Andruw Jones and Adam LaRoche reportedly on the trade block

[Ivy Walls]

Now the most interesting would be Andruw Jones who still is 29 years old, possesses a plethera of consecutive Gold Gloves dating back to 1998 and is a power hitter deluxe. He is making a bargain basement $13.5M. To acquire Andruw might involve more money for the no trade clause (10/5) of an extension involving Soriano style money at 2007 & option in 2008 but also in a complex deal with another team, (TB and Baldelli).

 

Cubs could orchastrate a three-way deal where they send Murton, Moore or E Patterson or AAA prospect to TB for Baldelli and then send Baldelli to Atlanta with AAA pitcher or other pitching prospect to Atlanta for A. Jones.

 

Of course this seems like a low price for A. Jones but Atlanta wants to get value for a disgruntled FA and get out of the $13M contract now. My bet is they are willing to trade a younger LaRoche for a Beltre in Seattle and then move C Jones to 1B.

 

This would leave the Cubs with Soriano, A. Jones and J. Jones in the OF and give the Cubs a better defensive OF and big pop in the lineup that would probably be: Soriano-DeRosa-DLee-ARamirez-AJones-JJones-Barrett-Izturis

[RichHillIsABeast]

I'd rather keep the young talent. The Cubs just spent out the backside in FA to keep our young guys. Switching strategies mid-stream is a good way to end up with a horrible team in '09 and beyond (backloaded contracts and little quality ML ready talent in the pipeline).

 

A. Jones is a good player, but he's not the right fit for us, especially with Pie looking to man CF for years to come.

[cheapseats]

viewtopic.php?t=37572

[Abe Frohman]

I'd rather keep the young talent. The Cubs just spent out the backside in FA to keep our young guys. Switching strategies mid-stream is a good way to end up with a horrible team in '09 and beyond (backloaded contracts and little quality ML ready talent in the pipeline).

 

A. Jones is a good player, but he's not the right fit for us, especially with Pie looking to man CF for years to come.

 

Andruw Jones is a PERFECT fit for us. Jacque Jones will be finishing up his contract about the time Pie is ready.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

When dealing with Tampa earlier, the Braves offered Davies and other players ( believed to be Saltamalaccia)to the Rays for Baldelli. The Rays wanted Chuck James. The Braves wanted to hang on to James, as they should.

 

If the Cubs get involved, the Rays are going to ask for Hill in exchange for Baldelli. The Cubs aren't going there.

 

Now the best hope is that the Cubs can offer some prospects and players that would facilitate a deal with the Braves. The Cubs might could offer enough players to get the Rays to accept the package built around Davies or send some pitching to the Braves so that they would feel comfortable dealing James.

 

The Braves also are in the market for bullpen help. That's where they've been focusing on LaRoche.

 

The Cubs could help there and have no need of LaRoche.

 

After all of that, if the Braves are dangling Andruw Jones, the Cubs should be involved.

 

A middle of the order of Lee, Jones, Ramirez would be very formidable.

[rawaction]

What makes you think that the Braves would want Beltre and his contract for Laroche? The Braves have tried Chipper away from 3B before, and they put him back. They want to move Laroche because they have an ML ready option right behind him (whose name escapes me right now).

 

I think Laroche would be shopped to Pittsburgh, LAA, Tampa and others.

[rawaction]

What about:

 

Laroche, C. James, and Moore to TB.

A Jones to Chicago

Baldelli, Gallagher, E. Patterson, and Veal to Atlanta

 

 

naw, Atlanta probably isn't getting enough in return.

[Derwood]

The Cubs might could offer...

 

This HAS to be some sort of regional thing....you've used it twice in the past couple of days. You might could be from Louisiana?

[RynoRules]

Adam's name always reminds me of Scarface.

 

"I bury those cocka-LaRoches!"

[David]

The Cubs might could offer...

 

This HAS to be some sort of regional thing....you've used it twice in the past couple of days. You might could be from Louisiana?

