Prospect Insider

Ideas

By Jason A. Churchill

By 11-23-2008

Every offseason we read the plans of everyone with a keyboard on how the Seattle Mariners should go about their business during the winter months that lead into Spring Training and the new season ahead.

I've done it every year for four straight winters, but I'm not going to do so this year. It's different this time around, as the M's aren't likely to try and put a division winner on the field in 2009. At least, that's not the wise thing to do, since that would require spending big money on free agents, which, in turn, puts pressure on fixing the problems that litter the current roster.

Instead, I'll throw out some ideas. Directions the Mariners might go in at the big-league and minor league level to improve both their 2009 team and their future at the same time.

Just… Stay Away from these Free Agents

AJ Burnett, RHP
Burnett is exactly the type of free agent that should not interest any club that isn’t ready to win immediately. He may make 30 starts in 2009, but he also might make 30 over the next two years. He’s also not consistent, usually, with last year being the exception. The length of contract is enough to scare off even the New York Mets and possibly the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees as well.

At four years and $60 million, he’s not only overpaid, but too much of a risk for Seattle.

Prediction: Yankees, 4/ $55m.

Derek Lowe, RHP
Lowe might be a perfect fit if the Mariners were a year closer to contention, due to his reliability and relatively conservative cost, compared to the rest of the market. But at 36 years old and Scott Boras asking for five years, the M’s have no business making that return phone call.

Prediction: Mets, 4/$42m.

C.C. Sabathia, LHP
Not that they’d have a chance anyway, but Sabathia is going to get six and seven year offers and I hope by now we have all learned about the long-term contracts for pitchers. The average annual salary is going to be prohibitive, too.

Prediction: Yankees, 7/$145m.

Oliver Perez
Perez might end up getting the second-worst contract of the winter if teams give in to his five-year, $50 million asking price – or anywhere near that. He’s a good fit in L.A., though.

Prediction: Angels, 4/$40m

Francisco Rodriguez, RHP
K-Rod has lost some zip on his heater, some bite on his slider and wants five years. No thanks. And be surprised if anyone else gives him five years. There are tons of quality closers available on both the free-agent and trade markets. There is no reason for any club to hand Rodriguez a five-year deal. Alas, expect someone to give him four years and nearly $50 million. Ugh.

Prediction: Mets, 4/$49m.

Brian Fuentes, LHP
Fuentes isn’t a long-term closer in my mind, but he’s going to get more than $8 million a year from someone. The Cubs, Mets and Tigers all appear interested. If I’m the Yankees, I forget about Burnett, reel in Sabathia and spend some dough on Fuentes as a lefty setup man, even if it takes the 3/$24m. They have more money to spend than anyone, so value doesn’t mean anything to them.

Prediction: Tigers, 4/$34m.

Kerry Wood, RHP
This scares me a bit: The Los Angeles Angels and Texas Rangers are interested in Kerry Wood to take over their closing duties. If L.A. snags Wood on the type of deal he’s rumored to be willing to accept (two guaranteed years, about $8 million plus incentives), the Halos might have the west wrapped up for yet another season.

I’m not sure Seattle shouldn’t get into the bidding if they are considering a trade for J.J. Putz, if for nothing else but to drive the price up and keep Woof out of the American League West.

Prediction: Brewers, 2 (+1)/$14m (+8m)

Jason Varitek, C
Varitek used to be good. He’s not anymore and brings very little to the table as a regular. If he’s willing to split time with a young catcher, a dozen teams would be interested. Just not for Boras type money and Seattle has more important things to worry about at catcher.

Prediction: Angels, 2/$10

Mark Teixeira, 1B
The pure addition of Teixeira to the Mariners roster would be fantastic, but he’s going to get six and seven year offers and at 29 years old, the final two or three years are likely to bring a bad value.

Prediction: Red Sox, 6/$125m.

