A writer I speak to pretty frequently claims they have had DISCUSSIONS regarding moving Wright to 1b and POTENTIALLY made this possibility clear to Figgins (not that they would move him FOR Figgins)… He absolutely DID NOT imply it is going to happen just curious what people think.
Nov 11
UNCONFIRMED- Rumor- David Wright
Leave a Reply
MLBTradeRumors
- MLBTR Originals
- NL West Notes: Mattingly, Goldschmidt, Gregorius
- East Notes: Braves, Brignac, Cabrera
- Week In Review: 5/12/13 - 5/18/13
- AL West Notes: Profar, Astros, Mariners
- Cubs To Designate Michael Bowden For Assignment
- NL Central Notes: Hart, Choo, Arroyo, Cardinals
- Minor Moves: Barry Enright, Bill Hall
- Blue Jays Claim Thad Weber
- West Notes: Kershaw, Rockies, Rangers, Astros
77 comments
GravediggerHebner
11/11/2009-3:37pm at 3:37 pm (UTC -4)
It’s dangerous for any team to simply assume that someone can “just play 1B.” The Mike Piazza experiment comes to mind. As someone who is old enough to have seen Keith Hernandez play the position, I worry about just throwing someone over there. Perhaps those of you who are younger will recall the fine work of John Olerud.
It seems without looking it up that David Wright’s issues with fielding at 3B are primarily throw related, not glove related, so perhaps moving him across the diamond alleviates that. At least until his attempted 3-6-3 double play throws go sailing into the LF corner.
I am not qualified to say whether Wright has the footwork necessary to play the position. If he does, and if he is open to the change, and if as a byproduct of his moving the team is improved overall both by his play and by that of the new 3B, I support it. But that’s a lot of “ifs.”
wannybackstra
11/11/2009-3:50pm at 3:50 pm (UTC -4)
No matter where he is going to play, signing Figgins for anything more than 2 years is unwise.
Whether Wright can field 1B or not, he obviously provides a great value to the team at 3B where he generally fields well (this season notwithstanding) and provides more offensively than any 3B in the majors other than A-Rod.
I think they can improve the offense more efficiently by acquiring a slugging 1B man than by putting a slap hitter at 3B.
CaseStreet
11/11/2009-3:59pm at 3:59 pm (UTC -4)
yeah, I recently read the Mets were considering moving Wright to 2B for some 3B prospect that never panned out (forgot the name)
As grave mentions, Wright has throwing issues so a move to 1B would make sense, though it would greatly diminish his value, considering he wouldn’t be one of the top dogs at 1B, would he?
Figgy, nah, if it was for someone else of more value to us, maybe.
Beltre would be a great addition, and the 2011 3B FA class is pretty good.
Kingman 26
11/11/2009-4:03pm at 4:03 pm (UTC -4)
Someone is writing in the room right next to me, and as that makes them a writer, I asked them their opinion, and they said they thought Wright would stay at third.
But, he WILL NOT consider the possibility of potentially discussing this with anyone other than his infant children.
Stay tuned.
CaseStreet
11/11/2009-4:06pm at 4:06 pm (UTC -4)
I smell a plant
GravediggerHebner
11/11/2009-4:10pm at 4:10 pm (UTC -4)
Is it a ficus?
Kingman 26
11/11/2009-4:13pm at 4:13 pm (UTC -4)
Cannabis sativa? The official plant of Grant Roberts.
rustyjr
11/11/2009-4:33pm at 4:33 pm (UTC -4)
mmmmm canibus – drools
wannybackstra
11/11/2009-4:37pm at 4:37 pm (UTC -4)
You’d better dry that drool off your lips before it is passed your way…
rustyjr
11/11/2009-4:38pm at 4:38 pm (UTC -4)
pass me a shamwow !!!
Kingman 26
11/11/2009-4:11pm at 4:11 pm (UTC -4)
Repeat, they DID NOT discuss anything resembling anything which may actually be confused with a real world event with anyone, potentially or in reality, and did NOT ask Figgins if he would catch if Thole is moved to 2B and Johan retires.