 

I was thinking the exact same thing.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

It is a regional slang usage. I've been around family lately and I'm not paying nearly as much attention to my usage as I should.

[nilodnayr]

What about:

 

Laroche, C. James, and Moore to TB.

A Jones to Chicago

Baldelli, Gallagher, E. Patterson, and Veal to Atlanta

 

 

naw, Atlanta probably isn't getting enough in return.

 

I think everyone wins big in that scenario except for the cubs

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

What about:

 

Laroche, C. James, and Moore to TB.

A Jones to Chicago

Baldelli, Gallagher, E. Patterson, and Veal to Atlanta

 

 

naw, Atlanta probably isn't getting enough in return.

 

I think the Cubs are giving up too many future arms and the Braves aren't getting enough to help them right now.

 

Also, would Tampa want Laroche?

 

How about:

 

Cubs get A Jones.

Tampa gets Davies, Saltamalaccia, and Prior.

Braves get Baldelli, E. Patterson, and Ohman.

[rawaction]

What about:

 

Laroche, C. James, and Moore to TB.

A Jones to Chicago

Baldelli, Gallagher, E. Patterson, and Veal to Atlanta

 

 

naw, Atlanta probably isn't getting enough in return.

 

I think the Cubs are giving up too many future arms and the Braves aren't getting enough to help them right now.

 

Also, would Tampa want Laroche?

 

How about:

 

Cubs get A Jones.

Tampa gets Davies, Saltamalaccia, and Prior.

Braves get Baldelli, E. Patterson, and Ohman.

 

They were only giving up 4 of their top 10 prospects, and best 2 arms! I was thinking something with Prior, but was thinking he would have to go to the Braves.

[RichHillIsABeast]

I'd rather keep the young talent. The Cubs just spent out the backside in FA to keep our young guys. Switching strategies mid-stream is a good way to end up with a horrible team in '09 and beyond (backloaded contracts and little quality ML ready talent in the pipeline).

 

A. Jones is a good player, but he's not the right fit for us, especially with Pie looking to man CF for years to come.

 

Andruw Jones is a PERFECT fit for us. Jacque Jones will be finishing up his contract about the time Pie is ready.

 

What's that based on? A few WL ABs?

 

His defense is more than ML ready. His basestealing seems to have really come around. He's shown the ability to hit the ball throughout his minor league career. WL statistical performance for hitters doesn't impress me, although it's always preferable to see a guy have success in the offseason.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

What about:

 

Laroche, C. James, and Moore to TB.

A Jones to Chicago

Baldelli, Gallagher, E. Patterson, and Veal to Atlanta

 

 

naw, Atlanta probably isn't getting enough in return.

 

I think the Cubs are giving up too many future arms and the Braves aren't getting enough to help them right now.

 

Also, would Tampa want Laroche?

 

How about:

 

Cubs get A Jones.

Tampa gets Davies, Saltamalaccia, and Prior.

Braves get Baldelli, E. Patterson, and Ohman.

 

They were only giving up 4 of their top 10 prospects, and best 2 arms! I was thinking something with Prior, but was thinking he would have to go to the Braves.

 

You're right. In looking at my proposal again, the Braves aren't getting enough in return for Jones, Davies, and Salty.

 

The Cubs would likely need to toss some more to the Braves or else Prior goes to the Braves and another prospect, maybe Marshall or Guzman moves to the Rays.

[Abe Frohman]

What about:

 

Laroche, C. James, and Moore to TB.

A Jones to Chicago

Baldelli, Gallagher, E. Patterson, and Veal to Atlanta

 

 

naw, Atlanta probably isn't getting enough in return.

 

I doubt Tampa Bay will be in need of any help at 3B with Evan Longoria ripping up the Minor Leagues last summer.

 

 

 

What's that based on? A few WL ABs?

