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Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Rosenthal: Big names could move before deadline

Robo deadline notes…beware!

—Dodgers center fielder Andruw Jones, batting .160/.248/.224 against right-handed pitching, did not start Monday night against Giants right-hander Kevin Correia.

Look for that trend to continue now that Juan Pierre is off the disabled list. Pierre, Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier could get most of the starts against righties, reducing Jones to a $36.2 million platoon player.

—Cubs rookie Jeff Samardzija was electric in his first two appearances, prompting one scout to say he possesses a “Gossage fastball,” comparing his late movement to that of newly minted Hall of Famer Rich Gossage.

—Reds left fielder Adam Dunn hit his 30th home run on Monday night, tying the Phillies’ Ryan Howard for the major-league lead. His .941 OPS ranks ninth in the NL. And his defense, by most measures, has improved.
Nobody wants him?

Repoz Posted: July 29, 2008 at 05:44 PM | 92 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
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   1. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader Posted: July 29, 2008 at 05:55 PM (#2880097)
The Phillies would love to get Sherrill — GM Pat Gillick and special assistant Charley Kerfeld signed Sherrill out of the independent leagues when they were with the Mariners — but they don't have a shortstop the Orioles desire.

Is that THE Charley Kerfeld?
   2. SugarBear Blanks Posted: July 29, 2008 at 05:57 PM (#2880101)
Are there any others?
   3. ColonelTom Posted: July 29, 2008 at 05:58 PM (#2880105)
they don't have a shortstop the Orioles desire.


Jason Donald?
   4. Jimmy P Posted: July 29, 2008 at 05:59 PM (#2880110)
The Phillies would love to get Sherrill — GM Pat Gillick and special assistant Charley Kerfeld signed Sherrill out of the independent leagues when they were with the Mariners — but they don't have a shortstop the Orioles desire.

"Who cares if he's good, we know him!" That just screams laziness and arrogance by management.

Trade Miguel Tejada? The Astros, bless their delusional hearts, are thinking quite the opposite. They're buyers, not sellers, pursuing bullpen help even though they're buried in the National League standings.


Best line of the article right there.

The team's only discussions about Tejada, the source says, involve his long-term position. Tejada, 34, eventually will need to move to third base


If only they had a good defensive SS like Adam Everett.

Cubs rookie Jeff Samardzija was electric in his first two appearances, prompting one scout to say he possesses a "Gossage fastball," comparing his late movement to that of newly minted Hall of Famer Rich Gossage.


You're only being compared to a HOFer, no pressure, rook.
   5. Jimmy P Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:01 PM (#2880119)
Jason Donald?

ESPN is saying that the Phillies are offering him for Mahay. If that's true, what the hell are the Royals waiting for? Donald's not great, but geez, you'd be getting him for Ron Mahay.
   6. DKDC Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:02 PM (#2880126)
Does Donald profile to stick at SS?

Not that it should really matter from the Orioles' perspective, since they also have long-term holes at 2B and 3B.

Donald's bat looks legit, but I'm guessing the O's want an additional prospect for Sherrill.
   7. Crispix Attacks Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:04 PM (#2880134)
NO NO NO NO NO

RELieVERS ARE A CRAPSHOOT

PLEASE DO NOT TRADE ANY THING AT ALL OF ANY VALUE FOR A RELIEVER
   8. Shooty: Applying to be Fearless Leader Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:05 PM (#2880143)
Are there any others?

It's weird when a name pops up like that. I remember thinking Kerfeld was a big doof, and here he is 20 years later working in a baseball FO. Cool.
   9. flournoy Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:06 PM (#2880144)
No mention of Teixeira whatsoever... ???

Here's another good line:

the O's are reluctant to trade [George Sherrill] within the division for the Rays' Reid Brignac.


I present that without further comment.
   10. Ignatius J. Reilly Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:08 PM (#2880147)
If Mahay fetchs Donald. I'd figure Ohman should yield something similar. Good news for Wren.
   11. Jimmy P Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:08 PM (#2880148)
Here's another good line:

the O's are reluctant to trade [George Sherrill] within the division for the Rays' Reid Brignac.



I present that without further comment.


This was in an article yesterday. I think it was another Robo article, but it said that Angelos won't trade in division. Of course, Robothal took a shot at Angelos that it doesn't really matter because the O's aren't competative.
   12. Crashburn Alley Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:08 PM (#2880151)
Stark updated his trade deadline blog, saying:

A source with knowledge of the Phillies’ trading discussions now says they’re “not close” to any deal for left-handed reliever Ron Mahay. They plan to continue to explore all their left-handed relief options.
   13. flournoy Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:09 PM (#2880155)
A guy like Jason Donald would be a great return for Will Ohman.

