A Few Interesting Names on the Trade Block

[Swift]

A Few Interesting Names on the Trade Block

According to ESPN, here are three prominent former (and current) Marlins whose names have come up or are imminently available:

Brad Penny

According to ESPN's Peter Gammons, the Los Angeles Dodgers had internal discussions about trying to deal Brad Penny for Yankees' second baseman Robinson Cano, but recent shoulder problems have likely rendered Penny untradeable.

I wouldn't be worried about Penny's shoulder. He's always had some durability issues. If we can get him for Coghlan and Taylor, I do it and feel good about us actually adding an "ace." Still, if his name is out there and with the Yankees now needing a pitcher following Wang's injury I'd expect him to go to the Bronx. However, with 2008 being the final guaranteed year of Penny's contract and with his 2009 option being (for all intents and purposes) $7.5 mil ($9.5 mil team option or $2 mil buyout) he certainly fits into the Marlins ace on a budget plans as a guy like Penny on the open market is probably an $11 or $12 mil a year pitcher.

AJ Burnett

With the Toronto Blue Jays expected to shop A.J. Burnett over the next several weeks leading up to the trade deadline, the Chicago Cubs could be a possible destination, reports the Chicago Sun-Times. The Blue Jays are most likely looking for middle-infield help, and while it is not known whether the Cubs have the pieces to pull off a deal, Burnett has stated publicly that he would welcome a trade to the Windy City. Burnett has $30 million left on his current contract and can opt out after this season.

Another situation where I think we have the pieces to pull off the trade with Toronto, but I'd wonder if we want to do it. Also, it's a ton of money to absorb for a player we have history with and the organization basically kicked out at the end of his tenure. Still, he'd be the most talented pitcher traded at the deadline, and I very much doubt AJ has the Marlins on his "restricted" list of teams since he's made no secret for his love for the Pro Player mound and his money is guaranteed.

Lastly, the Marlin mentioned in a ESPN rumor

Josh Willingham

Uncertainty surrounding David Ortiz's wrist could prompt the Red Sox to find another bat for the middle of their lineup. According to ESPN's Peter Gammons, Josh Willingham could be the bat they are looking for.The Red Sox love guys who work deep counts and Willingham certainly does that. He would also provide them with roster flexibility, as he could fill in at DH, first base, left field and even serve as an emergency catcher.

This makes no sense to me at all. Unless the Marlins are getting Lester (doubtful) or Mastersen (even more doubtful) for Willingham, there's no good reason to trade him right now. Yes the Marlins have Jacobs, Helms and Gonzalez producing really well at Hammer's spots, but Hammer is still an upgrade over them. Still, with the working history between the Marlins and Red Sox maybe there's something in the works. I sure hope not, though.

Also, in the totally unrelated but the Marlins need to take a look category:

CC Sabathia could be moved, but with the Yankees needing an ace badly and Hank Steinbrenner growing impatient by the minute, expect to see the Yankees make the best offer for the reigning AL Cy Young winner.

Brian Roberts. No, not to keep on the Marlins, but as teams look for middle infield help (Dodgers and Jays) the Marlins could get Roberts and deal him immediately for the pitching depth they need. The Orioles are now rich with noted Boras clients (Matt Wieters headlining) so Coghlan could fit into the O's plans, and he's a Brian Roberts clone. Definitely something to consider.

Greg Maddux is going to be traded. The Cubs are supposedly hot and heavy for the career trifecta, but Maddux has been a "good fit" for the team since it was first rumored in the 2003/04 offseason. He's in his walk year, and truth be told, he's probably making more than he's worth ($10 mil) and he's struggled lately in Pro Player. I'd love to get him, but with the astronomical cost of starting pitching, I think the Marlins resources could be better spent on a player locked up for '09 as well.

Oliver Perez. Yeah, he's not going anywhere at the deadline, because the Mets won't concede a $133 million failure, but he's got electric stuff when he's on, and he absolutely owns us. If the Marlins aren't going to go after an "ace" (Penny, Sabathia) or a high end 2 (Burnett) why not go after maybe the best risk/reward in baseball? He's the kind of player the Marlins have historically chased and why not? He's in his walk year and Minaya and Beinfest have a great working relationship so something could get done should both sides decide it needs to get done.

