Trade Felix? An opinion from Seattle
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Dec 23, 2011 
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Oakland did it again yesterday. Continuing their aggressive rebuilding process, the A’s traded away another good, young starting pitcher for a haul of prospects. First it was Trevor Cahill to Arizona, and yesterday it was Gio Gonzalez to Washington.
If things workout just right, Oakland will have landed four starting pitchers for the price of two. They will have also added a starting catcher, a reliever and a toolsy outfielder. Of course, that’s assuming all of these prospects live up to their potential.
Given those returns — and the Padres return for Mat Latos — should the Mariners consider trading arguably the most valuable starting pitcher in baseball? Yankees fans aren’t the only ones constantly dreaming up prospect packages that might lure Hernandez, and he could generate a larger return than Gonzalez, Cahill or Latos.
Out in Seattle, though, at least one Mariners reporter argues that there’s still no sense dealing Hernandez. Even a massive group of prospects, or a short-term MVP candidate like Robinson Cano wouldn’t be enough. Check out the link, because a lot of it centers on the idea of dealing Hernandez to the Yankees. And thanks to my friend Sweeny Murti for pointing me to the story.
Associated Press photo
There is divide in both the Yankees’ and Marlins’ front offices on whether to pursue Yoenis Cespedes, according to Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com. Knobler says the two clubs, along with the Red Sox, may not be as heavily involved in the bidding for the Cuban outfielder as expected.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/.....pedes.html
Giving up the cost for Hernandez right now is a step in the wrong direction for the Yanks, especially after his 2011 season. Is it a sign of things to come or was it just a fluke? The price won’t get any hirer than it is now by waiting another year.
They wish they could get a Cano…
I want a young lefty
The only one that would pique my interest is Clayton Kershaw
It’s unfortunate for Cespedes that his paperwork is not in order. Budgets might be tapped out by the time he’s able to sign.
Doubt the RedSox are putting up $$$$ for Cespedes
Yankees should sign Soler and Nakajima find another arm and call it a day
Bench either created from within or later
Boston might be having issues, though if Henry sells off one of his soccer players, he might meet payroll.
I think this is just Cashman in his stealth mode for what he really wants without a lot of heavy bidders going up against him with his own money.
Pat M. December 23rd, 2011 at 5:15 pm
Lounge Lizard??Think 5-6 years with Cespedes in the outfield as a long term solution and if the workout reports are true about him then he?s a very non expensive outfielder?..You get him for his prime years?..Bombers lack any internal outfield answers for at least 2 most likely 3 years?..
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I agree with you but we’re not the GMs and I don’t think Cashman will go for it. He is setting things up to re-sign Swisher. We could see the same starting lineup through the end of Cashman’s contract (2014).
If Cashman can sign the two outfielders and Cespedes pans out, he can still get a decent return on Gardner plus or not re-sign Swisher. It’ll be his call.
its going to take 3-5 prospects to get him
dont want to do that? then be ready to spend 100 mill on a SP in FA?
dont want to do that either? then keep sitting around dreaming for a steal that is not gonna happen as your team continues to fail to make it to the WS
“Giving up the cost for Hernandez right now is a step in the wrong direction for the Yanks,”
I agree……id certainly love to have him but at this point prospect price would likely be counterproductive……..and Felix isn’t cheap now in dollars either…..so you’d be payoff a giant prospect price and then a big contract on top of that…
apparently, Chad doesn’t read the comments, as I pointed this article out yesterday
CompassRosy says:
December 22, 2011 at 9:09 pm
Shannon Drayer (M’s reporter) validates many of my thoughts on the matter of NOT trading Felix…
http://tinyurl.com/7ckxp8x
some of these kids that would go in that deal are just about ready to start paying off.
What in the world is Dave Valle wearing on his head. Looks like a bad haircut and a worse perm. They don’t do well with those buggy eyes. We’ll not even discuss the voice and his thoughts that every thing Mariner is the world’s greatest.
One other thing….Neuhouse (bad spelling) did not coin the prase for Gutierrez (Death To Flying Things). That nickname was used back in the 1870s and 1880s for Bob Ferguson, an infielder. Why, I don’t know, because he made 800 errors in 800 games. It’s listed with the best baseball nicknames of all time.