I figure that since the Braves got Octavio Dotel for Kyle Davies last year, they could expect at least a Davies-quality player in return for Ohman.
   14. Padraic Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:14 PM (#2880165)
ESPN is saying that the Phillies are offering him for Mahay.

Good lord, no! Mahay is scheduled to make $4M next year. It's possible that the team, if they acquired Mahay and moved Myers back to the pen, could be paying about $31 million for 250 innings of bullpen work out of Lidge, Myers, Romero, and Mahay.

If the Phillies traded Donald for Mahay, I might have to update my "Gillick does nothing but hurt the Phillies" 2008 preview to include some harsher language.

Edit - Thanks Crashburn. Whew.
   15. birdlives is one crazy ninja Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:17 PM (#2880173)
This was in an article yesterday. I think it was another Robo article, but it said that Angelos won't trade in division. Of course, Robothal took a shot at Angelos that it doesn't really matter because the O's aren't competative.

And the article said that the Rays aren't offering Brignac as of right now so it's Robo speculating on a potential trade. Robo and Angelos aren't particularly chummy.
   16. bfan Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:18 PM (#2880176)
Dotel had a history of injury, and that bore out in his 7 innings of work. Ohman has got to be worth a lot more than a guy weakly coming off 2 years of arm surgery.
   17. DKDC Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:20 PM (#2880183)
Brignac has been labeled pretty much untouchable, so I doubt the Rays are offering him for Sherrill.

I also don't think it's unusual for teams to be reluctant to trade players within a division, especially when they are under team control for a long time like Sherrill, who's not eligible for free agency until after the 2011 season.

It's probably just a silly PR thing, but it's not like the Rays are the only team looking for LH relief. I doubt it really hurts the O's to focus on the other 25 ML teams as destinations for Sherrill.

If the Rays want to talk Payton or Millar, I'm sure the O's are all ears.
   18. Crashburn Alley Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:25 PM (#2880200)
The Phillies may have never been in the market for Mahay but simply used that to try and drive down the Orioles' price for Sherrill.
   19. haven Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:26 PM (#2880202)
Rosenthal: Big names could move before deadline


Or not......
   20. Jimmy P Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:26 PM (#2880203)
I also don't think it's unusual for teams to be reluctant to trade players within a division, especially when they are under team control for a long time like Sherrill, who's not eligible for free agency until after the 2011 season.

The thing is, the O's aren't close to contention. In fact, they may not be close until after 2011, so it really doesn't matter. They should be focusing on getting assets, not trying to control their opponents roster 3 years from now. This doesn't take into account that we're talking about George Sherrill and not Mariano Rivera.

Of course, the O's didn't get this bad by making smart decisions, so we know how this will turn out.
   21. retro-shiite Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:29 PM (#2880206)
--Dodgers center fielder Andruw Jones, batting .160/.248/.224 against right-handed pitching, did not start Monday night against Giants right-hander Kevin Correia.

--retro-shiite, who possesses no medical credentials whatsoever, did not perform bypass surgery on 63-year-old John Doe Monday afternoon.
   22. retro-shiite Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:31 PM (#2880211)
You're only being compared to a HOFer, no pressure, rook.

Ah, he can handle it. He Played Football at Notre Dame™.
   23. The Kids Are Enright (1k5v3L) Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:32 PM (#2880213)
More Rosenthal: Angels join D-backs in Teixeira sweepstakes

The Angels would not include either right-hander Ervin Santana or left-hander Joe Saunders in a Teixeira package, sources say. But they would be willing to make the move if the price was first baseman Casey Kotchman and outfielder Juan Rivera plus a third piece, most likely a prospect.

Angels general manager Tony Reagins told the Los Angeles Times that he would "look at" a Teixeira trade, but called the possibility "unlikely," Another source with knowledge of the club's plans described the Angels? chances of acquiring a hitter as "remote at best."


If the Angels are really offering that much, they can have TexMex. Godspeed.
   24. The Kids Are Enright (1k5v3L) Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:33 PM (#2880215)

Ah, he can handle it. He Played Football at Notre Dame™.
I believe he also stayed at the Holiday Inn Express last night
   25. Jimmy P Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:34 PM (#2880216)
If the Angels are really offering that much, they can have TexMex. Godspeed.

