Baseball This Morning Talks Trading Zambrano

[Andy]

Buck Martinez this morning suggested Philly trading Abreu for Zambrano. Would any of you do this trade? I'm sure he talking hypothetically. At least I think he was?

 

I'd do it for Bobby Abreu and Brett Meyers.

 

That would be a disaster of massive proportions for this team.

 

I don't think it would be a bad trade. Zambrano is a great pitcher. Abreu is a great hitter. Myers has comparable stuff to Z (maybe better), strikes out a ton of guys, is the same age. I edited the post if you included Utley, I do it, you solve 3 problems. For a guy who still has control problems from time to time, and the big inning sometimes.

Z's only 24. He'll fix that big inning problem in time and once he does multiple Cy Youngs could be in his future.*

 

 

* If the media gets off their Wood/Prior fixation.

[Diffusion]

Myers has comparable stuff to Z (maybe better)

 

Say that again, this time with a straight face.

[nt3d]

Myers has comparable stuff to Z (maybe better)

 

Say that again, this time with a straight face.

 

Read his scouting report, says he has Josh Beckett like stuff. Beckett stuff is considerably better than Zambranos.

[USSoccer]

Buck Martinez this morning suggested Philly trading Abreu for Zambrano. Would any of you do this trade? I'm sure he talking hypothetically. At least I think he was?

 

I'd do it for Bobby Abreu and Brett Meyers.

 

That would be a disaster of massive proportions for this team.

 

I don't think it would be a bad trade. Zambrano is a great pitcher. Abreu is a great hitter. Myers has comparable stuff to Z (maybe better), strikes out a ton of guys, is the same age. I edited the post if you included Utley, I do it, you solve 3 problems. For a guy who still has control problems from time to time, and the big inning sometimes.

 

Myers can't even sniff Zambrano when it comes to stuff, potential, ceiling, or even current ability. Abreu is good, but he is leaving his prime years of production. It would be a stupid trade.

 

And there's no way Philly would trade Utley, Myers and Abreu at the same time.

 

I hate to take the jam out of the "blockbuster" doughnut, but it is highly unlikely that we will be able to trade for Manny Ramirez, Bobby Abreu or Adam Dunn. Unless you feel like giving up on Pie AND gutting the upper level P prospects AND taking on salary, it's not going to happen. Likewise, We have 5 ML impact players on our roster-Z, Prior, Ramirez, Lee and Barrett. Hendry would be stupid to trade any of them unless he got an absolute stud in his prime and another good to above average player in return. Why? Because subtracting one strength to add one strength just spins your wheels. It's robbing Peter to pay Paul. It doesn't improve the club. So, in other words, we do not have the ML impact talent or the upper level prospect depth to trade for any of these players.

[USSoccer]

Myers has comparable stuff to Z (maybe better)

 

Say that again, this time with a straight face.

 

Read his scouting report, says he has Josh Beckett like stuff. Beckett stuff is considerably better than Zambranos.

 

ESPN's scouting reports are notoriously innacurate. He has a 4.47 career ERA. Z's is 3.26, WHIP is 1.27 and BAA is .228. Myers' numbers in WHIP and BAA aren't close to Z.

[YearofDaCubs]

Yeah, no way you can compare Myers with Z. Myers had his breakout year this year yet he started to struggle at the end. He has a nice curveball but Z has some of the nastiest stuff I have ever seen.

[Outshined_One]

If you can improve the team, you make the trade.

 

Now, I remember Tim being a fan of the idea of trading Zambrano for Abreu (was it a year ago or two years?), but something tells me he might be backing off of that sentiment at the moment.

 

Let's face it, Zambrano is arguably either #2 or #3 on the list of most talented young pitchers in baseball (behind Felix Hernandez and/or Mark Prior, depending on your perspective). He's a workhorse. He has an arsenal of devastating pitches. He's an extreme groundball pitcher. He's insane. He's one of the best hitting pitchers in baseball this side of Mike Hampton; and a switch-hitter with power from both sides of the plate at that. He has a history of success. The only thing holding him back in most people's eyes is how healthy he'll be down the line.

 

In other words, he is quite possibly one of the most coveted players in baseball. He's a special player. The Cubs should do everything in their power to keep him on this team, imo.

 

Would I trade him? There are incredibly few one for one deals in which I'd give thought to trading Zambrano. Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, Vlad, Felix Hernandez, are in that group. Were Abreu a few years younger, he also would be in that group, imo. But right now? No.

 

It would require one heck of a package to get a deal done with the Phillies. Abreu, Utley, Myers, and some prospects would be a good starting point, imo.

[burnt out cubbie fan]

There is no way that I trade Carlos for any one player. It would take more than one for me to even start thinking about making a deal with him.

[Andy]

There is no way that I trade Carlos for any one player. It would take more than one for me to even start thinking about making a deal with him.

My sentiments exactly. I don't trade Z unless someone absolutely bowls me over with an offer.

[CarolinaCubFan]

If you can improve the team, you make the trade.

 

Now, I remember Tim being a fan of the idea of trading Zambrano for Abreu (was it a year ago or two years?), but something tells me he might be backing off of that sentiment at the moment.