The possibility of nothing happening on any of these fronts WAS discussed with Figgins and his agent, who is currently sitting on my shoulder.
jaded1983
11/11/2009-4:10pm at 4:10 pm (UTC -4)
I’ll admit, thats the first thing I thought of when I heard the Chone Figgins rumor….
CaseStreet
11/11/2009-4:19pm at 4:19 pm (UTC -4)
Am I wrong to think a corner infield of Beltre and Wright is better than Wright and Overbay?
Imagine an infield of Wright, Polanco, Reyes and Beltre. Ay Dios Mio!
Kingman 26
11/11/2009-4:26pm at 4:26 pm (UTC -4)
It surely is a better fielding infield. I think Wright would be good at first.
But he is not moving to first for Figgins or Beltre.
Wright might not be a legitimate Gold Glover, but he is a fine fielder.
CaseStreet
11/11/2009-4:30pm at 4:30 pm (UTC -4)
IDK, Wright is very selfless. He was willing to move to 2B for A-Roid (I know Beltre isn’t A-Rod). I think he would move. The only reason he wouldn’t would be if his agent told him his value would drop at 1B and that he shouldn’t move.
Otherwise, I think Wright would do anything to make the team better and finally get over the playoff hump.
Kingman 26
11/11/2009-4:38pm at 4:38 pm (UTC -4)
Good points all.
Maybe Beltre would want to play first and could be had cheaply, at least compared to his last deal?
Someone as good as he has been at third could probably learn it pretty quickly.
wannybackstra
11/11/2009-4:32pm at 4:32 pm (UTC -4)
I agree with you because of the defensive value of Beltre over Overbay (assuming Wright would be at least average at 1B).
Hitting is not really Beltre’s thing, though. But I think he makes it up for it with the mitt.
I’m still not of the opinion that the Mets should be shopping for a 3B. But I am glad to see that they are at least being creative in their thought processes.
CaseStreet
11/11/2009-4:38pm at 4:38 pm (UTC -4)
these guys seem to think Beltre’s bat would improve away from the righty killing SafeCo
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/adrian-beltres-bat-away-from-safeco
wannybackstra
11/11/2009-4:44pm at 4:44 pm (UTC -4)
Hmmm… that might make him a bit more interesting.
wannybackstra
11/11/2009-4:37pm at 4:37 pm (UTC -4)
re: Beltre:
Thursday, August 13, 2009
News: Beltre was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with an injured testicle, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Guys, you might not want to read the details on this one. Beltre took a one-hopper to the groin area in the ninth inning Wednesday, yet managed to play out the remainder of the 14-inning game. However, he may now need surgery due to bleeding in the testicle, which would put him out indefinitely.
Yikes.
rustyjr
11/11/2009-4:43pm at 4:43 pm (UTC -4)
im wincing !
stickguy
11/11/2009-4:29pm at 4:29 pm (UTC -4)
wonder if they would ask Wright firtst!
Of course there is a learning curve, but I would be surprised if DW was not able to make a relatively smooth transition. He could easily turn into a hernandez style 1B, based on the way he plays 3B!
I would move him for longoria or zimmerman. Not figgins.
Now, if they want to move Luis and DW can lay 2B, then we are talking!
stickguy
11/11/2009-4:32pm at 4:32 pm (UTC -4)
I do like the idea of Beltre if he can be had cheap and short.