That much? From what I can see, they're offering an OF they don't think is a starter, a 1B who doesn't hit for power, and an unknown prospect. Unless that's Jordan Walden, this deal's not getting done. I'd take the two draft picks.
   26. The Kids Are Enright (1k5v3L) Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:35 PM (#2880220)
Jimmy, you're a Braves fan, I take it? LOL

[edit] I gather Kotchman is 3 years away from free agency. Is Rivera a free agent after 09?
   27. Padraic Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:40 PM (#2880231)
The Phillies may have never been in the market for Mahay but simply used that to try and drive down the Orioles' price for Sherrill.

I'm pretty sure the Phillies use Stark to float many a rumor. I'm still curious about his "Marson Watch" that came about around the time Sabathia was going to be dealt. Seemed a little odd for a player who was in the #75-100 prospect range.
   28. JPWF13 Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:40 PM (#2880230)
That much? From what I can see, they're offering an OF they don't think is a starter, a 1B who doesn't hit for power, and an unknown prospect. Unless that's Jordan Walden, this deal's not getting done. I'd take the two draft picks.


2 draft picks v. Kotchman, Rivera & a Prospect.

Odds are 1 of those two picks will never see more than 50 MLB PAs/IP
   29. The Kids Are Enright (1k5v3L) Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:42 PM (#2880238)

Odds are 1 of those two picks will never see more than 50 MLB PAs/IP
Yes, but those 2 picks would give some Braves fans at least 6 years of uninterrupted Hall of Fame fantasies
   30. MM1f Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:51 PM (#2880244)

"Who cares if he's good, we know him!" That just screams laziness and arrogance by management.


What a ridiculous bash. It is pretty obvious that the Phils and Gillick would not be getting him just because "they know him" but because he is a quality pitcher and maybe the best LHP on the market right now. The fact that they are familiar with him is a pretty clear bonus though. In what field WOULDN'T you like to bring in help that is not only talented but also you have a good past relationship with and whom you know would be a positive addition?
   31. Don't want the truth; just wanna see some dingers Posted: July 29, 2008 at 06:58 PM (#2880253)
As a Braves fan, I say, "yes please" even if it's just Rivera and Kotchman.
   32. MM1f Posted: July 29, 2008 at 07:04 PM (#2880261)

That much? From what I can see, they're offering an OF they don't think is a starter, a 1B who doesn't hit for power, and an unknown prospect. Unless that's Jordan Walden, this deal's not getting done. I'd take the two draft picks.


You know the picks would probably be something like #22 and #40, right? Somewhere in that nieghborhood. You know how picks that late are not something of great value, right? And you know that those picks would be unlikely to yield you two quality starting hitters, like Rivera and Kotch, and you would have to pay 1.5 mil in bonuses for those picks.
You know that an outcome of something like McCay McBride/Richard Lewis, Mike Fontenot/Bryan Bass, David Aardsma/Craig Whitaker or Bily Traber/Bob Keppel is a fairly average return when it comes to taking two guys at those pick spots, right?

David Murphy/Matt Murton is actually probably an better-than-normal outcome from two late-first rounders and taking those two required getting pick that were at the very top of the range of picks available for comp picks (picks 17 and 32.. the best one can do is get picks 16 and 31).
Plus, again, the team had to pay out for the signing bonus, instead of getting a prospect or MLB player whose team has already paid out, and it is now 5 years later and those two players, despite being collegians (and thus, closer to MLB), have only contributed a little at the MLB level.
   33. Guapo Posted: July 29, 2008 at 07:04 PM (#2880262)
Right-hander Micah Owings, a pitcher the Diamondbacks offered to the Nationals in their discussions over right-hander Jon Rauch, could be one possibility.

Owings is a better hitter than the guy the Nationals ended up getting.
   34. Kendry Wood Posted: July 29, 2008 at 07:05 PM (#2880263)
The Angels would not include either right-hander Ervin Santana or left-hander Joe Saunders in a Teixeira package, sources say. But they would be willing to make the move if the price was first baseman Casey Kotchman and outfielder Juan Rivera plus a third piece, most likely a prospect.


If the Angels make this trade, they would then be forced to play Gary Matthews and Garret Anderson every day. How that makes the team better, I have no idea.
   35. Greg Franklin Posted: July 29, 2008 at 07:17 PM (#2880292)
Since the Angels are pretty much a lock to enter the postseason (92% prob according to CoolStandings) and since the postseason is a crapshoot, why would they give away the farm to rent Teixeira? They could insist on only parting with Kotchman plus [Rivera|prospect] and be fine, plus have two draft picks to play with.
   36. Dewey, Steven Wright Wannabe and Soupuss Posted: July 29, 2008 at 07:23 PM (#2880302)
Owings is a better hitter than the guy the Nationals ended up getting.

If only he could pitch.
   37. Srul Itza Posted: July 29, 2008 at 07:23 PM (#2880303)
Reds left fielder Adam Dunn [gushing praise snipped]
Nobody wants him?