Orlando Hudson, 2B
While some opine that Hudson makes some sense for Seattle in a deal shorter than four seasons, the mild injury concerns and declining defense have enough scouts worried he’s just not the borderline star he was a season or two ago. He’s on the wrong side of 30 for a rebuilding club, even if the Mariners are going for the quicker bounce back. There’s just too much risk that the $9-10 million per season Hudson is seeking – and likely to get – would pay off for the Mariners in years three and four.

Prediction: Dodgers, 4/$38m.

Orlando Cabrera, SS
Still one of the better defenders in the game, Cabrera’s decline has primarily come at the plate where his power, even in the hitter-friendly confines of his home park last season in Chicago, has diminished to pedestrian levels for a middle infielder. He’s 34 now and probably looking for a three-year deal, but a one or two year contract isn’t a terrible idea if the Mariners trade Adrian Beltre, Yuniesky Betancourt or Jose Lopez.

Prediction: Cubs, 2/$12m.

Rafael Furcal, SS
A healthy Furcal proved to be among the more valuable players in baseball over the past couple of seasons, and his improved defense at shortstop has teams valuing Furcal properly this winter. With the rumors that the Bay Area is fighting over his services, don’t be surprised if the L.A. clubs both get into the bidding, particularly the incumbent Dodgers.

For Seattle, Furcal would make some sense if it weren’t for the risk Furcal’s medical history brings to the table. Considering the contract it’s likely to take to land the 31-year-old – rumored to be at least four and probably five guaranteed years and more than $12 million per - Seattle should probably pass on the switch-hitting speedster and find their shortstop via the draft or trade routes.

Prediction: Dodgers, 4 (+1)/$50m.

Adam Dunn, 1B/DH
Dunn should be a regular DH, seeing very little time at first base and virtually none in the outfield, but there are clubs tinkering with the idea of Dunn filling their right field role – Phillies, Cubs – and his price tag is going to be hefty.

Dunn, 29, isn’t the sort of bat you build your lineup around and the Mariners would be wise not to even window shop on the epitome of a three-true-outcome hitter.

Prediction: Angels, 5/$55m.

Manny Ramirez, LF/DH
Ramirez and Boras are hoping the Yankees, Angels, Phillies or Mets push the Dodgers’ 2-year, $50 million offer off the top of the offer sheet, and most in baseball believe he’ll get at least three years guaranteed with an easily-vested option for a fourth year, or another year on top of that.

Seattle doesn’t make a whole lot of sense in either direction right now.

Prediction: Yankees, 4/$105m.

Pat Burell, LF
Burrell is a bad defensive player with good power who draws plenty of walks and strikes out a lot. Sounds a lot like Jay Buhner in his final healthy season; declining averages into the 250s, no range in the field and the more-than-occasional long ball.

Not in Seattle, but Burrell, as a DH, fits in with the Angels, Phillies, Giants and Orioles.

Prediction: Orioles, 4/$42m.

Consider

Bobby Abreu, RF
Not sure why Abreu isn’t being pined after by just about every club looking for a corner outfielder or DH combo. He’s not going to hit 30 homers or steal 30 bases a year anymore, but the guy can still hit for average, gets on base and brings one of the best approaches to the plate of any hitter in baseball.

He remains an average or better defender, and runs the bases well with slightly above-average speed. His bat is slowing a bit, but he’ll be 35 in March and is still a well above-average baseball player with no major weaknesses. If the market runs a bi dry for Abreu and he’s willing to play in Seattle for the time being, I’d sign to a two or three-year contract at $8-9 mil a year and trade him to a contender in July.

Besides, what better influence on the young kids in Seattle than a smart player like Abreu? Prediction: Phillies, 3/$34m.

Randy Johnson, LHP
Clearly, the Big Unit isn’t what he once was, but it’s also clear that he can still pitch. He lacks the big fastball, sitting in the low-90s but with good life and better movement than any time in his career, and his slider has lost some of its luster. But at 45, he’s still a fierce competitor and can fill in a No. 3 or 4 spot in a rotation, particularly in the NL.

