Franchise cornerstones

[cubweiser03]

First im going to look at an everyday player. I need a player when people buy tickets they are going to see him for sure.

 

Pujols.

25 years old and i got him locked up for another 5 years at $14M per year with an option for $16M. That contract in today's market isnt bad. The dude puts up the most sickest numbers in the game and is so consitant. I have a new franchise having a player like him and paying him $14M shows people im going to spend some money. Great for getting corporate sponsors behind me.

 

Cabrera is a close second. I think next year is his last year before he gets arbitration so after that i going to have to fork over some coin. When he hits arby he wont be cheap anymore, see alfonso soriano. He'll still be lower than pujols but by the end of his 3 years of arbiration he will be $10M+, see aramis ramirez.

 

If i need to pull a Marlins fire sale because i got a GM who is a clown id rather spin Pujols than Cabrera. Larger market teams dont care about saving a few million when it comes to the premier player in the league.

[Magnetic Curses]

I'd go with Wright.

 

Cabrera is uber-talented and crazy good, but he sounds like an annoying prick.

 

Usually it's not such a big deal, but when they're both so talented I'll take charachter into account.

 

i'd take either, it's a tossup as i've never heard of any character issues with cabrera, other than he's 22 years-old.

[Roast]

I'd go with Cabrera.

[CardsFanInChiTown]

I'm bias but I'd take AP. He's young, has a good contract (with some money defered) and has already put up several 1.000+ OPS seasons unlike Cabrera or Wright. However, if it's a super low budget I'd go with Cabrera. If I had to take a pitcher Santana is the hands down winner.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I'm bias but I'd take AP. He's young, has a good contract (with some money defered) and has already put up several 1.000+ OPS seasons unlike Cabrera or Wright. However, if it's a super low budget I'd go with Cabrera. If I had to take a pitcher Santana is the hands down winner.

 

In Wright's instance, the only difference in contract length is an option year for Pujols, and Wright will most certainly be cheaper. He's also younger and plays a position of higher need. I see why you'd take Pujols though.

[rawaction]

I think I would go with Cabrera slightly over Wright. Really the only reason is that Cabrera offers more versatility. You can take him and then still go after the best available player at any position. Cabrera could play LF, RF, 3B, or SS if he has to. With Wright, you can't really pick the best player left if he's a 3B unless you play someone out of position.

[goonys evil twin]

I'd go with Pujols, and then Utley as the really cheap guy. And then Santana with Blanton as the super cheap pitcher. That's 4 cornerstones that add up to about $25m.

 

In the Cabrera/Wright debate, I'd take Wright. Cabrera's going to get more money sooner without being a heck of a lot better. And I'm a little afraid of young guys who achieve great success really early in their careers, and then have rumors of laziness. But I wouldn't be upset if I was stuck with Miggy.

[DarkLink715]

I know it's a little early to talk about him because he still hasn't turned 20, but I think I would consider Felix Hernandez. A career 2.45 ERA in the minors, K/9 of 10.66, and he looked fantastic when he was called up late last season.

 

I can't imagine that he costs very much, he's younger than most minor leaguers and may be one of the best pitchers in baseball next season.

 

He's only 19, and his stuff is electric. I know Peavy has proven himself already, but I can't help but mention King Felix.