Oswalt requests trade...

[dew1679666265]

If I am the Nationals I would hold off from making any major trades this season. This is not your season, you ain't going to win anything but maybe supports from the fans. 2011 should be your target year.

 

The last time the Nationals were in this position they were still called the Expos. They foolishly acquire Cliff Floyd and Bartolo Colon for Carl Pavano, Grady Sizemore, Cliff Lee and Brandon Phillips. None of those players may not have been with the Nationals today, but they would have been in the organization long enough for the Nationals to not have been as crappy as they have been.

 

They shouldn't overpay, but if they can get Oswalt in a reasonable deal, they ought to jump on it. If 2011 is the target year, Oswalt is under contract for that season – plus a club option in 2012 – and would make a nice anchor to their rotation – along with Strasburg, assumedly.

[KaiserCesar]

If I am the Nationals I would hold off from making any major trades this season. This is not your season, you ain't going to win anything but maybe supports from the fans. 2011 should be your target year.

 

The last time the Nationals were in this position they were still called the Expos. They foolishly acquire Cliff Floyd and Bartolo Colon for Carl Pavano, Grady Sizemore, Cliff Lee and Brandon Phillips. None of those players may not have been with the Nationals today, but they would have been in the organization long enough for the Nationals to not have been as crappy as they have been.

 

Strasburg will be a huge addition for them, without a trade, so they are most likely going to get better this year and be in contention for a good part of the season. Not to mention Marquis who could be an improvement over the guys in the back end of the rotation. They could really use another powerful outfielder if they got serious, which would be a cheaper acquisition than Oswalt, in terms of $$ and prospects.

[RedFlash]

They shouldn't overpay, but if they can get Oswalt in a reasonable deal, they ought to jump on it. If 2011 is the target year, Oswalt is under contract for that season – plus a club option in 2012 – and would make a nice anchor to their rotation – along with Strasburg, assumedly.

 

That's the problem, the Astros' owner is going to want a Peavy like package for Oswalt. I could see the Stros asking for both Derek Norris and Chris Marrero (who would be Berkman's replacement at 1st) and then 2 pitching prospects. To me, that would be too high of a price. If the Nationals want to acquire Oswalt, wait till the offseason.

[Outshined_One]

Heck, I don't think anyone in the system should be off-limits in a trade for Oswalt.

 

Would you trade Castro for Oswalt straight up? At this point I wouldn't trade Castro for anyone not named Pujols, H. Ramirez, Howard, Lincecum, or Halladay. There are probably a few more, but Oswalt isn't one of them.

 

I'd seriously consider it, especially depending on how willing Houston was to pay part of his contract or kick back another piece or two in exchange for Castro. If the trade was Oswalt for Castro straight up, I'd probably say no.

[dew1679666265]

They shouldn't overpay, but if they can get Oswalt in a reasonable deal, they ought to jump on it. If 2011 is the target year, Oswalt is under contract for that season – plus a club option in 2012 – and would make a nice anchor to their rotation – along with Strasburg, assumedly.

 

That's the problem, the Astros' owner is going to want a Peavy like package for Oswalt. I could see the Stros asking for both Derek Norris and Chris Marrero (who would be Berkman's replacement at 1st) and then 2 pitching prospects. To me, that would be too high of a price. If the Nationals want to acquire Oswalt, wait till the offseason.

 

And if they ask for too much then the Nats shouldn't go for the trade. But as I said, if they have a chance to acquire him at a reasonable price then they ought to jump at the chance.

[dew1679666265]

Heck, I don't think anyone in the system should be off-limits in a trade for Oswalt.

 

Would you trade Castro for Oswalt straight up? At this point I wouldn't trade Castro for anyone not named Pujols, H. Ramirez, Howard, Lincecum, or Halladay. There are probably a few more, but Oswalt isn't one of them.

 

I'd seriously consider it, especially depending on how willing Houston was to pay part of his contract or kick back another piece or two in exchange for Castro. If the trade was Oswalt for Castro straight up, I'd probably say no.

 

I just don't see why you'd do that. Oswalt is a very good pitcher, but he'll be 33 this year and the most you'd get from him is two more seasons. I just don't think I'd give the potential for 10+ very good to great years of Castro/Cashner/etc for a couple more seasons of very good, but high priced Oswalt.

