| By Jason A. Churchill |  | By 01-30-2009 |
I received a tip today from a friend of the site about a potential payroll-moving trade by Jack Zduriencik, and in following up on it, there might be something to it - or at least there may have been at some point.
What I dug up/have been told is that the M's are working on a trade that would rid themselves of either Jarrod Washburn, Miguel Batista, or even Carlos Silva to an AL Central team.
But Brandon Morrow and either Wladimir Balentien or Jeff Clement - or both - might have to be part of the trade, at least as far as I can gather.
Returning would be a young corner outfielder with solid defensive skills and one strong offensive season under his belt, and minor league prospects - at least one pitcher.
I don't know exactly how fresh this information is, or how deep the talks have gone up to this point - or if the talks are dead or alive.
But I thought it was very interesting anyway, and further proof that Zduriencik is willing to make drastic moves if necessary.
a-small-rumor
Comments
The following 123 comment(s) for this article are shown below:
| 1. By: jonbbt on 01-30-2009 01:54:15 Wow.. my brain doesn't even know where to start with this one. I really don't like the "Brandon Morrow AND either..." bit, but I guess it would depend on who's coming back. Who fits that description? Span? |
| 2. By: Blowgun7 on 01-30-2009 01:56:36 Interesting.. Only guy I could really come up with that profiles as a solid defensive corner outfielder, with one good offensive season would be Denard Span, and i know we liked him last yr. I guess David Dejesus could fall in that category as well. Can't really think of anyone on Cleveland that would make sense. White Sox no. Tigers can't come up with anybody. However, if it's Span, what would Minnesota want to do with Clement? That wouldnt make much sense. And I don't know if Morrow for Span is a deal I'd make, even if they take one of those bad contracts. Jason, anything on this Abreu stuff. Sounds like we want him, but have to get rid of Washburn/Batista/Silva to free up the money |
| 3. By: Jason A. Churchill on 01-30-2009 01:59:04 The most intriguing news I heard re: Abreu is that he wanted to come here. |
| 4. By: SABR Matt on 01-30-2009 02:00:55 If we trade Jarrod Washburn AND Brandon Morrow AND Wlad Balentien...and we get back Denard Span...I quit. I'll be a fan of the Yankees before I am a fan of an organization that would do something that utterly stupid. |
| 5. By: Blowgun7 on 01-30-2009 02:04:45 No way I deal Morrow. If they want to take Clement, Balentein, and Washburn for Span and a pitching prospect.. I do it. It opens up 10 million to get Abreu at DH and I'm an Adam Moore guy. However, what incentive does Minnesota have to take Clement? |
| 6. By: jonbbt on 01-30-2009 02:06:23 It's hard to think of young COFs that fit that description. Span, DeJesus and Quentin were the only ones that really came to mind for me, and DeJesus and Quentin don't really fit the description all that much. This is very interesting... |
| 7. By: Blowgun7 on 01-30-2009 02:08:23 Isnt Quentin a butcher with the glove? That erased him from the discussion in my eyes. I really can only think of three guys.. Span, Dejesus, and Choo (night job Bavasi).. |
| 8. By: jonbbt on 01-30-2009 02:13:44 Sure, but Span and Choo only have partial good offensive seasons. Span has only played in 93 MLB games so far, and Choo wasn't a full time player last season either. I would think that the prospects could overshadow the COF if there is anything to this deal. But then again there's really no point in trading young players (Morrow, Clement etc) for more prospects. So confusing. |
| 9. By: jonbbt on 01-30-2009 02:16:04 Also, "solid defensive skills" hardly means they're a plus-plus defender like Span, and could be a pretty subjective phrase anyway. Someone like Quentin could be the player being described, despite being a below average defender to most of us. |
| 10. By: Jason A. Churchill on 01-30-2009 02:27:14 I can tell you it's not Denard Span. |
| 11. By: jonbbt on 01-30-2009 02:34:53 the plot thickens. there doesn't seem to be a lot of AL Central guys matching the "young corner outfielder with solid defensive skills and one strong offensive season under his belt" description. I guess you'd have to define what "young", and what "solid defensive skills" and a "strong offesive season" mean. If I had to put money down I would have to say Quentin. |
| 12. By: masonb on 01-30-2009 02:43:13 Maybe Delmon Young? But I would guess Quentin also. Not sure I'd pull the trigger on that one if Morrow is involved |
| 13. By: okori on 01-30-2009 02:49:18 That's to much talent to give up if the pitchers are Washburn or Batista, because they're only on one year deals. I'd pay $8 mill or $10 to control Clement/Morrow for several years.. Now Silva?? I don't know.. Depends on who the OF is, and the quality of the pitcher coming back.. Quentin can rake, so.. If it's Young, I like Beltre for Young better then this deal. |
| 14. By: jimmimoose on 01-30-2009 03:09:53 How about Teahen, from the Royals? He was pretty decent back in 2006 with the stick, and has a somewhat decent glove? I wouldn't be too excited about that trade, I don't think, though I'd wait to see the particulars. JZ is earning some trust so far this offseason. |
| 15. By: 01v-dubs on 01-30-2009 03:15:18 If its Morrow plus Wlad and Clement, you've gotta think we'd be getting one hell of an OF and pitching prospect. Morrow has ace potential, and at the least is a good closer if that doesn't work out. Wlad has potential, and Clement could be one of the best, if not the best hitting catchers in baseball. If it was for Quintin and Poreda from the White Sox I'd be ok with that. Delmon Young has not been good so I'd doubt he'd be it. I really can't think of anybody besides Quintin who matches that description, well Hermida, but the Marlins are as strapped for cash as anybody. Jackie Z has made all good moves so far, lets hope it stays that way. |
| 16. By: jonbbt on 01-30-2009 03:20:07 The more I think about it, the more the Sox seem to make sense. Quentin, and then they have the LHSPs Z appears to crave. Quentin + Poreda + LHSP Richard and/or 1B Allen or others and dealing Morrow doesn't seem all that awful. I would still hate to lose him, but there are scenarios where it doesn't hurt so much. Can't wait to see how/if this develops. Gonna be a busy 2 weeks before ST. |
| 17. By: dewey on 01-30-2009 07:41:19 It is Delmon Young and i dont think Wash and Vlad will get it done do you jason?How much salary of Wash will we have to pay? |
| 18. By: tkballer22 on 01-30-2009 08:42:06 It was not said that last year was his great offensive year. I realize he's not a corner..but he's young and I think he's put up several offensive seasons..but Id LOVE to see it be Granderson. |
| 19. By: The Great Pumpkin on 01-30-2009 09:55:00 Choo seems to fit the description pretty well. But the trade pieces don't make sense. The Indians have a top cathing prospect already. Any chance we may be after a prospect like LaPorta to fill our 1B needs? Morrow, Clement, Balentien would be quite a talented prospect package to give up, we must me getting something nice in return. |
| 20. By: bakomariner on 01-30-2009 10:04:35 I'm not sure you give up Morrow...Bedard is sure to be traded or leave after this season...then if you trade Morrow and a bad contact (say Wash) your 2010 rotation is Felix, Silva, RRS, Olson and ?...that's not a very good rotation... Unless the player(s) we get back are all-stars or on the verge of being an all-star, I keep Morrow as my number 2 for 2010 and beyond... |
| 21. By: SABR Matt on 01-30-2009 10:32:59 My problem wasn't with dealing Morrow. My problem was getting Span. Span freakin' SUCKS. No power and his BA last year was BABIP luck. He's Jeremy Reed's fast twin. Who the heck cares about Span? |
