Time to Move on Ryan Church

[Mizzou]

I'd definitely look into acquiring Church to be the 4th outfielder, but not as a starter.

[E.J.]

Washington Times[/url]"]That said, the Nationals still hadn't consummated any trades last night despite Bowden's best efforts. He has been particularly aggressive in trying to deal Church with the Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs and others all interested, according to baseball sources.

 

All of those teams, however, appear to view Church as a fallback option should other proposed deals fall through, so the chances of a trade being finalized before Washington's front office heads home today seems unlikely.

[soapy]

I'd definitely look into acquiring Church to be the 4th outfielder, but not as a starter.

Really? I think Church > Jones (especially if playing CF). Hell, if you can get Church for Marshall and a bullpen arm, I say do it and work out a four man rotation between Murton, Jones, Church and Soriano. Murton would probably not get as many PAs as I'd like to see, but it could be a very productive outfield, even if Murton ends up platooning with Jones.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

What does it say under "Cub Life" in ESPN Rumor Central?

 

Cub life?

Dec 6 - Ryan Church has been the subject of much of the Nationals' discussions, and there are indications the Cubs might be interested, the Washington Post reports. Chicago is trying to trade outfielder Jacque Jones, and Church could be a cheaper left-handed hitter to replace him.

[CoolHandLuke]

I'd definitely look into acquiring Church to be the 4th outfielder, but not as a starter.

 

Frank Robinson, is that you?

[WrigleyinEngland]

From this mornings Sun-times...........

 

'Sources say he continued talks with the Washington Nationals about center fielder Ryan Church'

 

Is Church an upgrade over Jones?? Would the Nats take Jones in a straight swap?? Would Church be our starting CF?

[Soul]

From this mornings Sun-times...........

 

'Sources say he continued talks with the Washington Nationals about center fielder Ryan Church'

 

Is Church an upgrade over Jones?? Would the Nats take Jones in a straight swap?? Would Church be our starting CF?

 

Well Church is an upgrade over Jones in the sense that Jones doesn't want to be here so we have no choice but to find another player :)

[goonys evil twin]

From this mornings Sun-times...........

 

'Sources say he continued talks with the Washington Nationals about center fielder Ryan Church'

 

Is Church an upgrade over Jones?? Would the Nats take Jones in a straight swap?? Would Church be our starting CF?

 

Well Church is an upgrade over Jones in the sense that Jones doesn't want to be here so we have no choice but to find another player :)

 

I'm not sure that should be the question, but, if it is, then it's really hard to say. Church and Jones are different. From a straight rate stat perspective, Church is a pretty clear upgrade. But, Church has also been nothing more than a platoon guy, so it's hard to say what he'd do over the course of a full season. I think it's pretty clear that he'd be an upgrade in the OBP department though. Plus, he costs less money, and Jones doesn't want to be here. He's also more likely to be able to handle CF. I think he'd be a nice 2 hitter, especially if Soriano is locked into the leadoff spot. He'll get on base, and he'll be in scoring position a lot of the time on his own ability. I'm not sure about a straight Jones/Church swap, but I'd think Washington would definitely consider it.

[RynoRules]

Marshall and Jones for Church and B-level prospect.

[fromthestretch]

From this mornings Sun-times...........

 

'Sources say he continued talks with the Washington Nationals about center fielder Ryan Church'

 

Is Church an upgrade over Jones?? Would the Nats take Jones in a straight swap?? Would Church be our starting CF?

 

Well Church is an upgrade over Jones in the sense that Jones doesn't want to be here so we have no choice but to find another player :)

 

I'm not sure that should be the question, but, if it is, then it's really hard to say. Church and Jones are different. From a straight rate stat perspective, Church is a pretty clear upgrade. But, Church has also been nothing more than a platoon guy, so it's hard to say what he'd do over the course of a full season. I think it's pretty clear that he'd be an upgrade in the OBP department though. Plus, he costs less money, and Jones doesn't want to be here. He's also more likely to be able to handle CF. I think he'd be a nice 2 hitter, especially if Soriano is locked into the leadoff spot. He'll get on base, and he'll be in scoring position a lot of the time on his own ability. I'm not sure about a straight Jones/Church swap, but I'd think Washington would definitely consider it.

 

Even though it's a small sample size (105 plate appearances), Church has actually been better against lefties than righties, which would definitely be an upgrade over Jones.

 

Church vs. RHP (497 PA): .266/.346/.461

Church vs. LHP (105 PA): .286/.350/.462

[BigbadB]

They just need to get this deal done before someone else swoops in and pulls the rug out from under the Cubs.

[YearofDaCubs]

Come on Hendry make me happy get Church here.

[fromthestretch]

If Hendry is set on getting another starting pitcher, he may want to see if he can pry Rauch away from the Nats, too.

[RynoRules]

If Hendry is set on getting another starting pitcher, he may want to see if he can pry Rauch away from the Nats, too.

 

That's interesting. IIRC, Rauch was pretty good for them last year.

