Yesterday’s trade for Collin Cowgill: Mets Acquire Collin Cowgill
got me thinking are there other names out there to look to maximize the possible platoons for the Mets in the OF. Unless the Mets get Cody Ross or make a splash trade for a true OF it’s possible the Mets could be looking at platoon situations in 2 or maybe even all three of the OF spots.
It appears that Cowgill is a natural match to pair with Kirk. As mentioned yesterday his splits fit nicely with that of our current CF.
With Duda and Baxter being the most logical in house options in LF and RF and with the earlier signing of Jamie Hoffman who looks a lot like the RH version of Baxter that only leaves a needed occasional platoon guy for Duda. This guy would ideally need to be able to play other positions on the field including 1B and obviously be RH.
In steps the great Russ Canzler who was just released by the Indians yesterday to make room for Mark Reynolds. I know, sexy name but remember in this situation we have decided to go with platoons galore.
Russ Canzler is a 26 year old RH LF and 1B. He has 102 MLB PA with a
| .271 | .304 | .396 | .700 |
yet what is intriguing is his splits:
| .400 | .419 | .667 | 1.086 |
Of course the sample size police will be out to get me in a flash, as well they should as that line is in only 31 PA. However, while the splits have not been as heavy he has shown the ability in AAA to produce. Through 1088 PA in AAA Canzler has:
| .289 | .365 | .508 | .873 |
with 40 HR and 162 RBI.
Obviously I know next to nothing about his fielding as UZR wouldn’t do justice, often it doesn’t anyway, for someone with such a small sample. What I do know is that in the minors while he has played more 1B (448) but has also played LF (112), RF (68), and 3B (126) and 47 more unidentified OF games. On the major league level he has played 11 games in LF and 8 at 1B.
While we have no idea what the Mets bench will look like one can assume the following:
Buck will most likely start and the Mets will try and find someone worse than Buck to sit on the bench until TDA is ready… yeah actually worse than Buck. Good luck with that.
Cowgill and Hoffman are bets for now. That’s 3. Assuming the Mets carry 12 pitchers as usual they will need a 5 man bench. That leaves two spots. Cranzler could take one of those spots as a RH hitter with pop off the bench leaving the last spot for a guy who can back up 2B and SS. I am not sure the team trusts Turner enough to be the backup SS. Of course all this leaves out Jordany but with a team so dominant with LH he doesn’t fit the role as a platoon partner and his middle IF defense is so atrocious that keeping him as the backup utility IF would be a risk.
Anyway, back to Canzler. Suggestions or thoughts? Other names, Wanny, that we should consider?
81 comments
Prismo
12/19/2012-9:07am at 9:07 am (UTC -4)
Anthony Recker is likely to be Buck’s backup. http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/reckean01.shtml
Turner is definitely on the bench. I figure they’ll try to sign/acquire another backup infielder as well who’s more of a SS.
As for Canzler…his minor league stats (even last year in AAA) are pretty good offensively. It seems as if he’s best suited for 1B (defensively), but maybe he can pull off a corner outfield spot? I don’t know. Sandy has to make a quick decision on this before he gets snatched up…but I think we’d all rather see the Mets get a legitimate proven corner outfielder.
TRS86
12/19/2012-9:12am at 9:12 am (UTC -4)
Of course we would rather them have a legitimate bopper in RF but unless it’s Ross…
Yeah I forgot about Recker, I guess they already found someone worse than Buck.
I like Turner but at this point he isn’t providing much. In his on and off 4 years: .254 .324 .354 .678 that’s just not much considering how he is really kinda limited defensively.
Prismo
12/19/2012-9:23am at 9:23 am (UTC -4)
Turner actually was decent last year. .711 OPS for a backup infielder who can play all infield positions? That’s pretty good. His defense isn’t good, but it could be worse. I think if we get a legit defensive 2B/SS backup Turner is a good option to keep on the team.
Recker sucks.
TRS86
12/19/2012-9:31am at 9:31 am (UTC -4)
That’s the problem. What are you keeping Turner for if you have to go get another guy to back up 2B and SS?
srt
12/19/2012-10:27am at 10:27 am (UTC -4)
Didn’t we pick up a MI already?
I think he’s signed to a MiL contract – but not positive on that.
