Zambrano traded to Marlins for Chris Volstad (P. 8)

[EhDubya]

 

I thought when they drafted DeVoss they kind of hinted they want to introduce Figgins type athletes/players into the system.

 

I thought when they drafted Baez they kind of hinted they want to introduce Hanley Ramirez type athletes/players into the system. I thought when they drafted Vogelbach they kind of hinted they want to introduce Fielder type athletes/players into the system. I thought when they drafted Sczuzr they kind of hinted they want to introduce Pierre type athletes/players into the system. I thought when they drafted Maples they kind of hinted they want to introduce Halladay type athletes/players into the system. etc.

 

That was useful and necessary. Juan Pierre?

 

My point being, DeVoss was 1 pick out of dozens. Just because he fits a certain mold doesn't mean the organization is looking for that specific type of player across the board. And of course the Pierre bit was a joke (I can admit it, why can't you Keith?).

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

My point being, DeVoss was 1 pick out of dozens. Just because he fits a certain mold doesn't mean the organization is looking for that specific type of player across the board. And of course the Pierre bit was a joke (I can admit it, why can't you Keith?).

 

Not to be a dick, but how is that a point? Who said anything about Figgins being the only type?

[EhDubya]

Ok, so my point was that the Cubs drafted a guy who they thought could be a good player, and I think you are reading too much into it. I doubt Wilken and scouts sat around a table and said, "let's get Figgins-type players in our system, this guy DeVoss fits that bill, draft him!" anymore than they said the same about Fielder/Vogelbach-type athletes.

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

Ok, so my point was that the Cubs drafted a guy who they thought could be a good player, and I think you are reading too much into it. I doubt Wilken and scouts sat around a table and said, "let's get Figgins-type players in our system, this guy DeVoss fits that bill, draft him!" anymore than they said the same about Fielder/Vogelbach-type athletes.

 

That actually seems like a perfectly viable thought process for them to have on draft day. I don't think it was an accident that Vogelbach was drafted by the Cubs in the same year that Prince Fielder will be a FA either. It's just bringing in multiple types of skillsets and talents into the system, and I find it hard to believe they're just bumbling and fumbling their way around who they want to bring in nowadays.

[Backtobanks]

From MLBTR:

 

•The Indians are facing an offseason of difficult decisions, writes Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. With basically the same roster, the Tribe's payroll would jump from $49MM in 2011 to roughly $70MM next season, explains Hoynes. Several key players like Shin-Soo Choo, Justin Masterson, Chris Perez and Asdrubal Cabrera will be eligible for arbitration, and the Indians own options on Grady Sizemore ($9MM) and Fausto Carmona ($7MM).

 

If the Indians pick up the options on Sizemore ($9 million) and Carmona ($7 million), maybe a deal could be worked out centered around Zambrano + $$$ for Sizemore + Carmona. Indians would get some salary relief and a pitcher to replace Carmona, while the Cubs solve the Zambrano issue with Carmona as #4 or #5 starter and a lot of hoping Sizemore can still walk. Obviously, there might need to be some tweaking with other players involved. Not a perfect solution, but it's better than the other options I've seen mentioned.

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

I'd rather see what they want for Choo or Masterson. Sizemore might not be a bad cheap FA buy if he can pass the med tests.

[Backtobanks]

I'd rather see what they want for Choo or Masterson. Sizemore might not be a bad cheap FA buy if he can pass the med tests.

 

I'd rather have Choo or Masterson too, but the point of the trade proposal was salary dumps on both sides. I think Choo is pretty much "untouchable" and Masterson is a good young pitcher making the minimum, so I don't see a way of involving Zambrano in a trade for either one of them.

[davearm2]

I'd rather see what they want for Choo or Masterson. Sizemore might not be a bad cheap FA buy if he can pass the med tests.

 

I'd rather have Choo or Masterson too, but the point of the trade proposal was salary dumps on both sides. I think Choo is pretty much "untouchable" and Masterson is a good young pitcher making the minimum, so I don't see a way of involving Zambrano in a trade for either one of them.

If the Indians wanted to dump those salaries, wouldn't they just decline the options?

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

I'd rather see what they want for Choo or Masterson. Sizemore might not be a bad cheap FA buy if he can pass the med tests.

 

I'd rather have Choo or Masterson too, but the point of the trade proposal was salary dumps on both sides. I think Choo is pretty much "untouchable" and Masterson is a good young pitcher making the minimum, so I don't see a way of involving Zambrano in a trade for either one of them.