For the M’s, boy, that’s be fun to see, wouldn’t it? Think of that - Randy Johnson, the franchise’s greatest all-time pitcher, picking up win No. 300 in navy and white? I’d do it on a one-year deal, in hopes that he gets five wins before July 31 so I can flip him to a contending club for a younger player.

Prediction: Diamondbacks, 1/$8m.

Ben Sheets, RHP
Like Abreu and Johnson, Sheets might make some sense for the Mariners, but for more reasons than just a short-term boost and future trade return. Considering his injury-riddled past, a connection to GM Jack Zduriencik and a potentially hedged free-agent market, Sheets might ultimately be inclined to take a short-term contract and test the market again next winter. If so, Seattle should hop all over that. Maybe a 1+1 with a player or mutual option?

Prediction: Dodgers, 2+1/$24m.

Eric Gagne, RHP
Gagne might be a good idea whether the Mariners trade Putz or not. Said one NL Central scout of Gagne last summer, “he’s one adjustment away from being dominant again.” And again, you can get a ransom for closers and top setup men at the deadline.

Prediction: Cubs, 1/$8m.

Joe Crede, 3B
Crede only draws interest from Seattle if the club deals Adrian Beltre, or plans to do so. Crede’s coming off his best and worst season; couldn’t stay healthy, missing the final half of the season, but putting up the best numbers of his career at the plate.

Prediction: Angels, 1/$7m.

Rocco Baldelli, CF
If Baldelli ever fully recovers from the fatigue problems he’s battled over the past few seasons, he’s a borderline all-star and capable center fielder. If not, he’s a terrific platoon candidate.

Prediction: Rays, 1/$4m.

Big-League Trade Targets

Kelly Johnson, 2B – Atlanta
Johnson regressed some in 2008, but has a solid approach from the left side and above-average power. He’s an average defender with solid range but merely average work around the second base bag, but his skill set is something the Mariners could utilize both now as they begin to rebuild, and as they prepare to catch the rest of the division, as Johnson is under team control for three more seasons.

Miguel Montero, C – Arizona
Yes, Montero is a catcher and the Mariners have three of them on their 40-man roster, including $24 million man Kenji Johjima. But the M’s catching situation is still unanswered, as Jeff Clement’s injury and defensive questions remain, and Rob Johnson’s offense is reminiscent of a backup. Unless Johjima’s personal work ethic can be properly directed and his game-calling skills drastically improve, Seattle still needs a backstop to carry them to and through any runs of contention over the next three to five seasons.

Montero is 25 years old, bats lefty and has average or better power to go with decent catch-and-throw skills and improving consistency with his throws. Arizona, contenders in the NL West year-in and year-out, appear satisfied with the strong defensive and plate skills if Chris Snyder, despite the low batting averages.

Rickie Weeks, 2B – Milwaukee
Weeks has to be the biggest enigma in baseball; plus speed, plus power, works hard, runs the bases wel, plays smart, but continues to post sub par OPS numbers – well under .800 in two of the last three seasons.

He’s handling second base, though still has problems there on occasion, and ESPN.com’s Keith Law suggests a move to center field might help his offensive game. He has all the physical tools to play the position regularly, if not well, and Weeks is still just 26 years of age and is under club control for three more seasons.

The Brewers have J.J. Hardy back and their top infield prospect Alcides Escobar is nearly ready for the big leagues. The two could form a defensive upgrade up the middle for Milwaukee, though they are certain to ask for quality pitching in return for Weeks.

Minor League Free Agents and Trade Targets

There are several undervalued, underrated and otherwise blocked or overlooked minor leaguers that could be available, as well as those already declared free agents this winter.

Minor League Free Agents

Scott Thorman, 1B
The former Braves prospect will be just 27 in January and has yet to fulfill the potential he built around himself in 2006 when he was voted the top power-hitting prospect in the Triple-A International League. He’s a big kid, 6-3 and 240 pounds, with a big swing that he had to shorten some in order to cut down the strikeouts and raise his batting average to acceptable levels.

