Offseason Rumors & Transactions Thread

[Little Slide Rooter]

@Rotoworld_BB: Phillies show interest in lefty Travis Wood - Travis Wood | CHC http://t.co/aHtiIU6auY

 

I'm just going to say this, and everybody's going to hate it, but that's never stopped me before; Dom Brown?

 

Would 1 year of Wood, in which he's not even guaranteed a rotation spot be worth a fading glimmer of hope?

[Hairyducked Idiot]

No, because in order to have that faint glimmer of hope, you have to give him playing time, and he's not worth the playing time. I wouldn't take Brown for free.

[RynoRules]

With being terrible?

 

ETA: This was for Davebot

 

With understanding that hockey is terrible.

 

 

Hockey isn't terrible, now the NBA is hot garbage.

 

I find it funny that people that hate hockey find the NBA entertaining. Its like the people who hate an unknown Italian bistro but love Olive Garden.

 

This. The NBA has basically become a tennis match between star players (small minority of teams excepted). Half the guys only try half the time.

[Guest]

With being terrible?

 

ETA: This was for Davebot

 

With understanding that hockey is terrible.

 

 

Hockey isn't terrible, now the NBA is hot garbage.

 

I find it funny that people that hate hockey find the NBA entertaining. Its like the people who hate an unknown Italian bistro but love Olive Garden.

 

Nope nope nope

[Thrilho]

I know moving parts and all, but I don't see the need to give up top prospect(s) for a SS (no matter how good he is) that is the biggest injury risk of position players in baseball. Plus, isn't Tulo a better defensive SS than Castro, Baez and probably Russell? Seems like everyone else would move for him, though I do admit it could be an Arod/Jeter thing, where Tulo goes to 3B because of size more than anything else.

 

I'm with you. I'm not pining to trade any of these guys, but relative to the other veteran "big bat" names that are popping up I'm looking for a guy who fits into one of these categories:

 

1. A 3+ WAR type player on a 3+ year deal, if we're talking about moving one of the big 4

 

2. Could play CF, allowing the Cubs a year to see what they've got in Baez and Russell, and Bryant.

 

3. Is a one year rental LF who doesn't cost any of the big 4.

 

So guys like Alex Gordon or Upton would be great, but I wouldn't trade any of the big 4. Carl Crawford wouldn't work for me because he's pretty mediocre, old, and has a fairly long contract. CarGo is a maybe if it takes Baez to get him.

 

Tulo would give near MVP numbers for the next couple years and tail off/move to third as the other guys are hitting their prime. His addition could put the Cubs around 90 projected wins for 2015, using Fangraphs projections. He doesn't lock Bryant into having to play third.

 

Headley would be a similar type get, but then you're guaranteed to have to have to move one of the big 4. At least this way, you move one but get an elite guy back. I'm not pining for the deal, but Rosenthal brought it up and it seems plausible enough to spend some time thinking about.

Edited December 12, 2014 by Thrilho

[RynoRules]

With being terrible?

 

ETA: This was for Davebot

 

With understanding that hockey is terrible.

 

 

Hockey isn't terrible, now the NBA is hot garbage.

 

I find it funny that people that hate hockey find the NBA entertaining. Its like the people who hate an unknown Italian bistro but love Olive Garden.

 

Nope nope nope

 

http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/1057/10579915/2580380-8064419256-23047.jpg

[Guest]

I think we can all agree that the NBA and NHL are both terrible and not worthy of anyone's time.

 

Back to Thrilho's point of thinking out loud, here's a (admittedly homer biased) sequence of events to think about. What if the 'blow the roof off' deal the Nationals were/are working on was Harper and Zimmermann to the Cubs? This is where the homer bias comes in, but I wonder how much you need to add to Soler, Russell, and Alcantara(if they prefer Valbuena he works here too). Alcantara for Zimmermann is not too different than the value Samardzija just fetched in trade. Soler and Russell are Top 10 hitting prospects without major red flags(like Baez or even people who fret about Bryant) and fit Washington's needs well. Soler replaces Harper(and projects to be better than 2014 Harper), and Russell can either wait until Desmond's free agency to take SS or they can accelerate the process by trading Desmond(already rumored), plus Alcantara fits their hole at 2B and could also transition to CF when Span leaves if they're bearish on Souza/Taylor. When it comes to that type of quality and quantity, the Cubs are one of only a few teams that can offer that type of package. LAD and Boston are the only others that come to mind, and while they could certainly find room for Harper, they have way overcrowded outfields as is. Even if you want to play the $/WAR game, Russell + Soler for Harper is a good value even with an optimistic projection for Harper's 4 years of control.

[UMFan83]

With being terrible?

 

ETA: This was for Davebot

 

Can David please change his username to "Davebot"? Pretty please?

[KingCubsFan]

What about Fowler? Can play CF (perhaps not well) or LF, only signed for 1 year, and provides some OBP.

[Deeg]

Soler's injury history is certainly going to be called a red flag by any GM trying to bargain down his trade value.

[Guest]

Soler's injury history is certainly going to be called a red flag by any GM trying to bargain down his trade value.