| 22. By: Docmilo on 01-30-2009 10:33:52 I like how this is called a "small rumor". This is HUGE. Well, if Morrow and Clement were what was asked for in return, I would have to put this into the group of "or at least there may have been at some point" rumors. I don't like the idea of moving Morrow for the same point as bakomariner brought up, period. I love the idea of moving Clement, Wlad and Washburn and half his contract if the return is Young. |
| 23. By: SABR Matt on 01-30-2009 10:37:41 Now if it's Carlos Quentin and interesting high minors prospects, then maybe we're talking...but if you deal an ace in the making like Morrow AND our best left handed hitting prospect AND one more piece AND a starting pitcher salary dump, you'd better be getting back Quentin AND their #1 prospect AND something else interesting. |
| 24. By: bakomariner on 01-30-2009 10:42:52 Where do you play Quentin? I honestly don't much more about him than that he can rake...can he play left in Safeco, or would he make an ass of himself out there like Raul? |
| 25. By: dewey on 01-30-2009 10:48:37 The wsox arent gonna move a guy thats cheap.The twins have been tlking about Young all winter apparently there manager isnt fond of him. |
| 26. By: jonbbt on 01-30-2009 10:53:49 Young is one of the worst defensive outfielders range-wise in baseball. No defense, bad attitude and he looks like he could balloon like his brother Dmitri. No thanks.. Yeah, the offensive upside is there, but I wouldn't give up anything major for him. |
| 27. By: Docmilo on 01-30-2009 10:59:01 Fangraphs has Quentin's UZR at -7 for LF. Whatever that means. I don't see the White Sox being as interested as a trading partner when it comes to Washburn. They are making such a big deal about going young. |
| 28. By: mcgillicutty on 01-30-2009 11:07:43 Ben Francisco? |
| 29. By: jonbbt on 01-30-2009 11:12:54 The Indians don't have room to absorb a big contract. |
| 30. By: jonbbt on 01-30-2009 11:13:24 Also, they dealt Gutz so that guys like Francisco and Choo could play everyday. I don't think the Indians would be involved. |
| 31. By: candasharp on 01-30-2009 11:18:10 Given Jack Z's obvious preference to obtain defensive prowess at key positions, I begin to understand why he would want to trade Clement as Clement will never be more than average. Looking over the AL Central, the best fit in my mind is the Royals as they have a surplus of solid OFs and needs which the Mariners can fill. I could live with DeJesus, Crisp or Teahen as a LF, plus the Royals have accumulated a very nice collection of prospects (Moustakas, Hosmer, etc). They also need a catcher badly as who really believes that John Buck and Miguel "What's a Base on Balls?" Olivo are the answer? Plus the Royals do not have a LHSP in their rotation (unless you count Ho-Ram). Here's my best guess: Washburn, Clement and Balentien for Teahen and Billy Butler. Lots of fun to speculate ... |
| 32. By: SABR Matt on 01-30-2009 11:45:02 The rumor specifically said Morrow would probably be involved in any of these potential deals. Washburn, Clement and Morrow for Teahen, Butler and one of their SP prospect would be more likely. Would I do that? IDK...it's pretty iffy IMHO. |
| 33. By: John_S on 01-30-2009 11:50:05 RE: Twins I can see the interest in Clement because Mauer has had a history of knee problems going back to this rookie year. They are concerned of his height that the knee issues are going to continue and shorten his career. There was talk in MN about a year ago about moving him to third. Delmon Young would make sense coming back because Gardenhire consider him a cancer to the team. He did not take well to instruction and did not follow the "Twins way" of doing things. It's said that he's been humbled and has come back more open to coaching but we'll see. The Twins have some good young outfielders in the minors...Ben Revere and 2008 draft pick Aaron Hicks. Pitchers Shooter Hunt, Anthony Swarzak are nice looking prospects. |
| 34. By: DRWheelock on 01-30-2009 11:56:07 I've been reserved on posting until I've read everyone elses comments, including 'Bleeding Blue and Teal' posts and comments. I'd love Quentin, and WhiteSox traded for him last offseason without giving up squat for him. BUT Quentin did break his wrist in September, so I don't think he will be a power threat (especially @ Safeco in 2009 as a RHB) until the 2nd half...which would lead me to beleive that "if" it is Quentin, then the Z-man would want Abeu in the lineup and LF until Quentin gets his power back..then move Abreu more to the DH role with Chavez as the 4th OFer backing up Quentin in late inning D. NOW candasharp brought something up that is worth noting. Remember last year when Bavasi wouldn't pull the trigger on KC offer for Yuni? It was an offer from KC Billy Butler for Yuni straight up. Well, we have Cedeno now who is a hands down better defender than Yuni at SS, with more offensive upside than Yuni. AND with Truinfel no doubt ready in 2010, we now have the option to move Yuni without blinking, since Cedeno is here. "If" it's KC, who tends to make HORRIBLE decisions from their front office, then I would say the trade is: Washburn/Wlad/Yuni for Teahen/Butler...AND Seattle still signs Abreu. Those are my thoughts! |
| 35. By: John_S on 01-30-2009 12:12:38 Also, if you trade Morrow and Bedard is not coming back then you are going to have Felix and a bunch of back end guys for 2010 and beyond. Doesn't seem like it would help us on the pitching side for the future. Who knows if Aumont, Pineda or JCR is going to develop. Even if they do, they are still 3-4 years off. It may help us improve our offense, but our pitching is going to be iffy at best in the future without anyone in the minors ready to step in. |
| 36. By: csiems on 01-30-2009 12:12:43 Anyone think Ethier or Kemp from the Dodgers? Knowing next to nothing about the Dodgers' farm system it makes some sense on the surface--1) Colletti likes veterans and seems to distrust youth; 2) Their outfield is expected to be crowded with Pierre, Ethier, Kemp, and being the only suitors for Manny; 3) They have the payroll to cover Washburn's salary. What would LAN be able to offer in terms of pitching prospects? A quick look suggests they have some nice arms in AA. |
| 37. By: John_S on 01-30-2009 12:32:05 CSIEMS - Ethier or Kemp would be great, but Jason noted that it was with an AL Central team. |
| 38. By: csiems on 01-30-2009 12:34:26 I don't know how I missed that. |
| 39. By: candasharp on 01-30-2009 12:46:08 I could see Yuni being included in the KC deal as KC could then move Aviles to 2B and let Callaspo and WFB fight it out for the utility spots. I would much rather keep Morrow than Yuni and let Cedeno have the crack at SS. |
| 40. By: Edman on 01-30-2009 12:50:56 Personally, giving up Morrow just so you can shed payroll is stupid. Unless someone was willing to take Silva's contract, it makes zero sense. I'd rather sign Griffey and live with a year of Washburn and Batista. Young would be a good fit for Seattle, but not for Morrow, even straight up. Both Batista and Washburn will be off the books next year. If it was Clement instead of Morrow, I could live with that. Johnson can step in this year with Moore replacing Johjima at some point. I hate giving up his power potential, but Moore isn't much behind him offensively. He won't hit as many homeruns, but will probably hit more doubles. Bottom line is.....any deal that costs us Morrow would be insane to a club building for the near future. And particularly, if it's go get room to sign Abreu for a year. It's counter-productive. Just say no to trading Morrow. He's got a special kind of talent. And, if he achieves it, we'll look mighty foolish to have traded him simply to shed payroll. |
| 41. By: SMariners11 on 01-30-2009 13:08:41 Jason, Can we rule out the White Sox and Washburn because his skill set does not fit that ballpark. I just get the feeling that a Delmon Young or David DeJesus is the corner OF. I just do not understand giving up a good young pitcher like Brandon Morrow in a deal for one of them. The prospect must be a top one. I think the Royals would benefit the most from a Washburn, Balentien, Clement trade. |