His strike zone judgment is only about average, but he possesses big time raw power from the left side of the plate.

I’m not suggesting Thorman is the long-term answer for the M’s at first base, but he’s among those worth taking a shot at this winter. And he costs nothing to boot.

Troy Cate and Royce Ring, LHPs
Cate, a former M’s farmhand, could serve as a lefty specialist, using a 90-mph heater and tough slider to limit left-handed bats to a career .231 average in the minors and a .259 average against in 31 BF in the big leagues in 2007.

Ring struggled with the Braves last season, but is expected to be healthier this spring and still has enough stuff get out lefties, if not righties, too. He sits in the high-80s with his fastball, but it’s got late life and his curve and change remain quality pitches. The catch is his below-average command, but Ring and Cate are good AAA-MLB ideas, considering the club’s lack of quality left-on-left options.

Felix Pie, CF - Chicago
Pie is still just 23, 24 in January, and the Cubs have already given up on him after fewer than 300 plate appearances. He had a good but not great year in Triple-A Iowa - .287/.336/.466 – and can play center field. He’s a lefty bat with average power at best, but makes enough contact to hit for average.

In his short stints with Chicago, he’s been awful, hitting .223 with 18 extra-base hits and 72 strikeouts in 130 games, but he may just need a change of scenery and some new instruction.

Brad Nelson, 1B - Milwaukee
Nelson is currently blocked by Prince Fielder and could be available if the Brewers can land a bullpen arm or two. The 26-year-old left-handed hitter makes good contact and has above-average power, works the count and runs the bases well for a corner defender. He handles himself at first base well enough to stick.

The only problem with Nelson is that he may not be available, as the Brewers and Giants continue to talk about a Fielder-Cain swap. Milwaukee is looking for ways to remove payroll so they can add some starting pitching, since Sabathia and Sheets are both free agents and their closer, Salomon Torres, retired earlier this month.

Brent Lillibridge, 2B – Atlanta
Lillibridge, a University of Washington product, struggled in 90 games at Triple-A Richmond last season, but one of his coaches mentioned to me that he simply “wasn’t right this year, but is a spark plug; a little like (Dustin) Pedroia.”

Lillibridge has a big swing, but unlike Pedroia, tends to strike out a bit too much for someone that projects to hit at the top of the batting order. But he’s got good speed, great natural instincts and I think he’s being miscast as an infielder, though he can handle second base just fine.

Stick him in center field and let the 25-year-old give you plus defense. He’s blocked by Yunel Escobar and Kelly Johnson in Atlanta, who have thus far resisted the center field idea, and unless either veteran is dealt this winter, perhaps for Jake Peavy, Lillibridge will remain in their system without a place to play in the bigs.

Jason Donald, SS – Philadelphia
Not only did Donald’s value spike with his showing in the Arizona Fall League, where scouts were speaking glowingly of his makeup and instincts, but his potential availability took a major hit with the news that Chase Utley may miss the start of the 2009 season.

Donald is a capable shortstop with above-average power for a middle infield spot. He makes enough contact and will draw a decent share of walks. One scout in Peoria last month actually called USC shortstop and potential Top 5 pick in next June’s draft Grant Green a “Jason Donald with maybe a little bit more arm and the potential for a few more homers,” but Donald’s progress in 2008 has the Phillies thinking he might be more valuable as a short-term answer at third base, where the champs have used a platoon.

“I wouldn’t trade Donald for Green right now, though," said the scout. "The difference is invisible and Green has to prove he can hit with the wood.”

hypothesizing-ideas

Comments
The following 27 comment(s) for this article are shown below:

1. By: acqb1424 on 11-23-2008 19:20:45
I really like the idea of trying to add Sheets, Kelly or Donald and Nelson. Even though it is purely speculative, what do you think it would take to pry the three minor leaguers away? I'm guessing we'd have to give up a bullpen arm for Nelson, but what about Donald and/or Kelly? Would something like Sean Green for Nelson work?