 

No Z. Just looking at their more worthwhile players. I'm not much of a Carmona fan and Sizemore probably hits FA.

[biittner77]

Which would be a worse PR move for the Indians: releasing Sizemore or trading him for Zambrano? Wasn't Sizemore the face of the franchise not too long ago?

[Backtobanks]

Which would be a worse PR move for the Indians: releasing Sizemore or trading him for Zambrano? Wasn't Sizemore the face of the franchise not too long ago?

 

If I were GM looking for a good deal on a pitcher, I would certainly inquire about Zambrano. You would have all of the leverage in the deal and would be getting a solid #3 or #4 starter. A change of scenary with a manager and front office that are more strict, combined with lower expectations, could result in a rebound year. With the Cubs probably eating 70% or more of his contract, it would seem to be a low risk/high reward possibility.

[Backtobanks]

How about Zambrano + $15 million to the Orioles for Guthrie and Chris Davis. Davis gets a shot at 3B (assuming we don't re-sign Ramirez) and Guthrie adds depth to the back of the rotation.

[Little Slide Rooter]

Which would be a worse PR move for the Indians: releasing Sizemore or trading him for Zambrano? Wasn't Sizemore the face of the franchise not too long ago?

 

Yeah, but so were CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee, and Victor Martinez.

 

I think that Sizemore could be had for a package revolving around Z as long as were paying a huge chunk of Zs bill. The Indians definitely have their share of holes, so a deal could be very strikeable.

 

Z isn't an ace, and probably never will be but he'd be a great 3-4 guy in most big league rotations as long as he can keep his head on straight. Maybe a smaller market team would do him good. As long as the Cubs are wiling to pick up 75-90% of the bill somebody should bit and give us something of some degree of value in return.

[biittner77]

How about Zambrano + $15 million to the Orioles for Guthrie and Chris Davis. Davis gets a shot at 3B (assuming we don't re-sign Ramirez) and Guthrie adds depth to the back of the rotation.

 

That seems plausible. It seems like the franchise is just about ready to give up on Guthrie.

[jersey cubs fan]

Has it ever come out that something more happened besides what was reported? Because for the life of me I don't understand how that was a "can no longer be a part of this organization" offense. It's just so ineffective to force yourself to trade a guy.

[Magnetic Curses]

Has it ever come out that something more happened besides what was reported? Because for the life of me I don't understand how that was a "can no longer be a part of this organization" offense. It's just so ineffective to force yourself to trade a guy.

 

wasn't it hendry that said that? i'm hoping that with both hendry and quade done, we at least give him the chance to come back and create a little more leverage for a trade.

[jersey cubs fan]

Has it ever come out that something more happened besides what was reported? Because for the life of me I don't understand how that was a "can no longer be a part of this organization" offense. It's just so ineffective to force yourself to trade a guy.

 

wasn't it hendry that said that? i'm hoping that with both hendry and quade done, we at least give him the chance to come back and create a little more leverage for a trade.

 

Ricketts has all but ruled out any chance of keeping Zambrano.

[Little Slide Rooter]

Has it ever come out that something more happened besides what was reported? Because for the life of me I don't understand how that was a "can no longer be a part of this organization" offense. It's just so ineffective to force yourself to trade a guy.

 

I think it was more of a straw that broke the camels back thing than just that offense.

 

Considering that it's the last year of his contract and then the 8 mil buyout option, I personally think it would be foolish to trade him for nothing, as if he's ever going to pitch like the ace he paid to be, next year would be it. He's got a lot riding on 2012.

[Magnetic Curses]

Has it ever come out that something more happened besides what was reported? Because for the life of me I don't understand how that was a "can no longer be a part of this organization" offense. It's just so ineffective to force yourself to trade a guy.

 

wasn't it hendry that said that? i'm hoping that with both hendry and quade done, we at least give him the chance to come back and create a little more leverage for a trade.

 

Ricketts has all but ruled out any chance of keeping Zambrano.

 

i really hope ricketts isn't planning on running the team.

[CubColtPacer]

Has it ever come out that something more happened besides what was reported? Because for the life of me I don't understand how that was a "can no longer be a part of this organization" offense. It's just so ineffective to force yourself to trade a guy.

 

wasn't it hendry that said that? i'm hoping that with both hendry and quade done, we at least give him the chance to come back and create a little more leverage for a trade.

 

Ricketts has all but ruled out any chance of keeping Zambrano.

 

i really hope ricketts isn't planning on running the team.

