White Sox fans are still sensitive of the infamous 1997 White Flag trade where the team, only two games out of the playoffs, decided to become an aggressive Seller at the trade deadline.
The Sox have always tried to "re-tool" their club instead of rebuilding it with young talent. In the past two off-seasons, writers believed the Sox had made very good acquisitions - - - enough to be very competitive and a playoff team with their fine starting core of pitchers.
But now, 1.5 seasons in the book, the Sox continue to struggle on offense. A shaky bullpen and the lack of deep talent in the minors have gotten GM Rich Hahn putting the "for sale" out early during his long dugout session with the media. He would hear offers on anyone. Which is a complete opposite move from even last week.
So reports quickly pop up that one team has offered "a king's ransom" for Chris Sale. Of course it would. Sale would be the best pitcher on the market. A Cy Young candidate under affordable control through 2019 is a rarity in modern baseball.
MLBtraderumors reported the Rangers are “making [a] serious effort” to pry Sale loose from the White Sox, according to MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan. The Dallas Morning news also recently that the two teams were already chatting about Sale (and
Quintana, too) before it became apparent that Chicago was leaning toward
selling.
There’s “no indication” as yet whether these talks are going to go
anywhere, Sullivan notes, so it doesn’t sound as if there’s anything
building in the immediate term. Indeed, Grant adds that no “serious talks” have occurred as of this point. The key
takeaway seems to be that Texas at least plans to take a real shot at
pulling off a blockbuster.
Indications are that Chicago would have interest in Joey Gallo and Jurickson Profar
in any scenario involving Sale. We’ve heard those two names quite a bit
of late, and obviously the pair carries a lot of trade value. Still,
it’s quite likely that Texas would need to add some real talent to that
package to get the White Sox to budge.
Sale, after all, is just 27 years of age, remains under control at
cheap rates through 2019, and carries a 3.18 ERA over a league-leading
133 frames on the year. Particularly with the contracts factored in,
Sale is one of the most valuable single pitching assets in all of
baseball — with Quintana not far behind him.
If Sale and Quintana is on the market, people will be quite upset if the Cubs, who have the best prospects in the game, do not get Sale. But many believe the White Sox will never help the Cubs win a World Championship no matter the package the Cubs would offer.
The Cubs could make the White Sox young in a hurry. You could package a combination of OF Soler, OF McKinney, SS Torres and maybe C Schwarber or IN Baez to capture Sale and another young starting pitcher from the Sox. Sale is an ace pitcher that would put any playoff team over the top.
I have figured that Sale is probably worth a package of seven quality prospects. (Look at the Shelby Miller deal as a comparable.)
The Cubs have to look at it this way: if a NL team like the Nationals get Sale, then their rotation becomes dominate in a short series.
And the fact the Cubs have been looking for a controllable starting pitcher - - - as insurance against Hammels, Lackey or even Arrieta faltering in September - - - - why not go out and get the best?!
It could be all a pipe dream. The idea the White Sox will trade its best player will upset the fan base to no end. The Sox could be putting out the big names to see what other teams are willing to part - - - intelligence to make deals for other talent. But again, if the White Sox get a lion's share of the Cubs young talent - - - fans may think they got the better of the deal.
The odds are that Sale and Quintana are not going to be traded by the deadline. Other position players like Abreu, Frazier, or Eaton could be gone in a flash. But since starting pitching is so valuable today, moving aces is very hard to accomplish.
Showing posts with label Rangers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rangers. Show all posts
July 23, 2016
June 25, 2015
TRADE BLOCKS
Why some teams handcuff themselves by giving players "trade blocks" in their contracts is one of those annoying realities of baseball. It is a player perk that agents have been pushing for, even in the richest of contract deals. In normal business, an employee has some say in where he or she works if there is a company consolidation, merger or relocation. Employees can leave their companies and find new jobs to their liking in any city they choose. So in that sense, star baseball players with no trade clauses are similar to other parts of the American employment landscape.
If it is not the money, then it should be about winning. But some players have home life quality of life issues to think about, too. That may be the hidden driving force on why more and more players are demanding trade blocks.
Hamels may not have an adversity to the State of Texas, because it is reported that talks with the Rangers have been made about a trade. The Rangers and the Yankees are in the mix because
both of whom could use an upgrade to their pitching staffs as they
approach the All-Star break. Hamels is set to earn $70.5 million between
2016 and 2018, and while his price tag isn't holding big money teams like the Rangers or Yankees from swinging a deal, the cost in return players and prospects may be the key.