2. By: Jason A. Churchill on 11-23-2008 19:22:48
The Brewers are going to ask for pitching in general - starters and relievers, in every trade they consider this winter.

I would not imagine Green would be enough to snag Nelson, not by himself.

3. By: stickball on 11-23-2008 19:48:38
Jason, Excellent story! What do you think about Milton Bradley?

4. By: Replacement Level Blogger on 11-23-2008 21:09:22
I would prefer the M's to just stick to picking up relievers as reclamation projects. Churchill's right about getting great value at the deadline for bullpen arms and they usually dont cost too much. The idea of Ben Sheets is kinda risky though. He's type A so the M's lose their 2nd rd. pick. He also has a long history of injuries and will be paid a good amount. If he gets injured again the M's could see his value drop like Bedard's. He seems like an unnecessary extravagance to me. Baldelli sharing time with Reed in center seems like the most obvious choice available. Reed is capable in short stints and Baldelli will need time off. He would be a great value pickup. Abreu would fill a definite need as a leader and solid hitter but I would think his contract demands (length and amount) could price him out of range for the M's. He is a type A FA and doesn't add that much over Ibanez, so that begs the question, why sign Abreu and lose a pick rather than keep Ibanez? It's not like Abreu will be around when the M's start winning again anyways. btw, it's great to have PI back! Thank you Mr. Churchill!

5. By: Jerry on 11-23-2008 21:31:01
I agree with Stickball: what about Milton Bradley? He would make a great addition. Plus, the guy just wants some stability, and is looking to stay with the same team for a few years after bouncing around a lot. If the M's could get him for 3yrs/30mil or so, that would be a great addition. He gives you nearly everything Abreu can offer, but is younger, more undervalued, and won't cost a draft pick. He would make a nice addition. Beyond that, the M's should be looking to trade away vets and get back as much talent as possible. Then fill holes with guys like Baldelli, Crede, Adam Everett, Bobby Crosby (who could get released), etc. Jason is right that it is tough to rosterbate about this offseason, since so much depends on what trade the M's make and how far they want to go with the rebuild. I hope they actively shop Beltre, Ichiro, Washburn, Putz, and Betancourt, and listen to offers on anyone. This could be an interesting offseason.

6. By: Blowgun7 on 11-23-2008 22:21:34
I'll stick with my cheap and short term signings of Baldelli, Giambi, and Griffey.. Yes Griffey has no ability to play the field and is worhtless vs lefties, but he can still hit right handed pitching.. Stick him at DH vs right handers.. Giambi, everyone seems to hate this idea, but me, probably cause he's a bad defensive 1B.. but what is the alternative at 1B right now? Swinging a deal for a guy like Nelson? Or Lahair? Nelson would be nice but i dont know what it would take to land him.. I'll take Giambi and his OBP skills, lefty swing at Safeco, even though his defense is BAD.. Baldelli is ideal to stick in CF for a platoon with Reed I like Milton Bradley too, but I would expect him to land a 3 yr deal, while the guys I mentioned can be had for 1-2 yrs

7. By: Jason A. Churchill on 11-23-2008 22:43:06
Griffey blocks Clement from DH'ing. No thanks.

Bradley only makes sense if he's ultra cheap. There is no way he repeats his 08 numbers at the Safe, and his defense has slipped beyond center field.

The cost, the player's volatility and the fit... none work in Seattle in 2009 or 2010.

8. By: Jason A. Churchill on 11-23-2008 23:01:59
Blow,
What's the point of adding Giambi on a 1-year deal when he's awful at first base and is a huge health risk to begin with?

Are you trying to win in 2009?

9. By: Scrupio on 11-23-2008 23:23:11
Jason great write-up. What are your thoughts on bringing in Russell Branyan for maybe a platoon? He had a decent year last year and could be cheap.