| 42. By: Mariners2001 on 01-30-2009 13:14:38 If Morrow is involved and we're not getting Granderson or Sizemore, then it's not worth it. Morrow has more projected value than any corner OF in the AL Central other than those two. I would, however, include Clement and/or Balentien for Quentin. It seems like a move that Ken Williams would make. I have to say, though, I don't think Balentien is too far off from being a Quentin - especially in Comiskey. I don't think Quentin's bat would fit too well in Safeco. Guys like Dejesus, Choo (!), Teahen and Young are not worth trading Clement or Morrow for. I think Clement's going to have a big year this year and then his value will sky-rocket. On a side note, Delmon Young is a terrible player and should not be even considered. Terrible attitude, really bad range, mediocre speed and power, and horrible plate discipline. What's the appeal again? Either way, I like the idea of packaging Washburn, Balentien and Betancourt to the Royals for Teahen, Butler, Callaspo (if there's fine with that) and a SP prospect. I'd definitely go for that. |
| 43. By: Mariners2001 on 01-30-2009 13:18:11 Oh, and if Silva's name is actually being considered along with Washburn then you have to trade him over Washburn in a heartbeat. One more year of Washburn and Batista are bearable (especially snnce we might be able to move them at the deadline), three more years of Silva is not. |
| 44. By: SMariners11 on 01-30-2009 13:22:48 I think that if we are to get both Teahen and Butler in a deal we have to include both Clement and Balentien atleast, because we will be making a salary dump wiht a Washburn, Batista or Silva. So a Silva, Clement, Balentien for Teahen, Butler, and a top pitching prospect would not be bad. I am a big fan of Clement, but I think Adam Moore could turn out to be better overall as a catcher. If Teahen is part of the deal, that rules us out of Abreu too....right? |
| 45. By: rocketdawg31 on 01-30-2009 13:31:40 At this stage, Clement and Balentien are expendable. If those two are gone, there are pieces around already that could fill the voids. Morrow is NOT. If he's involved in a trade, there had best be some MONSTER names- I'm talking serious no-brainer names- coming from the other side... But I think this might actually be some old sauce...it's only my gut feeling, but I think there's nothing to this one anymore... |
| 46. By: StandinPat on 01-30-2009 14:15:28 We really need to focus on the ket phrase "Returning would be a young corner outfielder with solid defensive skills and one strong offensive season under his belt" That really rules out alot of the players being bandied about. Young, for one, doesn't come anywhere close to fitting the bill on either acct. My best guess would be Quentin. He's had one excellent year, on top of some part time ab's. His UZR wasn't great last year, but in RF the two previous years in Arizona, he looked above avg, so maybe that spells "solid." For once though, I completely agree with Edman. I really don't like the idea of trading Morrow, especially with the lack of top end starting depth thats anywhere close to being MLB ready. The player I'd LOVE to see is DeJesus. The guy is a true CF that would be just a tick below Chavez in LF. Top that off with both above avg on-base skills and power from the left side, and you have one of the more underrated players in the game. I'd be willing to through some cash with Wash and Clement or preferably Wlad and Johnson, with maybe a B level spec. Also the Royals seem to have an affinity for Yuni, and we now have depth at SS, so he'd be a possibility too. If you did trade Clement, if would completely open up our DH spot, and if you freed up about $6-$8 mil to sign Abreu, all of a sudden thats a real nice offense to go with a stellar Defense. |
| 47. By: John_S on 01-30-2009 14:26:18 I'm not sure about DeJesus. Yes he's a good hitter, but he has no power (12hr's last year). I'm not sure if you can put him in the young category as he's 29. Essentially currently the M's have an all field no power team. The only real source of power for this team is Beltre and maybe Branyan. |
| 48. By: BrettJMiller on 01-30-2009 14:41:15 John_S-- Who cares if he doesn't have power? You don't need power to be a successful team. The four projection systems have DeJesus pegged for a good regression in power, from .452 SLG to around .415, but as long as he can keep his OBP around .350 he's a strong pickup for the team. Add in that he's got a career +21.7 UZR/150 in LF, and he's probably a 2-3 win player. You don't need power to win. It doesn't hurt, but there are other ways to win. If you still think you need power to win, read this: http://www.lookoutlanding.com/2009/1/29/740417/thank-you-for-voting Really if we add DeJesus or Span or Swisher and snag Abreu or Dunn, we have a good all around defensive team (if you assume Cedeno ends up with a lot of time at SS, every player is average or above with the glove) and that would shave runs off our pitchers ERAs, making the common fans think we just got better pitching. It's a 80-85 win team, regardless of the lack of pop. Also to SABR Matt-- Span does not suck. You say his BABIP was fluky. Yes, it was .342, but I don't know how you figure that as luck. You'd expect a .300 BABIP for a player with a 19%~ Line Drive Rate. Span's LD rate was 25.7% last year. The kid hits the ball on a line with authority. His UZR/150 was 10.1 last year (SSS applies, of course)...he's a 1 win defender and 1-2 win bat. Span is a good player. Even the projection systems forecast him to have around a .740ish OPS, driven by high contact and a great eye. I mean, he only swung at pitches outside of the zone 16% last year. No, that's not a typo. SIXTEEN! Percent. Though he's not coming back to us, Washburn/Morrow for Span and salary relief isn't a bad deal. I'd rather package Yuni with Washburn and start Cedeno at short myself, but that's another discussion. |
| 49. By: StandinPat on 01-30-2009 15:12:10 John S Let me re-iterate my post if it wasn't clear...Quentin is who I assumed the rumored player would be, DeJesus is the player I would want. DeJesus is 29, yes, not young, and has had several good seasons, not just one, which again makes it quite obvious I wasn't saying that he might be the rumored player. Secondly, I'm really not sure how he has NO power. Since he has become pretty much an everyday player he has posted slg%'s of .445, .446, .372, and .452. That seems pretty solid to me. By comparison, Ibanez slugged .480 and .479 the past two years, or roughly 30 points higher. Thats not a huge difference between the two, and DeJesus' defense MORE than makes up for the difference. |
| 50. By: Adam T on 01-30-2009 15:37:49 Personally, I'm hoping for Washburn/Wlad/Clement for DeJesus plus. There aren't many corner OFs in the AL Central who I'd give up Morrow for, including Quentin. And given Bedard's likely departure, I'm all for keeping Morrow no matter what. DeJesus would give us quite possibly the best OF defense in the AL (maybe outside Tampa), AND provide more offense than Chavez. And if it clears payroll to get Abreu for DH, all the better. Whatever the case, it's fun to see Jack Z at work. |
| 51. By: mykillmagnum on 01-30-2009 16:06:02 i know it says a corner outfielder, but what if it was grady sizemore? didnt he just sign a big contract??? i dont really know if that would work out on clevelands end, but what about a washburn, clement, morrow, and wlad for sizemore and a prospect? i think i would do that. dont really know if cleveland would, but he is a local kid. and he would look great in a seattle uniform. |
| 52. By: Lantermanc on 01-30-2009 16:24:12 There's no way it's Sizemore. Sizemore is the type of guy you don't trade no matter what. That would be like the Rays trading Longoria, or the Phillies trading Utley, or the Twins trading Mauer. That being said, I would definitely give up the package that JAC mentioned for a Sizemore. My guess is it's either Teahen and Billy Butler, or Dejesus. Can Teahen be moved back to 3b? That would allow us to move Beltre. Also, Denard Span is a fine player, but why would we need another CFer when we already have 3? And why would the Twins want Jeff Clement when they have Joe Maeur. |