 

You could say the same for Harper.

[sneakypower]

I think we can all agree that the NBA and NHL are both terrible and not worthy of anyone's time.

 

Back to Thrilho's point of thinking out loud, here's a (admittedly homer biased) sequence of events to think about. What if the 'blow the roof off' deal the Nationals were/are working on was Harper and Zimmermann to the Cubs? This is where the homer bias comes in, but I wonder how much you need to add to Soler, Russell, and Alcantara(if they prefer Valbuena he works here too). Alcantara for Zimmermann is not too different than the value Samardzija just fetched in trade. Soler and Russell are Top 10 hitting prospects without major red flags(like Baez or even people who fret about Bryant) and fit Washington's needs well. Soler replaces Harper(and projects to be better than 2014 Harper), and Russell can either wait until Desmond's free agency to take SS or they can accelerate the process by trading Desmond(already rumored), plus Alcantara fits their hole at 2B and could also transition to CF when Span leaves if they're bearish on Souza/Taylor. When it comes to that type of quality and quantity, the Cubs are one of only a few teams that can offer that type of package. LAD and Boston are the only others that come to mind, and while they could certainly find room for Harper, they have way overcrowded outfields as is. Even if you want to play the $/WAR game, Russell + Soler for Harper is a good value even with an optimistic projection for Harper's 4 years of control.

i don't think i would want to do that trade

[Sammy Sofa]

I think we can all agree that the NBA and NHL are both terrible and not worthy of anyone's time.

 

Back to Thrilho's point of thinking out loud, here's a (admittedly homer biased) sequence of events to think about. What if the 'blow the roof off' deal the Nationals were/are working on was Harper and Zimmermann to the Cubs? This is where the homer bias comes in, but I wonder how much you need to add to Soler, Russell, and Alcantara(if they prefer Valbuena he works here too). Alcantara for Zimmermann is not too different than the value Samardzija just fetched in trade. Soler and Russell are Top 10 hitting prospects without major red flags(like Baez or even people who fret about Bryant) and fit Washington's needs well. Soler replaces Harper(and projects to be better than 2014 Harper), and Russell can either wait until Desmond's free agency to take SS or they can accelerate the process by trading Desmond(already rumored), plus Alcantara fits their hole at 2B and could also transition to CF when Span leaves if they're bearish on Souza/Taylor. When it comes to that type of quality and quantity, the Cubs are one of only a few teams that can offer that type of package. LAD and Boston are the only others that come to mind, and while they could certainly find room for Harper, they have way overcrowded outfields as is. Even if you want to play the $/WAR game, Russell + Soler for Harper is a good value even with an optimistic projection for Harper's 4 years of control.

i don't think i would want to do that trade

 

Yeah, that seems unwise. Swap out one of your two best prospects for one of the Hacksy McHacksalot twins and someone else and I'd be more onboard.

[Gilby]

If we're still looking for a pitcher, what would you guys think of a straight up swap of Valbuena for Fister?

 

The Nats could use a second baseman, so the needs match up here. I don't really want to trade Valbuena, but if he isn't in the long term plans anyway, his value will never be higher than it is now (probably). Luis is under control for two more years compared to Fister's one, but that's evened out by Fister being the better player over the past 2-3 seasons.

 

For me, the biggest downside is likely having to put Bryant on the opening day roster after trading Valbuena. Theo/Jed could use the reason of sending him to Iowa to work on outfield defense if we still had Valbuena (still BS, but more believable), but if third base is WIDE open, no excuse will fly.

 

Thoughts?

[Guest]

I think we can all agree that the NBA and NHL are both terrible and not worthy of anyone's time.

 

Back to Thrilho's point of thinking out loud, here's a (admittedly homer biased) sequence of events to think about. What if the 'blow the roof off' deal the Nationals were/are working on was Harper and Zimmermann to the Cubs? This is where the homer bias comes in, but I wonder how much you need to add to Soler, Russell, and Alcantara(if they prefer Valbuena he works here too). Alcantara for Zimmermann is not too different than the value Samardzija just fetched in trade. Soler and Russell are Top 10 hitting prospects without major red flags(like Baez or even people who fret about Bryant) and fit Washington's needs well. Soler replaces Harper(and projects to be better than 2014 Harper), and Russell can either wait until Desmond's free agency to take SS or they can accelerate the process by trading Desmond(already rumored), plus Alcantara fits their hole at 2B and could also transition to CF when Span leaves if they're bearish on Souza/Taylor. When it comes to that type of quality and quantity, the Cubs are one of only a few teams that can offer that type of package. LAD and Boston are the only others that come to mind, and while they could certainly find room for Harper, they have way overcrowded outfields as is. Even if you want to play the $/WAR game, Russell + Soler for Harper is a good value even with an optimistic projection for Harper's 4 years of control.

i don't think i would want to do that trade

 

Yeah, that seems unwise. Swap out one of your two best prospects for one of the Hacksy McHacksalot twins and someone else and I'd be more onboard.