10. By: Blowgun7 on 11-23-2008 23:24:18
Well if Clement is going to feature at DH then of course we shouldnt sign Griffey.. but if Clement is going to catch 4 days a week and DH 2.. then Id look into Griffey to DH the other days.. Match it up so Griffey DHs vs righties.. and Clement vs lefties. As for Giambi.. no way am I contending in 2009, but at the same time I dont want to field a lineup of our bad upper level minor leaguers like LaHair.. even though we're not going to compete for postseason, I still want to be able to watch a game every now and then and see a lineup that isnt fitting of Tacoma.. You want to watch baseball that at least has professionals in there.. I dont know if i could bear to watch Lahair, Betancourt, Balentien, Reed comprise half the lineup I see James projects Giambi at .244/.388/.484 and Marcel projects .239/.363/.467 As for Griffey: .255/.351/.451 and .248/.336/.434 Not oustanding by any reach, but from an entertainment value Id rather watch these guys than the expected alternatives I know that signing Giambi does absolutely nothing to move the team in the direction of winning in 2010 and beyond.. but somebody has to play 1B

11. By: JD Kickastro on 11-24-2008 01:54:38
JAC, I like the idea of trading for Weeks, especially since he could slide to CF if he can't stick at 2B. Do you think his bat plays well enough for 3B? IIRC it was Hardy that was rumored to be available, but I'd "settle" for Weeks. == Plugging some holes by acquiring young inexpensive talent sounds good to me. Any speculation on who the M's might take #2 for the Rule V? who would you pick?

12. By: acqb1424 on 11-24-2008 08:34:48
Jason, aren't the Mariners picks protected because they are in the top 15? Is that just the first round pick, or all picks. If we sign a Type A free agent (not that I'm advocating that) would we lose our second round pick or would the other team just get a comp. pick?

13. By: Jason A. Churchill on 11-24-2008 11:27:31
Only the top 15 is protected.

Re: Weeks,
His bat barely plays at second right now, and even if he maxed out it doesn't profile at third well.

Re: Rule 5
I would take Veal, hoping he'd be able to regain his mid-90s heat, if not in the rotation as a relief option.

14. By: Walrus on 11-24-2008 12:51:38
Jason, Do you have any info on why the M's appear to be steering clear of Viciedo and Tazawa? If they are willing to kick the tires on some of these high priced FA's, then I would think these 2 imports would also fit in the mix.

15. By: jonbbt on 11-24-2008 12:52:25
I want Seattle to take Veal as well.

Here's a thought: If Kei Igawa is on the board for Seattle's second pick, should they take him? It couldn't hurt to just bring him into Spring Training and give him a look, could it? If he doesn't look good he is offered back and it costs Seattle very little. Jason, have you heard any scout-talk about why Igawa hasn't made it in America?

16. By: JD Kickastro on 11-24-2008 12:55:22
The M's have already made an offer to Tazawa.

17. By: JD Kickastro on 11-24-2008 12:58:01
Also, to those who aren't aware, PI now has a Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=37528372371&ref=mf#/group.php?gid=37528372371&ref=mf

18. By: Jason A. Churchill on 11-24-2008 14:23:05
Viciedo inked a deal with the White Sox already. He got a ridiculous deal, the White Sox should be fined five bucks for it.

Re: Igawa
No, he's bad, makes money and makes no sense for Seattle because of both.

His stuff was fringe-average and he's proven, with sub par command, that he's not a smart pitcher.

19. By: Jason A. Churchill on 11-24-2008 15:07:21
Sheets is a good risk as long as it's not a 4+ year deal, or three and 15 per or anything.

20. By: Pumpkin on 11-24-2008 18:26:28
Hopefully the M's bad luck with the FA market up until now will change. In my opinion the only free agents we should be signing would be the ones that wouldn't make us lose any draft picks but have the potential either to be traded at the deadline or will net us comp picks in either the 2010 or 2011 drafts.

21. By: Pumpkin on 11-24-2008 18:29:36
I still hate the fact that we drafted a RP in the first round last year, but I see how we might be able to benefit from signing him now. Although I thought I heard that there was an abundance of available closers this year is that true? And if so would it be hard for us to trade away two of them for good value?