[evv98]

Heck, I don't think anyone in the system should be off-limits in a trade for Oswalt.

 

Would you trade Castro for Oswalt straight up? At this point I wouldn't trade Castro for anyone not named Pujols, H. Ramirez, Howard, Lincecum, or Halladay. There are probably a few more, but Oswalt isn't one of them.

 

I'd seriously consider it, especially depending on how willing Houston was to pay part of his contract or kick back another piece or two in exchange for Castro. If the trade was Oswalt for Castro straight up, I'd probably say no.

 

I just don't see why you'd do that. Oswalt is a very good pitcher, but he'll be 33 this year and the most you'd get from him is two more seasons. I just don't think I'd give the potential for 10+ very good to great years of Castro/Cashner/etc for a couple more seasons of very good, but high priced Oswalt.

 

You can never say never. If the Cubs were just one piece away from being a serious World Series contender, and that one piece was an All-Star caliber starting pitcher, then the deal would have to be considered. It would be like the Brewer/Sabathia deal except you would have three cracks at the World Series with Oswalt instead of just one.

 

With the construction of the current Cub squad though, you would have to pass on the deal.

[dew1679666265]

Heck, I don't think anyone in the system should be off-limits in a trade for Oswalt.

 

Would you trade Castro for Oswalt straight up? At this point I wouldn't trade Castro for anyone not named Pujols, H. Ramirez, Howard, Lincecum, or Halladay. There are probably a few more, but Oswalt isn't one of them.

 

I'd seriously consider it, especially depending on how willing Houston was to pay part of his contract or kick back another piece or two in exchange for Castro. If the trade was Oswalt for Castro straight up, I'd probably say no.

 

I just don't see why you'd do that. Oswalt is a very good pitcher, but he'll be 33 this year and the most you'd get from him is two more seasons. I just don't think I'd give the potential for 10+ very good to great years of Castro/Cashner/etc for a couple more seasons of very good, but high priced Oswalt.

 

You can never say never. If the Cubs were just one piece away from being a serious World Series contender, and that one piece was an All-Star caliber starting pitcher, then the deal would have to be considered. It would be like the Brewer/Sabathia deal except you would have three cracks at the World Series with Oswalt instead of just one.

 

With the construction of the current Cub squad though, you would have to pass on the deal.

 

Yeah, I meant in consideration of this year's team. Even still, unless I was absolutely certain Castro for Oswalt would bring us a title, I'd struggle to ok the trade.

[17 Seconds]

OH NO! NOT HIS ERA! Better not bother checking anything else out.

 

Stop pretending like ERA doesn't matter. If we're examining four seasons of stats, it's a valid way of arguing a pitcher's decline.

 

no it's not. pretty much every other stat has been pretty consistent over that period.

[Outshined_One]

I just don't see why you'd do that. Oswalt is a very good pitcher, but he'll be 33 this year and the most you'd get from him is two more seasons. I just don't think I'd give the potential for 10+ very good to great years of Castro/Cashner/etc for a couple more seasons of very good, but high priced Oswalt.

 

That's the primary reason why I'd have to stop and think about a swap like Cashner for Oswalt or Castro for Oswalt. As things stand now, I don't think the Cubs have any prospects who are surefire very good players. I really like Cashner and Castro, but the fact is, prospects are an incredibly risky proposition and all of the guys in the Cubs' system have serious questions surrounding their futures. Moreover, it is really speculative to say that those guys will be with the Cubs for 10+ years, much less be very good to great for the Cubs over that stretch.

 

While Oswalt comes with his own risks, they are not nearly as serious as Castro or Cashner. We have a pretty good idea of what to expect of him for the next few years. Moreover, he's being paid roughly market price for that production. Regardless of the Cubs' current rotation, it can always improve. I don't think Carlos Silva will continue pitching like he has so far. Ted Lilly will be a free agent after this season. The Cubs still have an outside shot at the playoffs for 2010, but a rotation with Oswalt in it would drastically improve the Cubs' chances of contending in 2011 and 2012. Moreover, it would allow the Cubs flexibility with their in-house pitching in terms of trades and the bullpen.