[fromthestretch]

If Hendry is set on getting another starting pitcher, he may want to see if he can pry Rauch away from the Nats, too.

 

That's interesting. IIRC, Rauch was pretty good for them last year.

 

Yep, but I think he could return to starting and be a solid option at the back of the rotation. The Cubs have bullpen depth, so they could afford to part with a reliever if Washington wants one in return.

 

I know that they weren't exactly pleased with John Patterson last year and the way he handled his injury. If he's healthy and they've soured on him a bit, maybe he'd be an option.

[RynoRules]

If Hendry is set on getting another starting pitcher, he may want to see if he can pry Rauch away from the Nats, too.

 

That's interesting. IIRC, Rauch was pretty good for them last year.

 

Yep, but I think he could return to starting and be a solid option at the back of the rotation. The Cubs have bullpen depth, so they could afford to part with a reliever if Washington wants one in return.

 

I know that they weren't exactly pleased with John Patterson last year and the way he handled his injury. If he's healthy and they've soured on him a bit, maybe he'd be an option.

 

Problem is we need front-end guys and Rauch is at best a 4th starter.

[fromthestretch]

If Hendry is set on getting another starting pitcher, he may want to see if he can pry Rauch away from the Nats, too.

 

That's interesting. IIRC, Rauch was pretty good for them last year.

 

Yep, but I think he could return to starting and be a solid option at the back of the rotation. The Cubs have bullpen depth, so they could afford to part with a reliever if Washington wants one in return.

 

I know that they weren't exactly pleased with John Patterson last year and the way he handled his injury. If he's healthy and they've soured on him a bit, maybe he'd be an option.

 

Problem is we need front-end guys and Rauch is at best a 4th starter.

 

Of course, but how many front-end guys are not only available but that the Cubs could afford in a trade or sign without crippling the team for years to come? Not many. Considering cost and length of contract, I'd prefer to give Rauch a shot over some of the other names being thrown around.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

If the Nats would do Jones for Church, I'd take it. Jones likely has more perceived value, but Church is cheaper. Getting Church for Jones would free up the money to sign Lofton or someone else as well as get a useful player in Church.

[Wheelimus]

Go get 'em Jim. Offer them Jones and maybe even a prospect to sweeten the pot. Novoa or something.

 

An outfield of Murton/Church/Soriano could be pretty good, with a strong right handed fourth outfielder who could play both corners and take a few starts against righties from Matt. You know, against guys who just mow down righties.

[goonys evil twin]

Go get 'em Jim. Offer them Jones and maybe even a prospect to sweeten the pot. Novoa or something.

 

An outfield of Murton/Church/Soriano could be pretty good, with a strong right handed fourth outfielder who could play both corners and take a few starts against righties from Matt. You know, against guys who just mow down righties.

 

Do you mean a LH 4th OF?

[RichHillIsABeast]

If the Nats would do Jones for Church, I'd take it. Jones likely has more perceived value, but Church is cheaper. Getting Church for Jones would free up the money to sign Lofton or someone else as well as get a useful player in Church.

 

They want young starting pitching - either Marshall or Marmol if the reports are to be believed.

 

The Jones market must suck b/c the O's reportedly offered Newhan.

 

Church >>>>>> Newhan.

[BigbadB]

If the Nats would do Jones for Church, I'd take it. Jones likely has more perceived value, but Church is cheaper. Getting Church for Jones would free up the money to sign Lofton or someone else as well as get a useful player in Church.

 

They want young starting pitching - either Marshall or Marmol if the reports are to be believed.

 

The Jones market must suck b/c the O's reportedly offered Newhan.

 

Church >>>>>> Newhan.

 

Nah, that's just the Orioles attempting to take Hendry to the cleaners once again.

[VanceJergins]

If the Nats would do Jones for Church, I'd take it. Jones likely has more perceived value, but Church is cheaper. Getting Church for Jones would free up the money to sign Lofton or someone else as well as get a useful player in Church.

 

They want young starting pitching - either Marshall or Marmol if the reports are to be believed.

 

The Jones market must suck b/c the O's reportedly offered Newhan.

 

Church >>>>>> Newhan.

 

Nah, that's just the Orioles attempting to take Hendry to the cleaners once again.

 

Seriously, thats like Hendry asking for Tejada and Bedard for Jones. I wouldnt have even traded Bynum for Newhan.

[BigbadB]

Seriously, thats like Hendry asking for Tejada and Bedard for Jones.

 

Interestingly enough, that would have been my counter-offer. :D

[Wheelimus]

Go get 'em Jim. Offer them Jones and maybe even a prospect to sweeten the pot. Novoa or something.

 

An outfield of Murton/Church/Soriano could be pretty good, with a strong right handed fourth outfielder who could play both corners and take a few starts against righties from Matt. You know, against guys who just mow down righties.

 

Do you mean a LH 4th OF?

 

Erm, yep, I was thinking help against righties and sort of lost it there! :D