22. By: acqb1424 on 11-24-2008 20:41:52
Jason, do you think the Phillies would be interested in Beltre? They have an obvious whole at third base, and if they lose Pat Burrell they will need some right handed pop in their lineup to break up the lefties. Do you think the Phils would give up Donald and Carrasco for Beltre? Do you think that would be a decent return for him?

23. By: Jason A. Churchill on 11-24-2008 21:15:57
Philly might have some level of interest, but they need outfielders more than a third baseman who will be a FA at season's end.

I'm not sold that Carrasco is anything more than a No. 4 or a good reliever, though, so I wouldn't deal Beltre for those two.

24. By: Snave on 11-25-2008 13:43:40
I think the only way I would want to see Seattle sign any free agents this off-season would be if it was for short-term deals on guys who could keep positions warm until prospects are ready to come to Seattle and take over. If the Mariners don't re-sign Raul Ibanez, I could see them finding someone to fill in at LF until someone like Halman or Saunders was ready to come up. A stop-gap signing of a first baseman might be o.k. if the idea is to have someone like Raben play 1B in a couple of years. The Mariners have some talent coming up, but maybe don't want to give their kids such a "trial by fire" if they can help it; I could see signing some FA "warm bodies" for 2009. Maybe better to let an "iffy" veteran bat .220 over a season than bring up someone who isn't ready so they can bat .180... ? Then again, if Zduriencik wants to make the team into a contender immediately, maybe there are other plans afoot, in which case I tend to agree with most of your "avoid"/"consider" list. I've always thought Baldelli was an intriguing player, and this year it looks like Crede might not be a bad option for a year or two if Beltre gets traded. It WOULD be a hoot to have RJ come back and get his 300th win in Seattle. Is Eric Hinske available, and would he be worth it for a year? Even with all that, I tend to hope Zduriencik is more interested in rebuilding the ballclub with youth... I don't really think a team that just lost 101 games has a need for a top-tier closer. If they can get a good prospect or two for Putz, or by including Putz in a deal, I'd say go for it. Any word on what's happening with Fields? Or are they just going to let him go? Seems they ought to be trying to get him signed if they are considering trading J.J. Beltre is still relatively young, and he is a talented player. Would it be a good move to trade him? I guess it might be, depending on what was offered in return. The idea of letting Raul Ibanez go is unpleasant to me, but a couple of draft picks might be more what the team should be looking at if a rebuild is going to happen. I like the idea of trying to acquire Jason Donald for SS or Brad Nelson for 1B. What about the Mets' 1B Mike Carp? Is Kansas City still interested in Betancourt? I heard/read a while back that they might trade Billy Butler to Seattle for Yuni. Is Donald ready to play in the majors? Seems like he might be a decent replacement for Betancourt at SS, or that drafting Green might also be a good move to strengthen the SS position. I love Hot Stove time, and easily become obsessed with it. I guess this helps the baseball season last all year round for me! How soon might we start seeing some trades? Will it start at the Winter Meetings, or maybe before then?

25. By: Snave on 11-25-2008 13:44:39
Sorry about that last comment, I had it neatly divided into paragraphs, but it didn't come out looking that way.

26. By: StandinPat on 11-25-2008 22:49:36
I've long thought Sheets was a great fit, esp now that he might be a relative bargain. I think the M's will have some money to spend this offseason, and should be looking either at stop-gaps, 1yr deals for guys coming off injury that they might be able to flip at the deadline, or players whose value will still be strong in 2010-2011 when I think the M's can realistically start making some noise. Guys like Izturis, Crede, Hinske, and Colon all make alot of sense for short term deals to me.

27. By: littlelinny6 on 11-30-2008 19:10:31
Jason, is there much interest out there for Yuni?? It seems like the general consensus among the blogosphere is to sell Yuni while some teams still believe he has value. Given that the M's will be terrible next year and probably the year after, isn't worth it to trade him for some up the middle prospects or outfielders?? If so, who are a few possiblities?

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