 

Let's face it, Zambrano is arguably either #2 or #3 on the list of most talented young pitchers in baseball (behind Felix Hernandez and/or Mark Prior, depending on your perspective). He's a workhorse. He has an arsenal of devastating pitches. He's an extreme groundball pitcher. He's insane. He's one of the best hitting pitchers in baseball this side of Mike Hampton; and a switch-hitter with power from both sides of the plate at that. He has a history of success. The only thing holding him back in most people's eyes is how healthy he'll be down the line.

 

In other words, he is quite possibly one of the most coveted players in baseball. He's a special player. The Cubs should do everything in their power to keep him on this team, imo.

 

Would I trade him? There are incredibly few one for one deals in which I'd give thought to trading Zambrano. Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, Vlad, Felix Hernandez, are in that group. Were Abreu a few years younger, he also would be in that group, imo. But right now? No.

 

It would require one heck of a package to get a deal done with the Phillies. Abreu, Utley, Myers, and some prospects would be a good starting point, imo.

 

Great post outshined. I agree with everything you posted, but there is one person I haven't heard mentioned yet. Scott Boras. Zambrano is a total stud and will command top dollar. I'm a little worried that the Cubs won't get a deal done with Boras, being that Zambrano would be a huge payday. Zambrano may be talked into testing the FA waters.

[burnt out cubbie fan]

If you can improve the team, you make the trade.

 

Now, I remember Tim being a fan of the idea of trading Zambrano for Abreu (was it a year ago or two years?), but something tells me he might be backing off of that sentiment at the moment.

 

Let's face it, Zambrano is arguably either #2 or #3 on the list of most talented young pitchers in baseball (behind Felix Hernandez and/or Mark Prior, depending on your perspective). He's a workhorse. He has an arsenal of devastating pitches. He's an extreme groundball pitcher. He's insane. He's one of the best hitting pitchers in baseball this side of Mike Hampton; and a switch-hitter with power from both sides of the plate at that. He has a history of success. The only thing holding him back in most people's eyes is how healthy he'll be down the line.

 

In other words, he is quite possibly one of the most coveted players in baseball. He's a special player. The Cubs should do everything in their power to keep him on this team, imo.

 

Would I trade him? There are incredibly few one for one deals in which I'd give thought to trading Zambrano. Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, Vlad, Felix Hernandez, are in that group. Were Abreu a few years younger, he also would be in that group, imo. But right now? No.

 

It would require one heck of a package to get a deal done with the Phillies. Abreu, Utley, Myers, and some prospects would be a good starting point, imo.

 

Great post outshined. I agree with everything you posted, but there is one person I haven't heard mentioned yet. Scott Boras. Zambrano is a total stud and will command top dollar. I'm a little worried that the Cubs won't get a deal done with Boras, being that Zambrano would be a huge payday. Zambrano may be talked into testing the FA waters.

At the same time, the Cubs have probably the best working relationship with Boras out of any of the teams. Everyone was afraid to take Pawelek because of Scott but we had a deal done by the time we made our 2nd pick.

[rawaction]

I wouldn't trade Zambrano for Vlad.

 

Who I would trade Z for straight up (in order):

 

Albert Pujols

Johan Santana

Felix Hernandez

Miguel Cabrera (just 50/50 on that one)

[NorthsideAvenger]

I wouldn't trade Zambrano for Vlad.

 

Who I would trade Z for straight up (in order):

 

Albert Pujols

Johan Santana

Felix Hernandez

Miguel Cabrera (just 50/50 on that one)

 

I wouldn't trade Zambrano for a HITTER, PERIOD. Pujols is outstang hitter for his age (wink, wink), but I wouldn't trade Zambrano for Pujols, or Cabrera. And while Hernandez, MIGHT be a stud in the future, I wouldn't trade Zambrano for him, cause IMO, I think Zambrano IN HIS PRIME, will be better then Hernandez in his prime. Now Johan Santana, that is a different story.....Santana is the only one of the four, I would SERIOUSLY consider Zambrano for.

[mhuber92211]

I think that the posts in this thread have clearly outlined a huge liking for Big Z. I would generally agree with them.

 

However, I would vehemently be opposed to NOT trading him. A trade for Abreu and a solid starter (Jon Lieber) plus Michaels would be a good package for Z & Patterson. I would think hard about that trade.

 

But here is an intersting, albeit radical and loony suggestion. We all know that the Phillies would like to unload Thome and his contract. Adding him into a deal would bring back something of value. Currently the team can handle his contract and can fit into the lineup. Lee is athletic enough to move to LF if Nomar is.

 

Like I said, crazy silly and probably one of the worst but still fun to think about.

[USSoccer]

I think that the posts in this thread have clearly outlined a huge liking for Big Z. I would generally agree with them.

 

However, I would vehemently be opposed to NOT trading him. A trade for Abreu and a solid starter (Jon Lieber) plus Michaels would be a good package for Z & Patterson. I would think hard about that trade.

 

But here is an intersting, albeit radical and loony suggestion. We all know that the Phillies would like to unload Thome and his contract. Adding him into a deal would bring back something of value. Currently the team can handle his contract and can fit into the lineup. Lee is athletic enough to move to LF if Nomar is.

