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Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Trade Deadline Thread

Well, it’s that time of year again and the Red Sox are showing their usual midseason malaise. A very uninspring 61-47 record (2 games off their pythag) has them on pace for 91.5 wins, which is, pretty mediocre for a team of their resources. Today’s showing against the seemingly magical Angels did not do much to improve my view of them. Nor did losing 2 of 3 to the Yankees over the weekend.

But what do you do to improve the team at the trading deadline? The talent seems to be there at just about every position. Their pen could use one more good arm, but how much difference will that make over a 54 game stretch? And how likely are they, given their history, to actually pick up a good arm at a fair price at the deadline?

According to SI.com, the Phillies are frontrunners for Manny right now. I’m well beyond putting any stock in Manny rumors these days, and I don’t like the idea of doing a trade just to shake things up. But perhaps the front office doesn’t see things that way.  Maybe they think a change in chemistry could improve things. Or maybe they see a way to improve the team by replacing Manny in-season.

Should make for a couple interesting days. Of course, I’d be more interested in the team putting together a nice winning streak. 

Darren Posted: July 29, 2008 at 11:36 PM | 414 comment(s)
  Related News: Boston

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   301. AlouGoodbye Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:28 PM (#2884978)
I'll believe this trade when I see it. Kicking the tyres and then holding onto Manny is the only look Theo has - it's his Blue Steel. Magnum does not exist.
   302. The Joe Mauer Power Hour (kj) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:29 PM (#2884984)
So the outfielder shuffle would then be Ethier-Bay-Ramirez? With prospects and cash and maybe John Grabow flying everywhere?
   303. Justin Zeth Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:29 PM (#2884987)
I'm going to laugh when we learn the Pirates traded Bay to the Dodgers and didn't get Kemp OR LaRoche back.
   304. The Marksist Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:29 PM (#2884988)
I'll believe this trade when I see it. Kicking the tyres and then holding onto Manny is the only look Theo has - it's his Blue Steel. Magnum does not exist.

I laughed.





I'm punchy as hell.
   305. jmurph Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:29 PM (#2884990)
Plaschke and Manny are going to make sweet, sweet music together.
   306. Marc Sully's not booin'. He's Youkin'. Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:30 PM (#2884994)
Guys...come on.
   307. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:30 PM (#2884996)
This is ####### insane
   308. Sometimes it Rains (sj) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:30 PM (#2884998)
I heard, Larry Lucciano took a nap, and when he woke up, Eithier was on the table. He knew he had a deal.
   309. The Marksist Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:31 PM (#2885001)
Guys...come on.


No, YOU come on!
   310. Swedish Chef Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:31 PM (#2885006)
If you're with a team and going to leak to the press about the trade, why not, you know, name all the players involved?
   311. Benji Gil Gamesh Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:32 PM (#2885012)
WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED????
   312. jacksone (AKA It's OK...) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:32 PM (#2885013)
I think MLB is just fooling everyone with this 4PM deadline. It's still 12AM, they just wanted to really eff with all the sportscasters. Somewhere Selig is in his dungeon eating live puppies and cackling maniacally.
   313. IronChef Chris Wok Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:34 PM (#2885029)
Has anything been accomplished or no?
   314. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:34 PM (#2885033)
CNNSI says it's Bay to Boston, Manny to LA, and four prospects to the Pirates. Link.
   315. The Marksist Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:34 PM (#2885034)
Beaten to the punch by Vlad.
   316. jacksone (AKA It's OK...) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:35 PM (#2885041)
Manny Ramirez has been traded to the Dodgers in a three-team blockbuster, pending the approval of the commissioner's office, according to a source with knowledge of the deal.


From *shudder* Fox Sports.
   317. Russ Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:35 PM (#2885044)
Four minor leaguers... this could be very good for the Pirates.

Or very bad.
   318. Russ Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:37 PM (#2885057)
If you're with a team and going to leak to the press about the trade, why not, you know, name all the players involved?