But it hurts a GM that he can leverage a star player on the market if the player's contract effectively eliminates two-thirds of the potential trade partners. The Yanks and Rangers know this, too. If the Phillies are looking for a big haul (like a team's #1 and #2 prospects, a major league ready pitcher and some additional bullpen help) the Astros have a deeper farm system than the Yankees.
There will be soon daily speculation stories about Hamels. In the end, he may not even be moved by the Phils.
If it is not the money, then it should be about winning. But some players have home life quality of life issues to think about, too. That may be the hidden driving force on why more and more players are demanding trade blocks.
Phillies ace pitcher Cole Hamels is adamant about one
thing: he will not be suiting up for the Houston Astros. According to KHOU,
the left-hander's contract accords him up to 20 teams that he can
refuse to be traded to, and the Astros are at the top of the list
despite leading their division and boasting an outstanding pitching
staff.
Hamels has turned out a decent
season for the Phillies so far, sitting on a 5-5 record with a 3.55 FIP
and 103 strikeouts through 94 1/3 innings. His 2.96 ERA is the 11th best
among National League starters, and though his efforts have yielded a
team-best 1.7 fWAR, the Phillies can better utilize him as a trade chip
during the weeks leading up to the trade deadline.
But it hurts a GM that he can leverage a star player on the market if the player's contract effectively eliminates two-thirds of the potential trade partners. The Yanks and Rangers know this, too. If the Phillies are looking for a big haul (like a team's #1 and #2 prospects, a major league ready pitcher and some additional bullpen help) the Astros have a deeper farm system than the Yankees.
There will be soon daily speculation stories about Hamels. In the end, he may not even be moved by the Phils.
November 14, 2014
JETER REPLACEMENT
The quest for Derek Jeter's replacement has begun. The NY Post speculates on a prime target of the Yankee search:
One shortstop who at least has the Yankees intrigued as they rev up their efforts to find Derek Jeter’s successor is Texas’ Elvis Andrus.
The Yankees would have to feel Andrus is a buy-low candidate whose downturn on both sides of the ball in 2014 was reversible and that, at 26, his best years are ahead of him.
Andrus’ eight-year, $120 million extension does not even begin until next season and runs through at least 2022. Texas would love to unload that deal as it searches this market for starting pitching. The Rangers can go inexpensive in the middle infield with some combination of Rougned Odor, Jurickson Profar and Luis Sardinas. However, they would be more comfortable doing that if they knew for sure Profar was going to be healthy moving forward after missing all of 2014 after tearing (then re-tearing) a muscle in his shoulder.
Andrus has played at least 145 games in each of his six Rangers seasons. However, he has yet to translate the promise he showed in helping Texas win the AL pennant in 2010 and 2011 into becoming a star-level player.
He was said to show up overweight last year and that negatively impacted his season. Andrus hit .263 with a .647 OPS in 2014 and, while he stole 27 bases, his 15 caught stealings led the AL. He was 42 out of 50 in 2013.
Starlin Castro is a better bargain for the Yankees. He is signed through 2019 for only $44 million (with a $16 million team option in 2020). Castro has a 9.4 career WAR (2.0 WAR in 2015). I have speculated for more than a year that Castro to the Yankees would make sense. The problem is the Yankees don't have much major league ready prospects that the Cubs could want (with the exception of AA catcher Gary Sanchez, #2 ranked prospect). But Yankee cash can smooth out any transaction.
A story like this one in the Post will start to kick the tires on other clubs to start discussing potential deals with the Yankees. And other teams looking for a shortstop will start to contact the Cubs, who have four major league ready middle infielders (Castro, Baez, Alcantara and Russell) ready for action. I expect one of these four to be traded in 2015, most likely for starting pitching.
One shortstop who at least has the Yankees intrigued as they rev up their efforts to find Derek Jeter’s successor is Texas’ Elvis Andrus.
The Yankees would have to feel Andrus is a buy-low candidate whose downturn on both sides of the ball in 2014 was reversible and that, at 26, his best years are ahead of him.
Andrus’ eight-year, $120 million extension does not even begin until next season and runs through at least 2022. Texas would love to unload that deal as it searches this market for starting pitching. The Rangers can go inexpensive in the middle infield with some combination of Rougned Odor, Jurickson Profar and Luis Sardinas. However, they would be more comfortable doing that if they knew for sure Profar was going to be healthy moving forward after missing all of 2014 after tearing (then re-tearing) a muscle in his shoulder.