Well, I think Harvey has a bit of a mancrush on him.
   38. Still Waiting on Pork Chops (John R.) Posted: July 29, 2008 at 07:46 PM (#2880343)
--Reds left fielder Adam Dunn hit his 30th home run on Monday night, tying the Phillies’ Ryan Howard for the major-league lead. His .941 OPS ranks ninth in the NL. And his defense, by most measures, has improved.
Nobody wants him?


Not that they need him, but...

Carlos Lee v. 2.0? The Rangers are probably at least as much in contention now as they were at the trade deadline in '06. Why not bring the Texan home for a few months and see how many homers he could hit behind Bradley in Arlington? If the market's truly that barren for Dunn, how expensive could he be?
   39. Jimmy P Posted: July 29, 2008 at 07:53 PM (#2880351)
Jimmy, you're a Braves fan, I take it? LOL

No, I just don't like Juan Rivera or Kotchman. I dislike any 1B that has zero power just on principle, and Rivera's never done anything to wow me.

You know the picks would probably be something like #22 and #40, right? Somewhere in that nieghborhood. You know how picks that late are not something of great value, right? And you know that those picks would be unlikely to yield you two quality starting hitters, like Rivera and Kotch, and you would have to pay 1.5 mil in bonuses for those picks.

I do know all that. I just don't think Rivera and Kotchman are anything to write home about, and I don't think they put this Braves team, or the Braves 2-3 years from now any closer to contention.
   40. Walt Davis Posted: July 29, 2008 at 07:53 PM (#2880352)
Dodgers center fielder Andruw Jones, batting .160/.248/.224 against right-handed pitching,

Dodgers center fielder Andruw Jones, batting .188/.307/.313 against left-handed pitching is having an historically bad season.

reducing Jones to a $36.2 million platoon player.

and elevating Pierre to a $45 million platoon player.

The best thing about the Jones signing and performance for Colletti is that it's made almost everyone forget how terrible the Pierre contract was. I still say the Pierre contract was worse -- at least Jones is performing below expectations while Pierre is hitting every bit as badly as expected.
   41. billyshears Posted: July 29, 2008 at 07:53 PM (#2880353)
I'm leading the Dunn to the Mets brigade. Of course, from what I can see, nobody else is actually in the brigade, but whatever.
   42. Dan Posted: July 29, 2008 at 07:54 PM (#2880354)
The Rangers don't really have a spot for him though. I guess they could send Byrd to the bench, but it doesn't really make much sense. Between the 3 OF spots and DH they have Hamilton, Bradley, Murphy, and Byrd. And they have Chris Davis mashing at first.
   43. Jimmy P Posted: July 29, 2008 at 07:57 PM (#2880359)
The best thing about the Jones signing and performance for Colletti is that it's made almost everyone forget how terrible the Pierre contract was. I still say the Pierre contract was worse -- at least Jones is performing below expectations while Pierre is hitting every bit as badly as expected.

That, and Jones is gone after next season while Pierre will have two more after next season.

and elevating Pierre to a $45 million platoon player.

Yes, but Jones is fat, overpaid, and lazy while Pierre is overpaid but works his ass off and steals a ton of bases. MSM rips on the former and praises the latter.
   44. Still Waiting on Pork Chops (John R.) Posted: July 29, 2008 at 08:04 PM (#2880365)
The Rangers don't really have a spot for him though. I guess they could send Byrd to the bench, but it doesn't really make much sense. Between the 3 OF spots and DH they have Hamilton, Bradley, Murphy, and Byrd. And they have Chris Davis mashing at first.


1) You've gotta think Byrd is gone before the deadline. He'll be a subsidiary piece in a deal of Laird/Saltalamacchia or Guardado. He'd be the consummate 4th OF for a playoff team.

2) If Byrd's still around, look at the box score from last night:

Davis 1B-3B

Not that I expect that to happen again this season...but Davis did come up as a 3B. Blalock is eminently available. I've seen worse ideas bandied about here (and I've been the origin of more than one of them).
   45. Los Angeles Waterloo of Black Hawk Posted: July 29, 2008 at 08:05 PM (#2880367)
Casey Kotchman's SLG this year is 35 points above the league average, last year it was 42 above the park-adjusted league average, and in 2005 was 62 points above. Since 2005, he ranks 27th out of 39 1B with 200+ games, which includes his mono year. So while he's not super-powerful he's certainly not an embarrassment on that front, plus he gives you (aside from this year) solid OBP and great defense. I'm not saying he's Teixeira, but he's not chopped liver, despite the fact that he spent two months this season not hitting.
   46. Jimmy P Posted: July 29, 2008 at 08:13 PM (#2880378)
Casey Kotchman's SLG this year is 35 points above the league average, last year it was 42 above the park-adjusted league average, and in 2005 was 62 points above.