Because probably the players in the Dodgers minor league system had no idea they were about to be traded. It's really just common courtesy, I would guess.
   319. IronChef Chris Wok Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:37 PM (#2885058)
THis is going to be SH!@# for the Red Sox. I guarentee you the Gagne trade is goign to look good in comparison.
   320. NJ in DC is not here Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:37 PM (#2885059)
Michael Kay is killing this deal from the Red Sox perspective. Which is dumb, but expected. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it), there are people here killing it as well...
   321. Sometimes it Rains (sj) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:38 PM (#2885065)
The announcement will be made in conjunction with a World Baseball Classic announcement at Dodger Stadium shortly.

"A whole bunch of #### is going to happen next year, and OMG WE GOT MANNY WHO CARES!"
   322. Dan Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:38 PM (#2885067)
I feel good about this trade, I think.
   323. Russ Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:38 PM (#2885069)
Michael Kay is killing this deal from the Red Sox perspective. Which is dumb, but expected. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you look at it), there are people here killing it as well...


There's no way you can do that without knowing who the prospects are. Bay > Manny, straight up. If LA is giving up the best of the prospects, this is a win for both Boston and Pittsburgh.
   324. AlouGoodbye Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:39 PM (#2885077)
Robo says the Pirates will receive Andy LaRoche and right-hander Bryan Morris from the Dodgers and outfielder Damien Moss and reliever Craig Hansen from the Red Sox.

Magnum. My god, it's beautiful.
   325. Dan Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:39 PM (#2885080)
Holy ####, the prospects from Boston are only Moss and Hansen. HAHAHAHA EXCELLENT!
   326. The Marksist Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:39 PM (#2885083)
If LA is giving up the best of the prospects


Big if, though.
   327. Justin Zeth Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:39 PM (#2885084)
I'm going to laugh when we learn the Pirates traded Bay to the Dodgers and didn't get Kemp OR LaRoche back.


I am now laughing.

Ah, they did get LaRoche! Hey, a good major league player! Let me look up these other guys...
   328. Marc Sully's not booin'. He's Youkin'. Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:40 PM (#2885088)
Yeah this seems like a great deal.
   329. Schilling's Sprained Ankiel Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:40 PM (#2885093)
Pretty good trade for the rest of the season at least - reasonable production and no more distractions. I guess we'll get to see how good manny was at playing that wall.
   330. JC in DC Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:41 PM (#2885098)
If that's the deal, I do think the Sox did well. OTOH, as a Yankee fan, I really do think the lineup is less scary w/Ramirez gone and Bay in it. (Which presupposes, admittedly, that Ramirez is trying to hit the ball.)
   331. Chip Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:42 PM (#2885106)
That's Brandon Moss, not Damien.

Cafardo has the same names as Robo.

Lou Merloni, showing his lack of baseball expertise, thinks the Red Sox gave up too much and the Dodgers gave up nothing.
   332. mopar Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:42 PM (#2885111)
Manny-Moss-Hansen for Bay?
   333. NJ in DC is not here Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:43 PM (#2885115)
There's no way you can do that without knowing who the prospects are. Bay > Manny, straight up. If LA is giving up the best of the prospects, this is a win for both Boston and Pittsburgh.

The point I was making is there are people (Kay and some folks here) who believe that Manny is clearly superior to Bay. Kay went as far as to say that this deal sinks the Sox' chances.
   334. Sometimes it Rains (sj) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:43 PM (#2885120)
Hansen? Moss? those guys are stinky!
   335. NJ in DC is not here Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:44 PM (#2885125)
Hansen

Who will pitch the 8th?
   336. Rafael Bellylard (p8p) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:44 PM (#2885127)
Kay went as far as to say that this deal sinks the Sox' chances.