| 53. By: rotoenquire on 01-30-2009 16:33:26 The point would be to dump Bad salary and to do it you need to add somethign good. That being said. I have been looking at some stuff with teams in the Central. This is what we could be lookign at. Minn: K. Mulvey SP (part of the Santana deal), Dustin Martin OF (kid has some decent speed and pop). The Twins do have a glut in the OF and Young would make sense. Det: I do not think they make sence there hurting and may want to dump salary themselfs. Even tho I like Fu Te Ni SP and Wilkin Ramirez OF allot. Maybe Clete Thomas? Cle: Looking to make a bounce back fast. J. Meloan RP has great stuff and Stephen Head Decent HR and for AVG hitter. ChiW: Looking to get younger but may take on salary after trading some away if they get major league ready people now. Lance Broadway SP and Brandon Allen a 5 tool kid should start in Dble A. K.C. Could be Butler and Teahen plus maybe a Carlos Rosa SP. They are looking to make a big push this year. Is the good year under his belt in reference to a minor league year? Jason did not specify even tho he said "And minor league prospects. |
| 54. By: John_S on 01-30-2009 17:07:56 Standing Pat, understood that you were talking about Quentin. Just throwing out the fact the DeJesus is not young and doesn't have a lot of power. Dejesus's name has come up often on this subject and I was just throwing that out there. |
| 55. By: Adam T on 01-30-2009 17:28:31 "Also, Denard Span is a fine player, but why would we need another CFer when we already have 3?" Uh, really? |
| 56. By: bigmook76 on 01-30-2009 18:02:36 The off season kills me. I fricking need to know! Jason, any other brain busting rumors? Thanks a mil for keeping me up at night wondering how I would if I could, deal some of the monster contracts away. Ugh. I need a beer. |
| 57. By: DRWheelock on 01-30-2009 18:09:24 Ok I think I've just ruled out my idea above regarding it being KC. JAC stated: "Returning would be a young corner outfielder with solid defensive skills and one strong offensive season under his belt" So if we're talking OFers with no more than 1 full year of MLB experience that had a "strong" offensive season that rules out players with multiple full year MLB experience: THEN... 1. Delmon Young is out 2. Cuddyer is out 3. Sizemore and Granderson are out 4. Teahen is out 5. In fact...ANY OFer on KC, Indians, Detroit, and Twins is out By process of illimination...leaves ONLY ChiSox and Quentin. NOW, ChiSox picked up Quentin for NOTHING last year from Dbacks, and the player they got for Quentin was turned around and added in the overall package to the A's for Dan Haren. AND Quentin broke his wrist in September, and probably won't regain his overall power until mid-2009, so ChiSox might be in the "sell-high" mode on Quentin. ChiSox also moved Javier Vasquez via trade this offseason, and decided NOT to resign Garland too! ChiSox did pickup Bartolo Colon, but that is a MAJOR risk to bet that he will return to 2005 form?! There was rumored discussion from ChiSox and Texas for Michael Young...when he was demanding a trade last month, so ChiSox "could" be very interested in a cheap Yuni?! Interestingly, go take a look at ChiSox SS/IF roster...believe it or not Yuni would be an improvement over what they currently have...and Yuni is on a CHEAP contract over the next 3 or so years! Pierzynski & locked into their C role thru 2010, so I don't think they would require Clement in return for the package. BUT with Dye coming off the books after 2009 and his $10M, Wlad Balentien I'm sure would definitely be in the trade. SO...I take back my assumption that it's a deal with KC...and here is my new projection to this rumored trade... YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST...Seattle Gives up: Washburn/Wlad/Yuni + $3M Cash (maybe Clement if no cash is involved) For Quentin/Richard Clayton This will Free up approximately $9M off of Seattle's Books to put towards a 1-yr Abreu deal for $7-9M (probably a team option for 2nd year of $10M) Twins AND Yankees last year during the season were in hot pursuit of grabbing Washburn's remaining 2009 salary & 2010 salary. Despite this economy and market ChiSox get 2 guys out of that package that would be under CHEAP club control for a LONG time (Yuni and Wlad), and they fill Vasquez's shoes with Washburn. Those are NOW my thoughts on this hole trade rumor deal going on! |
| 58. By: Blowgun7 on 01-30-2009 18:34:56 Why would the Sox ever give up Quentin/Clayton for Wlad/Yuni/Washburn? They would be total morons to do that |
| 59. By: Docmilo on 01-30-2009 18:39:07 The ChiSox have Alexei Ramirez pegged for SS next year. His range at SS may be slightly below average but .290/.317/.475 and 21 HRs at SS I would say is better than Yuni can put up. They also have Getz and Lillibridge fighting it out for 2B this year. They are pretty well set up the middle. I would love to see Quentin here. Clement, Wlad, Washburn,+ for Quentin, + would be great. |
| 60. By: Mr. Durden on 01-30-2009 18:49:54 All of these random and wild, fantasy-baseball styled proposals sure are fun. But, Mr. Churchill clearly stated that Morrow is involved... Wasburn or Batista/Morrow/Balentien for Quentin, et al... I don't think it's worth getting rid of 1 more year of Washburn or Batista to trade away Morrow. Even if it is Quentin that would be the return - and he's a very good hitter, better than Ibanez leftfielder. Morrow is worth more by himself than Quentin. And we save MAYBE $7mil by dumping Washburn or Batista? Not worth it. Now, if we are dumping Silva's contract, that could be worth it... Except that in order for any team in their right mind to take Silva, we would have to give up Morrow and Clement, and probably Balentien. Forget about him at catcher; Clement is our 1B of the next 10 years. Silva/Morrow/Clement and/or Balentien for Quentin, et al... I don't know, that's a lot of our future going out the door to save some money and to get a good outfielder in Quentin. |
| 61. By: CrustyJuggler on 01-30-2009 19:05:36 This has the feeling of a deal that was discussed in preliminary stages and probably died ages ago. I see Jason's description of being a young corner outfielder with one solid MLB season being maybe one of three guys. Teahen, Quentin or Span. Jason ruled out Span. That leaves Teahen or Quentin. But the outlier of "solid defensive skills" was used and neither guy is above average. The deal either died or is in extremely early stages since we have never had a whiff of this at any other time in the offseason. |
| 62. By: DRWheelock on 01-30-2009 19:46:43 JAC stated: Morrow and Wlad and/or Clement "might have to be part of the trade"...he didn't say that he heard Morrows name involved. I'd put money on it that Morrow is untouchable. Wlad is deinitely involved, because he has no future with the M's! I can see Rob Johnson, but not Clement. I do agree with Mr Durden though, we have ONLY 1 more year of Washburn before he's off the books, along with Batista. The ONLY way I'd include Clement in the deal is "if" it was for Silva's HUGE lonterm deal over the next 3 years!!! With Truinfel another year away, and Z picking up Cedeno, I can see how Yuni is now expendable. Maybe not in the ChiSox deal...but rekindling the KC Butler/Yuni deal. I do think there will be some pretty major wheelin' and dealin' going on over the next 2-3 weeks though! Come on Z show us more of your love! :) |
| 63. By: CrustyJuggler on 01-30-2009 20:18:11 Quite the contrary. Jason said... "But Brandon Morrow and either Wladimir Balentien or Jeff Clement - or both - might have to be part of the trade" It's Morrow and either Balentien/Clement or both. So that is pretty definitive of Morrow be involved. |
| 64. By: CrustyJuggler on 01-30-2009 20:21:30 Personally, I wouldn't move Morrow unless it was a deal involving Quentin AND Poreda. There is really nothing else in the AL Central (given Jason's info) that interests me. I don't like the Teahen speculation because his "good" offensive year was 3 years ago. And if its absolutely NOT Span. It has to be Quentin. I'm still pissed about Choo. We wouldn't be having this LF discussion if Choo was still around. |
