*** Official 2012-13 Hot Stove Thread (1 Viewer)

[Good Posting Judge]

Jose Valverde in talks with the Marlins for a one-year deal in a set-up role. What a difference a year makes.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Did I get Card Trader to quit the internet? If so what kind of compensation do I get from you knobs? Should be fairly substantial, that guy ruins multiple forums.

You win a slightly bent Neifi Perez baseball card.

 

[dparker713]

Jose Valverde in talks with the Marlins for a one-year deal in a set-up role. What a difference a year makes.

Apparently that was all Boras smoke and mirrors. 3 different team sources flatly denied anything was in the works.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

A's reportedly trade Carter and Peacock and Max Stassi to the Astros for Jed Lowrie and Fernando Rodriguez. I hate this trade so much.

 

[shadyridr]

The A's inquired about Lowrie this year, and the Astros wanted Carter and a prospect. OK.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

The A's inquired about Lowrie this year, and the Astros wanted Carter and a prospect. OK.

I'm completely befuddled. Two years of Lowrie. It just makes no sense, unless there's something seriously wrong with Carter. The off-season was going so well. It doesn't make any sense to do this deal now.

 

[Eephus]

The A's inquired about Lowrie this year, and the Astros wanted Carter and a prospect. OK.

I'm completely befuddled. Two years of Lowrie. It just makes no sense, unless there's something seriously wrong with Carter. The off-season was going so well. It doesn't make any sense to do this deal now.

If he can somehow manage to stay healthy, Lowrie is their best option at any of three IF positions. I think the A's are selling high on Carter. If his SO% degrades even a bit, he's back in AAA. Otherwise his best case scenario is the short half of a DH platoon. If Peacock ever figures it out, he could end up being the most valuable player in the trade. But he's been given up by two smart organizations. Maybe he'll turn it around in Houston but until then, he's just another brightly plumed fowl.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

The A's inquired about Lowrie this year, and the Astros wanted Carter and a prospect. OK.

I'm completely befuddled. Two years of Lowrie. It just makes no sense, unless there's something seriously wrong with Carter. The off-season was going so well. It doesn't make any sense to do this deal now.

If he can somehow manage to stay healthy, Lowrie is their best option at any of three IF positions. I think the A's are selling high on Carter. If his SO% degrades even a bit, he's back in AAA. Otherwise his best case scenario is the short half of a DH platoon. If Peacock ever figures it out, he could end up being the most valuable player in the trade. But he's been given up by two smart organizations. Maybe he'll turn it around in Houston but until then, he's just another brightly plumed fowl.

I don't mind Peacock or Stassi that much, but giving up a controllable homegrown player who has enough power to punch it out there with some regularity just doesn't make sense to me.And why sign Nakajima in the first place? Why let Gomes walk if you're going to trade the other guy on your roster who kills lefties?

 

[RnR]

Interesting that Beane says Nakajima is still the everyday SS, with Lowrie moving all over the place.

 

[Eephus]

The A's inquired about Lowrie this year, and the Astros wanted Carter and a prospect. OK.

I'm completely befuddled. Two years of Lowrie. It just makes no sense, unless there's something seriously wrong with Carter. The off-season was going so well. It doesn't make any sense to do this deal now.

If he can somehow manage to stay healthy, Lowrie is their best option at any of three IF positions. I think the A's are selling high on Carter. If his SO% degrades even a bit, he's back in AAA. Otherwise his best case scenario is the short half of a DH platoon. If Peacock ever figures it out, he could end up being the most valuable player in the trade. But he's been given up by two smart organizations. Maybe he'll turn it around in Houston but until then, he's just another brightly plumed fowl.

I don't mind Peacock or Stassi that much, but giving up a controllable homegrown player who has enough power to punch it out there with some regularity just doesn't make sense to me.

The A's were Carter's third organization

 

[Good Posting Judge]

The A's inquired about Lowrie this year, and the Astros wanted Carter and a prospect. OK.

I'm completely befuddled. Two years of Lowrie. It just makes no sense, unless there's something seriously wrong with Carter. The off-season was going so well. It doesn't make any sense to do this deal now.

If he can somehow manage to stay healthy, Lowrie is their best option at any of three IF positions. I think the A's are selling high on Carter. If his SO% degrades even a bit, he's back in AAA. Otherwise his best case scenario is the short half of a DH platoon. If Peacock ever figures it out, he could end up being the most valuable player in the trade. But he's been given up by two smart organizations. Maybe he'll turn it around in Houston but until then, he's just another brightly plumed fowl.

I don't mind Peacock or Stassi that much, but giving up a controllable homegrown player who has enough power to punch it out there with some regularity just doesn't make sense to me.