Whether it’s El Douque or any other Cuban player, you just can Not rely on their age being as stated. When attempting to appraise the potential of a player, this is critical. It is this uncertainty that would make me stay away from the 2 foreign OF’ers if I was Hal. Hell, that Closer with Florida was even playing MLB under an AKA.
Jon Morosi @jonmorosi 2h Hiroki Kuroda is indeed willing to leave California (and the NL). #RedSox and #Yankees among clubs pursuing him, sources say.
Okay, for King Felix, I trade Cervelli, Arod, Swisher, Burnett. Very reasonable!
Can’t let the Sox get KURODA. Can’t happen.
don’t get your hopes up, just yet. Hold off on the “I told you so’s”.
Only two teams had to pay luxury tax this year, and now they’re both after the same pitcher. Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports reports (on Twitter) that both the Yankees and Red Sox are pursuing Hiroki Kuroda now that he’s willing to leave California.
Kuroda, 37 in February, is one of the few remaining free agent innings eaters. The Yankees are said to like the veteran righty more than other available pitchers, and the Sox were reportedly trying to decide between signing Kuroda and trading for Gio Gonzalez as of a few days ago. With Gonzalez now in Washington, the decision has been made for them. Kuroda is looking for a $12-13MM annual salary.
GB,
I am no expert on Nakajima, but the limited video I saw showed a short stroke with some opposite field power. He also looked athletic. Chavez is just as big if not bigger risk with his health history. No question he could also flop.
I really don’t care one way or the other, but will continue to think Kuroda’s unnecessary. if it’s to keep him out of Boston, it’s the wrong reason.
Oh the Mariners should trade Felix……they probably should have last year when Cashman would have given him whatever he wanted……but they wont and now Im not sure Cash would give nearly as much for him…..still would give a lot…….but I doubt he’d say pick any 4 or 5 you want anymore……I wouldn’t.
If the Marlins are looking at Saunders then Cashman should be talking to them about AJ…..he’s played there before and Javy Vasquez had success there last year after struggling with the Yanks. They could make AJ comparable in price to what Saunders would cost and AJ probably gives you more upside…….
“It’s a farce at this point. Have Theo send them a deep dish pizza and be done with it.”
Pete’s latest thoughts on the [lack of] compensation for Theo.
austinmac December 23rd, 2011 at 7:06 pm
GB,
I am no expert on Nakajima, but the limited video I saw showed a short stroke with some opposite field power. He also looked athletic. Chavez is just as big if not bigger risk with his health history. No question he could also flop.
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I just like what Chavez can do on the corners. I also think that some of that power returns. He’d hardly played in 2 years. He’s a utility guy, so the hitting should be a wash. It’s his defense that I want. They already had a speed and fast bat guy with defensive question in Nunez. Nunez’ bat is more important because he’s going to probably play more. Gotta love that speed for steals and base running skills.
Saunders reportedly asked the dbacks for a 3/27 deal…….
I don’t think that it’s a given that Nakajima will sigb to play in scattered games for NYYs. More likely to request a sign and trade or go home.
***sign***
Ok, King Felix for Pedro Feliciano, Phil Hughes, Ramiro Pena, Arod, & Burnett. Done!!!!!
Ok, King Felix for Pedro Feliciano, Phil Hughes, Ramiro Pena, Arod, & Burnett. Done!!!!!
Arod can finish his career in storybook fashion. So nice!
give your crap a rest, Daisy
I pass on Kuroda. For the $$$, 1yr service, age, and the fact he rejected the Yanks last July 31, he just aint worth it. I would gamble on Colon again or another reclamation project at far less $$$, than go the Kuroda Route at $13 Mill.
The trade window on King Felix is closing rapidly. You only control the guy thru 2014, plus Seattle would want Nova and Montero in the package. A SP enjoying success over a minimum 20 starts at the MLB Level, (Nova), or a hitter likewise, (Montero), over 100 AB’s, are No longer unproven minor leaguers. Both Yankee players will have reached these levels by the time Seattle starts beating the drums about trading Felix. Throw in Cashman already having been jacked around concerning Lee, and you got a non-starter here. Seattle may deal Felix to a team the Yanks are gonna immediately see in the Playoffs, but so what? Cashman MUST walk away for the long-term good of the franchise.
There is divide in both the Yankees’ and Marlins’ front offices on whether to pursue Yoenis Cespedes
My guess:
Hal: No.