Unfortunately, it is much more likely that the Phils upgrade from Feliz to beltre. Just what they need, more power!
wannybackstra
11/11/2009-4:35pm at 4:35 pm (UTC -4)
With Feliz sent packing, Beltre makes all the sense in the world for them. Beltre is sort of a slightly amped up Feliz; two defensive specialists with a little bit of power.
rustyjr
11/11/2009-4:36pm at 4:36 pm (UTC -4)
can someone tell me why evan roberts thinks we should wait to spend money next year – when mauer might be available ? remember we have thole who is exerting himself quite nicely in every sitution he has been put in – does this mean he will be the catcher of the future> maybe- maybe not but we are kind of in a win now situation
gipperpdx
11/11/2009-4:35pm at 4:35 pm (UTC -4)
Well..it WOULD be harder for David to bounce or otherwise mangle his throws to first then! He’d still manage it on occasion…but harder to do.
rustyjr
11/11/2009-4:37pm at 4:37 pm (UTC -4)
you are correct – steve garvey started as a third baseman – but i feel dave is a wayyy beter fielder than garvey
Mr North Jersey
11/11/2009-5:44pm at 5:44 pm (UTC -4)
OK who tied up TRS and when will he be released?
GravediggerHebner
11/11/2009-5:47pm at 5:47 pm (UTC -4)
I blame schoolboy basketball. It’s much more important in his part of the world than others. He’ll be released when at least one of his players gets recruited by Duke.
CaseStreet
11/11/2009-5:50pm at 5:50 pm (UTC -4)
hmm, with it being Veteran’s Day, school might be closed for him. Then he decided he would take the opportunity to see whats going on at the GM Meeting?
trs86
11/11/2009-5:58pm at 5:58 pm (UTC -4)
Glad I am missed. If you guys would read your emails…
But this would have been a good day for sure. Castillo maybe gone, Figgins maybe in, now you guys discussing Beltre.
Could you imagine, Wright, Figgins, Reyes and Beltre on the IF? That would have to be an improvement right?
GravediggerHebner
11/11/2009-6:03pm at 6:03 pm (UTC -4)
There are two posts dedicated exclusively to rumors today. Is that what you are referring to regarding us reading our emails? The one about posts dedicated to rumors on Wednesdays?
http://realdirtymets.com/2009/11/11/one-ticket-to-rumorville-10/
http://realdirtymets.com/2009/11/11/unconfirmed-rumor-david-wright/
trs86
11/11/2009-6:20pm at 6:20 pm (UTC -4)
LOL, no I think I said I would be out of town today. You guys have done a great job with the hot-stove today, uh I think.
GravediggerHebner
11/11/2009-6:25pm at 6:25 pm (UTC -4)
Oh, THAAAAT email. Whoops. Sorry.
Mr North Jersey
11/11/2009-6:28pm at 6:28 pm (UTC -4)
Yea Grave what is the matter with you? I knew you was out of town all the time TRS. (MrNorthJersey crosses fingers behind his back).
GravediggerHebner
11/11/2009-6:35pm at 6:35 pm (UTC -4)
My temper gets hot from standing near the hot stove.
Yahoo has this feature where you single click on the subject line of your email to preview it, and that’s how I read mine, just by preview, not actually opening them.
But they only show up in the bottom half of your browser, so I never saw TRS’s third paragraph about being out of town until just now when I went back to look for it. It was below the bottom of the window and I never scrolled down.
He should really mention such important things in the top two paragraphs. He knows we’re all busy guys.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
8)
Mr North Jersey
11/11/2009-6:39pm at 6:39 pm (UTC -4)
WoW will you be my Lawyer?
trs86
11/11/2009-6:41pm at 6:41 pm (UTC -4)
LOL, just busting you guys chops. I would have much rather been on here. I was busy looking at hoses with my 70 year old parents who have decided to sell theirs. Joys of being an only child.
gategem
11/12/2009-12:54am at 12:54 am (UTC -4)
lol TRS I’m 66 and while I don’t need help now I wonder when I’m 70 if I’ll need help when purchasing a hose. I’m hoping I’ll be able to recognize the difference between garden and radiator hoses. (Just giving you a hard time).
BTW Microsoft (among others) has software for creating a virtual hard-drive which is necessary for these rumors and the subsequent discussion. lol
trs86
11/11/2009-6:00pm at 6:00 pm (UTC -4)
That being said I don’t understand how suddenly Wright is not a good 3B. He is more than adequate no matter what UZR says.