 

I can't see a new GM sticking out his neck to keep Zambrano. There's so little upside for a guy who had his worst strikeout rate, worst K/BB rate, worst HR rate, second worst LD percentage, and worst swinging strike percentage of his career this year. And with his history, it could very well be arm related damage and not just an off year. If there was potential for Z to be still be great, then maybe he thinks about it. But when you're hoping for acceptable and could take a big PR hit in year 1 if it doesn't work, then there just isn't a big reason for a GM to fight to keep him.

[jersey cubs fan]

I can't see a new GM sticking out his neck to keep Zambrano. There's so little upside for a guy who had his worst strikeout rate, worst K/BB rate, worst HR rate, second worst LD percentage, and worst swinging strike percentage of his career this year. And with his history, it could very well be arm related damage and not just an off year. If there was potential for Z to be still be great, then maybe he thinks about it. But when you're hoping for acceptable and could take a big PR hit in year 1 if it doesn't work, then there just isn't a big reason for a GM to fight to keep him.

 

You don't have to fight to keep a guy under contract that is hard to trade. You tell your owner you gave it the old college try but did not feel comfortable with any offers and would feel more comfortable to try and make it work with him than dump him. The Cubs already suck and will have a tough time to be good next year. Letting Ramirez walk and paying Zambrano to go away is just going to make it harder to conted next season.

[Post Count Padder]

How about Zambrano + $15 million to the Orioles for Guthrie and Chris Davis. Davis gets a shot at 3B (assuming we don't re-sign Ramirez) and Guthrie adds depth to the back of the rotation.

 

That seems plausible. It seems like the franchise is just about ready to give up on Guthrie.

Red Sox are desperate for pitching; just tried to pry Chris Capuano away from the Mets. They'd probably insist we take Lackey from them, though.

[Little Slide Rooter]

How about Zambrano + $15 million to the Orioles for Guthrie and Chris Davis. Davis gets a shot at 3B (assuming we don't re-sign Ramirez) and Guthrie adds depth to the back of the rotation.

 

That seems plausible. It seems like the franchise is just about ready to give up on Guthrie.

Red Sox are desperate for pitching; just tried to pry Chris Capuano away from the Mets. They'd probably insist we take Lackey from them, though.

 

The Red Sox want pitching now, as a 1 week rental basically. not necessarily long term. However, if they were interested, I'd be all for a Beckett/Lackey swap. Of course if Z isn't too keen on the wrath of the boo birds, Bostons probably not the ideal spot.

[Backtobanks]

I can't see a new GM sticking out his neck to keep Zambrano. There's so little upside for a guy who had his worst strikeout rate, worst K/BB rate, worst HR rate, second worst LD percentage, and worst swinging strike percentage of his career this year. And with his history, it could very well be arm related damage and not just an off year. If there was potential for Z to be still be great, then maybe he thinks about it. But when you're hoping for acceptable and could take a big PR hit in year 1 if it doesn't work, then there just isn't a big reason for a GM to fight to keep him.

 

You don't have to fight to keep a guy under contract that is hard to trade. You tell your owner you gave it the old college try but did not feel comfortable with any offers and would feel more comfortable to try and make it work with him than dump him. The Cubs already suck and will have a tough time to be good next year. Letting Ramirez walk and paying Zambrano to go away is just going to make it harder to conted next season.

 

As I've posted before, the Cubs have no leverage in this situation, but I can't believe some other team doesn't want to take a chance on him as a #3 or #4 starter with the Cubs footing most of the bill.

[jersey cubs fan]

I can't see a new GM sticking out his neck to keep Zambrano. There's so little upside for a guy who had his worst strikeout rate, worst K/BB rate, worst HR rate, second worst LD percentage, and worst swinging strike percentage of his career this year. And with his history, it could very well be arm related damage and not just an off year. If there was potential for Z to be still be great, then maybe he thinks about it. But when you're hoping for acceptable and could take a big PR hit in year 1 if it doesn't work, then there just isn't a big reason for a GM to fight to keep him.

 

You don't have to fight to keep a guy under contract that is hard to trade. You tell your owner you gave it the old college try but did not feel comfortable with any offers and would feel more comfortable to try and make it work with him than dump him. The Cubs already suck and will have a tough time to be good next year. Letting Ramirez walk and paying Zambrano to go away is just going to make it harder to conted next season.

 

As I've posted before, the Cubs have no leverage in this situation, but I can't believe some other team doesn't want to take a chance on him as a #3 or #4 starter with the Cubs footing most of the bill.

 

I'm sure multiple teams would love to have him for nothing. That doesn't help the Cubs though.