Based on how often Kay gets it right, I'd feel real good about Boston's chances now.
   337. jacksone (AKA It's OK...) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:44 PM (#2885129)
I am really bummed with no Manny. Just so much randomness. And a really purtty swing.
   338. Sometimes it Rains (sj) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:44 PM (#2885130)
Manny-Moss-Hansen for Bay?

and the salary difference, I am assuming.
   339. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:44 PM (#2885135)
Wow - I'm not sure what to think just yet
   340. JC in DC Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:45 PM (#2885136)
Aside from picking on Kay, don't you think that Manny (when he's not being an idiot) is a better hitter than Bay?
   341. IronChef Chris Wok Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:45 PM (#2885140)
I will take this deal, but I will miss Brandon Moss. Craig Hansen, so much talent, so much other B!@#S!@# though.
   342. Sometimes it Rains (sj) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:45 PM (#2885141)
Manny is a ####### beast against the Yanks.

I know Mike Mussina is dancing the jig right now.
   343. mopar Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:46 PM (#2885147)
I guess it's OK from the Sox perspective if you look at it like they had no choice but to move MANNY somewhere. Two marginal spare parts, a few million, and only a fairly small downgrade with the stick
   344. The Yankee Clapper Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:46 PM (#2885149)
Boston could probably have had Nomar back if they had only asked!
   345. Rafael Bellylard (p8p) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:47 PM (#2885152)
Aside from picking on Kay, don't you think that Manny (when he's not being an idiot) is a better hitter than Bay?


Sure, but Manny seems to be in uber-idiot mode now, and there's no guarantee he was going to come out of it as long as he was with the Sox.
   346. Benji Gil Gamesh Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:47 PM (#2885156)

Aside from picking on Kay, don't you think that Manny (when he's not being an idiot) is a better hitter than Bay?


He *was*, certainly, better than Bay will likely ever be. (EDIT: And was so for a long time)

I think whether he *is*, right now, is very open to question.
   347. NJ in DC is not here Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:47 PM (#2885159)
Aside from picking on Kay, don't you think that Manny (when he's not being an idiot) is a better hitter than Bay?

Better hitter than Bay? Yes, but not by much and I think Bay's overall value as a player is probably about the same maybe better.
   348. Dan Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:48 PM (#2885165)
I think Manny is a better hitter than Bay, but not by a massive margin. And Bay is a huge upgrade on the bases, and a pretty nice upgrade in LF.
   349. IronChef Chris Wok Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:48 PM (#2885169)
Btw, I'm pretty surprised FLorida didn't want some of our spare parts subsidized: like a Casey or a Coco. BOth would have been massive upgrades to their bench, had THeo paid for their salaries.
   350. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:49 PM (#2885178)
I think Manny is better than Bay, but he's not MASSIVELY better than Bay.


Agree Dan - especially over the next few months.
   351. Russ Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:49 PM (#2885179)
Better hitter than Bay? Yes, but not by much and I think Bay's overall value as a player is probably about the same maybe better.


Exactly what I was thinking. When you take the $$$$ for 2009 into account, it's almost no contest. Bay is super cheap for his production level, you get a year to try to extend him if you want or use the savings (from not having to pick up Manny's option) to reload without having to replace.
   352. Sometimes it Rains (sj) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:49 PM (#2885181)
what was the deal with Bay last year? fluke down year? was he hurt? postjuice dip?
   353. jacksone (AKA It's OK...) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:49 PM (#2885183)
Better hitter than Bay? Yes, but not by much and I think Bay's overall value as a player is probably about the same maybe better.


Come on, that's a *bit* rosy, no? Manny is still capable of being amazing at the plate, and it's not like he hasn't spouted off before, gone in a funk, and then come back perfectly fine.
   354. Justin Zeth Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:50 PM (#2885184)
Let's see...

Craig Hansen: 24 year old reliever that can't pitch in the AL but I suppose might survive as a middle reliever in the NL. Worthless.