 

However, the critical point that would keep me from pulling the trigger would be this:

 

With the construction of the current Cub squad though, you would have to pass on the deal.

 

Between escalating contracts, key players becoming free agents, and possible salary cuts from the new ownership (not saying it will happen, but I wouldn't discount it), I have trouble seeing this team as a WS contender in 2011, even with Oswalt.

[17 Seconds]

i would not waste any assets (especially guys like cash, castro, the jacksons, etc) on any starting pitcher right now... and especially not on a rental of an older pitcher.

 

we're looking set with starting pitching for at least next year. zambrano, dempster, wells, silva, cashner, gorz, marshall, jay jackson, etc.

 

some of those guys are obviously suspect and could suck, but i think it's a pretty safe bet that we'll be able to put together a solid rotation out of those guys next season

[davell]

The market has changed over the last few seasons as far as trading goes. I think some of you will be surprised what Oswalt brings in return. With the money he's owed, it eliminates quite a few teams from even looking his way. And I don't see the Astros sending money in the deal either, so they won't be maximizing their return. I think they get something in the middle of the package it took to land Peavy and the one that it took to land Cliff Lee.

[dew1679666265]

That's the primary reason why I'd have to stop and think about a swap like Cashner for Oswalt or Castro for Oswalt. As things stand now, I don't think the Cubs have any prospects who are surefire very good players. I really like Cashner and Castro, but the fact is, prospects are an incredibly risky proposition and all of the guys in the Cubs' system have serious questions surrounding their futures. Moreover, it is really speculative to say that those guys will be with the Cubs for 10+ years, much less be very good to great for the Cubs over that stretch.

 

While Oswalt comes with his own risks, they are not nearly as serious as Castro or Cashner. We have a pretty good idea of what to expect of him for the next few years. Moreover, he's being paid roughly market price for that production. Regardless of the Cubs' current rotation, it can always improve. I don't think Carlos Silva will continue pitching like he has so far. Ted Lilly will be a free agent after this season. The Cubs still have an outside shot at the playoffs for 2010, but a rotation with Oswalt in it would drastically improve the Cubs' chances of contending in 2011 and 2012. Moreover, it would allow the Cubs flexibility with their in-house pitching in terms of trades and the bullpen.

 

I get the general philosophy that a very good veteran is much more sure-fire production than a prospect and generally I'd at least consider a trade like that, but I don't think this team needs to add that kind of payroll if it means giving away potential cheap production that either is helping this year (Castro) or is likely to contribute next year (Cashner).

 

This comment from you:

Between escalating contracts, key players becoming free agents, and possible salary cuts from the new ownership (not saying it will happen, but I wouldn't discount it), I have trouble seeing this team as a WS contender in 2011, even with Oswalt.

is the reason I wouldn't even consider that type of trade this year.

 

And I'm not arguing that Oswalt is overpaid, just that he's got a large salary – one that would make it difficult to improve in other areas (the offense) in the offseason.

[hardcorecubfan]

Things like this scare me. Hendry is stupid enough to part with a few prospects for a guy who is past his prime and won't do much to improve this team. Stay far away, Jim.

 

Really? He's a 32 year old who's having one of the best seasons of his career. Plus, he's only under contract through 2011 (with a 2012 $16m option/$2m buyout). I know he wants to be traded to a contender, which likely rules the Cubs out, but if Hendry has an opportunity to get Oswalt in a fair deal, he should take it. Heck, I don't think anyone in the system should be off-limits in a trade for Oswalt.

 

I disagree. What's the point? Oswalt is a good pitcher, and if we needed a starter I'd be all for this, but starting pitching isn't our problem. We have aging corner infielders and our bullpen outside of Marmol or Marshall couldn't get me out most days. I don't know if trading a Jackson or Castro (he's still a prospect even though he's up) is worth it for a pitcher who likely won't fix what's wrong with this team.

That's just it one year left on the contract so it wouldn't be a major investment and then any of the starting pitcher if we don't come around come late July could be traded for a corner infielder.