Andrus has played at least 145 games in each of his six Rangers seasons. However, he has yet to translate the promise he showed in helping Texas win the AL pennant in 2010 and 2011 into becoming a star-level player.
He was said to show up overweight last year and that negatively impacted his season. Andrus hit .263 with a .647 OPS in 2014 and, while he stole 27 bases, his 15 caught stealings led the AL. He was 42 out of 50 in 2013.
Starlin Castro is a better bargain for the Yankees. He is signed through 2019 for only $44 million (with a $16 million team option in 2020). Castro has a 9.4 career WAR (2.0 WAR in 2015). I have speculated for more than a year that Castro to the Yankees would make sense. The problem is the Yankees don't have much major league ready prospects that the Cubs could want (with the exception of AA catcher Gary Sanchez, #2 ranked prospect). But Yankee cash can smooth out any transaction.
A story like this one in the Post will start to kick the tires on other clubs to start discussing potential deals with the Yankees. And other teams looking for a shortstop will start to contact the Cubs, who have four major league ready middle infielders (Castro, Baez, Alcantara and Russell) ready for action. I expect one of these four to be traded in 2015, most likely for starting pitching.
November 12, 2014
TEAMS IN PLAY
This off-season, there have been a few clear signals from teams on the verge of being highly competitive.
The Angels and Phillies have strongly indicated that they will be sitting out this free agent market. They do not want to add to existing high payrolls. In fact, they would like to shed some high cost talent. The Phillies are willing to trade anyone on their roster, including Cole Hammels, for the right deal (at least three top prospects). The Dodgers also seem to want to pare back their excess outfield talent under new team President Friedman.
The Mariners, Red Sox, Yankees and Rangers appear poised to make a run at bolstering their teams. The Rangers have a protected top draft pick so they could have their cake and it eat it to by signing a top free agent (who refused a qualifying offer). Likewise, the Tigers will get at least one supplemental first round pick for losing a quality free agent to another team (Max Scherzer). The Yankees have been playing possum this off-season, which means that they will make a run at the top guys. The Red Sox always seem to be circling for an acquisition.
The national media is convinced the Cubs will make a splash, but I don't think so. The Cubs are still filling the kiddy pool with water.
The Mariners have been spending money in recent years, but have not come to critical mass. The rumor is that the team will go after Hanley Ramirez and Victor Martinez, two older players, which means that 2015 projects to an "all in" season for Seattle. Detroit is in a similar position: so close, yet so far away from that desperate championship. If the Tigers lose Martinez and Scherzer, then they will have to replace a DH and SP of like quality (David Price may be part of that answer).
If one looks for a dark horse team to fly under the radar and pick up a "name" this off-season, it could be the Cardinals. With SP Kyle Lohse being paid only $500,000 at the end of a front loaded contract, the Redbirds actually have his "real value" plus another SP budget slot to pay a top tier FA $20 million plus.
The Angels and Phillies have strongly indicated that they will be sitting out this free agent market. They do not want to add to existing high payrolls. In fact, they would like to shed some high cost talent. The Phillies are willing to trade anyone on their roster, including Cole Hammels, for the right deal (at least three top prospects). The Dodgers also seem to want to pare back their excess outfield talent under new team President Friedman.
The Mariners, Red Sox, Yankees and Rangers appear poised to make a run at bolstering their teams. The Rangers have a protected top draft pick so they could have their cake and it eat it to by signing a top free agent (who refused a qualifying offer). Likewise, the Tigers will get at least one supplemental first round pick for losing a quality free agent to another team (Max Scherzer). The Yankees have been playing possum this off-season, which means that they will make a run at the top guys. The Red Sox always seem to be circling for an acquisition.
The national media is convinced the Cubs will make a splash, but I don't think so. The Cubs are still filling the kiddy pool with water.
The Mariners have been spending money in recent years, but have not come to critical mass. The rumor is that the team will go after Hanley Ramirez and Victor Martinez, two older players, which means that 2015 projects to an "all in" season for Seattle. Detroit is in a similar position: so close, yet so far away from that desperate championship. If the Tigers lose Martinez and Scherzer, then they will have to replace a DH and SP of like quality (David Price may be part of that answer).