Hank: Hell yeah!
Levine: Yes.
NoCashman: No.
- JACK -
You got Hank down to a T.
“give your crap a rest, Daisy”
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Listen, punk. To me you’re nothin’ but dog crap, you understand? And a lot of things can happen to dog crap. It can be scraped up with a shovel off the ground. It can dry up and blow away in the wind. Or it can be stepped on and squashed. So take my advice and be careful where the dog craps ya!
WOW!! somebody’s in a little snit. Your BS got old the first time you signed on. Troll is a perfect word for you.
I’d be surprised if Nakajima wants to be an infrequent backup in NY.
Also, everyone should keep in mind that Nakajima has played pretty much entirely at SS. Very little time at 3B. Haven’t read anything about 2B. So he would probably have to learn those positions if the Yankees wanted him to play them.
School vacation.
tomingeorgia December 23rd, 2011 at 7:40 pm
School vacation.
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Definately day-care level.
hows the weather up there, Tom? If it was cold and snowey in Helen, I’d be there. Love that town.
***snowy***
I thought the Braves might be a good destination for Nakajima in a sign and trade, and perhaps the Yankees could get Venters.
If the Sox get Kuroda, they are favorites in the AL East.
Won’t get Venters, but, Yanks pay the posting fee and send him to Oakland or Seattle for a kid or two.
Donnybrook…..Have you even seen Kuroda pitch ???? He’s good, much better than both Colon and Garcia, and he doesn’t hurt himself, works fast can pitch up in the zone when ahead in the count and has swing & miss stuff…….He fills the need that The Bombers have right now, a 1 year bridge until the next young arm is ready……
Or maybe since we are little overloaded with pitchers in the minors we could trade one of the sub-A prospects along with Nakajima. Maybe that would be enough.
LGY….I agree with you in regards to The BoSox getting Kuroda….Boston has issues but their rotation will be on par with The Angels…..And I fully expect Carl Crawford to play more to his Topps Card in 2012……Too many here simply dismiss Boston due to their fall from grace last September, but they are still a very dangerous ballclub…..
The Braves do have two excellent lefty relievers in Venters and O’Flaherty so I was thinking they could part with one, plus I think they are still looking for a SS. They had interest in Nunez.
The Red Sox could also be a possible destination for Nakajima if they weren’t the Red Sox.
OUCH!!! Talk about “The Big Hurt”.
jnorris427 Josh Norris
Also, wow, of the $227 million paid in luxury tax since its inception, $206 has been paid by the Yankees.
GB7,
Probably in the 50s in Helen, mid 60s here, about 80 klicks south.
Not dismissing the Red sox so much as knowing they are paper thin everywhere and one injury will just about sink them. People talk about Hughes and his inconsistancies and injuries and automatically assume that Buchholz will be back to 2010 levels.
Thanks, Tom. having a heatwave, huh?
Still wish the Yanks could have brought him back on a minor leadue deal.
•Within Sheldon’s piece, he also reports that the Andrew Brackman signing is not yet official, but it should be done any day now. “I’m not sure what’s holding it up to be honest,” said the GM.
-PAT M -
I have seen Kuroda pitch. Another NL’er attempting to Chuck in the AL = PASS.
A day late (at least) and a few dollars short, but I saw Chad’s lead in and just now learned about Cahill and Gio. Good for the Nats. I am always happy when an underdog team has good fortune. With Strasburg, Gio and CM (and they still have Lannan, Storen and Craig Stammen!) they definitely could make a splash in the NL East!
This is going to be a great year to watch the NL East. I think it’s pretty exciting to see the competitiveness of that division. When you think of it, it appears that the Mets might be the weakest link in the division!
Add Jordan Zimmermann to the Nats rotation.
“Too many here simply dismiss Boston due to their fall from grace last September, but they are still a very dangerous ballclub…..”
And I was having such a nice night.
They suck. Period. And I dismissed them well BEFORE their fall from grace. So how much more I dismiss them now! They are done and they are cooked and they are in shambles and there’s no Christmas fairy that’s going to sprinkle happy dust on them and cause them to be a cohesive well-oiled machine. They are a disgrace, starting with the idiots who own the team. Karma is a biotch, and John Henry (Jeffrey Loria’s butt buddy) is getting his in spades.
