Austin Kearns News

[Illini Iceman]

This would be a good deal for the Cubs. However, they would still need another impact bat.

 

To get Aberu it's going to take a very good pitcher.[/i]

 

Get Kearns for RF, Wilkerson/Bradley for CF (patterson + prospect(s)), Lugo for SS (maybe)and we're set.

 

Even with Cedeno/Walker

Wilkerson/Bradley

Kearns

 

Collectively that is significant improvement to last years lineup.

 

Wilkerson

Walker 2B

Lee

Ramirez

Kearns

Barrett

Murton

Cedeno SS

 

or

 

Wilkerson

Lugo SS

Lee

Ramirez

Kearns

Barrett

Murton

Cedeno 2B

 

or

 

Lugo SS

Walker 2B

Lee

Bradley

Ramirez

Kearns

Barrett

Murton

 

etc.

 

You can really play around with lineup

 

What is the payroll on that lineup? Not saying that the money should burn a hole in Hendry's pocket, but going into the season with that group would probably still leave him with at least $10M in budget. He would almost have to make a run at someone like Millwood if he goes that direction with the offense.

[JudasIscariotTheBird]

Do you really have to stop pursueing someone like Abreu or Floyd or whoever if you acquire Kearns? No way. Either A) Murton or Kearns is used to acquire other said OFer or; B) Either Kearns or Murton become your RH power off the bench.

 

exactly. the price for kearns in no way inhibits Hendry from pulling off a blockbuster.

 

I agree. If that original deal to get Kearns is true (who knows) then you aren't trading away a lot of high prized talent to get him. Worst case scenario, you have Murton and Kearns as your corner outfielders. That's not good, but it's better than what they have now (and at least has a chance to be productive).

 

The other evaluator is whether Kearns can net you in trade more or less than Mitre and Nolasco would have netted.

 

Personally, I think Kearns has more value than Mitre and Nolasco.

 

Would the A's trade Mark Kotsay to the Cubs for Kearns?

Would they trade Kotsay to the Cubs for Mitre and Nolasco?

 

Not necessarily advocating a Kearns/Kotsay trade. I just know the A's want a power righty bat and Kotsay is a CF that can lead off. But, of the two trade proposals, I would imagine the A's would be more tempted with Kearns. That makes the trade even more worth it.

 

I agree with you about the relative trade value of Kearns and Nolasco+Mitre, but I don't think Kearns is a Beane-guy. He Ks way too much.

 

 

I'm willing to bet Beane doesn't care too much if Kearns ks.

 

How's that?

 

He means that Beene is smart.

 

You CAN'T K too much if you have a good OPS. That's one of the 10 commandments of 'Moneyball'. Does anyone here care about Dunn's K's? Sosa's when he it 66 HR and hit for average?

 

Now, if Kearns (or anyone) K's a bunch and doesn't get on base...then he just sucks. K's or no.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Do you really have to stop pursueing someone like Abreu or Floyd or whoever if you acquire Kearns? No way. Either A) Murton or Kearns is used to acquire other said OFer or; B) Either Kearns or Murton become your RH power off the bench.

 

exactly. the price for kearns in no way inhibits Hendry from pulling off a blockbuster.

 

I agree. If that original deal to get Kearns is true (who knows) then you aren't trading away a lot of high prized talent to get him. Worst case scenario, you have Murton and Kearns as your corner outfielders. That's not good, but it's better than what they have now (and at least has a chance to be productive).

 

The other evaluator is whether Kearns can net you in trade more or less than Mitre and Nolasco would have netted.

 

Personally, I think Kearns has more value than Mitre and Nolasco.

 

Would the A's trade Mark Kotsay to the Cubs for Kearns?

Would they trade Kotsay to the Cubs for Mitre and Nolasco?

 

Not necessarily advocating a Kearns/Kotsay trade. I just know the A's want a power righty bat and Kotsay is a CF that can lead off. But, of the two trade proposals, I would imagine the A's would be more tempted with Kearns. That makes the trade even more worth it.

 

I agree with you about the relative trade value of Kearns and Nolasco+Mitre, but I don't think Kearns is a Beane-guy. He Ks way too much.

 

 

I'm willing to bet Beane doesn't care too much if Kearns ks.

 

How's that?

 

He means that Beene is smart.

 

You CAN'T K too much if you have a good OPS. That's one of the 10 commandments of 'Moneyball'. Does anyone here care about Dunn's K's? Sosa's when he it 66 HR and hit for average?

 

Now, if Kearns (or anyone) K's a bunch and doesn't get on base...then he just sucks. K's or no.

 

Kearns doesn't have good OPS. He's right around ML average.

[SeldomSeen]

I'm going to say this once, and then resist discussing it from here on out, but please say no to Austin Kearns. Can someone explain the difference between Kearns and Burnitz, besides age and what side of the plate they swing from?

They're both .260ish/ .820 ops hitters who strike out a lot. Burnitz slugs better, Kearns gets on a little better.