If one looks for a dark horse team to fly under the radar and pick up a "name" this off-season, it could be the Cardinals. With SP Kyle Lohse being paid only $500,000 at the end of a front loaded contract, the Redbirds actually have his "real value" plus another SP budget slot to pay a top tier FA $20 million plus.
September 23, 2014
RANGER DANGER
The Texas Rangers season fell off the planet. Dead last with a load of bullets. The manager fled in disgrace and the team has suffered in the bottom of the well for months.
How did it happen? The Rangers were cursed like no other club.
The Rangers have 12 guys on the 60-day DL.
12!
That is almost half the roster.
None of those guys currently count against the 40-man roster, but all of them must be re-added to the 40-man roster after the season. In addition to those moves, minor leaguers such as top pitching prospect Luke Jackson, must be added to the roster to be protected from the Rule 5 draft.
It begs the question: How do you fit more than 50 players onto a 40-man roster?
“We’ve got some tough calls coming up,” Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said last Friday.
“The injuries complicate things because we need to carry some guys over the winter that won’t be ready to help us right away. The system is maturing to where we need to protect some of our better young talent,” Daniels added. “And we’ve got some interesting guys who have shown very well recently.”
How did it happen? The Rangers were cursed like no other club.
The Rangers have 12 guys on the 60-day DL.
12!
That is almost half the roster.
None of those guys currently count against the 40-man roster, but all of them must be re-added to the 40-man roster after the season. In addition to those moves, minor leaguers such as top pitching prospect Luke Jackson, must be added to the roster to be protected from the Rule 5 draft.
It begs the question: How do you fit more than 50 players onto a 40-man roster?
“We’ve got some tough calls coming up,” Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said last Friday.
“The injuries complicate things because we need to carry some guys over the winter that won’t be ready to help us right away. The system is maturing to where we need to protect some of our better young talent,” Daniels added. “And we’ve got some interesting guys who have shown very well recently.”
March 26, 2014
MORE HEAD SCRATCHING
The Donnie Murphy era is over. The Cubs waived/traded/sent Murphy to the Rangers. Murphy will now replace injured Ranger SS Profar. Maybe the front office felt bad about Texas GM Daniel's regretful lament on how he got snookered for four good prospects in the Matt Garza deal.
One would have thought Darwin Barney would have been the best infield trade chip on the current roster. The Tigers had interest but instead traded with Baltimore for veteran shortstop Alex Gonzalez.
But even more bizarre is the news that the Cubs have requested release waivers on catcher George Kottaras. He had been acquired for cash from the Royals earlier in the offseason, and would have been owed $1.075MM for the coming season.
The 30-year-old backstop had a .180/.349/.370 line in 126 plate appearances last year. He has a lifetime mark of .214/.324/.406. He was acquired to replace Dioner Navarro as Wellington Castillo's back up.
That means minor leaguers John Baker or Eli Whiteside have to the new back-up catcher.
Now, I saw Kottaras drop a routine foul pop this week. Whether that was the straw that broke the front office's bad talent back is unknown. The move will save the team approximately $500,000 in salary.
One would have thought Darwin Barney would have been the best infield trade chip on the current roster. The Tigers had interest but instead traded with Baltimore for veteran shortstop Alex Gonzalez.
But even more bizarre is the news that the Cubs have requested release waivers on catcher George Kottaras. He had been acquired for cash from the Royals earlier in the offseason, and would have been owed $1.075MM for the coming season.
The 30-year-old backstop had a .180/.349/.370 line in 126 plate appearances last year. He has a lifetime mark of .214/.324/.406. He was acquired to replace Dioner Navarro as Wellington Castillo's back up.
That means minor leaguers John Baker or Eli Whiteside have to the new back-up catcher.
Now, I saw Kottaras drop a routine foul pop this week. Whether that was the straw that broke the front office's bad talent back is unknown. The move will save the team approximately $500,000 in salary.
November 21, 2013
BOMBSHELL TRADE
It is quite stunning. There were ripples in the off-season market that more teams would seek to improve their clubs by trades than by signing expensive free agents. But two top contending AL teams swinging a big deal before the Winter Meetings is rare.
The Tigers traded Prince Fielder and $30 million in salary relief to the Rangers for Ian Kinsler. The Tigers save $76 million in Fielder's contract as a result, and get a top tier second baseman. It may open a spot to move Miguel Cabrera to first base to cut down on defensive strain on Cabrera's nagging injury history. The Rangers remove a crowded infield picture and add a power bat to their line up.