Kingman 26
11/11/2009-6:08pm at 6:08 pm (UTC -4)
That’s because it is silliness, from the School of Drivel…Wright might not be the best or be a legit Gold Glover, but he is a really, really good third baseman.
He blows some easy ones, but makes tons of highlight reel plays, and is the best in the game at charging the bunt and barehanding it and throwing the guy out at first. This play alone definitely takes away bunt hits and also discourages bunting in general, which is valuable and does not show up in stats.
trs86
11/11/2009-6:21pm at 6:21 pm (UTC -4)
I honestly did not think his throws were as bad this year and I also think they were made look worse by having guys who did not have a clue how to play 1B playing 1B.
Kingman 26
11/11/2009-6:44pm at 6:44 pm (UTC -4)
Absolutely agree. A good first baseman doing some scooping and stretching changes things a lot.
trs86
11/11/2009-6:49pm at 6:49 pm (UTC -4)
That’s what worries me about Murphy, I am not sure he will ever be good at that. I saw that Beltran was campaigning for Delgado. If he was cheap and healthy I would be interested as we would still have Murphy. And as I said back in August we would be crazy not to offer Tatis arbitration with him being a Type B FA. That should be plenty of depth at 1B between Delgado, Murphy, Tatis and Carter.
CaseStreet
11/11/2009-6:47pm at 6:47 pm (UTC -4)
if the rumor is correct, then I’m guessing the Mets would be thinking this way bcuz there are some legit 3B w/ good gloves available, while the first base FA market is pretty barren.
Also, why are they talking to figgy, instead of beltre for 3rd or Polanco for 2D?
Only reason I can come up w/ is they want a leadoff guy w/ Reyes leg issues.
trs86
11/11/2009-6:50pm at 6:50 pm (UTC -4)
Mostly because this rumor is absurd.
Kingman 26
11/11/2009-7:09pm at 7:09 pm (UTC -4)
It sure is.
Absurd is a nice word for it.
Mr North Jersey
11/11/2009-6:24pm at 6:24 pm (UTC -4)
It’s obvious Wright is not moving anywhere anytime soon unless you tell me AROD is moving to Citi Fields which we know has a snowballs chance in hell of happening.
Now if the Mets want to create more havoc for themselves then by all means move Wright to 1st and sign Figgins for 3rd I can see the Post just salivating at the idea of that happening.
whataputz
11/11/2009-6:25pm at 6:25 pm (UTC -4)
I’ve always thought that Wright would one day wind uo at first base, I just thought it might be a little later in his career, when he couldn’t make crazy diving plays any longer and now was a limited range 3b who couldn’t hit first, but this early in his career? For Chone figgings. I like the idea of bringing figgins in, but this isn’t a good move. Granted I don’t put much into this article, but still if there is any truth to this, its not the best idea ever. Now if the Mets brought in Zimmerman, David Wright can play first base this season.
trs86
11/11/2009-6:46pm at 6:46 pm (UTC -4)
Hey guys what do you think about this?
Castillo, Pagan, and a couple of prospects for Harang/Arroyo, Phillips and Taveras (He’s horrible but we would just be taking his salary and making either a defensive sub or releasing)
The two pitchers are both high contract guys and I have not studied which one would be better. Phillips would be a great addition instead of Cstillo.
So what is the advantage for the Reds? Cash. That deal would save them around 15 million this season and a total of at least 38 million and possibly 50.
GravediggerHebner
11/11/2009-7:07pm at 7:07 pm (UTC -4)
I would want to learn two things: how Phillips power translates from his current launching pad to Citi Field, and how his fielding compares to that of Castillo.
Phillips OBP is pretty bad so there’s a significant drop off there and I would simply want to be more sure that his fielding and power would offset his poor OBP.
I also want to know more about what happened to Harang a few years back. My recollection is really vague but I seem to recall Dusty Baker doing something really stupid with him, like pitching him on 2 days rest or after a super long rain delay or something, and his performance dropping off a cliff after that.