| 65. By: on 01-30-2009 20:36:18 Could this be a case of the Mariners trying to unload an awful Silva contract by offering prospects to the team that takes him off our hands? It's a tough pill to swallow, but we sure would have a lot of flexibility next year if Silva dissapeared. If you we're the ChiSox, would you make this trade? Silva (and the remaining 35 mil we owe), Morrow, and Clement for Quentin and a pitching prospect? We would be sitting pretty in 2010. |
| 66. By: Slurve on 01-30-2009 20:51:04 Honestly I don't want to see Morrow go can we switch him with Ramirez or Pineda... The pitching prospect would be the wild card if this trade happened if it will at all but really it would be Morrow + Wladdy/Clement with sweeteners for a corner OF and a pitching prospect doesn't quite appeal to me. |
| 67. By: timbmyers on 01-30-2009 20:51:07 I think that we have to take rumors by Jason seriously, because I don't think he would waste his or our time on frivilous comments on his website. I personally think that ridding ourselves of one our overvalued contracts is definitely a good thing even if it can cost us Morrow. Good hitting players come at a premium now a days and I think Quentin would be an asset to this team especailly for one that plays the way he does with heart and skill. That needs to happen more in the game today. We would be doing well to acquire Quentin, especially if we are receiving another quality pitching prospect with him. Make it happen Z and keep the good deals coming that keep improving our team. You need to spend money to make money and that can be applied to player talent. We need to give up talent if want to improve other parts of our team. Thanks for all the time and effort that you put into giving us M's fans something interesting to follow Jason, keep up the good work. |
| 68. By: CrustyJuggler on 01-30-2009 20:54:48 Sitting pretty ...with no pitching though. Bedard, Washburn, Silva, Morrow and Batista would be gone in that scenario. I know losing Silva, Wash and Batista would be a positive thing but Bedard and Morrow gone wouldn't leave much in terms of big league talent in the rotation. |
| 69. By: rotoenquire on 01-30-2009 21:44:31 There has been trade rumors for awhile swirling about the M's and Twins. With Cuddyer or Young....usually involving Beltre, so other players wouold not be that far fetched...And Z has been great at keeping everything close to the vest on deals...Did you all hear about Hielman or Putz deals days before they happen...this maybe clsoe to being done is why it is commen out now...don't be suprised...or could Olsen be going out instead of Morrow is that why we got him? |
| 70. By: rightwingrick on 01-30-2009 23:10:56 I honestly can't imagine a trade that would include Morrow...he's exactly the kind of player Z is looking to ACQUIRE, not trade. He's young, on-the-verge of potential break-out, high upside, and under club control at low cost for several years. I can see Balentein going, as we have upper-level minor league outfield depth (Saunders, Halman, even Wilson). I can see Clement going, as we have a better young option at catcher (Adam Moore). I can see Silva or Washburn or Batista going, of course. And now with Reegie Corona, Tug Huelett, and Ronny Cedeno, perhaps Lopez is vulnerable. Kansas City just recently announced that they were considering moving Teahen to 2B, and he's already played 3B and LF. That might be a clue. I think someone threw Morrow's name in the pot to stir things up a bit and see if anything cooked, and I doubt it was Z. My guess is Morrow is not going anywhere except into the #3 slot in our rotation. |
| 71. By: The Great Pumpkin on 01-30-2009 23:37:49 I would hate to see Morrow traded, but I am just imagining Quentin in LF and it gets me excited. But, then again, I am really looking forward to watching Morrow pitch this year. It would be nice to pull this off without losing Morrow. There's plenty of high-upside guys in AA, just send one of them! An outfield of Quentin, Gutz, and Ichiro would be pretty sweet for the next few years. |
| 72. By: NEOregonMarinersFan on 01-31-2009 00:03:57 What BigMook said about needing a beer... eeek. My brain is on Mariners Armchair GM Overload. Any other tidbits you can toss our way, please? I could handle something like getting Butler and Teahen from KC in exchange for Balentien, Clement and Washburn. I'd hope they wouldn't include Morrow in any KC deal unless it was for Alex Gordon, and I am sure they wouldn't consider trading Gordon. What about lefty bat OF Shin-Soo Choo? Would it be worth it to get him back from Cleveland? I think so, and I don't see how he should be ruled out. He might not have had a full season in 2008, but I would say he is "a young corner outfielder with solid defensive skills and one strong offensive season under his belt". A player doesn't have to play a full season to have a "strong offensive season" does he? What would it take to get Choo? Certainly not Brandon Morrow. Maybe Balentien, plus Washburn and some money? |
| 73. By: safecochatter on 01-31-2009 02:41:02 it's got to be Sox/Quentin. others have said the same thing.and i agree. what makes me believe it's on going,rather than old.is i don't think jack or any good gm would trade for Quentin without seeing him hit this spring. to make sure he's ok. it also makes sense that williams would be in a "sell high" mode. we probably haven't heard the last of this... but if morrow is traded,there better be some serious talent comin back m's way. |
| 74. By: slick on 01-31-2009 05:05:51 Silva Marrow Balentien to Twins Mariners get Young and Perkins/blackburn |
| 75. By: rotoenquire on 01-31-2009 10:29:50 Actually could be an NL trade Washburn to ChiC for R. Hill...and then signing B. Abrue...JC would we not lose a draft pick if not I am all for this deal... |
| 76. By: ernier on 01-31-2009 10:52:07 On the subject of trade rumors...there are some interesting tidbits from Ken Rosenthal about discussions between the M's and Yankees and the M's and Twins http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9152594/Fehr:-'Heightened'-concern-about-free-agent-market?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=49 |
| 77. By: Librarian on 01-31-2009 10:55:29 Rosenthal's comments would lead you to believe the deal would be (have been?) built around Washburn and D. Young. |
| 78. By: Marlin Man on 01-31-2009 12:37:57 What the hell is wrong with you guys??? Morrow isn't going anywhere- and ALL of you know it- forget that name MM |
| 79. By: rocketdawg31 on 01-31-2009 13:44:36 Re: Post #75- Rotoenquire Signing Abreu wouldn't cost us a draft pick. He wasn't offered arbitration. The only obstacle involved in signing him is one of cost. And I agree with Marlin Man, and I've said it earlier in this thread. I think this is probably some sauce that died a while ago. Look, guys...how many teams do you know out there that are just foisting the 24-year-old power arms they've managed to develop- in any deal? To me, Brandon Morrow only goes away if it's some kind of deal that brings back some name player that just instantly launches us into contender status. I don't see him going in a deal predicated on MORE prospects. It would be counter-productive to the notion of going with youth. And right now, that name player that makes you a contender is either not available or doesn't exist. I can see Clement and Balentien going in the right deal. I don't see Morrow in any deal in baseball's current scope of things. |
| 80. By: mykillmagnum on 01-31-2009 15:45:55 i agree, quentin seems to be the most logical from what jason said. but what if it was an nl central team, instead of an al. st louis seems really logical to me. they are looking for starting pitchers, and have a ton of outfielders. i personally would love to get someone like ankiel. i know he is somewhat injury prone, but he has great power, and could excel in the american league playing the dh every once and awhile. i kind of like the deal of washburn/morrow/clement/wlad for ankiel/ rasmus/ todd or perez. i know this is probably not the trade, but its fun to speculate. |
