would be a fantastic get. Maybe a prospect for prospect trade where the Jays send over a couple top prospects at areas of need for Philly.
Another potential low-risk pick-up is Austin Kearns. He plays a fine OF and has some power. Xavier Nady should also be looked into.
Other Options
I personally would love to see Adam Lind in LF, Travis Snider in RF, Randy Ruiz at DH and Brian Dopirak at 1B and just watch a tank job so awesome that it potentially be a positive. What is Ruiz can hit 30 HR+ in a full season? What if Dopirak can slam 30 HR? It certainly isn't out of the realm of possibility.
But, if they decide to import a DH, guys like Jim THome or Jason Giambi could be low cost veteran bats.
Maybe the Jays will bring in a couple veteran arms for insurance on the kids if Halladay is dealt. I would look into wife-beater Brett Myers if he is willing to start. Justin Duchsherer would also be a good target.
A couple names I see as free agents that are interesting are Tyler Herron, a former top pick with St. Louis, who is still young enough to have potential. He could be a good pick-up for any team smart enough to take a chance. I also think Rich Harden would be a fantastic addition, and not just because he is Canadian. he is still young, and pitching for a building team, he will be able to miss a couple starts here and there if something feels off.
I also wouldn't be against picking up a couple waiver pick-ups or Rule 5 picks when the time comes and actually keep them. Maybe you strike gold with a Dan Uggla or Everth Cabrera. It is worth a shot, because almost every year a Rule 5 guy proves that all you need is a chance.
Why pay a veteran $1M+ to do a job that some kid will do better for league minimum?
Take chances.
With some recent smart pick-ups and the free agent filings, the Jays 40-man roster sits at 36, not including Shaun Marcum, who sits on the 60-Day DL and will need to be added on. So, let's call it an uneven 37.
Departing since my last update are C Rod Barajas, SS Marco Scutaro, SS John McDonald, and 1B Kevin Millar.
Arriving are LHP Sean Henn, 2B Jarrett Hoffpauir, and IF Mike McCoy.
Hoffpauir and McCoy could make for some fine utility infielders next season and Sean Henn could make for a decent 3rd lefty out of the penn if needed.
I expect to see Jose Bautista either traded or non-tendered as well, leaving another roster spot.
Recently, it seems that the Jays would love to get rid of Lyle Overbay. I don't know why. I mean, who else would be better to help Adam Lind turn into a respectable 1B? It's not like the Jays are loaded with above average players.
So, assuming that Overbay is gone and Lind is installed as the 1B, the Jays will either be going with Dopirak and Ruiz as DH or importing one in.
They will also need some semblance of a SS, unless anyone thinks Angel Sanchez could be the answer.
A solid defensive RF would also be a great addition, allowing Snider to play LF.
I am about to drop some knowedge on what I would do if I was continuing this build.
Catcher
The Jays need a good defensive catcher who doesn't embarass himself at the plate. In my opinion, an OBP less than .260 is embarassing, no matter how many HR someone hits.
I would love to bring in a youngish catcher who is underappreciated by his current team, like AJ Ellis from the Dodgers, who posted a .400+ OBP in AAA last season.
It would also be nice if a Halladay trade brought in a proven youngish catcher. Maybe Mike Napoli or Russell Martin.
My top free agent options are Brian Schneider, Ivan Rodriguez, Ramon Hernandez, and Josh Bard. Bard would splitt with Raul Chavez 50-50, while the others would play about 70% of the time.
If Arencibia gets off to a good start in AAA and shows some improved defense, he should be used in Toronto from June onward.
Short Stop
Again, it would be very nice if the Jays could bring back a good SS in a Halladay trade, like Erick Aybar.
You could also target young great glove SS with questionable bats. Chin-Lung Hu is a guy who immediately springs to mind. As long as the targets can get on-base and play really solid defense, anything they hit will be a bonus.
If you want to look at some free agent options, I would love to target Adam Everett, Alex Gonzalez, or reclamation types like Bobby Crosby or Khalil Greene. As long as you don't pay more than $2M.
Right Field
This is interesting, because a year ago, I had a thought that Rick Ankiel would be a nice piece to add if they were closer to contending. Well, the Jays aren't closer, but Ankiel had a god awful season. This could put him in the Jays range for a potential piece if the price is right. He is a very good defensive OF and has a connon for an arm. He also has exceptional power and could really help the team. He could even play CF with Wells moving into RF if Cito has enough ball-sack.
Again, you could always acquire a young piece in a Halladay trade, either in CF or RF. No names pop into mind, but if talks start heating up, I will look into what each team could offer. Michael Taylor in Philly would be a fantastic get. Maybe a prospect for prospect trade where the Jays send over a couple top prospects at areas of need for Philly.
Another potential low-risk pick-up is Austin Kearns. He plays a fine OF and has some power. Xavier Nady should also be looked into.
Other Options
I personally would love to see Adam Lind in LF, Travis Snider in RF, Randy Ruiz at DH and Brian Dopirak at 1B and just watch a tank job so awesome that it potentially be a positive. What is Ruiz can hit 30 HR+ in a full season? What if Dopirak can slam 30 HR? It certainly isn't out of the realm of possibility.
But, if they decide to import a DH, guys like Jim THome or Jason Giambi could be low cost veteran bats.
Maybe the Jays will bring in a couple veteran arms for insurance on the kids if Halladay is dealt. I would look into wife-beater Brett Myers if he is willing to start. Justin Duchsherer would also be a good target.
A couple names I see as free agents that are interesting are Tyler Herron, a former top pick with St. Louis, who is still young enough to have potential. He could be a good pick-up for any team smart enough to take a chance. I also think Rich Harden would be a fantastic addition, and not just because he is Canadian. he is still young, and pitching for a building team, he will be able to miss a couple starts here and there if something feels off.
I also wouldn't be against picking up a couple waiver pick-ups or Rule 5 picks when the time comes and actually keep them. Maybe you strike gold with a Dan Uggla or Everth Cabrera. It is worth a shot, because almost every year a Rule 5 guy proves that all you need is a chance.
Why pay a veteran $1M+ to do a job that some kid will do better for league minimum?
Take chances.
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