Could have sworn I read where most assumed he’s just MiL depth, but then read later on he would be the back up MI. Just can’t remember his name right now….
Stick
12/19/2012-10:32am at 10:32 am (UTC -4)
That is the Bixler guy. From Houston. Appears to stink, but par for the course.
srt
12/19/2012-10:37am at 10:37 am (UTC -4)
Yeah, him…thanks.
I can’t believe that’s he’s anything but depth and will predominately be playing in the minors. But saw an article on AA (I think it was AA) where they speculated otherwise.
Also….Turner at SS is not a good idea. 1-2 games maybe, but if Tejada hits the DL, do we really want to see him there for 15 games or more?
And just say no to Valdy. He is not a SS.
greggofboken
12/19/2012-11:12am at 11:12 am (UTC -4)
Collins at one point had implied that he did not foresee another utility signing for the bench, given the other needs and that he envisioned Bixler coming north.
And as has been said, that would stink.
wanny
12/19/2012-11:20am at 11:20 am (UTC -4)
Not bixler, the guy they claimed from the As.
Stick
12/19/2012-11:35am at 11:35 am (UTC -4)
Brandon Hicks. I forgot about him. He stinks too, right?
at this point, they have enough mediocrity, and should not be guaranteeing any of them jobs. Let them all come to ST and earn one.
greggofboken
12/19/2012-11:37am at 11:37 am (UTC -4)
Whoops. My error. That’s right.
srt
12/19/2012-11:40am at 11:40 am (UTC -4)
Hicks….right.
Told you I couldn’t remember his name. LOL
TX
12/19/2012-11:54am at 11:54 am (UTC -4)
Every time I here “Hicks”, I think of Police Academy.
Stick
12/19/2012-10:09am at 10:09 am (UTC -4)
Well, rekker is the Bu C. That seems pretty clear.
this guy? Probably as good as any other scrap heap/minimum wage filler.
but, why do they need that? Payroll has come way down, so why not get a veteran like Hairston to fill the role/
Anyway, based on what Terry said, i think they may actually expect turner to fill this role. They were talking about having him play OF, right? I also think they will bring in another Cedeno type (or use that Bixler guy) for SS/2b. that means turner is the CI guy, and almost by default the 5th OF if the keep him on the team.
My opinion? They should have a real MI bench guy, and truner has to go to make room. Other wise the roster will be:
OF: duda/(cowgirl/kikr)/baxter
bench: Rekker, (cowgirl/kikr), hoffman, Turner, MI BU. And no room for Canzler (unless he replaces Hoffman).
Stick
12/19/2012-10:12am at 10:12 am (UTC -4)
actually, I like this canzler idea to replace turner for another reason. Sounds like he is an actual 1B, and that would be good to have to spot Ike some rest and tough lefties off. I am tired of seeing non-1B guys botching it up over there. And it almost got Johan killed.
so if duda, Baxter, Kirk is the starting OF 9still seems impossible to fathome), a bench of cowgil, rekker hoffman, MI glove guy and Canzler makes sense positionally All RH though, put the OF really will be a 5 man rotation 9constant platoons)
Stick
12/19/2012-10:14am at 10:14 am (UTC -4)
speaking of platoons, in the philly paper today there was a piece about the Phils current oF options. Still possible of course they add a guy to be an every day player, but right now, they are planning on using a double platoon in LF and RF.
Given the mets current situation, looking at all the factors, I actually think they should be looking to go this way too. And knowing terry, he will do it anyway, no matter what players you give him!
srt
12/19/2012-10:40am at 10:40 am (UTC -4)
Been watching the Philly off season kind of closely too.
First, enjoying the lamenting from fans as they go from a WS type team to one that has a high payroll, with aging starts. One that is now trying to pick up pieces to fill a lot of holes with not a lot of money to spend.
As things currently stand, we might be rivaling them for the worst OF in the NL coming into ’13.
greggofboken
12/19/2012-11:13am at 11:13 am (UTC -4)
Yes….and yet they’re linking themselves to Vernon Wells. Loving it.