| 81. By: DRWheelock on 01-31-2009 18:22:52 I just read over at MLBTradeRumor that ChiSox is done with the FA market, and will have to decide who is going to man the 2B hole they have with Ramirez moving over to SS: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/01/white-sox-done.html#comments Now I'm wondering if ChiSox would be interested in a package that would include Jose Lopez for their 2B slot: Washburn/Lopez/Wlad for Quentin/Richard Clayton Lopez did tear in up in the Winter League this year, and we have Cedeno's better D at 2B. That is a lot of salary to take on for ChiSox though, BUT Lopez is locked up for pretty cheap thru 2011?! Washburn $10.35M 2009 Lopez 2009:$1.6M, 2010:$2.3M, 2011: $4.5M club option ($0.25M buyout) Thoughts? |
| 82. By: flamefox111 on 01-31-2009 20:34:06 I would do a Silva, Clement, Wlad, and Yuni for Teahan, Butler, SP prospect. |
| 83. By: DAMellen on 01-31-2009 23:18:42 Even if we assume that the White Sox aren't that high on Quentin and want to try to sell high on him, I don't think they'd deal him for a package that didn't include Morrow unless we gave them pretty much everything else we have. |
| 84. By: candasharp on 02-01-2009 00:27:40 Why would the White Sox trade Quentin? Their outfield is brutally thin to begin with and trading Quentin wouldn't help that situation. Kansas City and Minnesota have OF depth and thus makes them more likely candidates for a trade scenario given mutal needs for both teams. That being said, I tend to believe that this trade scenario is basically blog fodder rather than anything of substance. |
| 85. By: CrustyJuggler on 02-01-2009 02:23:10 The White Sox have a couple of potential promising guys for 2B in Lillibridge and Getz. I doubt they would be too interested in Lopez. |
| 86. By: slick on 02-01-2009 02:38:49 The Whitesox have Quentin under controll for the next couple of years makes no sense for Chicago to trade him when they could trade Dye for prospects then sign Abreu or Dunn or the new Cuban deffector. If somehow we could get rid of Silva's contract then maybe we could try to resign Beltre, and make a move for Lacky if he does not resign with LA this year. |
| 87. By: toonsterwu on 02-01-2009 09:27:54 My guess is that this is about Delmon Young and the Twins. The note says "solid defensive skills". It doesn't say anything about defensive performance to date. I think some people might feel Young has solid defensive "skills". The Twins have also been known to be shopping him. That said, nothing seems to fit based on the names tossed out above. I could see the Twins perhaps be interested in Washburn to give them flexibility. I could see Jack Z perhaps interested in Young. But it makes no sense for the Twins to fork over Young for Washburn, particularly with the contract aspect. So? Putting in Clement and Balentien sounds good on paper. Mauer could use more DH/1st (or 3rd time) to lengthen his career. Balentien is intriguing enough. But ... the Twins aren't in a rush to get a C right now, and they have a superb catching talent in Wilson Ramos, who has the defensive skills that they probably desire. He'll be in AA to start 2009, so he might not be that far off. And even if they deal an OF, there's no real need for another OF, as that's a position they are fine at in the bigs, and in the minors, Hicks/Revere/Paramalee make OF their deepest spot in the minors. Morrow makes sense for the Twins, as their pitching depth is a bit thin, as Swarzak looks like an end of the rotation type, along with Mulvey and Humber, and Hunt needs some work. But Morrow makes no sense for the Mariners to deal, IMO, even if they got back a Swarzak/Mulvey/Humber. Is there a way to bridge this? I'm thinking something like Delmon Young for Jarrod Washburn, Juan Ramirez or Phillipe Aumont, Jeff Clement, and Wladimir Balentien may be something both sides might be amenable to. _______________ I don't think the Twins deal Span. By all accounts, they love him. I could see the Indians maybe ponder dealing an OF for a SP IF they could find a replacement OF. But the more parts involved, the more unlikely things are at this stage. I don't the White Sox even consider dealing Quentin unless there is something seriously wrong. He's cheap and productive, and they are building their offense around him as they phase out the older guys. Doesn't seem like a deal Kenny Williams makes at this stage, considering he's held onto the overrated Gavin Floyd to lessen the need for a SP, leaving two spots left, one perhaps going to Poreda. The Royals added Crisp to move DeJesus to LF. I don't think they move David. That leaves Teahen. Is he the type of guy to make a big move for in a rebuilding team? Doesn't make sense. |
| 88. By: randallball on 02-01-2009 12:18:05 ESPN is reporting the M's interest in dealing for the Cubs' Rich Hill this AM. |
| 89. By: StandinPat on 02-01-2009 12:24:07 Slick, M's have about $30 mil coming off the books next year OUTSIDE of Beltre's contract. They absolutely do not NEED to move any other contracts to try and re-sign him. Would they need to do is win some ball games and show him this team is going in the right direction. Re: Whitesox dealing Quentin, Quentin has had exactly ONE good year, at the end of which he broke his wrist. Depending on how the Sox truly feel about him, they might be trying to sell high on a guy that good be due to regress in 2009. You also have to factor in the "What the Fuck was Kenny Williams thinking?" aspect in any potential trade. |
| 90. By: spitball on 02-01-2009 13:15:20 after n ryan's comments, the rangers blog is buzzing re: trading cruz truly hope "A.L. Central" rumour isn't actually refering to an a.l. team located in the central part of the country ...and the M's are entering into discussions to aquire n cruz (solid d, part of one year great hitting ) from a team desperate for pitching i'm in the camp which thinks trading morrow is a big error. we lived through last season. we can wait another year for the big $ to come off the books. spitball |
| 91. By: mykillmagnum on 02-01-2009 14:12:52 jason, there are a lot of rumors out there right now that the mariners are going hard after rich hill. this doesnt really make much sense to me. with our surplus of starting pitching right now, and even if we traded one of bautista, silva, washburn, or even morrow, where would he fit especially being that he is out of options. i know its good to have left handed pitchers, and i know he was once a top prospect, but with the trade for olson, with ryan rowland smith, and bedard and felix, where would he fit? |
| 92. By: rotoenquire on 02-01-2009 14:51:59 Jason is the man and I am just a fan that tries to hear things and reads allot on many sites and blogs and news papers. But, I believe that before the year starts Sylva, Batista, Washburn will be gone if not close to it. And by mid season Bedard and Beltre will be gone by mid season. I hope Johjima at some point as well. Felix, Morrow, RRS, Olson, Hill could make for a young talented rotation even if Hill at times appears to have a 5 cent head. Add to that what we can get in trades and the Draft the M's are looking at having money to spend. I think Abrue at 2 years would be great on the cheap this year and a pay increase on a mutual agreed apon added year. Building from within and getting those couple key F/A next year, Maybe a proven back to form and form injury Penny, Sheets next year. |
| 93. By: Pumpkin on 02-01-2009 14:57:58 What did N Ryan have to say about trading Cruz, did he specifically mention the mariners? If we decided to trade morrow or clement for Cruz I would be pissed. By the end of this year Washburn Batista and Beltre will be off the books, I would love to be able to resign Beltre but i just don't see it happening. And if we are lucky Johjima will decide to go back to Japan. If our front office decides to start trading young players so they can get salary off the books right now instead of being patient and waiting till the end of the year I will have lost all hope in that I have regained since Bavasi left. |