[sneakypower]

oh, Steve Phillips

 

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2010/05/steve_phillips_nats_should_tra.html

 

"You think he will? I don't know that," Phillips countered. "And even if he is, if I think that I want Roy Oswalt to help me win this year, you know what? I'm one of the guys, I make that deal (giving up Strasburg)

[RedFlash]

oh, Steve Phillips

 

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2010/05/steve_phillips_nats_should_tra.html

 

"You think he will? I don't know that," Phillips countered. "And even if he is, if I think that I want Roy Oswalt to help me win this year, you know what? I'm one of the guys, I make that deal (giving up Strasburg)

 

OMG. Nobody in their right friggin' mind would even offrer Strasburg for Oswalt, much less trade him. But then again Phillips isn't in his right mind. This is why Phillips will never get another GM job, because this is an epic failure on Phillips part.

[davearm2]

Amazing that that entire discussion contained no references to the implications for salary/payroll/years of control.

 

Putting aside for a moment the issue of who would be the better pitcher this season, you would think Phillips would grasp that Oswalt will be paid huge dollars for 1+ years (or 2+ if the option is picked up), while Strasburg will be paid significantly less for 6+ years. That's absolutely huge, obviously.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

remember when he traded Kazmir for Zambrano?

 

somebody had to get it out of the way

[jersey cubs fan]

wrong crappy mets GM

[Guest]

Kazmir's on the Angels. I.....would not have guessed that.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

wrong crappy mets GM

I know, just being proactive.

[RedFlash]

Phillips once acquire Jason Bay for Lou Collier, but that good move was counter later that year when Phillips sent Bay to San Diego for Steve Reed. Not to mention Phillips also offered up Jose Reyes to the Indians as part of a package for Roberto Alomar, Indians wanted Alex Escobar. Ha. To top that bonehead almost decision, Phillips also offered David Wright to Toronto for Jose Cruz, Jr, only for Riccardi to save Phillips from his own stupidity, by declining that deal. No wonder Phillips hasn't gotten a call to be a GM since being fired from the Mets in 2003.

[JonJayCutler]

OH NO! NOT HIS ERA! Better not bother checking anything else out.

 

Stop pretending like ERA doesn't matter. If we're examining four seasons of stats, it's a valid way of arguing a pitcher's decline.

 

no it's not. pretty much every other stat has been pretty consistent over that period.

 

Like what, WHIP? WHIP doesn't always tell the whole story either (Example: If you allow a line drive triple off the wall it counts the same as an infield single). His homers allowed have increased the past two seasons, and he is obviously not stranding as many runners on base. Both of those things matter.

[davearm2]

Phillips once acquire Jason Bay for Lou Collier, but that good move was counter later that year when Phillips sent Bay to San Diego for Steve Reed. Not to mention Phillips also offered up Jose Reyes to the Indians as part of a package for Roberto Alomar, Indians wanted Alex Escobar. Ha. To top that bonehead almost decision, Phillips also offered David Wright to Toronto for Jose Cruz, Jr, only for Riccardi to save Phillips from his own stupidity, by declining that deal. No wonder Phillips hasn't gotten a call to be a GM since being fired from the Mets in 2003.

It should go without saying that in any trade involving prospects, both teams are taking a calculated risk.

 

I have no intention of examining his record, and I'm not trying to defend the guy, but I'm sure one could point to a bunch of trades in which Phillips dealt away guys that never did anything in the bigleagues.

 

So in the end the only way to avoid trading away the next David Wright or Jason Bay is never to trade prospects at all.

[daske17]

Phillips once acquire Jason Bay for Lou Collier, but that good move was counter later that year when Phillips sent Bay to San Diego for Steve Reed. Not to mention Phillips also offered up Jose Reyes to the Indians as part of a package for Roberto Alomar, Indians wanted Alex Escobar. Ha. To top that bonehead almost decision, Phillips also offered David Wright to Toronto for Jose Cruz, Jr, only for Riccardi to save Phillips from his own stupidity, by declining that deal. No wonder Phillips hasn't gotten a call to be a GM since being fired from the Mets in 2003.

 

Wait, who's the bigger idiot. Phillips for offering Wright or Riccardi for not taking him?

 

Phillips also hasn't gotten a call to be a GM because he loves tapping that sweet ESPN intern action.