I am open to the possibility, I just want to learn more first.
trs86
11/11/2009-7:17pm at 7:17 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed, I would hope Omar would look into that. LOL. But I would think that although his HR might drop he is a good doubles guy as well. 55 extra base hits last year, .776 OPS compared to Castillo’s .732 in a good year and has not approached .776 since 2003. Based on UZR for the last 3 years (again not sure about it) he has been one of the best.
GravediggerHebner
11/11/2009-7:26pm at 7:26 pm (UTC -4)
Even with the uncertainty regarding UZR, if Phillips has been better than Castillo for 3 years running then that’s good enough for me to accept him as a fielding upgrade.
I don’t know how to go about determining it, but if it could be reasonably determined that Harang is closer to his 2006-2007 self than his 2008-2009 self, I would endorse the suggestion.
Is it mandatory that we take Taveras? I mean I guess an OF is an OF, but he hasn’t played in a corner since 2004 so he might just be a back up CF/pinch runner.
trs86
11/11/2009-8:37pm at 8:37 pm (UTC -4)
Yeah I think it would be. Clears up 4 million for them.
GravediggerHebner
11/11/2009-8:42pm at 8:42 pm (UTC -4)
But the MLBTR piece that you read initially that spawned this whole discussion said:
“Cincinnati is looking to cut their payroll from $71MM in 2009 to between the $65-$70MM.” Trading Harang for Castillo straight up takes care of that for them.
trs86
11/11/2009-9:18pm at 9:18 pm (UTC -4)
True but you would think that if you take Tavacrappy then it lessens the prospects needed. My point with Tavacrappy is that they save another 4 million.
GravediggerHebner
11/11/2009-9:24pm at 9:24 pm (UTC -4)
Fair point plus I hadn’t factored in that the Reds have $66 million committed to just 10 players.
The Mets have $92 million committed to 8 players if that makes the Reds feel any better.
trs86
11/11/2009-9:26pm at 9:26 pm (UTC -4)
And the Cubs have it in something like 6 players if that makes them feel better. LOL.
Tavaracrappy would be in my mind similar to what we did with Mota and the Catcher I can’t remember. Trade with the intentions of not needing them and if that is the case then cut them.
GravediggerHebner
11/11/2009-9:28pm at 9:28 pm (UTC -4)
Johnny Estrada?
GravediggerHebner
11/11/2009-8:44pm at 8:44 pm (UTC -4)
Phillips $6.75
Harang $12.5
That’s $19.5 minus Castillo’s $6 leaving them with $13.5 savings. Pagan is cheap.
GravediggerHebner
11/11/2009-7:18pm at 7:18 pm (UTC -4)
Regarding Harang, here it is:
http://scott-miller.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/6270335/10309383
Apparently he threw 103 pitches, then 3 days later (2 days rest) threw 63 pitches in relief in an extra inning game May 25, 2008 and has been much worse since then than he was prior.
prismo
11/11/2009-6:50pm at 6:50 pm (UTC -4)
Some people are getting a little overexcited by Adrian Beltre who had a terrible 2009 season! 477 at bats, .683 OPS – obviously the glove is golden, but I’d worry about a backlash if he doesn’t return to form.
GravediggerHebner
11/11/2009-7:57pm at 7:57 pm (UTC -4)
We could probably just sign Feliz instead.
GravediggerHebner
11/11/2009-6:59pm at 6:59 pm (UTC -4)
Very interesting article comparing the relative merits of Teixeira and Holliday, and also on the fallibility of WARP. Good stuff.
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/holliday-vs-teixeira/
gategem
11/12/2009-1:06am at 1:06 am (UTC -4)
It was an excellent article. Thank you for posting the link.
GravediggerHebner
11/11/2009-9:06pm at 9:06 pm (UTC -4)
I can’t stand Joel Sherman and his newspaper so I’m being rather selective here in giving him any credence on this when I never do on anything else, but he says:
“Omar Minaya met with Boras yesterday to initiate the Mets’ interest in Matt Holliday. Expect a long process with or without the Mets’ involvement. I actually think this could come down to the Mets vs. the Cardinals. My early read is that the Giants, Angels and – if Jason Bay leaves – the Red Sox also are going to be bidders. But I think the two organizations that will have the greatest tolerance for the long-term dollars are the Cardinals or Mets.