| 94. By: ASUBoyd on 02-01-2009 15:46:29 Oh my god, no one is going to trade Morrow for Rich Hill or Nelson Cruz. That is complete nonsense. Only package Morrow would be a part of would be if we were getting a young proven MLB player and probably some prospects. Come on, have some faith in GMZ. He didn't trade JJ Putz and half our farm system for one player a la Bavasi. He isn't going to do anything stupid. Morrow, by all accounts, looks to be our #3 starter this year. |
| 95. By: StandinPat on 02-01-2009 15:51:31 Whoa, lets slow our roll people. There is no way Nelson Cruz is the player in this rumor. He had exactly 115 ab's last year. I think he'd def be a solid get, but there's no way he'd command a Morrow or even a Clement for that matter. And what would the Rangers do with Clement anyway? They wouldn't touch Batista with a 10ft pole, and Washburn would prob get torched in Arlington. Silva might be decent in Texas if he can get back to keeping the ball on the ground, but I don't see a scenario where Texas is the team the talks were with. Cruz could prob be had for a RRS or Olsen type, and maybe a B spec at most. He's certainly worth taking a look at, but he isn't gonna be swapped for Morrow. And why would the M's send Morrow to a place where he'd have the opportunity to hand it to them a bunch of times every year? Lastly, just because certain players were mentioned, ie Morrow, doesnt mean Z was anywhere close to pulling the trigger. Could have simply been a conversation like... Z: We are interested in player X for a package starting with Washburn. What would that take? Kenny: Morrow and Clement. Z: Ok, nice talking to you. Peace out Kenny! |
| 96. By: NEOregonMarinersFan on 02-01-2009 17:05:35 I could see the Mariners acquiring Hill if there is some other team who wants him and he would be part of an upcoming deal, kind of like what happened with Heilman. I think they would have to acquire Hill for next to nothing if that's the case. Or if they end up with both Hill and Olson, maybe the plan would be to put one in the #5 spot in the rotation and either put the other in the pen or trade him. Would one of those "A.L. Central" teams have a need for Rich Hill or Garrett Olson? I'd certainly rather see the Mariners trade Olson than Balentien, Clement or Morrow. If they get Hill, same thing. |
| 97. By: jgstecker on 02-01-2009 19:32:06 Delmon Young is really the only fit for this rumor. I think you can make a case that his 93 RBI in 2007 qualify as his his "one strong offensive season". I think Young could be a good fit here, at least he has the potential to anyway. He could be one of the few right-handed bats that could thrive in the upper part of the order at Safeco. As far as trading Morrow, I think I'd do it if I meant getting rid of Silva's contract. If we're talking Washburn or Batista though, we'd better be getting some very solid prospects in return. Otherwise its a win-now move, which I can't condone at all. If we're taking the Twins, Humber has to be in the deal since he's out of options and there's no room in Minnesota for him. Humber's not much of a prospect at this point though. I'd accept Silva/Morrow/Clement&Wlad for Young/Humber/another legit prospect. The salary relief is great and we get pieces to replace the ones we lose. I'd be OK with Washburn or Batista/Morrow/Wlad for Young & Humber. I think Morrow > Young, but if the difference lets us add a bat like Abreu for 2009 it might be worth it. The Rich Hill rumors make sense if a deal like this is really in the works. Losing Washburn and Morrow means Hill, Humber, Olson, and Rowland-Smith would be in a battle for starting gigs. |
| 98. By: CrustyJuggler on 02-01-2009 19:54:52 I don't know about Rich Hill. The guy went completely "Rick Ankiel" last year. I think he had more walks than innings pitched in both the bigs and minors. Wowza. |
| 99. By: StandinPat on 02-01-2009 21:30:20 Delmon Young is the only fit? Really? Last year as bad as Raul with the glove in LF and he got outhit by our Second-baseman. I highly doubt he's the same OF "with solid defensive skills and one strong offensive season under his belt" And if you gave up Morrow AND Clement/Balentein to get him on top of everything.....yeah I just don't see it. |
| 100. By: slick on 02-01-2009 22:09:35 I think number 96 is on to something. I think it could be a 3 team deal with the twins. It has been rumored that the Twins want to move perkins to the bullpen, and add a starter. One thing that I know is the Twins are cheap they like to have players under controll for a while instead of picking up free agents. I also think the twins want some insurance because Muerer (sp) becomes free agent soon and the red sox are going to give him everything he ever wanted. Twins get Clement and Hill Cubs get Balentien Seattle gets Young I think it makes sense for all teams The Twins if needed could get ABreu Dunn Griffey Gerret Anderson all for reasonable prices as a stop gap for 2 years. |
| 101. By: spitball on 02-01-2009 22:15:46 i honestly don't understand the fascination w del young. poor zone judge, poor range, no power. at the end of his career, i would not be surprised if all we remember him for is once being traded for garza. at this point, i wouldn't move clement for him. i can't see Z moving morrow for any of the names bandied about this weekend, salary dump or no. even quentin. doesn't add up. morrow could be papelbon. morrow could be halliday. and we don't have to pay to find out. several years of morrow are far more valuable than the opportunity to sign an aging, lh, no-field, former slugger for one year. may as well bring in griffey (which would be an error/ but a different argument). sounds to me like a non-starter spitball pun intended:) |
| 102. By: Edman on 02-01-2009 22:49:07 Is it any wonder that people actually thought that the radio broadcast of "War of the Worlds" was real? It's fun to speculate, but this thread is growing into it's own life. There's some interesting trade ideas, and to be blunt, some horrible ones. Personally, I don't think JZ is close to anything. This is most likely a rumor that been out there for weeks. All it takes is one blog to get read by the right people, and it starts again. JZ trades Morrow just for the ability to sign Abreu, he's worse than Bavasi. Compete this year as long as you don't trade valuable pieces that will be needed in the future. I have faith in JZ, and I don't think he's going to deal Morrow unless he gets something major in return. I doubt he'd ever deal him just to clear payroll. That's no better than Bavasi's ability to ignore payroll in signing mediocre players. |
| 103. By: acqb1424 on 02-02-2009 05:55:15 If you haven't subscribed to the premium notebook yet then you are missing out big time. The notebook sent out today was packed with info including more on the rumored trade and stuff on the draft. It was well worth the two bucks a month |
| 104. By: Edman on 02-02-2009 11:22:24 Agreed acqb. It's the best $2 a Mariner fan can spend. Also agreed, Jason, if there's any teeth to this rumor, then it shouldn't happen until after players get some ABs in Spring Training. When talking about a guy with Morrow's talent, you had better be sure. He's no guarantee, but he's got the ability to be an "uber" pitcher. You had better be getting back someone who's equally as gifted in regard to potential. IMHO, it would be an insult to give up two upper tier first round draft picks without getting a guarantee of some kind. And, one solid season isn't enough for me. Baseball has many "one year" wonders. Bash Bavasi all you want, but Fontaine's work wasn't worthless. I do think JZ and McNamara will do better. But it would be a tragedy to give up those two (Morrow and Clement). A little teaser to help boost your subscribers.....If Clement goes, the deal had better not include the other......well folks, you'll have to read it yourselves. |