For 1B or overall league average?
   47. The Bones McCoy of THT Posted: July 29, 2008 at 08:13 PM (#2880379)
Nobody wants him?


Dunn is batting .262/.391/.607 w/RISP and over his last 25 games is hitting .298/.402/.750 with 12 HR 28 RBI ... if only he liked baseball, he could really help the Blue Jays!

Oh well, J.P. knows what's best! Brad Wilkerson is a perky chap--we'll suck but at least we'll be happy while doing it!

Happy, happy happy!

Rumour has it that Barney will soon be named bench coach and Baby-Bop the staff psychologist.

Wheee!

I love you, you love me, who cares if you're 0-for-3, with a big pop up and a ground ball to turn two, it's not a lie when I know it's true.

Best Regards

John
   48. Teheran's Uranium Enriched Missiles Posted: July 29, 2008 at 08:15 PM (#2880382)
and I don't think they put this Braves team, or the Braves 2-3 years from now any closer to contention.

The next Braves team in serious contention is going to have one of their many low minor prospects at 1b and LF. But they need major league players for the next 2 years at that position. This is a cheap way of doing it, and Kotchman is pretty good, esp if you factor in all his missed time.
I would take Kotchman/Rivera if it was out there instantly. I suspect it is not. More than likely, the Angels want Ohman in that trade too.
   49. Raskolnikov Posted: July 29, 2008 at 08:20 PM (#2880388)
I'm leading the Dunn to the Mets brigade. Of course, from what I can see, nobody else is actually in the brigade, but whatever.

Is there space for me? We'd have to resign him though.
   50. Dr Love Posted: July 29, 2008 at 08:21 PM (#2880389)
The Braves outta take the Kotchman/Rivera/prospect deal if it's true. What 1B can the Braves get in the offseason that would be better than Kotchman? The FA class is either too expensive or just not good, so they'll have to make a trade anyway. Rivera is a modest upgrade to an OF that would welcome any upgrades. At the least, a Rivera/Diaz platoon should work well next year.
   51. Still Waiting on Pork Chops (John R.) Posted: July 29, 2008 at 08:25 PM (#2880397)
Rumour has it that Barney will soon be named bench coach and Baby-Bop the staff psychologist.

Wheee!

I love you, you love me, who cares if you're 0-for-3, with a big pop up and a ground ball to turn two, it's not a lie when I know it's true.


You disturb me greatly...

That is sheer brilliance. Primey?
   52. spike Posted: July 29, 2008 at 08:28 PM (#2880400)
I thought Rivera was an FA after this season?
   53. Mike Emeigh Posted: July 29, 2008 at 08:29 PM (#2880403)
Does Donald profile to stick at SS?


No. He doesn't have the range or the arm.

-- MWE
   54. The NeverEnding Torii (oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh) Posted: July 29, 2008 at 08:30 PM (#2880405)
Kotchman/Rivera for Teixeira would make me rip my legs off. Why would you make such a big change to the culture of a team that's already going to the playoffs? Teixeira's a good player: he's a Gold Glove 1B with power. The Angels have Casey Kotchman who's a Gold Glove 1B who realistically will end up with 18-20 HRs (these "Kotchman has zero power" people are puzzling). You'd essentially be changing the nature of the line-up and the team and giving up Juan Rivera for what, an extra 10 home runs? What a waste that'd be.
   55. billyshears Posted: July 29, 2008 at 08:34 PM (#2880412)
Is there space for me? We'd have to resign him though.


Plenty of room. Call your friends too.

I'm actually ok with Dunn as a rental. Of course, I'd consider signing him to a short term deal (3 years or less) and slot him at 1b or LF, but I can't imagine he would go for that. Then again, if the market for him is as tepid as has been reported, maybe he has to take that kind of deal.
   56. Dr Love Posted: July 29, 2008 at 08:39 PM (#2880422)
I thought Rivera was an FA after this season?


You're right. Hmm, that changes things. The DBacks offer of Tracy+ is worth considering. An added bonus that Tracy can play 3B for when Chipper goes on the DL, although that leaves the question of who would play 1B in that scenario.
   57. AROM Posted: July 29, 2008 at 08:40 PM (#2880424)
Kotchman/Rivera for Teixeira would make me rip my legs off.