Paul LoDuca. We supposedly went after him with moderate conviction in the offseason and the Nationals are going nowhere fast. Our plethora of young raw-ish pitching is sure to wet their appetite for reloading a farm system, and we can afford to part with a Sean West type for a year of free LoDuca who, like it or not, is probably an upgrade over Treanor and Rabelo.

[Hugg]

haha Hammer as emergency catcher

silly Gammons

Oh and while I don't want it to happen, I think you can justify trading Hammer if you get good return for him. We can continue with Gonzo in LF and then move Ross there next year with Maybin in center.

[PitchingWinsGames]

Dang Swift, you hit all the points I was gonna make on those guys

Man, I got nothing else to add to this then

[Swift]

Originally Posted by Hugg haha Hammer as emergency catcher silly Gammons Oh and while I don't want it to happen, I think you can justify trading Hammer if you get good return for him. We can continue with Gonzo in LF and then move Ross there next year with Maybin in center.

Just curious...you'd trust Ross to be a starter?

I was hard on that bandwagon this offseason and now I'm not so sure.

[JJ]

The Red Sox already have 4 very good outfielders and a lot of depth at that position already in their system (Moss and Carter). Willingham (who is still hurt) is not a good fit and doesn't make a lot of sense for them.

[Hugg]

Originally Posted by Swift Just curious...you'd trust Ross to be a starter? I was hard on that bandwagon this offseason and now I'm not so sure.

Yes, I do.

It just takes a long time to dig out of the hole he got himself into early. He has a .979 OPS since May 1. The guy can hit.

And, while I love Hammer, his back scares the shit out of me. I think this is going to keep happening for the rest of his career.

[Swift]

Originally Posted by JJ The Red Sox already have 4 very good outfielders and a lot of depth at that position already in their system (Moss and Carter). Willingham (who is still hurt) is not a good fit and doesn't make a lot of sense for them.

Except, just to play the Devil's advocate, he's not an outfielder...he's just there by necessity. Still though, he's not going to supplant Lowell at 3rd or Youkilis at 1st.

[JJ]

Exactly, on this team he'd be a DH or an OF. It just doesn't make sense from any viewpoint but I guess Gammo needed to throw in his Sox fix.

[Hugg]

By the way, if we give up Sean West for a Paul Lo Duca, I'm marching on the Marlins offices.

[Swift]

Originally Posted by JJ Exactly, on this team he'd be a DH or an OF. It just doesn't make sense from any viewpoint but I guess Gammo needed to throw in his Sox fix.

I mean, maybe the Sox like the idea of full timing Manny at DH and putting a capable bat in left rather than a defense first approach that gets Crisp in the lineup and the thought of Hamer's production with the Monster is downright scary.

I really do think the Red Sox have the best team money can buy, though, and I don't see the need for a massive shakeup like this, especially when you consider the risk associated with a hitter going from the NL to the AL.

[JJ]

Sure and while Crisp's bat sucks when you put him in center and move Jacoby over to left you have the best defensive outfield in the game so you let Crisp bat 8th and suck it up because of the boost they give you on D.

I just don't think its a good enough move for them and they don't seem that willing to give up many or any of the kids (certainly not Lester, he may be moving in to a more or less untouchable stage as his 3 spot in the rotation is etched in stone).

I am also of the mindset that Ortiz will be back and productive for a decent amount of time this year.

If the Sox make a move it will be for bullpen help, not another bat. IMO.

[Swift]

Originally Posted by JJ Sure and while Crisp's bat sucks when you put him in center and move Jacoby over to left you have the best defensive outfield in the game so you let Crisp bat 8th and suck it up because of the boost they give you on D. I just don't think its a good enough move for them and they don't seem that willing to give up many or any of the kids (certainly not Lester, he may be moving in to a more or less untouchable stage as his 3 spot in the rotation is etched in stone). I am also of the mindset that Ortiz will be back and productive for a decent amount of time this year. If the Sox make a move it will be for bullpen help, not another bat. IMO.

I can't disagree with any of that

[Ramp]

Originally Posted by Hugg By the way, if we give up Sean West for a Paul Lo Duca, I'm marching on the Marlins offices.

um intangibles>talent

and real solid post swift

[Chewie]

Nicely done, but seriously, AJ Burnett. I don't think he's even welcome back here as a the visiting pitcher, let alone as a Marlin.

[Nny]

Also Penny isn't an ace, he's a #2