| 105. By: toonsterwu on 02-02-2009 21:11:50 Well, Hickey notes today that it was Washburn and Clement for Delmon Young. I think it'll take more than that for the Twins to part with Young. |
| 106. By: Jason A. Churchill on 02-02-2009 21:20:31 That actually was NOT the rumor I'm speaking of above. So Hickey's got old information from very late last summer or early this winter. The above trade is not with the Twins. |
| 107. By: CrustyJuggler on 02-02-2009 21:42:21 Anyone who hasn't thrown in their two bucks and subscribed to the premium notebook.. DO IT. Jason gets very specific on rumors. You won't be disappointed. |
| 108. By: Jason A. Churchill on 02-02-2009 21:58:36 I can assure you that this "rumor" has not been "out there for weeks," Edman. Nor have the discussions between the two teams involved. |
| 109. By: mykillmagnum on 02-02-2009 22:09:01 jason, so you've cut out one team, leaving clevland, detroit, kansas city, and chicago in the central division. are you going to give us any more hints???? i personally think any trade involving morrow with any of these leftover teams wont help us at all. over on uss mariner they talk about why delmon young wouldnt fit here, and they are right, another right handed bat. what we need is a power, left handed bad. thats why i dont want quentin. i have been saying this on this site for a few months now, but i think are best trade partner is st louis. they are looking for pitching right now, and i think rich ankiel would be a perfect fit here. i think playing left field will cut down his injuries, he can play dh every few days, which would also cut down on his injuries. he has a cannon for an arm, and for the big left field in safeco, that could end up being a plus. not to mention any trade involving morrow, would have to include rasmus who could end up being the left fielder or center fielder if ankiel or guiterrez doesnt work out. i think a deal of washburn/ morrow/ clement/ wlad/morse for ankiel/rasmus/ jess todd/ peter kozma/ adam reifer would be a better deal for us. what do you think?????? not to mention you could add an abreu or a griffey or a anderson or whatever aging left handed bat you wanted to dh for you. imagine this lineup rf ichiro 2b lopez dh abreu/griffey/anderson 3b beltre 1b branyan/shelton/sweeney lf ankiel c johjima/ johnson cf guiterrez ss betancourt i would love this lineup personally. i know the trade seems unlikely, i just think its our best fit if morrow is included in any trade. rasmus is the top prospect, todd is ranked as there 5th best prospect, kozma and riefer are both in the lower minor leagues, but are ranked 11th and 13th in st louis top 20 according to minorleaugebaseball.com. |
| 110. By: mykillmagnum on 02-02-2009 22:18:02 and sorry for the posting twice, but i forgot to mention since the most obvious trade choice for this rumor is the white sox, i wouldnt be happy if morrow was traded unless gordon beckham was part of it. obviously there would need to be more in my eyes. again, sorry for posting twice. |
| 111. By: Jason A. Churchill on 02-02-2009 22:18:26 I can't give any more hints, to be fair to the subscribers who actually paid to get that info. But the Hickey piece is completely separate. |
| 112. By: Jason A. Churchill on 02-02-2009 22:19:57 And to be clear, Gordon Beckham cannot be traded yet, and would not work as a player to be named until March, since there is now a time limit on naming said player. |
| 113. By: rocketdawg31 on 02-02-2009 23:21:17 Mykillmagnum and others- I hate to sound so bandwagon, but I'm forced to agree...spend the $2, and the clarity shall be tenfold...and well, well worth it... |
| 114. By: rjfrik on 02-03-2009 01:55:37 anyway I can sign up without using paypal? Wish I could just give you a credit card number. |
| 115. By: Jason A. Churchill on 02-03-2009 02:18:15 rjfrik, E-mail me at churchill@prospectinsider.com, we can figure something out. |
| 116. By: The Great Pumpkin on 02-03-2009 14:03:40 Any chance the White Sox are going after Abreu so that they can trade Quentin to the M's? Kinda makes sense... |
| 117. By: FatBat on 02-03-2009 14:39:56 I think they are going after Abreu because they are most likely moving Dye before season opener. I think most people here have put in there two cents so I thought I might put in my one cent. Teahen! I think he makes the most sense to me, but not worth a Morrow or Clement...At All! But say for Wash,Wlad and Yuni I would do. To me Teahen is a young version of Mark De Rosa-and how valuable was he to the Cubs- he can play OF,3B,1B and 2B? that alone makes him a little more valuable than D. Young or Dejesus. Scouts like his defense and arm, that first season looks like it falls into the One solid offensive season to me 400 AB? 18 hrs. he's young and we can move him alot to get 500 AB's instead of adding a full timer at LF. And lastley we need to think, What are we doing at 3B next year? Teahen can fall into that full time job. To me he makes alot of sense, and Yuni and Cedeno OBP%? Cedeno should be playing full time at SS, we still have Hulett, the scrapy left hander. OK Ok that was 2 cents. Thanks Jason for giving us all something to look forward to, I just signed up for the premium handbook myself, money well spent! P.S. No, trading Morrow or Clement! |
| 118. By: FatBat on 02-03-2009 14:47:20 That said I would still like Abreu. He can DH when Clement Catches. Beltre won't resign here, he can get more from a ballpark where he can hit! anyone know what Beltre's Avg. at home is?...Ouch! Great D isnt worth 12 mil a year. still like Beltre just don't think he will stay, Boston will most likely be after him next year anyway. |
| 119. By: Jason A. Churchill on 02-03-2009 16:48:19 Pumpkin, That's feasible, but unlikely, though there are two things the Sox have to thinking about. 1. Selling high on Quentin after a huge 2008. 2. Selling lower than necessary on him due to the injury to his wrist. |
| 120. By: FWBrodie on 02-03-2009 19:07:18 What if the White Sox offered Quentin, Poreda, and Thome for Clement, Morrow, Wlad, and Batista? That would allow them to get younger, they wouldn't have to play Abreu in the field all the time, they get a catcher to backup AJ this season and play DH, they add a power arm to fill out their rotation, and they get a bullpen arm who is less expensive than Thome (or maybe cash is exchanged to even out the salaries a bit) and they don't end up with the crowded SP problem Seattle has now. The M's lock up LF for years and add a respectable bat to the lineup with Quentin, get a stud pitcher who doesn't have to be in the rotation right away in Poreda, and take care of their search for a left-handed power possessing DH. What do you guys think? |
| 121. By: DRWheelock on 02-03-2009 20:23:09 Jason - I know Quentin is a RHB, but I'm questioning "why?!" we would need to sign Abreu "if" by chance this rumor was Quentin. Unless Clement is involved in the trade, and Abreu would be the DH, and Quentin the LFer?! I'm a BIG Clement fan, but if this rumor involves Washburns Contract & Clement & Wlad, and we get Abreu to fillin for DH for Clement's spot...then I would have to say that I maybe on board with this! Hopefully we wouldn't have to dish any money to ChiSox in that deal though. |
| 122. By: DRWheelock on 02-03-2009 20:36:29 Jason - I know Quentin is a RHB, but I'm questioning "why?!" we would need to sign Abreu "if" by chance this rumor was Quentin. Unless Clement is involved in the trade, and Abreu would be the DH, and Quentin the LFer?! I'm a BIG Clement fan, but if this rumor involves Washburns Contract & Clement & Wlad, and we get Abreu to fillin for DH for Clement's spot...then I would have to say that I maybe on board with this! Hopefully we wouldn't have to dish any money to ChiSox in that deal though. |
| 123. By: rocketdawg31 on 02-03-2009 22:05:55 I think they should go in an entirely different direction. Like, pry Luke Scott away from Baltimore for the likes of say, LHP Ryan Feierabend and minor-league OF Ezequiel Carerra. I think it makes real sense. |
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