Well, b-ref is pretty much down thanks to the blitz of everyone looking up these same guys right now, so there's not much I can do. I'll check back later. I'm pretty sure Brandon Moss will make a nice fourth outfielder and nothing more, yet another of the kind of player the Pirates don't need. Presumably he'll slot in to start in LF straight away. They'd be better off putting a Brian Bocock type out there and losing as many games as possible, IMO.
   355. Rafael Bellylard (p8p) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:50 PM (#2885188)
And Bay is locked up for next year at a very reasonable $7.5 million, which is a hell of a lot less than the Sox would have paid for a free agent of the same caliber.
   356. NJ in DC is not here Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:50 PM (#2885191)
Come on, that's a *bit* rosy, no? Manny is still capable of being amazing at the plate, and it's not like he hasn't spouted off before, gone in a funk, and then come back perfectly fine.

Look at the year Manny had last year. Look at his K rate. Try again.
   357. Dan Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:51 PM (#2885194)
what was the deal with Bay last year? fluke down year? was he hurt? postjuice dip?

He had a busted knee.
   358. jacksone (AKA It's OK...) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:52 PM (#2885202)
Why is $$ and value talked about so frequently? Have the Sox really not gone after someone in the past few years because they were afraid of spending too much?
   359. Benji Gil Gamesh Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:52 PM (#2885203)
Come on, that's a *bit* rosy, no? Manny is still capable of being amazing at the plate, and it's not like he hasn't spouted off before, gone in a funk, and then come back perfectly fine.

Look closely at Manny's slash stats for the past two seasons. He's capable of spurts of the old Manny, but he's no longer anything close to the .300/.400/.600+ beast he was for a while.
   360. IronChef Chris Wok Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:53 PM (#2885206)
I'll check back later. I'm pretty sure Brandon Moss will make a nice fourth outfielder and nothing more, yet another of the kind of player the Pirates don't need.

What what they said about David Murphy. And Brandon Moss has much better power than Murphy.
   361. JC in DC Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:53 PM (#2885210)
All well and good analysis. I'm just really happy Ramirez is gone. That Ortiz-Ramirez part of the lineup was cruel to the opposition. It's good to see that we've come to its end, and w/Ortiz getting fatter and older, there's light at the end of the tunnel (it could just be the reflection off of Ortiz's sweaty head, I admit).
   362. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:53 PM (#2885212)
Hot damn.

This doesn't make the Red Sox better, per se, but it shakes things up and moves Manny without hurting the team on the field. Well done, Theo.
   363. Dan Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:53 PM (#2885213)
Stats aside, watching Manny hit, he just can't square up good fastballs unless he's sitting dead red now.
   364. Chip Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:54 PM (#2885216)
I'll miss everything about Manny. But something needed to be done about LF between now and next season, and with the uncertainty about Manny's mood the last two months of this season based on his most recent outbursts, seems like they don't lose anything production-wise this season, AND have next season taken care of too.
   365. Dan Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:54 PM (#2885219)
I think it makes the Red Sox better, honestly.
   366. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:55 PM (#2885220)

What what they said about David Murphy. And Brandon Moss has much better power than Murphy.
Murphy's a corner OF with a .310 OBP. Don't be fooled by the RBI, that's just a function of his lineup.
   367. Rafael Bellylard (p8p) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:55 PM (#2885221)
Someone remind me of the difference in playing LF at Fenway and at Dodger Stadium...not to mention the difference in being a right-handed batter in both of those parks?

Manny may be fantastic for the next two months, but he might not.
   368. Chip Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:56 PM (#2885229)
Can't wait to see Jeff Kent and Manny sharing a clubhouse.
   369. jacksone (AKA It's OK...) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:57 PM (#2885235)
something needed to be done


Agreed

I think it makes the Red Sox better, honestly.


Better? Not buying it. As good as? Sure, not better though.
   370. Cowboy Popup Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:57 PM (#2885236)
Nice work by Theo, congrats on the pick up guys, should be a hell of a race.
   371. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:57 PM (#2885237)
Hansen? It's a trap!
   372. IronChef Chris Wok Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:57 PM (#2885238)
OK< they're reporting we're still paying for Manny. Which makes this deal teh suck
   373. Justin Zeth Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:58 PM (#2885242)
OK, here we go.

Andy LaRoche: Good major league third baseman.