Of course, that is just an early read and Boras is expert at being patient and finding strong markets for his clients.”
trs86
11/11/2009-9:09pm at 9:09 pm (UTC -4)
I also read where Onley thinks that competition for the big 3 will be very limited due to their price. I guess that is a good thing for the Mets.
GravediggerHebner
11/11/2009-9:14pm at 9:14 pm (UTC -4)
It sure seems that way. I just don’t know how to reconcile it with the reports about the Mets not being interested in the “top tier” free agents. Time will tell. I will continue to try not to get too worked up either way.
Unrelated, the thought of the Yankees getting Curtis Granderson makes me physically ill.
trs86
11/11/2009-9:16pm at 9:16 pm (UTC -4)
That would certainly be a sell low deal for the Tigers and I am not sure the Yanks would give up enough to get him.
GravediggerHebner
11/11/2009-9:20pm at 9:20 pm (UTC -4)
The thing that gives me hope is that his contract is not so prohibitive that only the Yankees can afford to take him on, so there should actually be competition to acquire him.
The same article in which I read about Granderson suggested that the Mets would be suitors for Edwin Jackson. That would be a nice change, the Mets trading for a talented, young, reasonably priced pitcher.
trs86
11/11/2009-9:24pm at 9:24 pm (UTC -4)
You know what happens when we do that, they end up injured or overrated.
GravediggerHebner
11/11/2009-9:27pm at 9:27 pm (UTC -4)
Yup, it is the Mets we’re talking about after all. Edwin would probably get in a cab whose driver would have a seizure and careen onto a runway at LaGuardia where a plane would crush the cab.
trs86
11/11/2009-9:29pm at 9:29 pm (UTC -4)
Or be diagnosed with a weak shoulder and never recover and then just run off the mound never to be seen again.
GravediggerHebner
11/11/2009-9:40pm at 9:40 pm (UTC -4)
Nah, that’s not dramatic enough. Never happen.
fongy2
11/11/2009-10:50pm at 10:50 pm (UTC -4)
Could FMart,Niese,Holt&Pagan
get us Granderson&Jackson f/Det?
It would seen to me that if that
or something like that could it
would be a no-brainer for Omar.
That obviously would work well
for him. Det would dump salary while
taking on none,get a jewel or two
from our system to be able to justify
the deal and leave us more than enough room to still be able to
sign/trade for a high-end player
but not be limited to Holliday,Lackey
or bust. It would also prevent us from getting to deeply involved in dealing w/Boras over Holliday,thus
insuring we acquired at least one
impact player for the line-up in
Granderson. I also think Jackson
would be a better gamble than
any of the FA Pitchers not named
Big John Lackey.
stickguy
11/11/2009-11:21pm at 11:21 pm (UTC -4)
interesting idea. I am happy that the folks here are starting to get the creative juices flowing. Holliday/lackey OR lackey/holliday was getting real boring.
Now, if your deal did go down, 2 holes filled, but not too much money. You could just say screw it and blow the wad on lackey, a BU MI and BU C, and be done.
Or better, still work some magic to move Castillo (not thinking philips if they arent now in the market for harang or arroyo), but I would be happy to see it free up a spot for Lopez. Hudson? Only if he gets hung out to dry and it is a 1+1 deal.
Then, decide if maine/pelf/ollie/?/? is enough for 3-5. Likely not, so get Wolf, marquis, garland, or some other reliable but mid-tier starter, hopefully on a shorter deal.
Hmm, granderson and Lopez coming in? Younger, more speed and athleticism, what would met fans do?
reyes/lopez/wright/beltran/granderson/frenchy/murphy/barajas?
not a shabby lineup, and certainly the fastest top 5 in the majors!
trs86
11/12/2009-8:39am at 8:39 am (UTC -4)
I think if you took a guy like Big bad Nate as more salary relief for sure it could.