 

I'd definitely try to make it Baez instead of Russell(and possibly Valbuena instead of Alcantara too), but put the max combo on there to make the conversation less of a pointless "lol nats wood nevah do that" argument. It's definitely a franchise altering trade/gamble.

[Sammy Sofa]

There's zero chance that Bryant is on the opening day roster regardless of what happens to Valbuena.

[Gmoney08]

With being terrible?

 

ETA: This was for Davebot

 

With understanding that hockey is terrible.

 

 

Hockey isn't terrible, now the NBA is hot garbage.

 

I find it funny that people that hate hockey find the NBA entertaining. Its like the people who hate an unknown Italian bistro but love Olive Garden.

 

This. The NBA has basically become a tennis match between star players (small minority of teams excepted). Half the guys only try half the time.

 

I agree. Take me back to the old days when the non superstar fundamentally sound players like Bird, Magic, and Jordan won titles. Superstars didn't matter then!

 

I'm so sick of Kawhi Leanord and the Spurs dominating the league with their selfish basketball.

[UMFan83]

If we're still looking for a pitcher, what would you guys think of a straight up swap of Valbuena for Fister?

 

The Nats could use a second baseman, so the needs match up here. I don't really want to trade Valbuena, but if he isn't in the long term plans anyway, his value will never be higher than it is now (probably). Luis is under control for two more years compared to Fister's one, but that's evened out by Fister being the better player over the past 2-3 seasons.

 

For me, the biggest downside is likely having to put Bryant on the opening day roster after trading Valbuena. Theo/Jed could use the reason of sending him to Iowa to work on outfield defense if we still had Valbuena (still BS, but more believable), but if third base is WIDE open, no excuse will fly.

 

Thoughts?

 

How in the world is Valbuena valuable enough to be traded for Fister straight up? Wasn't Fister worth like 5 wins last year in ~25 starts?

[Guest]

The Bulls are an enjoyable watch. I don't really give a [expletive] that the Sixers and Hornets aren't.

[RammyFanny]

Hoyer says we're in the "4th or 5th inning" of our offseason.

[Sammy Sofa]

I think we can all agree that the NBA and NHL are both terrible and not worthy of anyone's time.

 

Back to Thrilho's point of thinking out loud, here's a (admittedly homer biased) sequence of events to think about. What if the 'blow the roof off' deal the Nationals were/are working on was Harper and Zimmermann to the Cubs? This is where the homer bias comes in, but I wonder how much you need to add to Soler, Russell, and Alcantara(if they prefer Valbuena he works here too). Alcantara for Zimmermann is not too different than the value Samardzija just fetched in trade. Soler and Russell are Top 10 hitting prospects without major red flags(like Baez or even people who fret about Bryant) and fit Washington's needs well. Soler replaces Harper(and projects to be better than 2014 Harper), and Russell can either wait until Desmond's free agency to take SS or they can accelerate the process by trading Desmond(already rumored), plus Alcantara fits their hole at 2B and could also transition to CF when Span leaves if they're bearish on Souza/Taylor. When it comes to that type of quality and quantity, the Cubs are one of only a few teams that can offer that type of package. LAD and Boston are the only others that come to mind, and while they could certainly find room for Harper, they have way overcrowded outfields as is. Even if you want to play the $/WAR game, Russell + Soler for Harper is a good value even with an optimistic projection for Harper's 4 years of control.

i don't think i would want to do that trade

 

Yeah, that seems unwise. Swap out one of your two best prospects for one of the Hacksy McHacksalot twins and someone else and I'd be more onboard.

 

I'd definitely try to make it Baez instead of Russell(and possibly Valbuena instead of Alcantara too), but put the max combo on there to make the conversation less of a pointless "lol nats wood nevah do that" argument. It's definitely a franchise altering trade/gamble.

 

I'd think it would have to be swapping one of them for Bryant.

[Gilby]

If we're still looking for a pitcher, what would you guys think of a straight up swap of Valbuena for Fister?

 

The Nats could use a second baseman, so the needs match up here. I don't really want to trade Valbuena, but if he isn't in the long term plans anyway, his value will never be higher than it is now (probably). Luis is under control for two more years compared to Fister's one, but that's evened out by Fister being the better player over the past 2-3 seasons.

 

For me, the biggest downside is likely having to put Bryant on the opening day roster after trading Valbuena. Theo/Jed could use the reason of sending him to Iowa to work on outfield defense if we still had Valbuena (still BS, but more believable), but if third base is WIDE open, no excuse will fly.

 

Thoughts?

 

How in the world is Valbuena valuable enough to be traded for Fister straight up? Wasn't Fister worth like 5 wins last year in ~25 starts?

 

No, he was under 2 last year. Steamer projects them to be very similar next year, and Valbuena would fit perfectly with the Nats.

[sneakypower]

i would give up Bryant and Baez

[biittner77]

I feel genuine pity for people that hate hockey.

[imb]

I'm keeping a glimmer of hope alive for Shields and that's dreaming.

 

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/05/26/article-0-1A0199DD000005DC-466_634x528.jpg