Stick
12/19/2012-11:31am at 11:31 am (UTC -4)
I saw that and got quite the chuckle out of it. But like Young, exactly their type of player.
greggofboken
12/19/2012-11:40am at 11:40 am (UTC -4)
They’re being true to their course — tyring to emulate the Yankee model….and putting museum pieces on the field.
gategem
12/19/2012-2:26pm at 2:26 pm (UTC -4)
The Phillies have had a nice run and are trying to hold the fort without immediate help while the Indians are amassing for the kill. If they’re lucky they might be able to scrap out another year. Their results, though, exceeded the Mets success in the mid to late 1980’s so their fans have very little to complain about (but they will).
The Yankees have had a remarkable run since the mid 1990’s (making the post season almost every year is indeed successful – those measuring success solely by whether they win the WS or not are idiots). In the past I would have expected the Yankees to retool rather quickly but with George’s sons looking to cut payroll and perhaps to sell their fans may have to endure a period of poor baseball. My heart bleeds for them.
srt
12/19/2012-3:21pm at 3:21 pm (UTC -4)
Good point about the Yankees some 15 year run.
I look at that as a result of old man George being ‘temporarily’ banned and the powers that be stopped selling off prospects for stars. Hence the core of Rivera, Jeter, Posada and Pettitte – and a nice run.
Stick
12/19/2012-11:24am at 11:24 am (UTC -4)
They will add someone I would almost guarantee. They do have 20mill or so in payroll to spend from what I have read.
Running out of choices though on the FA side, since Bourne is now out for them it seems. And Ross, if they want him, go for it.
Interesting piece in today’s paper about how dependant they are with their injury guys rebounding to have big years. Should be interesting. Howard could, Utley seemed to last OK last year, but I really think Halladay’s shoulder is shot and will not last.
srt
12/19/2012-11:42am at 11:42 am (UTC -4)
I can see Howard having a good year.
Utley? I think his days of playing 160 games are over, but we’ll see.
You might be right about Halladay. All those innings and complete games might have caught up to him. I couldn’t help remembering something like a 10-1 blowout by Philly against the Pirates early on in the season where Halladay pitched a complete game. Kind of dumb, if you ask me.
wanny
12/19/2012-11:23am at 11:23 am (UTC -4)
Don’t like a guy who is questionable defensively with Duda already out there.
The idea of Bourjos is growing on me. He still has some offensive upside and would fit nicely in cf next to duda with a capable RF (kirk and cow Gill) to his left.
Can he be had for one of familia or Mejia?
Stick
12/19/2012-11:25am at 11:25 am (UTC -4)
he is not very good and they have a lot of OFs. just not sure if there is anyone else they trust to play CF.
but, hard to see him as any kind of untouchable.
TX
12/19/2012-11:52am at 11:52 am (UTC -4)
He is good defensively and he had a good rookie ball so there is a possibility he bounces back. I’d drop Mejia and even Valdy to get it done (I know it’s over paying a tad, but I don’t think Mejia is all that valuable to other teams and Valdy really has no spot on this team).
wanny
12/19/2012-12:01pm at 12:01 pm (UTC -4)
Ummm mike trout?
Stick
12/19/2012-12:21pm at 12:21 pm (UTC -4)
I figured he was a flash in the pan that won’t repeat.
actually, I forgot what team he were dealing with. Oops. Don’t get old. It sucks.
anyway, he seems to have little purpose for them other than being a late innings breather guy, so not hard to see them trading him along.
Prismo
12/19/2012-12:07pm at 12:07 pm (UTC -4)
I wouldn’t trade an empty roster spot for Bourjos. I honestly think he’s a 4th or 5th outfielder. Cowgill is probably as good or better.
wanny
12/19/2012-12:45pm at 12:45 pm (UTC -4)
Bourjos’ defensive value next to duda would be immeasurable. Plus, if he hits as well or a little better than two seasons ago (or cuts down on the whiffs) he could be a pretty valuable player.
I like him as a buy low candidate.
If the Mets are not going to score runs, they’d better be able to prevent them. Cody Ross or scott hairs ton will not be enough to make this team adequate offensively. It will take organic growth from Murph duda Ike and tejada and the catcher position.
TX
12/19/2012-11:47am at 11:47 am (UTC -4)
Has any team ever rolled with a triple platoon in the OF? This is ridiculous… The Mets need to acquire an actual everyday OF who can bat vs lefties and righties.