I would hate that trade. A slight upgrade for 2 months at first base, and probably all the gain would be offset by having to put Matthews back in the lineup in place of Rivera.

Then in 2009-2011, you're missing a very good and cheap player in Kotchman. This is the kind of trade that erodes a team's talent in the long run. With the best record in baseball and double digit lead, I hope Reagins follows in the footsteps of Bill Stoneman.

Some people will say that the Angels of the last few years might have done more in the playoffs had they made a big deadline deal. I look at the players they were rumored to be targeting (Tejada? Mike Sweeney?) and think if they had traded some of their young players in those deals, the 2008 Angels may not be as good as they are.
   58. Danny Posted: July 29, 2008 at 08:49 PM (#2880443)
How is Teix only a "slight upgrade" over Kotchman? The offensive difference seems rather large, and Teix is at least as good with the glove.
   59. Darnell McDonald had a farm Posted: July 29, 2008 at 08:59 PM (#2880459)
"Why would you make such a big change to the culture of a team that's already going to the playoffs?"

To give them a chance to win in the playoffs?
   60. flournoy Posted: July 29, 2008 at 09:13 PM (#2880483)
I don't understand the proposed deal from the Braves' perspective. Juan Rivera is a free agent after the season, and Kotchman is a first baseman who hits like a second baseman. He'd be under the Braves' control through 2011... big deal. I'd rather the Braves got some players with a chance to be stars, however remote.
   61. AROM Posted: July 29, 2008 at 09:28 PM (#2880498)
slight upgrade and "rather large" are subjective terms, so let's talk in terms of runs. I abhor arguments of semantics. The difference is about 20 runs over a season, or 7 over 2 months, and most importantly, about 1 run over a 7 game playoff series.

To those here who think Kotchman is worthless, fine. I don't want your team to have him. His defense is incredible, I believe he's saved many infield error in addition to great range. And I think he's got upside as a hitter.
   62. Corn On Ty Cobb Posted: July 29, 2008 at 09:28 PM (#2880499)
Yeah, I don't really get the inclusion of Rivera. Doesn't make much sense from the Braves POV. I'm not really a fan of this package, unless the prospect is Wood or Adenhart.

Of course, Kotch, Rivera + garbage is better than crappy Chad Tracy.
   63. Danny Posted: July 29, 2008 at 09:34 PM (#2880505)
slight upgrade and "rather large" are subjective terms, so let's talk in terms of runs. I abhor arguments of semantics. The difference is about 20 runs over a season, or 7 over 2 months, and most importantly, about 1 run over a 7 game playoff series.

I guess I was reading you as saying it was only a slight upgrade and it was only for two months, rather than the upgrade being slight because it was only for 2 months.

There are also the compensation picks for Teix to consider.
   64. Danny Posted: July 29, 2008 at 09:50 PM (#2880522)
From Stark's Deadline Blog:

Angels first baseman Casey Kotchman was pulled off the field during pregame warmups this afternoon at Fenway Park. And there are strong indications he is about to be traded to the Braves for Mark Teixeira, according to a source with knowledge of those discussions. Details are still being finalized, and additional, lesser names are expected to be involved. But Kotchman for Teixeira is the core of this deal.

The latest: A second source with knowledge of these discussions says the Braves will get Kotchman, plus a second lesser name, for Teixeira in a 2-for-1 deal.
   65. Teheran's Uranium Enriched Missiles Posted: July 29, 2008 at 09:53 PM (#2880525)
The latest: A second source with knowledge of these discussions says the Braves will get Kotchman, plus a second lesser name, for Teixeira in a 2-for-1 deal.

Woo hoo! Well done, Frank.

Though it is just going to add to Braves' issues against left handers
   66. 6 - 4 - 3 Posted: July 29, 2008 at 09:58 PM (#2880527)
Per Rotoworld, ESPN is also reporting that Teixeira is going to LAA.

EDIT: Keith Law says Teixeira for Kotchman and Stephen Marek.

Good haul for ATL. Kotchman and Marek beats the heck out of Kotchman and Rivera.
   67. Los Angeles Waterloo of Black Hawk Posted: July 29, 2008 at 10:03 PM (#2880533)
For Kotchman and Marek.

Hmm.
   68. flournoy Posted: July 29, 2008 at 10:04 PM (#2880534)
It's better, but how much? Just judging by his stats, Marek is an uninspiring 24 year old AA reliever. (He was a starter until this year.) Yawn. Shitty trade.
   69. Los Angeles Waterloo of Black Hawk Posted: July 29, 2008 at 10:07 PM (#2880539)
I like Marek, but he is a 24-year-old reliever at AA. And Morales is still kicking around if we can't re-sign Teix.