Like I said, crazy silly and probably one of the worst but still fun to think about.

 

The problem is Nomar isn't athletic enough. He's had leg problems fro 2 years! Is moving to the OF wherehe has to cover more ground going to help?

 

Also, Z for Abreu, Michaels and Leiber isn't even close to a good trade. Abreu is leaving his prime, Michales is servicable and Leiber is a 4.00 era type guy. No thanks.

[Magnetic Curses]

I think that the posts in this thread have clearly outlined a huge liking for Big Z. I would generally agree with them.

 

However, I would vehemently be opposed to NOT trading him. A trade for Abreu and a solid starter (Jon Lieber) plus Michaels would be a good package for Z & Patterson. I would think hard about that trade.

 

But here is an intersting, albeit radical and loony suggestion. We all know that the Phillies would like to unload Thome and his contract. Adding him into a deal would bring back something of value. Currently the team can handle his contract and can fit into the lineup. Lee is athletic enough to move to LF if Nomar is.

 

Like I said, crazy silly and probably one of the worst but still fun to think about.

 

the problem with your crazy thome idea is that lee just won a gold glove at first, not to mention a batting title. he probably sees himself as pujols with a better glove right now. no way he moves.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

I think that the posts in this thread have clearly outlined a huge liking for Big Z. I would generally agree with them.

 

However, I would vehemently be opposed to NOT trading him. A trade for Abreu and a solid starter (Jon Lieber) plus Michaels would be a good package for Z & Patterson. I would think hard about that trade.

 

But here is an intersting, albeit radical and loony suggestion. We all know that the Phillies would like to unload Thome and his contract. Adding him into a deal would bring back something of value. Currently the team can handle his contract and can fit into the lineup. Lee is athletic enough to move to LF if Nomar is.

 

Like I said, crazy silly and probably one of the worst but still fun to think about.

 

Loony was the perfect word to describe that suggestion. :)

 

You just don't move a stud away from a position he absolutely excels at to bring in an old dude with back problems.

[nt3d]

I wouldn't trade Zambrano for Vlad.

 

Who I would trade Z for straight up (in order):

 

Albert Pujols

Johan Santana

Felix Hernandez

Miguel Cabrera (just 50/50 on that one)

 

This Felix Hernandez kid must be the second coming. I knew he was highly touted, but I recall Baseball American saying they would take Felix or Prior for the career, this is the same site that said Prior would definitely win a Cy Young or two this decade.

[NorthsideAvenger]

I wouldn't trade Zambrano for Vlad.

 

Who I would trade Z for straight up (in order):

 

Albert Pujols

Johan Santana

Felix Hernandez

Miguel Cabrera (just 50/50 on that one)

 

This Felix Hernandez kid must be the second coming. I knew he was highly touted, but I recall Baseball American saying they would take Felix or Prior for the career, this is the same site that said Prior would definitely win a Cy Young or two this decade.

 

I'm not doubting Felix's talent, but, IMO, I think Zambrano is the BEST young pitcher in baseball.

[Outshined_One]

I wouldn't trade Zambrano for Vlad.

 

Who I would trade Z for straight up (in order):

 

Albert Pujols

Johan Santana

Felix Hernandez

Miguel Cabrera (just 50/50 on that one)

 

This Felix Hernandez kid must be the second coming. I knew he was highly touted, but I recall Baseball American saying they would take Felix or Prior for the career, this is the same site that said Prior would definitely win a Cy Young or two this decade.

 

Based on what I've seen of him, the Doc Gooden comparisons are legit. If he can stay healthy throughout his career...wow.

[NorthsideAvenger]

I wouldn't trade Zambrano for Vlad.

 

Who I would trade Z for straight up (in order):

 

Albert Pujols

Johan Santana

Felix Hernandez

Miguel Cabrera (just 50/50 on that one)

 

This Felix Hernandez kid must be the second coming. I knew he was highly touted, but I recall Baseball American saying they would take Felix or Prior for the career, this is the same site that said Prior would definitely win a Cy Young or two this decade.

 

Based on what I've seen of him, the Doc Gooden comparisons are legit. If he can stay healthy throughout his career...wow.

 

Well, wasn't Kerry Wood compare to Doc Gooden? I like Felix Hernandez, but let's not go overboard.....just yet.

[HoopsCubs]

I would not trade Zambrano for Abreu, at least not unless Philly eats some salary and throws in a prospect. Abreu is productive, but he's paid comensurate with his production. Zambrano is still a value for his production. I'm also not certain this team is better after that trade.

 

Let's talk about this again. Baseball GMs gamble all the time. Let's say you are Hendry. If you suspected (based on what your medical people are telling you) that Zambrano was now a moderate risk candidate for injury sometime in 2006 based on recent minor injuries and his overall workload in the recent 2 seasons, would you then deal him for Abreu and cash, knowing you had the opportunity to get another pitcher through free agency or trade?

 

Hoops

[JeffH]

Depends what kind of injury.

 

Shoulder, maybe.

 

Elbow, no.