If Duda could be that guy, it would solve so many issues, but I have no faith that he can. And like TRS mentions above, this really leaves Valdy without a position. Package him up for that Smyly guy from Detroit to finalize out the rotation and then look to do another trade for an OF. I know Tabata isn’t all that impressive on the power, but he seems to be a RH competitant bat that has reasonible splits and can man the corner OF spots. Just a thought. Maybe try to get him and Hanrahan for a couple few prospects?
HobokenMetsFan
12/19/2012-11:58am at 11:58 am (UTC -4)
I’m not expecting anything out of Duda this year, mainly due to him breaking his wrist. (Carlos Delgado says hello)
If he didn’t have this injury, I’d be a little more confident that he could rebound after his “sophomore slump”….or whatever you want to call it.
greggofboken
12/19/2012-12:05pm at 12:05 pm (UTC -4)
Duda kills me. The only player in the NL with a more detrimental defensie WAR score than Duda’s -2.2 was Rickie Weeks at -2.8.
His performance last year was the most detrimental in the field by any Met since 2002 — and that was Mo Vaughn with a -2.5.
(In 2011, Duda was only marginally better at -1.8, but in 20 fewer games.)
I realize we’re starved for power, but we’ve got to find a way to get him off the field. At least the outfield. He’s just not made for it.
TX
12/19/2012-12:07pm at 12:07 pm (UTC -4)
Agreed. Send Duda, Flores and Mejia for Smyly?
Stick
12/19/2012-12:24pm at 12:24 pm (UTC -4)
works for me. unless you can get an honest to god LT solution at OF for that.
TRS86
12/19/2012-12:24pm at 12:24 pm (UTC -4)
Based on reading they are trying to package some guys together to get a starting impact SS so not really a fit.
Stick
12/19/2012-12:37pm at 12:37 pm (UTC -4)
send them Spin. He will make an impact. Not a good one, but certainly an impact.
hell, send them Tejada if they want. Easier to replace him then find a LHSP under cheap control for that long! Call up that short guy with the good glove.
and yes I am serious tht I would have no problem moving Tejada to fill a need elsewhere.
TX
12/19/2012-12:59pm at 12:59 pm (UTC -4)
If we had any sort of SS, I’d consider it. But we don’t.
wanny
12/19/2012-12:46pm at 12:46 pm (UTC -4)
Sounds lime a lot for a back of the rotation guy.
TX
12/19/2012-1:05pm at 1:05 pm (UTC -4)
Might be. Mejia holds little value to me. Same for Duda. Flores has value but is blocked. Then again, between Miggy and Fielder, he’ll be blocked there too. Nevermind, then…
Q-Rod
12/19/2012-4:47pm at 4:47 pm (UTC -4)
I think the Mets need to keep their powder dry, lay in the weeds, bide there time until the exact right OF situation presents itself and then pounce. I don’t think it makes sense to use Flores and other potential trade pieces for anything other than the next impact bat.
I’m thinking a guy on par with Upton or Ellsbury. Unfortunately, I thought a bit about Ellsbury and what will happen to him: He will be unwilling to sign an extension in season (Boras) and so the BoSox will trade him in July for prospects. And then he will sign a giganimous contract. So, because of all the TV money and the Dodgers, it’s unlikely the Mets will get the big bat in FA so it will have to come via trade.
Stick
12/19/2012-4:56pm at 4:56 pm (UTC -4)
I really want to stay away from Elisbury. Some team is going to get majorly burned on him IMO.
Just go get Carlos gomez and try to work out an extension.
Prismo
12/19/2012-12:09pm at 12:09 pm (UTC -4)
I agree. We need an everyday right fielder. And I think either Kirk or Cowgill should get the vast majority of starts in center.
Prismo
12/19/2012-12:34pm at 12:34 pm (UTC -4)
MLBTR says Cody Ross was asking for $25MM over 3 years earlier in the offseason. I actually don’t think that’s too unreasonable.
If the Mets could get him down to 3/20 or 2/15 I think that’s a fair signing. I do know there are a lot of teams who are at least fringe-interested in him though, so we’ll see.
Stick
12/19/2012-12:42pm at 12:42 pm (UTC -4)
he just does not get me all excited. I just see a guy that is going to tail off from nature, and take a big hit moving to Citi field.