 

His defense is more than ML ready. His basestealing seems to have really come around. He's shown the ability to hit the ball throughout his minor league career. WL statistical performance for hitters doesn't impress me, although it's always preferable to see a guy have success in the offseason.

 

That is pretty much based on Felix Pie's entire professional career. The kid has ALL the tools, but little plate discipline. He is not ready to hit in the Major Leagues now, and likely won't be ready for at least another year.

 

SO, let him develope in AA and AAA next year, with a cup of coffee - then see how he can learn to turn around the BB/K ratio a little bit. That being said, I am sure he will probably play at least half the season in Chicago in 2007 - but I think it is obvious that Pie has some maturing to do with the bat.

[davearm]

ATL needs a replacement for AJones, and bullpen help.

TB needs young arms.

Cubs need a CF.

 

ATL: Baldelli, Ohman

TB: Marshall + Guzman/Marmol/Gallagher/Veal

Cubs: AJones

 

Getting Baldelli and Ohman for AJones seems decent, with Jones' FA only a year out.

 

TB is freeing up their OF logjam a bit, and getting 2 quality ML-ready (or near ready) arms.

 

Cubs dip into their pool of young pitching for another impact bat.

 

Then turn around and deal Jacque Jones for prospect(s) to replenish the minor league pitching depth a bit.

[nilodnayr]

What about:

 

Laroche, C. James, and Moore to TB.

A Jones to Chicago

Baldelli, Gallagher, E. Patterson, and Veal to Atlanta

 

 

naw, Atlanta probably isn't getting enough in return.

 

I doubt Tampa Bay will be in need of any help at 3B with Evan Longoria ripping up the Minor Leagues last summer.

 

 

 

What's that based on? A few WL ABs?

 

His defense is more than ML ready. His basestealing seems to have really come around. He's shown the ability to hit the ball throughout his minor league career. WL statistical performance for hitters doesn't impress me, although it's always preferable to see a guy have success in the offseason.

 

That is pretty much based on Felix Pie's entire professional career. The kid has ALL the tools, but little plate discipline. He is not ready to hit in the Major Leagues now, and likely won't be ready for at least another year.

 

SO, let him develope in AA and AAA next year, with a cup of coffee - then see how he can learn to turn around the BB/K ratio a little bit. That being said, I am sure he will probably play at least half the season in Chicago in 2007 - but I think it is obvious that Pie has some maturing to do with the bat.

 

Pie nearly had a 900 OPS in the second half at AAA last year. Cue the comet graphic..."The more you know".

 

Also, Pie's IsoD is higher than Soriano's.

[nilodnayr]

ATL needs a replacement for AJones, and bullpen help.

TB needs young arms.

Cubs need a CF.

 

ATL: Baldelli, Ohman

TB: Marshall + Guzman/Marmol/Gallagher/Veal

Cubs: AJones

 

Getting Baldelli and Ohman for AJones seems decent, with Jones' FA only a year out.

 

TB is freeing up their OF logjam a bit, and getting 2 quality ML-ready (or near ready) arms.

 

Cubs dip into their pool of young pitching for another impact bat.

 

Then turn around and deal Jacque Jones for prospect(s) to replenish the minor league pitching depth a bit.

 

Thats a worse offer for TB than what they already have on the table from the Braves (Davies and LaRoche).

[Sammy Sofa]

I'd rather keep the young talent. The Cubs just spent out the backside in FA to keep our young guys. Switching strategies mid-stream is a good way to end up with a horrible team in '09 and beyond (backloaded contracts and little quality ML ready talent in the pipeline).

 

A. Jones is a good player, but he's not the right fit for us, especially with Pie looking to man CF for years to come.

 

If traded for wisely, A. Jones makes this team a contender NOW, playing any of the OF positions. Pie is still a huge gamble. CF is a gaping hole on this team right now, and they need another big hitter desperately.

[davearm]

ATL needs a replacement for AJones, and bullpen help.

TB needs young arms.

Cubs need a CF.