The Tigers have freed up salary budget, probably to make a long term deal with Max Scherzer. MLBTR quotes GM Dave Dombrowski:
"It makes it perhaps more possible. As we've talked about in the past, we have a lot of stars on our club, They're well paid stars and under any circumstances, even with an owner like Mike Ilitch, you can only be in a position where you have so many of those types of players," Dombrowski told reporters on this evening's conference call. "Does it make it probable? I can''t say that. But it makes it more possible going forward."
This move also closes one possible landing spot for Number One free agent Robinson Cano.
Kinsler's 2013 season was very good: 13 HR 72 RBI .277 BA 4.9 WAR.
Fielder's 2-13 season was also good: 25 HR 106 RBI .279 BA 1.7 WAR.
The Tigers traded Prince Fielder and $30 million in salary relief to the Rangers for Ian Kinsler. The Tigers save $76 million in Fielder's contract as a result, and get a top tier second baseman. It may open a spot to move Miguel Cabrera to first base to cut down on defensive strain on Cabrera's nagging injury history. The Rangers remove a crowded infield picture and add a power bat to their line up.
The Tigers have freed up salary budget, probably to make a long term deal with Max Scherzer. MLBTR quotes GM Dave Dombrowski:
"It makes it perhaps more possible. As we've talked about in the past, we have a lot of stars on our club, They're well paid stars and under any circumstances, even with an owner like Mike Ilitch, you can only be in a position where you have so many of those types of players," Dombrowski told reporters on this evening's conference call. "Does it make it probable? I can''t say that. But it makes it more possible going forward."
This move also closes one possible landing spot for Number One free agent Robinson Cano.
Kinsler's 2013 season was very good: 13 HR 72 RBI .277 BA 4.9 WAR.
Fielder's 2-13 season was also good: 25 HR 106 RBI .279 BA 1.7 WAR.
August 9, 2013
WHITE SOX TRADE
The White Sox traded Alex Rios to the one team that claimed him off revocable waivers, the Texas Rangers. The Rangers needed an outfield bat due to the suspension of Nelson Cruz.
it is reported that Chicago sends Rios and $1 million to the Rangers for a player to be named later.
Speculation is that player will be infielder Leury Garcia.
The 32-year-old Rios is hitting .277/.328/.421 with 12 homers and 26 stolen bases this season. Originally set to earn $12.5MM next year with a $13.5MM option for 2015, Rios has a clause in his contract that escalates both of those figures by $500K if traded, which is likely the reason that the Sox included the $1MM in cash.
The 22-year-old Garcia is hitting just .192/.236/.231 in 57 plate appearances this season. In Triple A this season, he hit .264, 4 HR 19 RBI 12 SB. He has been playing both shortstop (.927 field percentage) and outfield. The switch-hitter entered the season ranked as the Rangers' No. 20 prospect, according to Baseball America. In their scouting report, BA noted that Garcia is the top on the speed scouting scale. He reportedly has the best infield arm in Texas' system. His role may be a super utility player capable of handling second base, shortstop and center field, according to BA.
With the disappointing seasons of current infielders Alexi Ramirez and Gordon Beckham, the White Sox are at least trying to add some depth in the field to compliment their above average pitching staff.
it is reported that Chicago sends Rios and $1 million to the Rangers for a player to be named later.
Speculation is that player will be infielder Leury Garcia.
The 32-year-old Rios is hitting .277/.328/.421 with 12 homers and 26 stolen bases this season. Originally set to earn $12.5MM next year with a $13.5MM option for 2015, Rios has a clause in his contract that escalates both of those figures by $500K if traded, which is likely the reason that the Sox included the $1MM in cash.
The 22-year-old Garcia is hitting just .192/.236/.231 in 57 plate appearances this season. In Triple A this season, he hit .264, 4 HR 19 RBI 12 SB. He has been playing both shortstop (.927 field percentage) and outfield. The switch-hitter entered the season ranked as the Rangers' No. 20 prospect, according to Baseball America. In their scouting report, BA noted that Garcia is the top on the speed scouting scale. He reportedly has the best infield arm in Texas' system. His role may be a super utility player capable of handling second base, shortstop and center field, according to BA.
With the disappointing seasons of current infielders Alexi Ramirez and Gordon Beckham, the White Sox are at least trying to add some depth in the field to compliment their above average pitching staff.