Hairston for less seems to be a reasonable compromise. But best case, get the next Cody ross revitilization candidate, instead of paying for the last one.
Prismo
12/19/2012-12:46pm at 12:46 pm (UTC -4)
Maybe you’re right. His away stats were pretty awful last season haha. I didn’t even think to look at that. Thanks.
greggofboken
12/19/2012-1:09pm at 1:09 pm (UTC -4)
At what Ross is asking for, he seems an overpay. As much as I’m not enamored of the prospect of Hairston continuing what he showed last year, I’d rather opt for him. Interestingly, there have been reports that the Yankees were targeting Hairston but his preference was the Mets (either that’s b/c of playing time, or he’s just trying to get leverage.)
Yanks, I’m sure, won’t offer a two -year deal to him. If the Mets offered a healthy one-year w/a mutual option, maybe he’d go for it.
Don O'Brien
12/20/2012-12:01am at 12:01 am (UTC -4)
FYI Ross made 3M last year, Hairston made 1.1M. Hairston topped Ross in SLG 504 to 481. With 100 fewer at bats, Scott trailed Ross by only 2 HRs, 20 to 22. Also Scott is much better base runner.
Offer both 2/10 and fill your corner spots with RHHs.
wanny
12/19/2012-1:11pm at 1:11 pm (UTC -4)
We need to stumble upon another Bernard gilkey.
Reimold, hart blanks, Gutierrez? Berk man?
I like bourjos better.
gategem
12/19/2012-2:12pm at 2:12 pm (UTC -4)
1. TRS you have too much time on your hands.
2. Platooning is fine. Casey Stengel platooned the hell out of his Yankees and all they did was win championship after championship. Of course he also had Mantle, Berra etc.
3. TRS per your idea it reminds me of the lady at a crime scene yelling “Give him chicken soup.” The ME replied “But lady he’s dead. It can’t help him.” Too which the lady replied “Well, it couldn’t hurt.” So I agree the Mets have to think along the lines you’re presenting.
Stick
12/19/2012-2:27pm at 2:27 pm (UTC -4)
I like platooning. 1st option of course is having a high end guy to play every day. 2nd choice is a high upside prospect getting experience.
but, if like the mets now, you don’t have either of those, then I would much rather platoon 2 guys that have big splits than pay starter money to a mediocre guy that is not going to be great against anyone, just to have a nominal every day guy.
I don’t like the Terry plan of sitting a good guy for a lousy guy just based on handedness, and ignoring platoon splits 9some guys are reverse). But when you have guys that rake one side and are useless against the other, that makes them cheaper usually, and the right 2 paired up can easily outperform 1 mediocrity.
kingman 26
12/19/2012-4:32pm at 4:32 pm (UTC -4)
The 1986 Mets platooned at 2B, LF, CF, and closer.
Seemed to work out OK.
TX
12/19/2012-5:09pm at 5:09 pm (UTC -4)
True, but it wasn’t really a platoon
TX
12/19/2012-5:18pm at 5:18 pm (UTC -4)
Stupid iPad. What I was meaning to say was the closer was more a two headed monster at closer. As for the OF, there was certainly the rotation of the OF with Wilson, Dykstra and my man Mitchell… Man, I’m still pist he was dealt away.
But yes, straight platoon at 2B was great. Still preferred Backman. Loved his drag bunt.
wanny
12/19/2012-5:38pm at 5:38 pm (UTC -4)
Yes, but no one let a ball get through his legs quite like Tim Teufel.
srt
12/19/2012-3:52pm at 3:52 pm (UTC -4)
OT:
I just don’t understand Davidoff’s HOF ballet. Especially in regards to Piazza. Sounds to me like the real reason he didn’t vote for him this year is he didn’t think he was worthy of a first round yes. B/c it certainly sounded like he’d get his vote next year.
Stick
12/19/2012-4:01pm at 4:01 pm (UTC -4)
the whole 1st ballot stiffing never made sense to me. He either is or isn’t worthy, so vote accordingly.
darknova306
12/19/2012-4:07pm at 4:07 pm (UTC -4)
First ballot stiffing is the writers’ way of having some influence on the sport of baseball. Because they’re a bunch of dipshits that never had the ability to play the sport they loved, they see this voting as the one way they can influence the sport and put their names into it. It’s a bunch of total garbage and shows how little these asshats actually respect the game.