 

ATL: Baldelli, Ohman

TB: Marshall + Guzman/Marmol/Gallagher/Veal

Cubs: AJones

 

Getting Baldelli and Ohman for AJones seems decent, with Jones' FA only a year out.

 

TB is freeing up their OF logjam a bit, and getting 2 quality ML-ready (or near ready) arms.

 

Cubs dip into their pool of young pitching for another impact bat.

 

Then turn around and deal Jacque Jones for prospect(s) to replenish the minor league pitching depth a bit.

 

Thats a worse offer for TB than what they already have on the table from the Braves (Davies and LaRoche).

I don't recall seeing rumors with LaRoche included.

 

I thought the DRays wanted James, and the Braves countered with Davies, to go along with Salty and/or Yunel Escobar.

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061208&content_id=1754894&vkey=hotstove2006&fext=.jsp

 

In this deal I laid out, the DRays get more of what they need most (pitching), and skip on parts they can do without (C, SS).

[nilodnayr]

I'd rather keep the young talent. The Cubs just spent out the backside in FA to keep our young guys. Switching strategies mid-stream is a good way to end up with a horrible team in '09 and beyond (backloaded contracts and little quality ML ready talent in the pipeline).

 

A. Jones is a good player, but he's not the right fit for us, especially with Pie looking to man CF for years to come.

 

If traded for wisely, A. Jones makes this team a contender NOW, playing any of the OF positions. Pie is still a huge gamble. CF is a gaping hole on this team right now, and they need another big hitter desperately.

 

If the cubs were wise they would just platoon Jacque. The difference in the production of a platooned Jacque and Andruw Jones is surely smaller than the value of Pie et al. CF is not a gaping hole on this team, SS is.

[goonys evil twin]

I'd rather keep the young talent. The Cubs just spent out the backside in FA to keep our young guys. Switching strategies mid-stream is a good way to end up with a horrible team in '09 and beyond (backloaded contracts and little quality ML ready talent in the pipeline).

 

A. Jones is a good player, but he's not the right fit for us, especially with Pie looking to man CF for years to come.

 

If traded for wisely, A. Jones makes this team a contender NOW, playing any of the OF positions. Pie is still a huge gamble. CF is a gaping hole on this team right now, and they need another big hitter desperately.

 

I understand the "hold onto the prospects to ease the pain of the backloaded contracts theory", I just don't think it means they have to hold onto everybody. At some point, I think it's perfectly fine to "switch strategies" and trade for some talent instead of just signing it. And as mojo pointed out, this team is built to win now, but they are still in need of another player to make it likely they win now.

 

I would be perfectly fine with a trade of multiple prospects for an impact player, and I do not think that would make it impossible to field a good team in '09 and beyond. First of all, Wilken should continue that inflow of talent. He's got 2 more drafts before the '09 season, and they can sign young foreign players as well. The talent pipeline is not going to dry up because of one big trade today. I'd much rather trade multiple prospects for an impact player today, than occasionally trading away 1 or 2 at a time, or losing 1 or 2 to rule 5, to keep getting mediocre players.

[RichHillIsABeast]

I'd rather keep the young talent. The Cubs just spent out the backside in FA to keep our young guys. Switching strategies mid-stream is a good way to end up with a horrible team in '09 and beyond (backloaded contracts and little quality ML ready talent in the pipeline).

 

A. Jones is a good player, but he's not the right fit for us, especially with Pie looking to man CF for years to come.

 

If traded for wisely, A. Jones makes this team a contender NOW, playing any of the OF positions. Pie is still a huge gamble. CF is a gaping hole on this team right now, and they need another big hitter desperately.

 

Jones in CF doesn't make this team a contender. The only thing that will make us a contender are the successes of Hill and Prior. A CF, even one as good as Jones, doesn't make enough of a difference offensively to overcome a rotation of 1 ace, a #3 (Lilly), and some veteran projects (Marquis and Miller).