July 23, 2013
GARZA TRADE & PLAN
After sweating various medical reports from both sides, the Cubs and Rangers finally made the Matt Garza deal. The vast majority of the Cub fandom was pleased by the trade results. But it may be based on superficial headline fodder such as the Cubs receiving the Rangers No. 1 prospect.
Garza was dealt for former No. 1 prospect (BA MLB No. 22 last year) Mike Olt. Olt, 24, batted .288/.398/.579 at Double-A Frisco last season and making his Major League debut with the Rangers. However, in the off season he suffered a concussion. He's battled vision problems in 2013 and his production has tanked to .218/.318/.438 at Triple-A Round Rock. Prior to the season, BA praised his plus raw power and advanced hitting approach, calling him "a threat to go deep anytime he steps to the plate." BA, ESPN's Keith Law and MLB.com's John Mayo all agree that he's a plus defender at third though Law questioned whether or not he will make enough contact to hit at the big league level with any consistency. So Olt was the Rangers best prospect, until he was injured. Last year the Rangers would not deal Olt to the Cubs for Ryan Dempster. The change in Texas's plans should have raised a red flag to the Cubs.
The Cubs hedged the trade by asking for one or two players to be named later if Olt cannot perform at a reasonable level. The PTBNL are from a list of pitchers, some of whom have past injury concerns such as Neil Ramirez, who was once part of the original package. Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Cubs select Ramirez as the PTBNL in the deal the Cubs will not receive a second PTBNL.
In addition, the Cubs received two other pitchers: major league right handed starter Justin Grimm and Class A right hander C.J. Edwards. Grimm could be best compared to Chris Volstad, a marginal No. 5 starter with a high ERA and high WHIP. Grimm, 24, has made 17 starts for the Rangers this season but posted an ugly 6.37 ERA in 17 starts.He seems to be a placeholder selection for Garza's spot to finish out the season. Many people are excited by the Edwards pick. He is a string bean 6'1" 155 lb pitcher. Edwards, 21, ranked as Texas' No. 15 prospect prior to the season. Edwards' stock has skyrocketed in 2013, as he's pitched to a pristine 1.83 ERA with 11.8 K/9 and 3.3 BB/9 in 93 1/3 innings for Class A Hickory.
By comparison, former Cub pitcher Chris Archer when he was 21 had a minor league record of 15-3, 2.84 ERA, 1.174 WHIP in High Class A and AA . Archer was the centerpiece of the Cubs trade to acquire Garza from Tampa Bay.
The Rangers stepped up their initial offer because it appeared that other ball clubs were in the mix. Oakland, which is trying to keep the Rangers at bay in the AL West, were rumored to have interest in Garza in order to keep him away from the Rangers. Oakland's interest may have been accelerated by the PED suspension rumors of the Biogenesis scandal which could affect one of the A's starters. But it seemed the A's did not have the quantity of prospects the Cubs were seeking for Garza.
It was possible that the Cubs could have held on to Garza if the Cubs were not going to get the prospect package they want for Garza. That would have meant Garza could stay a Cub for the rest of the season. And this would give the Cubs another option: allow Garza to go unrestricted free agency or give him a qualifying offer.
MLBTR explains:
- Teams will have until five days after the World Series to make qualifying offers and the players will have seven days to accept.
- Once a team makes a qualifying offer, the player has two choices: he can accept the one-year deal or decline in it search of other offers. If he declines the offer and signs elsewhere, his new team will have to surrender a top draft pick (the selection doesn't go to the player's former team).
- Teams that sign free agents who turned down qualifying offers will surrender their first round picks. However, the forfeited picks don't go to other MLB teams. Instead, the first round simply becomes condensed.
- The first ten selections in the draft are protected. Teams with protected picks will surrender their second-highest selections.
- The player’s former team will receive its compensatory selection at the end of the first round. Teams now obtain one compensatory selection, instead of two.
- If teams don’t make a qualifying offer, the player can sign uninhibited.
- Only players who have been with their clubs for the entire season will be eligible for compensation.
Cubs thought that the package of an injured third baseman in Olt, a young arm in Edwards and at least one other minor league pitcher more valuable than the possibility of a low first round supplemental draft pick in 2014. The Cubs have contract control of Olt to 2019 (arb eligible in 2016). If Olt regains his form and is the third baseman with plus defense beginning in 2014, then the Cubs would adjust the Plan and move Kris Bryant to RF. If Olt and Edwards work out as major league talent, then the trade would have been deemed very good. If not, since the Cubs were not going to re-sign Garza, it was a mere shuffling of the deck.