Hall of Fame status is a binary solution set: you are or you aren’t worthy. That’s it. Any writer that thinks otherwise is an idiot and should not have a vote.
Prismo
12/19/2012-4:02pm at 4:02 pm (UTC -4)
I try to maintain a PG rating for my comments here, but if I didn’t I would have substantial vulgar language to direct at Davidoff.
There’s a great Arrested Development line where a character is describing his mother and says “She gets off on being withholding!”
I think ‘getting off on withholding’ is a great line to describe Hall of Fame voters. They LOVE to have the power to keep these guys out. And when they vote “no” for a guy who obviously is a HoF’er they REALLY get off.
I can just imagine Davidoff in a dimly lit room with two monitors up – one of his “no” vote for Piazza, another with a shirtless Mike Piazza picture. Davidoff reaches into his desk and pulls out his lotion and a tissue. He then —
Oh yeah, PG rating. Achem.
greggofboken
12/19/2012-4:31pm at 4:31 pm (UTC -4)
Thoughts of Piazza shirtless are bound to enter the minds of several voters I imagine.
Prismo
12/19/2012-4:28pm at 4:28 pm (UTC -4)
Thank you 4D. I am ripping into Davidoff on Twitter (with help from SaltyGary).
SaltyGary
12/19/2012-4:43pm at 4:43 pm (UTC -4)
He wanted the heat so I brought the kitchen!
SaltyGary
12/19/2012-4:49pm at 4:49 pm (UTC -4)
The whole thing is absurd. He has Kenny Lofton as a choice and not Piazza. Lofton had 1000 more AB’s and doesn’t come near Piazza production. The only thing he has him on are less K’s, defense and stolen bases.
He also negated McGriff due his numbers being weak as a 1st baseman compared to others. When I questioned him saying shouldn’t Piazza get a bonus then he said he used it as a positive for Piazza.
He is supposedly using JAWS which is trying to rate players against others already in the hall based on position and the guy who created Jaws would have voted for Piazza and also questioned Davidoff on twitter. The whole thing is a lame attempt to get clicks.
http://mlb.si.com/2012/12/14/jaws-and-the-2013-hall-of-fame-ballot-mike-piazza/
srt
12/19/2012-5:00pm at 5:00 pm (UTC -4)
Agree with you all. Either Piazza is HOF worthy or he is not. Davidoff is giving some type of crap about ‘not in his top 10 this year’, based on some type of stat formula he uses.
Really? Just sounds like an excuse he’s trying to make – especially since he says he’ll probably vote for him next year. He just doesn’t think he’s 1st vote worthy.
Bah….
gategem
12/19/2012-11:59pm at 11:59 pm (UTC -4)
As I think back through the years that I’ve followed baseball there has always been a special honor accorded to those that excel even by HOF standards when compared to other members of the HOF. These players are honored by electing them to the HOF on the first ballot. It’s an unwritten rule, a time honored tradition and thus the voting process is not a black and white issue. It will not, nor should it, be changed because some Mets fans are indignant and overwrought because someone did not vote for their player on the first ballot. Now unfortunately some writers bastardize the process for personal reasons and should be held accountable for their action.
I’ve seen some truly great catchers over the years. I go back to such greats as Yogi Berra, Roy Campanella, Bench, etc and I rate Piazza right up there with those players and should be voted in on the first ballot. I’m a staunch supporter of statistics. I mean I used them for most of my 40 years as a pure R&D engineer. But catchers transcend the numbers. They handle the pitchers, control a game and have a special relationship with the pitching staff. I always thought Piazza excelled in those categories and of course he was among the best hitting catchers I ever saw play. As I said he deserves to be elected on the first ballot but I will not overreact if he is not.
srt
12/20/2012-8:00am at 8:00 am (UTC -4)
Not an unreasonable thought process. And if that’s what Davidoff is going by, he would have done far better to just explain it that way, instead of the spin he tried to put on it.