 

Unless he's flipped somewhere else for a bigger fish, I want no part of Austin Kearns. [/rant]

[stitchface]

well the age difference is the key seldom - there is hope kearns will get better particularly in light of his minor league performances. burnitz is only going to get worse. Now, I don't want kearns unless he can play CF, but the comparison to burnitz is not really a valid one in my opinion.

 

now kearns ks are a problem in that they hurt his batting average. I don't however think beane would base his evaluation on his ks so much as his obp and slp.

[CardsFanInChiTown]

What is kearns going to make in 06?

[Transmogrified Tiger]

well the age difference is the key seldom - there is hope kearns will get better particularly in light of his minor league performances. burnitz is only going to get worse. Now, I don't want kearns unless he can play CF, but the comparison to burnitz is not really a valid one in my opinion.

 

now kearns ks are a problem in that they hurt his batting average. I don't however think beane would base his evaluation on his ks so much as his obp and slp.

 

Exactly, K's are bad in that they make performing well and repeating that performance more difficult. If you show you can do that, they aren't a huge deal.

[stitchface]

What is kearns going to make in 06?

 

Whatever you tell him. I don't think he's arby eligible yet. But, I don't know.

[JeffH]

What is kearns going to make in 06?

 

Probably $2.5-$3.0.

[SeldomSeen]

well the age difference is the key seldom - there is hope kearns will get better particularly in light of his minor league performances. burnitz is only going to get worse. Now, I don't want kearns unless he can play CF, but the comparison to burnitz is not really a valid one in my opinion.

 

now kearns ks are a problem in that they hurt his batting average. I don't however think beane would base his evaluation on his ks so much as his obp and slp.

 

Exactly, K's are bad in that they make performing well and repeating that performance more difficult. If you show you can do that, they aren't a huge deal.

 

There's the rub.

 

And you just made me break that rule about not discussing Kearns anymore.

[JeffH]

What is kearns going to make in 06?

 

Whatever you tell him. I don't think he's arby eligible yet. But, I don't know.

 

He's second-time arb eligible.

[CardsFanInChiTown]

What is kearns going to make in 06?

 

Probably $2.5-$3.0.

 

Yeah, if the Cubs could really do that deal I think it's a no brainer. If they find something better they can always trade him or keep him around in case Murton flops.

[JeffH]

I don't know if the Cubs have the trade fodder to pull it off, but I wouldn't mind adding three new outfielders and making Murton a platoon guy and 4th OF.

 

If we are really going to live with Ronny, Neifi, and Jerry as our middle infield trio, I would like to do everything possible to make sure that the outfield is productive, one way or another.

 

Kearns for Mitre and Nolasco (if that's really on the table, I would have pulled a muscle lunging for the nearest ink pen).

 

Wilkerson for Williams and Patterson?

 

Pierre for ?

 

Pierre-Cedeno-Lee-Ramirez-Wilkerson-Kearns-Barrett-Hairston

 

Actually, I'd prefer to keep Walker and hit him #2, but it sure seems like he's gone.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Can someone explain to me why Kearns is a better option than Mench who has been called a 4th OF?

 

Kearns:

Age 25

Career: 266/360/461

2005: 240/333/452

 

Mench

Age 27

Career: 272/334/484

2005: 264/328/469

 

Kearns had one really good year and nothing spectacular after that. Mench has been much more consistent.

 

Anyone who would be in favor of Kearns should surely view Mench in the same light.

[stitchface]

why would you want to start pierre over murton? Kearns over Murton? If the cubs got some impact OFers maybe.

[JeffH]

Can someone explain to me why Kearns is a better option than Mench who has been called a 4th OF?

 

Kearns:

Age 25

Career: 266/360/461

2005: 240/333/452

 

Mench

Age 27

Career: 272/334/484

2005: 264/328/469

 

Kearns had one really good year and nothing spectacular after that. Mench has been much more consistent.

 

Anyone who would be in favor of Kearns should surely view Mench in the same light.

 

They're in the same class offensively. Defensively, though, Mench is a LF who would be masquerading as a RF. Kearns is a top RF defender.

[JeffH]

why would you want to start pierre over murton? Kearns over Murton? If the cubs got some impact OFers maybe.

 

Like I said, I want to ensure that we have a productive outfield. Depth, depth, depth.

 

The Cubs probably aren't getting a dominant outfielder.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Per the 5pm update on WSCR, George Ofman reported the Reds either offered or were seeking Mitre and Nolasco for Kearns.

 

If thats what they were seeking, I'd counter offer with Mitre and Wellymeyer.

 

Why,Nolasco hasn't pitched a day of ML ball? I know Welly is inconsistent but he has to be worth more than Nolasco. Wellymeyer could probably fit in as a back of the rotation starter (somewhere) next year. Save Welly for another deal.

 

Pie hasn't appeared in the majors yet while Patterson has, but I bet Pie has much more trade value. Same could be said for Macias/Eric Patterson, or Rusch/Gallagher, and many other "experienced" players vs unknowns. Welly's service time hasn't exactly been steller.