The acquisition of Olt does slow down the need for Bryant to be part of the 2014 Cub roster. He fills the hole at third base. Bryant is one the most major league ready draft choice of the Cubs have had in many years. If the Cubs will convert him to the outfield, they can hold him back in the minors under the guise of needed development, such as starting him in rookie league instead of Class AA. This will add one or two years of promotional steps until Bryant makes the Cubs roster.
Fans must temper their buy-in of the Plan by the quick start of Junior Lake this week. Lake was a Hendry selection. His promotion has been moved along quickly because of injuries to the many journeymen outfielders the current front office have signed to fill outfield spots. We do not know whether Lake is actually part of the current rebuilding plan. He is getting his show case now, just as Brett Jackson and Josh Vitters did late last year.
But the fans like the idea of the Cubs stockpiling so many new Class A players in the system. The problem with a bottom heavy system is that it takes more time to develop and promote that talent under the current goal levels set by the Cubs management. In addition, one can only realistically project only 6 minor leaguers in the any ball club system to make it to the major leagues as a starter. The Cubs actually need to acquire more major league ready and Class AAA ball players to balance their minor league system.
The next part of the Plan is to trade off more major league roster pieces before the trade deadline. Players mentioned to be part of the trade market include Alfonso Soriano, Kevin Gregg, and David DeJesus.
July 16, 2013
RANGERS EYE GARZA
Various media reports indicate that the Cubs are pushing hard to get top dollar for Matt Garza. However, most general managers polled indicate that Garza is not a touted number one ace but a "solid number three" starter. The Cubs may be wanting too much for Garza.
The Texas Rangers have now been linked to be the most likely trade partner. Garza has gone 5-0 with a 1.24 ERA in his last six starts and has experience pitching well in both the AL East and the postseason.The Rangers have four starters - - - Yu Darvish, Alexi Ogando, Matt Harrison and Colby Lewis — on the disabled list, so they have need some insurance for the rest of the season. Texas is expecting Darvish and Ogando back. Things are more uncertain with Harrison and Lewis. A second half rotation of Darvish, Garza and Derek Holland would line up 1-2-3 for the playoffs. The Cubs have traded with Texas last season.
As indicated previously, it is doubtful that the Cubs will get more than the Rays received when on January, 2010, GM Jim Hendry finalized a trade that brought Garza (and Fernando Perez and Zach Rosscup)to Chicago from the Rays for Chris Archer, Hak-Ju Lee, Robinson Chirinos, Sam Fuld and Brandon Guyer. Archer, 24, is now in the Rays rotation. The rest have hit the majors. Fuld has been the 5th OF for the Rays. Lee, Chirinos and Guyer have had injury problems, but Lee would have made it to the majors this year except of a knee problem this spring.
There may be some irony if a deal gets done. Chirinos is now the #3 catcher with the Rangers. If the Cubs move Dioner Navarro, then the Cubs need a back up to close out the season. Mike Olt, the player the Cubs wanted last season, is still blocked by Adrian Beltre at third. The Cubs drafted Kris Bryant to play third long term. Olt batted .194 this year and has been reassigned to AAA. He is still ranked the Rangers No. 1 prospect.
The Cubs will not get a top 10 prospect like #3 SP Cody Buckel, major league ready #5 RP William Font, #8 19 year old power hitting 2B Rougned Odor, or #10 SP Luke Jackson. The Cubs may get a next tier player such as 24 year old Class AA SP Neil Ramirez or 21 year old Class A SP Alec Asher.
The problem is two fold. The Cubs may have priced their demands outside the market for teams looking for a No. 3 starter. Also, the Cubs have made it clear that they do not intend to keep Garza, which lessens any bargaining power.
The Texas Rangers have now been linked to be the most likely trade partner. Garza has gone 5-0 with a 1.24 ERA in his last six starts and has experience pitching well in both the AL East and the postseason.The Rangers have four starters - - - Yu Darvish, Alexi Ogando, Matt Harrison and Colby Lewis — on the disabled list, so they have need some insurance for the rest of the season. Texas is expecting Darvish and Ogando back. Things are more uncertain with Harrison and Lewis. A second half rotation of Darvish, Garza and Derek Holland would line up 1-2-3 for the playoffs. The Cubs have traded with Texas last season.