Craig Hansen: Middle reliever that can't pitch in the AL but might hold a job in the NL if everything goes right.

Brandon Moss: Fourth outfielder that's pretty much done developing. He'll provide value in LF to help the Pirates lose only 94 games instead of 96, and that's about all he'll ever do for them.

Bryan Morris: 21 years old, in A ball, already lost one entire season to injury, 72 K and 31 BB in 81 innings. Not a prospect.

It's kind of underwhelming, but I don't doubt this was the best offer on the table for Bay. Morris and Hansen are totally pointless, but the Pirates are stockpiling mediocre relievers that will never be anything more than mediocre relievers, so clearly the two things they wanted in this deal were that, and a plausible guy to play in LF in Bay's place. They got that, so they're satisfied. I'm just pretty skeptical this trade is going to help the Pirates field a winning team in 2011.
   374. NJ in DC is not here Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:59 PM (#2885250)
Bryan Morris: 21 years old, in A ball, already lost one entire season to injury, 72 K and 31 BB in 81 innings. Not a prospect.

Really? I find your evaluations of minor leaguers to be quite entertaining.
   375. robinred Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:59 PM (#2885251)
My Red Sox fan colleague was quite bummed; he knows little about Bay. I told him Bay is a hell of a player.

Still, though, this is a tough situation to go into.

I was wrong. I did not think it would happen.
   376. JC in DC Posted: July 31, 2008 at 04:59 PM (#2885256)
Look closely at Manny's slash stats for the past two seasons. He's capable of spurts of the old Manny, but he's no longer anything close to the .300/.400/.600+ beast he was for a while.


Give me a break. He's not that far off it this year. He's at .400 and .530 in a "down" year and was at that in 2006. And, his K rate has never been as bad as Bay's. The guy's a monster hitter, which is why for years Sox fans have been rationalizing his LF D. The only question, and it's an enormously significant one, was whether his relationship w/the team was reparable. Obviously, the team determined it wasn't. I agree this is a good deal in that context, but I remain of the view that Boston w/Bay in the lineup is a significantly less frightening team than w/Manny there.
   377. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 31, 2008 at 05:00 PM (#2885257)
Who replaces Hansen in the bullpen guys?
   378. Templeusox has reached his genetic threshold Posted: July 31, 2008 at 05:00 PM (#2885260)
I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with Moss.
   379. Chip Posted: July 31, 2008 at 05:01 PM (#2885263)
OK< they're reporting we're still paying for Manny. Which makes this deal teh suck


Why? This situation is tailor-made for spending all that excess revenue. Much better use of it than overpaying for a past-his-prime FA.
   380. mopar Posted: July 31, 2008 at 05:01 PM (#2885265)
The Dodgers gave up a couple of decent prospects for two+ months of free MANNY and first crack at overpaying him next year

I guess that's OK for them
   381. Jon T. Posted: July 31, 2008 at 05:02 PM (#2885271)
The lineup is worse, but the outfield D will be better.
   382. Dan Posted: July 31, 2008 at 05:02 PM (#2885272)
I think Moss will do well in the NL. He's a low contact guy who has trouble with breaking pitches, seems like he'd profile pretty decently.
   383. aleskel Posted: July 31, 2008 at 05:02 PM (#2885273)
I agree this is a good deal in that context, but I remain of the view that Boston w/Bay in the lineup is a significantly less frightening team than w/Manny there.

all I can say, as a Yankees fan, is that the Sox might be just as good this year and going forward, but holy #### am I glad not to see Manny 15 times every year.
   384. NJ in DC is not here Posted: July 31, 2008 at 05:02 PM (#2885275)
Give me a break. He's not that far off it this year. He's at .400 and .530 in a "down" year and was at that in 2006. And, his K rate has never been as bad as Bay's. The guy's a monster hitter, which is why for years Sox fans have been rationalizing his LF D. The only question, and it's an enormously significant one, was whether his relationship w/the team was reparable. Obviously, the team determined it wasn't. I agree this is a good deal in that context, but I remain of the view that Boston w/Bay in the lineup is a significantly less frightening team than w/Manny there.