How about an ownership that treats the team to a day on their yacht and gives them all Iphones because they were upset about having to play a double header? They talked about the Bronx Zoo in its heyday. There is no t-e-a-m in beantown.
Pat M, I love you to death but you are too far away geographically to appreciate how far that team has fallen and how bad things really are. I depend on you guys on the west coast to give me information on west coast teams because I know you have a much better pulse on them than we do out here, simply because you are around them geographically and see them up close and personal.
The Sux are dead men walking.
Holy crapski, I forgot about Jordan Zimmerman! GB, they have the makings of one hell of a rotation. I’m loving it. This is the team that Henry and Loria left for dead. (Mr. Magoo Selig too.)
“Still wish the Yanks could have brought him back on a minor leadue deal.
•Within Sheldon’s piece, he also reports that the Andrew Brackman signing is not yet official, but it should be done any day now. “I’m not sure what’s holding it up to be honest,” said the GM.”
Who and what, GB? Andruw Jones? Bartolo Colon? And where is Brackman going????
Yanks should sign Karoda. He only wants a 1 year deal and is better than AJ and Garcia.
RMS, there’s always a danger in bringing an NL pitcher over to the AL. While it might work out, you never know what you’re going to get. NL pitchers definitely don’t have to work as hard as AL pitchers (certainly in terms of not having to pitch to DHs all the time.)
Brackman was released/DFA’s and Cincinnati is close to signing him to a ML contract. Chavez andJones are probable signs and Colon is a maybe, if.
OT – I watched the Nutcracker on television tonight performed by the Bolshoi Ballet. I am hardly a ballet officianada but I particularly like the Nutcracker Suite so I like watching the Nutcracker.
From the little ballet I’ve watched I’ll say this. Those dancers make American ballet dancers look like novices. I am beyond transfixed watching the classical grace and the way they get their bodies to move. (I understand that Russian ice skaters train with the Bolshoi Ballet and you can definitely see it in the beauty of their skating.) They are in a class all by themselves. I guess they are like the Yankees of ballet!
Kuroda hasn’t said he only wants one year and hasn’t named a price in public. He hasn’t even said whether he wants a ML contract or go home to Japan. Everybody’s guessing.
GB, how do you feel about Brackman being released? Were you sold on him? I know you pay close attention to the minors.
Trisha, it couldn’t possibly have been as good as “The Nutcracker” performance in Evansville, Indiana. Don Mattingly played Mother Ginger. Do wany artistic performance or entertainment?
I still think Brackman could do something, especially in relief.
Am I the only one who thinks Hughes is abigger problem than Burnett? Hughes was awful last year, as bad as burnett, and he was awful in the 2H10…….and he doesn’t stay healthy as often as a kid his age, with the innings limits he has been protected by, should. Atleast AJ goes out there every 5 days.
“Trisha, it couldn’t possibly have been as good as “The Nutcracker” performance in Evansville, Indiana. Don Mattingly played Mother Ginger. Do wany artistic performance or entertainment?”
Very good point, GB!
I do appreciate the entertainment value, truth be told. (But I have to say that those Bolshoi dancers are so good that it gave me chills to watch them dance.) What is also interesting is that they take curtain calls before intermissions, unlike the way we do it here, waiting until the entire program has ended.
GB, they are PHENOMENAL. I watched them on Ovation. I’m sure it will be repeated throughout the holiday season – in case you want to see what I’m talking about. The way they move is actually breathtakingly beautiful. I think of ballet as plodding, no matter the company. These people definitely don’t plod!
YAWN
Trisha, there’s about a 1 minute clip on YES with Donny Baseball doing his part
Never mind!
GB, I will definitely check it out. Like right now!
Ballet dancers may be the most physically fit athletes in the world.
I would kill to have the strength and grace of a ballet dancer. If I know the story, I can really enjoy it. Otherwise, I;m lost for the reason.
I’m that way also. I can enjoy Swan Lake and the Nutcracker and one or two others, but I admit that I find ballet boring otherwise. I feel the same way about opera. But geeze Louise, watching someone on the very top of their game can be breath-taking. And I agree about them having to be in top form. Take a look at the picture of the man who danced the lead.
http://www.for-ballet-lovers-o.....egeman.jpg
Still trying to find the Mattingly clip…