As indicated previously, it is doubtful that the Cubs will get more than the Rays received when on January, 2010, GM Jim Hendry finalized a trade that brought Garza (and Fernando Perez and Zach Rosscup)to Chicago from the Rays for Chris Archer, Hak-Ju Lee, Robinson Chirinos, Sam Fuld and Brandon Guyer. Archer, 24, is now in the Rays rotation. The rest have hit the majors. Fuld has been the 5th OF for the Rays. Lee, Chirinos and Guyer have had injury problems, but Lee would have made it to the majors this year except of a knee problem this spring.
There may be some irony if a deal gets done. Chirinos is now the #3 catcher with the Rangers. If the Cubs move Dioner Navarro, then the Cubs need a back up to close out the season. Mike Olt, the player the Cubs wanted last season, is still blocked by Adrian Beltre at third. The Cubs drafted Kris Bryant to play third long term. Olt batted .194 this year and has been reassigned to AAA. He is still ranked the Rangers No. 1 prospect.
The Cubs will not get a top 10 prospect like #3 SP Cody Buckel, major league ready #5 RP William Font, #8 19 year old power hitting 2B Rougned Odor, or #10 SP Luke Jackson. The Cubs may get a next tier player such as 24 year old Class AA SP Neil Ramirez or 21 year old Class A SP Alec Asher.
The problem is two fold. The Cubs may have priced their demands outside the market for teams looking for a No. 3 starter. Also, the Cubs have made it clear that they do not intend to keep Garza, which lessens any bargaining power.
April 19, 2013
PASS THE BORBON
The Cubs have turned to flea market aspect of the waiver wire to fill widening gaps in its major league roster.
The Cubs claimed outfielder Julio Borbon off waivers from Rangers. To make room for Borbon, the Cubs designated back up infielder Alberto Gonzalez for assignment. Gonzalez batted .217 in 11 games for the Cubs.
Borbon, 27, is a career .283 hitter who spent parts of four seasons with the Rangers. He was designated for assignment on April 9 and the Rangers had 10 days to try to trade him.
Borbon made the Rangers after batting .317 in 32 games in spring training. But he he wound up in third position in center field depth chart. Borbon, who was selected by Texas in the supplemental first round (35th overall) of the 2007 June draft, played in just one game for the Rangers this season.
Borbon, 27, is a left handed hitter who has not played in the majors in 2012. In 2011, he played in only 32 games for the Rangers, hitting .270, 0 HR, 11 RBI, 6 SB in 89 AB. He spent all of 2012 in the minors at Triple A. In 2010, he played in 137 games for the Rangers and had 468 PA, batting .276, 3 HR 42 RBI, 15 SB, .309 OBP.
The Cubs are now carrying mostly outfielders: Soriano, DeJesus, Schierholtz, Hairston, Sappelt and now Borbon. Unless Soriano has nagging knee issues, one could expect Sappelt to be moved if and when Ian Stewart ever comes back.
This also means that the Cubs did not look for Brett Jackson to help the club any time soon. Jackson's stock continues to fall under new management.
The Cubs claimed outfielder Julio Borbon off waivers from Rangers. To make room for Borbon, the Cubs designated back up infielder Alberto Gonzalez for assignment. Gonzalez batted .217 in 11 games for the Cubs.
Borbon, 27, is a career .283 hitter who spent parts of four seasons with the Rangers. He was designated for assignment on April 9 and the Rangers had 10 days to try to trade him.
Borbon made the Rangers after batting .317 in 32 games in spring training. But he he wound up in third position in center field depth chart. Borbon, who was selected by Texas in the supplemental first round (35th overall) of the 2007 June draft, played in just one game for the Rangers this season.
Borbon, 27, is a left handed hitter who has not played in the majors in 2012. In 2011, he played in only 32 games for the Rangers, hitting .270, 0 HR, 11 RBI, 6 SB in 89 AB. He spent all of 2012 in the minors at Triple A. In 2010, he played in 137 games for the Rangers and had 468 PA, batting .276, 3 HR 42 RBI, 15 SB, .309 OBP.
The Cubs are now carrying mostly outfielders: Soriano, DeJesus, Schierholtz, Hairston, Sappelt and now Borbon. Unless Soriano has nagging knee issues, one could expect Sappelt to be moved if and when Ian Stewart ever comes back.
This also means that the Cubs did not look for Brett Jackson to help the club any time soon. Jackson's stock continues to fall under new management.
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