Manny's OPS+ over the last two seasons is about 133. Since when is that a monster hitter?
   385. Sean Forman Posted: July 31, 2008 at 05:02 PM (#2885277)

Well, b-ref is pretty much down thanks to the blitz of everyone looking up these same guys right now, so there's not much I can do. I'll check back later. I'm pretty sure Brandon Moss will make a nice fourth outfielder and nothing more, yet another of the kind of player the Pirates don't need. Presumably he'll slot in to start in LF straight away. They'd be better off putting a Brian Bocock type out there and losing as many games as possible, IMO.


What?! The site is down. Oh ####!
   386. Tike Redman's Shattered Dreams (shayborg) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 05:03 PM (#2885282)
what was the deal with Bay last year? fluke down year? was he hurt? postjuice dip?

Yeah, he played through a knee injury. It damn near crippled him in the field. At the time he claimed it didn't affect his batting, but given his bounceback this year that seems to be the most likely explanation.

Bay seems to be completely fine. The only statistical marker that's even slightly troubling is that HitTracker claims he's hit a lot of lucky homers, but I think that's just a byproduct of the way he hits them -- they're almost all towering fly balls that just keep carrying. The man is strong.
   387. Rafael Bellylard (p8p) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 05:03 PM (#2885285)
OK< they're reporting we're still paying for Manny. Which makes this deal teh suck


I don't see how paying two prorated months of Manny's contract hurts this deal. Particularly when two months of Bay's contract is about $2 million.

I guess you could look at it as paying an extra two mill, but getting a guy off your team that didn't want to be there and only taking a slight downgrade in LF (offensively, that is).
   388. Sometimes it Rains (sj) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 05:03 PM (#2885287)
Manny's OPS+ over the last two seasons is about 133. Since when is that a monster hitter

take out appearances against Mussina and Pettite, and he is a subreplacement player.
   389. Elevate Phil Coorey Later Posted: July 31, 2008 at 05:03 PM (#2885288)
Agree Jc in 366 - but the lineup is not the formidable Manny / Papi lineup of years gone by.

Papi took a holiday in April hitting 3 for 1000, then Manny went crazy trying to hit 500, then as he hit 500 , Papi decided to get hurt.

I think this trade gives the team (which the last few weeks is looking like a train wreck) a chance to wake up and make a move to the playoffs. I think this is the shake up they needed...
   390. Russ Posted: July 31, 2008 at 05:04 PM (#2885290)

Andy LaRoche: Good major league third baseman.


Not sure I agree, but at least he's a prospect. Very weird though to take LaRoche when they just drafted Alvarez.


Craig Hansen: Middle reliever that can't pitch in the AL but might hold a job in the NL if everything goes right.


Exactly. I don't understand the point of him in this deal except to add bulk, which is ridiculous.


Brandon Moss: Fourth outfielder that's pretty much done developing. He'll provide value in LF to help the Pirates lose only 94 games instead of 96, and that's about all he'll ever do for them.


It's not clear to me that he's even as good as Steven Pearce. Moss is probably 4th on the Pirate depth chart for OF behind McLouth, Pearce and McCutchen right now, and if Tabata pans out, Moss drops to *5th*.

To sum up, the Pirates traded for a middle reliever, a 5th OF and a guy who plays the same position as their future star 1st round draft pick (and blocks the path of their FORMER 1st round draft pick catcher-turned-third baseman AND leaves them in a weird position as to what do with Jose Bautista, who has not had a terrible year).


Bryan Morris: 21 years old, in A ball, already lost one entire season to injury, 72 K and 31 BB in 81 innings. Not a prospect.


Reading around a bit, Morris looks like a very good prospect and live arm, but he only has like 35-40 starts in professional baseball after missing last year to injury.