Michael Geus
12/19/2012-4:38pm at 4:38 pm (UTC -4)
Tough to have too many platoons these days with 12 and 13 man pitching staffs. Roster space becomes an issue. So I like the idea, but unless we are going to a four man rotation and each guy is going to throw 225 innings it becomes hard to implement.
Stick
12/19/2012-4:48pm at 4:48 pm (UTC -4)
well, you are going to have 5 OF anyway with a normal 5 man bench. Just instead of 3 starters and 2 benchwarmers, you essentially have a rotation of 5 starters.
at least they won’t have a need for any platoons in the IF, so that will be easy to manage.
really then it is 2 platoons spreadh across 3 OF spots.
wanny
12/19/2012-4:44pm at 4:44 pm (UTC -4)
How about some pitchers? Maybe if I throw out some names like I did yesterday another move can come to fruition.
1. Carlos Villanueva — claims he’s looking for a guarantee as a starter. Has always been solid as a swing man. Keeps runners off base reasonably well. 2.65:1 K:BB and almost 8k/9. Made only 2.2m last year.
2. Francisco Liriano — upside play. might still want too much money.
3. Chris Young — known quantity. Effective when healthy. Good soldier.
4. Dallas Braden — out for a while & can go with mejia till he’s back. another upside play, when healthy can give innings with a sub 4 era. had a real solid season in 2010 when healthy.
5. Chris Capuano — last year of deal but might still be too expensive unless LAD pays some of his way. Would be an excellent stop gap.
SaltyGary
12/19/2012-4:49pm at 4:49 pm (UTC -4)
Well if you wanted pitching so damn bad, why the hell did we just trade away Dickey?
Stick
12/19/2012-4:53pm at 4:53 pm (UTC -4)
to get rid of Thole and Nickeas?
they did get pitching back too, and if that kid pitches like he did last year at the next level, he could be arriving real quick. He is already a horse.
gategem
12/20/2012-12:04am at 12:04 am (UTC -4)
“He is already a horse.”
Do they give him Lasix before he pitches?
Stick
12/19/2012-4:51pm at 4:51 pm (UTC -4)
cappy, he was looking worn out in the 2nd half. How long can he keep up a full workload?
Young, I really would rather try someone else at this point.
Lariano is a good option. Carlos V. , I know nothing about.
what about Stauffer or Marcum?
in any case, I really think they need one guy like this to have some options there.
and who knows, 3 years ago they found a MiL scrap heap journeyman type that worked out well. Maybe they can do it again!
TX
12/19/2012-5:22pm at 5:22 pm (UTC -4)
I like Stauffer, Liriano and Marcum, in that order. I knew you wanted to know.
wanny
12/19/2012-5:32pm at 5:32 pm (UTC -4)
Marcum is always hurt and made almost $8m last year. He is clearly the best of these pitchers but will also get a guarantee at more money than the Mets will give.
Stauffer is hardly an innings eater and didn’t pitch at all last year (other than his 5 inning debut).
greggofboken
12/19/2012-5:02pm at 5:02 pm (UTC -4)
I’d want someone who had the ability to become the pne’s long man after Wheeler gets brought up. Villaneuva looks good. I’d also want to consider Jeff Karstens for the same reason (1.15 WHIP last year, made $3.1M last year but limited to 19 games)
Given Capuano’s problems as the game wore on and our own issues with the bullpen, I’d want to stay away from him.
wanny
12/19/2012-5:35pm at 5:35 pm (UTC -4)
I like Karstens too provided his shoulder is not an issue.
wanny
12/19/2012-5:37pm at 5:37 pm (UTC -4)
I think whoever the pitcher is has to be someone you can reasonably count on to eat some innings over the course of the year. Even if Wheeler is ready by the All-Star break or before, you have to expect that Santana is not giving you 30+ starts and won’t pitch deep anyway. I also don’t know what to expect from Gee.
wanny
12/19/2012-5:39pm at 5:39 pm (UTC -4)
Forget Peter Bourjos.
Angels traded Kendry Morales to Seattle for Jason Vargas.
Trumbo will likely DH now with Bourjos in the OF.
greggofboken
12/19/2012-7:35pm at 7:35 pm (UTC -4)
Cubs thought Villanueva was a good idea too. Cause that’s where he went. (MLBTR had ham ranked as the 29th best free agent.)