I'm both sad and hopeful about this.
   70. Still Waiting on Pork Chops (John R.) Posted: July 29, 2008 at 10:11 PM (#2880546)
Teixeira to the Angels?

Hmmmm...may have to procure tickets to a game during that series just for the distinct pleasure of booing him every time up.
Not quite as egregious as the 24 kids quote, but...
   71. Melo's Love Handles (NJ) Posted: July 29, 2008 at 10:15 PM (#2880549)
At first glance...awful move by the Braves.
   72. MM1f Posted: July 29, 2008 at 10:16 PM (#2880551)
Damn.
I'm going to miss Tex.
   73. Perros Posted: July 29, 2008 at 10:17 PM (#2880553)
Finally some good news for Braves fans... well, they're not dealing Teixeira for Chad Tracy.
   74. Los Angeles Waterloo of Black Hawk Posted: July 29, 2008 at 10:18 PM (#2880554)
It's got be weird to hit a game-winning HR for the team with the best record in baseball one day and then be traded the next.
   75. Los Angeles Waterloo of Black Hawk Posted: July 29, 2008 at 10:19 PM (#2880560)
Though it is just going to add to Braves' issues against left handers

Casey is terrific against LHP.
   76. Ignatius J. Reilly Posted: July 29, 2008 at 10:22 PM (#2880566)
How much I like this deal basically comes down to how much I believe in Kotchman's upside.

So in other words, I'm not sure.

Lets see what Wren gets for Ohman and company.
   77. 6 - 4 - 3 Posted: July 29, 2008 at 10:24 PM (#2880569)
I don't really understand the negative reaction toward this trade. Kotchman and Marek is a fair return for a soon-to-free-agent that is certain to test the market.

Kotchman gives them solid production at 1B for a decent price over the next three years and Marek is a decent bet to make the majors. That's better than what they'd likely draft with a late 1st round pick and a sandwich pick.
   78. Darnell McDonald had a farm Posted: July 29, 2008 at 10:25 PM (#2880571)
I'd rather have the picks next year but then again I'm essentially a tard
   79. Perros Posted: July 29, 2008 at 10:27 PM (#2880572)
Kotchman's a good fielder, an above-average hitter, under contract for a few more years... and his top comp through age 24?

David Ortiz.

More realistically, the Braves couldn't get Conor Jackson, so went for the AL version.
   80. JPWF13 Posted: July 29, 2008 at 10:30 PM (#2880577)
and Kotchman is a first baseman who hits like a second baseman.

No, I just don't like Juan Rivera or Kotchman. I dislike any 1B that has zero power just on principle,


Kotchman 2007: .296/.372/.467
2007 2B: .277/.339/.417

Kotchman 2008: .287/.327/.448
2008 2B: .275/.337/.410

Do you know what I think the problem with Kotchman is?
Career 1st half: .259/.320/.400
Career 2nd half: .303/.371/.478

Generally speaking if you look at Kotchman's numbers in the middle of the season, you don't see a .290/.350/.465 hitter, you see that .259/.320/.400 1st half line- and that colors one's perceptions of Kotchman as a hitter.

Kotchman ages 24-25 (.292/.352/.458 OPS+ 113, so far) has outplayed Conor Jackson ages 24-25 (.288/.368/.453 OPS+ 106)- especially considering Kotchman's massive defensive edge.

No he's not Tex, but the Braves were losing Tex anyway.
   81. Shredder Posted: July 29, 2008 at 10:32 PM (#2880578)
I hate this deal for the Angels. They trade a young, productive, and cheap player who has shown streaky power at a young age for a guy who isn't a huge upgrade right now (though granted, he'll make them better for the rest of this year), who isn't likely to play for the Angels past this season. It also means they've all but given up on keeping Frankie (as I assume they're targeting that salary for Tex).

This is their shot, because the Angels decline phase begins this November.
   82. Erik, Pinch-Commenter Posted: July 29, 2008 at 10:38 PM (#2880586)
It's kinda mixed emotions from this Angels fan. Kotch has shown more often than not, that he is capable of being among the elite first basemen in baseball. He had that horrible concussion that ruined a month and a half of last season and his mono the year before, but outside of that and his strange two month no patience/no power funk he went into he's only consistently hit for high average with good plate discipline and acceptable power all playing in a park that suppresses lefties power. Texiera is an upgrade right now but if he walks at the end of the year this could be a disastrous move going forward. If he resigns it simply means the Angels get older and more expensive, but that is something they probably can handle.
   83. The NeverEnding Torii (oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh) Posted: July 29, 2008 at 10:39 PM (#2880587)
This isn't as leg-ripping-off-ly bad as Kotch/Rivera for Tex would have been, but I still don't wanna see Kotch go. This is such a pointless upgrade and uncharacteristic of the team. They gave in to all the years and talk of "they need a big bat". I know non-Angels fans think Kotchman is just a prospect that hasn't panned out, but the guy's golden defensively and he's one of my favorite hitters to watch. The good news for the Angels is that they didn't sacrifice any depth in the trade.

