Offseason Rumors & Transactions Thread

[toonsterwu]

I think I like the Gattis trade more for the Astros than the Braves. It's a good return, but I've never been huge on Foltynewicz. I really don't buy him more than a 4/5 starter that might have a mid-rotation season or two if all goes well (didn't someone compare him to Jordan Walden this offseason ... I can sort of see that). I've never loved Ruiz - average at 3rd, and IIRC, reports all suggest average bat speed. If he goes to first, that power really has to kick forward a lot (although some expect it to). I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Andrew Thurman ends up the best of the bunch, but he's a long way away. Gattis has power and should hit for enough to have value, and added to their young pieces ... that could be a decent offense. Furthermore, unless I am mistaken, he should put up big numbers in that park.

 

To be clear, on paper, I think this is a good return for Gattis, and with Atlanta in rebuild (I hesitate to use the word full ... as the Markakis signing still befuddles me a bit ... if you want a veteran OF who gets on base a bit without much pop, why not Nori Aoki. I guess there's a "defense" and "leadership" argument for Markakis, but seems a strange contract to give.). It's 2 arms with good enough upside and an intriguing enough hot corner prospect. I just am not personally huge on any of them.

[Guest]

Yunel Escobar to the Nats

[Post Count Padder]

Yunel Escobar to the Nats

For Tyler Clippard.

[toonsterwu]

fascinating. really wonders if this opens the door for a Desmond trade, which could net them some solid talent. Of course, that would take a big bat out of the lineup.

[davell]

I figure Escobar plays 2B this year for them.

[toonsterwu]

Escobar at 2nd is probably the default option, but there seems to be a lot of speculation that they want to thin down their list of impending FA's (they did clear one with the Clippard move) and Rizzo had supposedly talked Desmond in that three team deal that fell through with the Mets/Rays. Furthermore, Desmond supposedly has turned down extension offers, so he seems likely to hit the market.

 

That said, on the flip side, dealing Desmond would open the need for a middle infield bat again, and they would probably need something unique to move Desmond, so betting money is still against. Still ... fascinating move. Really like it for them ... 3 years of Escobar for an expensive setup man for one year. Good swap, even if Escobar is mediocre and on the decline.

[Guest]

Seems like it might be a little tricky at this stage to really get great value for Desmond. I'd guess more likely they'd dive in on one of the remaining SP(they've been linked to Scherzer I believe), then trade Zimmermann(or Fister if they prefer). They still lose several guys in that scenario(Desmond, maybe Span, probably Fister), but you then don't have any big holes, you cashed in on one of the most valuable expiring assets, and you still have the same amount of truly elite talent.

[toonsterwu]

For all the talk about Scherzer, a part of me wonders, just speculating, if they are in on Shields (and flip Fister). Zimmerman would net more, but a ton of money is needed on Scherzer, and a Fister trade could probably add whatever they need or want.

 

Still ... if Zimmerman is offered, there does seem to be the possibility of a match with the Cubs, but it'd probably have to be a somewhat complex trade. Would make for an exciting end to the offseason if the Nats went that route. I wonder when Shields/Scherzer get settled - have to think it's within the next few weeks, but all seems quiet.

[wvcbxl]

It appears as though the Cubs have acquired something called a "Lars Huijer" from Seattle.

 

Dutch import.

[Andy]

Yunel Escobar to the Nats

For Tyler Clippard.

Clippard is awesome. That one was a bit of a head-scratcher for me.

[bukie]

Jeff Sullivan ‏@based_ball

Sogard: this clubhouse ain't big enough for the two of us

Clippard: /glares

Sogard: /glares

Melvin: yes it is

Melvin: it's a big clubhouse

[Guest]

Aoki to the Giants for 1 year, 4.7 million.

 

Boy I would've been really interested in that duration or that AAV, never mind both.

[Rob]

Aoki to the Giants for 1 year, 4.7 million.

 

Boy I would've been really interested in that duration or that AAV, never mind both.

 

Yeah, no joke.

[Sammy Sofa]

Aoki to the Giants for 1 year, 4.7 million.

 

Boy I would've been really interested in that duration or that AAV, never mind both.

 

Yeah, no joke.

 

Yuuuuuuuuup.

 

*Fidgets nervously*

[imb]

[expletive] off lol, you don't know a god damn thing about Aoki, you fool

[Sammy Sofa]

I had no idea where he was last year, but he was annoyingly good on the Brewers.

 

It's a good deal that the Cubs could have used. I want things my way.

[SouthSideRyan]

He was a starting OF on the AL Champs.(Although you may not know who they are)

 

I mean you're not wrong about the contract, but it amazes me sometimes.

[Sammy Sofa]

I was about to yell at you for being an idiot and thinking the Red Sox were in last year's ALCS but then I remembered 2014 really happened and wasn't just an awful fever dream I want to forget.

[Sammys Boombox]

After watching Aoki for a year in KC I do not want any part of that guy. He is horrendous in the OF.

[Clem Fandango]

After watching Aoki for a year in KC I do not want any part of that guy. He is horrendous in the OF.

 

OMG DID YOU NOT SEE THE PLAYOFFS

[davell]

Charlie Blackmon is supposedly available for starting pitching.

[Vinestal]

Charlie Blackmon is supposedly available for starting pitching.

Have you looked at his home/away splits? Scarry

[Sammy Sofa]

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj97/kimsyp/sweetnsassy.jpg

[Guest]

Charlie Blackmon is supposedly available for starting pitching.

Have you looked at his home/away splits? Scarry

Home/road splits for Rockies players can be pretty much ignored.

[Little Slide Rooter]

I had no idea where he was last year, but he was annoyingly good on the Brewers.

It's a good deal that the Cubs could have used. I want things my way.

 

I remember that too, and then I kind of lost track of his existence. Then again, Nyjer Morgan and his over the top personality disorder was good for the Brewer's for a year.