From Buyers to Sellers
Just like that, the Mets (featuring the Amazing Beltran) slammed the door shut on any meager playoff hopes we might have had, and exposed our greatest weakness for all to see. Our starting rotation is the worst in the league right now, just getting hammered day after day. No end in sight, no help on the way -- it's so bad that we might be looking at a new era of mediocrity. All the money we've sunk into Hampton and Hudson, Smoltz will be 40 next year, two rookies who we insist have promise but who haven't delievered (James, Davies). And Horacio, always Horacio.
JS has one more day to see what parts we can assemble for spring training 2007. In descending order of likelihood, here are some of the prime candidates to be traded:
1) Wickman -- Hey, you know how it is when it comes time to tighten the belts. Last to arrive, first to leave. Proven bullpen arms are always being shopped this time of year, so let's flip the Wick. Possible destinations: Boston, Anaheim.
2) Baez -- see above. Possible destinations: Anaheim, Arizona.
3) Renteria -- Having a great year, he's also a 30-year-old SS whose trade value will never be higher. Possible destinations: Colorado, Minnesota.
4) Hudson -- He's the kind of guy that tends to move this time of year, but he's been so horrible that it's hard to see who would want him. Still, considering his history of success, someone might take a flyer. Possible destinations: Texas, St. Louis.
5) Giles -- Betemit's departure means it's far less likely Giles will be moved before the offseason, so we'd need a functional 2B in return. Possible destination: Anaheim.
JS has one more day to see what parts we can assemble for spring training 2007. In descending order of likelihood, here are some of the prime candidates to be traded:
1) Wickman -- Hey, you know how it is when it comes time to tighten the belts. Last to arrive, first to leave. Proven bullpen arms are always being shopped this time of year, so let's flip the Wick. Possible destinations: Boston, Anaheim.
2) Baez -- see above. Possible destinations: Anaheim, Arizona.
3) Renteria -- Having a great year, he's also a 30-year-old SS whose trade value will never be higher. Possible destinations: Colorado, Minnesota.
4) Hudson -- He's the kind of guy that tends to move this time of year, but he's been so horrible that it's hard to see who would want him. Still, considering his history of success, someone might take a flyer. Possible destinations: Texas, St. Louis.
5) Giles -- Betemit's departure means it's far less likely Giles will be moved before the offseason, so we'd need a functional 2B in return. Possible destination: Anaheim.
posted by Sam Bass | 8:47 AM
3 Comments:
Wow..good points. I never would have thought trading Wickman after just acquiring him. Bullpen help is at a high price today, so it could be beneficial to deal him.
No way would I deal Wickman. Go ahead and lock him in for next year. Same with Baez. If we'd had Wickman this year, we'd be 10 games over .500 right now.
I tend to agree on Renteria. He's good, but his trade value may be artificially high right now.
I say deal Hudson if you can get some value in return.
I saw someone today suggest that Aybar will take over at 2nd next year. So, yeah, they could move Giles now if they can get anything for him.
Other tidbits:
I just saw a rumor on ESPN that the Braves were shopping Andruw. Don't know if it's true.
I also saw that the Braves traded Sosa for a Rich Scalamandre (or somesuch name). How bad must the Saladmanners guy be to get traded for Sosa? I would've traded Sosa for a box of baseballs and a couple of packets of antacid. Heck, I would've given somebody a box of baseballs just to come and get him. And we still get this Salamander guy for him? Wow!! Reptile or not, at least we got something for Mr. George Sosa.
Sorry it didn't work out, Jorge. Now just go away while I try a self-lobotomy so I can excise you from my Braves memory.
Drillllll. OW! Hey!! Ouch!!
There. Who was I talking about? Wait, where am I?
:o)
I'm not sure how much stock to put in this, but I've heard that Wickman plans to retire after the season. If that's true (and he is 38 years old and about 280 lbs after all), we might as well get something for him.
Post a Comment
<< Home