I would have rather had Niemann and Brainiac.
   391. Kirby Kyle Posted: July 31, 2008 at 05:04 PM (#2885292)
I remain of the view that Boston w/Bay in the lineup is a significantly less frightening team than w/Manny there.

Boston with Bay in the outfield is also significantly less frightening.
   392. LargeBill Posted: July 31, 2008 at 05:04 PM (#2885293)
Effects of this trade:
Dodgers could make run at NL West
Red Sox no change still fighting TB/NYY for AL East or Wild Card
Pirates could reach .500 record next year or not.

My AL only fantasy team - decimated.
   393. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 31, 2008 at 05:05 PM (#2885297)
Hansen's upside is MLB closer - he throws 95 and has a nasty slider. He's one tick of command from being a good pitcher, and two ticks from being an ace reliever. It may never happen, but he's not worthless, he has very real upside.

Likewise Morris, he was a first-round draft pick, throws in the mid-90s with a hammer curve rated plus by BA. He may not pan out, but he has upside.

And of course, LaRoche, who is already a major league quality 3B, has some of the best power potential in all of the minor leagues. Moss is the only one who probably won't be more than a bit above average, but he's also pretty likely to be a competent major leaguer.

Upside is what the Littlefield Pirates didn't understand, and Huntington clearly does. I'd be really happy about this trade if I were a Pirates fan.
   394. karlmagnus Posted: July 31, 2008 at 05:05 PM (#2885299)
In 2092 the Red Sox will still be waiting for their next championship, and parading the skull of the late Wade Boggs round Fenway to show what top quality players the Sox have had. This is the FO's fault; the situation was fine until they made a total mess of it.
   395. Biff, Red Sox Jinx Posted: July 31, 2008 at 05:06 PM (#2885305)
I like this a lot. Cross-posted:

It's Magnum and it's beautiful. Moss and Hansen are very fungible.
   396. JC in DC Posted: July 31, 2008 at 05:06 PM (#2885306)
Boston with Bay in the outfield is also significantly less frightening.


I don't disagree with this, but I guess this means the end of the "Manny's a great LFer in Boston's quirky LF" stuff and the beginning of the historical revision of his D.
   397. Tike Redman's Shattered Dreams (shayborg) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 05:06 PM (#2885308)
Andy LaRoche: Good major league third baseman.

Craig Hansen: Middle reliever that can't pitch in the AL but might hold a job in the NL if everything goes right.

Brandon Moss: Fourth outfielder that's pretty much done developing. He'll provide value in LF to help the Pirates lose only 94 games instead of 96, and that's about all he'll ever do for them.

Bryan Morris: 21 years old, in A ball, already lost one entire season to injury, 72 K and 31 BB in 81 innings. Not a prospect.

It's kind of underwhelming, but I don't doubt this was the best offer on the table for Bay. Morris and Hansen are totally pointless, but the Pirates are stockpiling mediocre relievers that will never be anything more than mediocre relievers, so clearly the two things they wanted in this deal were that, and a plausible guy to play in LF in Bay's place. They got that, so they're satisfied. I'm just pretty skeptical this trade is going to help the Pirates field a winning team in 2011.


What is wrong with you, man? I realize that you've already decided that the Pirates are trying to lose, but try to be objective. Hansen and Moss are pretty useless, I agree, though I think coming into the season Moss and Nady were not far apart in long term value. Morris is a high-ceiling first round pick who appears to have recovered almost completely from TJ surgery; he is a groundball machine, and his other peripherals should improve as he shakes the rust off.
   398. Sometimes it Rains (sj) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 05:06 PM (#2885309)
I like this karl mangus fella.
   399. NJ in DC is not here Posted: July 31, 2008 at 05:07 PM (#2885312)
I would have rather had Niemann and Brainiac.

Well, it's a good thing you aren't the Pirates GM then.
   400. Rafael Bellylard (p8p) Posted: July 31, 2008 at 05:07 PM (#2885316)
His defense was mostly adequate with moments of sheer lunacy.
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