 

 

I see a big difference in the two cases. Patterson is due a raise in salary yet his production has regressed. His relatve youth and athleticism will get some GM's interested but he's still a gamble. As a prospect, Pie is also a gamble but he can be added for the league minimum. Low risk with the potential for high return.

 

Macias and Eric Patterson are not equals. Yes, Macias has ML experience but he is a utility player so that doesn't help someone seeking a 2B'men.

 

Oh yeah, I know Welly has been bad but, all things being equal, I would still value him more than someone without ML service time.

 

Nolasco has a higher ceiling than Wellemeyer and projects to be a starter. Nolasco is also less than a year away from the big leagues. If I was another team, I'd rather want Nolasco than Wellemeyer. Just because Nolasco hasn't reached the big leagues doesn't make him less valuable than someone who has been there for parts of 3 seasons but has struggled.

[CardsFanInChiTown]

Can someone explain to me why Kearns is a better option than Mench who has been called a 4th OF?

 

Kearns:

Age 25

Career: 266/360/461

2005: 240/333/452

 

Mench

Age 27

Career: 272/334/484

2005: 264/328/469

 

Kearns had one really good year and nothing spectacular after that. Mench has been much more consistent.

 

Anyone who would be in favor of Kearns should surely view Mench in the same light.

 

They're in the same class offensively. Defensively, though, Mench is a LF who would be masquerading as a RF. Kearns is a top RF defender.

 

I also think Kearns has a higher ceiling. I really can't back that statement up tho.

[hawkeyecub]

Can someone explain to me why Kearns is a better option than Mench who has been called a 4th OF?

 

Kearns:

Age 25

Career: 266/360/461

2005: 240/333/452

 

Mench

Age 27

Career: 272/334/484

2005: 264/328/469

 

Kearns had one really good year and nothing spectacular after that. Mench has been much more consistent.

 

Anyone who would be in favor of Kearns should surely view Mench in the same light.

 

They're in the same class offensively. Defensively, though, Mench is a LF who would be masquerading as a RF. Kearns is a top RF defender.

 

Right.

Also Kearns still has the greater upside. Those numbers are similar, but Kearns has done that while being injured at times and stuck in an overly crowded outfield where consistent playing time was hard to find. Last year when given more regular time post All-Star break he put up an .850 OPS.

Mench has a little more power, Kearns will get on base at a higher rate. Kearns is the more complete player.

[JeffH]

Nolasco has a higher ceiling than Wellemeyer and projects to be a starter. Nolasco is also less than a year away from the big leagues. If I was another team, I'd rather want Nolasco than Wellemeyer.

 

In my opinion, Wellemeyer is underappreciated, but Nolasco is far more valuable - mostly because he has three options remaining and Wellemeyer has none remaining.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Nolasco has a higher ceiling than Wellemeyer and projects to be a starter. Nolasco is also less than a year away from the big leagues. If I was another team, I'd rather want Nolasco than Wellemeyer.

 

In my opinion, Wellemeyer is underappreciated, but Nolasco is far more valuable - mostly because he has three options remaining and Wellemeyer has none remaining.

 

I'm a pretty big Wellemeyer fan.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Can someone explain to me why Kearns is a better option than Mench who has been called a 4th OF?

 

Kearns:

Age 25

Career: 266/360/461

2005: 240/333/452

 

Mench

Age 27

Career: 272/334/484

2005: 264/328/469

 

Kearns had one really good year and nothing spectacular after that. Mench has been much more consistent.

 

Anyone who would be in favor of Kearns should surely view Mench in the same light.

 

They're in the same class offensively. Defensively, though, Mench is a LF who would be masquerading as a RF. Kearns is a top RF defender.

 

Right.

Also Kearns still has the greater upside. Those numbers are similar, but Kearns has done that while being injured at times and stuck in an overly crowded outfield where consistent playing time was hard to find. Last year when given more regular time post All-Star break he put up an .850 OPS.

Mench has a little more power, Kearns will get on base at a higher rate. Kearns is the more complete player.

 

Mench has battled injuries as well. Kearns is a little more athletic, but so is Corey Patterson. That doesn't always translate into success. Mench has been more consistent. Kearns is living off a reputation from his one good season.

[Chris]

Nolasco has a higher ceiling than Wellemeyer and projects to be a starter. Nolasco is also less than a year away from the big leagues. If I was another team, I'd rather want Nolasco than Wellemeyer.

 

In my opinion, Wellemeyer is underappreciated, but Nolasco is far more valuable - mostly because he has three options remaining and Wellemeyer has none remaining.

 

I'm a pretty big Wellemeyer fan.

 

I bought a pair of his cleats at a charity auction, interested? ha ha

[CP_414]

http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051205&content_id=1276725&vkey=news_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak

 

It seems that Bradley to Oakland talks are getting serious. It isn't like a MLB.com site to name names in rumored trades unless there is some weight behind it. I bet Bradley to Oakland happens this week. With him out of the picture (if he is) it makes Wilkerson in CF and Kearns in RF slightly more tolerable. I would still like to see a big-time bat in RF, but those aren't easy to come by.