2008:
Kotchman: .287, 12 HR, 54 RBI, 23 SO, 18 BB, .774 OPS, .998 FPCT
Tex: .283, 20 HR, 78 RBI, 70 SO, 65 BB, .902 OPS, .998 FPCT
   84. pkb33 Posted: July 29, 2008 at 10:39 PM (#2880589)
This is the deal the Angels should have made each of the last about four years, seems to me.

Kotchman is a good young player. But a fair amount of his value is tied up in being cheap, e.g. his production is solid but if you have money to spend you can find that production without a killer contract, too. Thus, swapping him for a legit impact bat (and it's far more than the 'slight' upgrade someone characterized it as here) makes a lot of sense for a team who wants to win in the playoffs this year and if Teix leaves they can backfill with some of the money the franchise generates...plus they get the draft picks.

Kudos to Reagins for recognizing a mistake made repeatedly in past years by a otherwise-generally-very-good front office.
   85. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: July 29, 2008 at 10:40 PM (#2880593)
Seems to make sense for both sides, to me.

The Braves aren't keeping Tex, and they have a very reasonably-sized budget and plan to be competitive next year, so getting a good 1B at a discount helps them.

The Angels are definitely going to be in the playoffs, and should have the money to keep Teixeira if he likes it in LA. Teixeira is basically Kotchman, if everything turns out right. He makes them better in the playoffs and they get an edge on the best free agent of the offseason. (Why would it be a bad thing for hte Angels to prefer to pay Teixeira over Rodriguez?)
   86. The NeverEnding Torii (oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh) Posted: July 29, 2008 at 10:46 PM (#2880604)
Derek Smalls: “This is thoroughly depressing.”

Nigel Tufnel: “It really puts perspective on things though, doesn’t it?”

David St. Hubbins: “Oh. Too much. There’s too much ####### perspective now.”
   87. ellsbury my heart at wounded knee Posted: July 29, 2008 at 10:48 PM (#2880608)
New York Post has a likely untrue rumor about the Red Sox talking with LA about a Manny-for-Kemp trade, which I've been trying to start rumors about for weeks now.
   88. Vaux, A.B.D. Posted: July 29, 2008 at 10:51 PM (#2880612)
Kotchman looks like the same thing as Lyle Overbay; a good player in his prime, but nothing to cry over. I assume they'll try to extend Teixeira, but that's probably not the best way to spend that much money.

So basically this comes down to giving up Kotchman's cheap age 26 and 27 seasons, and slightly discounted age 28 through 30 seasons for 10 more home runs this year, knowing that what that entails is little more than paying $2 or $3 million more in each of those years for the same production from first base (if they sign a similar first baseman to Kotchman). That's probably not a trade I'd make.
   89. Darnell McDonald had a farm Posted: July 29, 2008 at 10:58 PM (#2880625)
Plus the Angels get two draft picks
   90. AROM Posted: July 29, 2008 at 11:02 PM (#2880631)
10 more home runs this year


Huh? Teixera can be expected to hit 10 more this year I guess, but Kotchman sure ain't a zero. Tex has outhomered him 20-12 through 2/3 of the year, so it looks like the Angels get a net gain of 4 HR the rest of the season.

Such a waste.
   91. Up2Drew Posted: July 30, 2008 at 01:13 PM (#2881846)
You're only being compared to a HOFer, no pressure, rook.

Ah, he can handle it. He Played Football at Notre Dame™.


You wouldn't believe the vibe in Chicago about Samardzija. My friends and I were wondering yesterday when his statue is going to be commemorated in Daley Plaza. He's thrown five freaking innings and allowed two runs. It's fairly ridiculous.
   92. OCD SS Posted: July 30, 2008 at 01:37 PM (#2881869)
I'm leading the Dunn to the Mets brigade. Of course, from what I can see, nobody else is actually in the brigade, but whatever.


Move fast and light. Get in and get out before they even know you're there.

You should be able to sneak into Cincinatti, root for Adam Dunn on the Mets, and get out before anyone figures out what you're up to. It won't show in the standings and your team will never be able to acknowledge what you've done, but you'll know you made a difference.

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