The A's were Carter's third organization

Second? And he's come up through the A's system, he didn't get past A ball with Chicago.Point being, the A's had a lot of control left. And while he had some holes in his game (putting a glove on, avoiding K's), the former is avoided via the DH, and the latter can be ameliorated somewhat by preaching plate discipline. At least I'm not Card Trader over here.

 

[RnR]

The A's inquired about Lowrie this year, and the Astros wanted Carter and a prospect. OK.

I'm completely befuddled. Two years of Lowrie. It just makes no sense, unless there's something seriously wrong with Carter. The off-season was going so well. It doesn't make any sense to do this deal now.

If he can somehow manage to stay healthy, Lowrie is their best option at any of three IF positions. I think the A's are selling high on Carter. If his SO% degrades even a bit, he's back in AAA. Otherwise his best case scenario is the short half of a DH platoon. If Peacock ever figures it out, he could end up being the most valuable player in the trade. But he's been given up by two smart organizations. Maybe he'll turn it around in Houston but until then, he's just another brightly plumed fowl.

I don't mind Peacock or Stassi that much, but giving up a controllable homegrown player who has enough power to punch it out there with some regularity just doesn't make sense to me.

The A's were Carter's third organization

Second? And he's come up through the A's system, he didn't get past A ball with Chicago.Point being, the A's had a lot of control left. And while he had some holes in his game (putting a glove on, avoiding K's), the former is avoided via the DH, and the latter can be ameliorated somewhat by preaching plate discipline.

At least I'm not Card Trader over here.

If only it were that easy...

 

[guru_007]

Last year's Astros had an NL low .236 batting average, and struck out an NL high 1365 times(each was second worst in the majors)Now, they switch leagues, and add Carlos Pena and Chris Carter

 

[Guest]

Jesus

Here are identifiable substances connected to Alex Rodriguez according to documents released by the Miami New Times, which the publication attributes as the handwritten logs of Florida wellness clinician Tony Bosch. It does not include some substances that could not be identified because of abbreviations or legibility. Testosterone: Banned substance applied by cream at 10% strength L-Glutathione: Antioxidant used for cell repair Troches: 19% testosterone-laced lozenge used prior to workout Pink cream: Trans-dermal delivery of testosterone HGH: Injectable growth hormone, a banned substance CJC: Injectable growth hormone releasing hormone GHRP: Injectable growth hormone releasing peptide IGF-1: Banned substance; stimulates insulin and muscle growth Zinc: Essential mineral used as dietary supplement Amino acids: Supplement aids in recovery and building of muscle tissue Vitamin D: Immune system booster Omega-3, -6, -9: Essential fatty acids 5-HTP: Boosts serotonin production in brain DHEA: Testosterone precursor Resveratrol: Plant-based supplement marketed as anti-aging agent elatonin: Hormone that helps regulate sleep and wake cycles Glucosamine: Supplement used for joint and cartilage health Alpha lipoic acid: Antioxidant that helps turn glucose into energy Ibuprofen: Anti-inflammatory drug to treats minor aches and pains

 

[dparker713]

I'm completely befuddled. Two years of Lowrie. It just makes no sense, unless there's something seriously wrong with Carter.

You mean other than a 31.9% K rate and negative defensive value?

 

[Eephus]

I'm completely befuddled. Two years of Lowrie. It just makes no sense, unless there's something seriously wrong with Carter.

You mean other than a 31.9% K rate and negative defensive value?

All he does is catch touchdowns

 

[Frostillicus]

The A's inquired about Lowrie this year, and the Astros wanted Carter and a prospect. OK.

I'm completely befuddled. Two years of Lowrie. It just makes no sense, unless there's something seriously wrong with Carter. The off-season was going so well. It doesn't make any sense to do this deal now.

If he can somehow manage to stay healthy, Lowrie is their best option at any of three IF positions. I think the A's are selling high on Carter. If his SO% degrades even a bit, he's back in AAA. Otherwise his best case scenario is the short half of a DH platoon. If Peacock ever figures it out, he could end up being the most valuable player in the trade. But he's been given up by two smart organizations. Maybe he'll turn it around in Houston but until then, he's just another brightly plumed fowl.

I don't mind Peacock or Stassi that much, but giving up a controllable homegrown player who has enough power to punch it out there with some regularity just doesn't make sense to me.And why sign Nakajima in the first place? Why let Gomes walk if you're going to trade the other guy on your roster who kills lefties?

I like the trade for the A's, actually, but I'm a big Lowrie guy. And if Nakajima is anything like Nishioka you're going to need a lot of Lowrie. :notbitter:

 

[shadyridr]

I know the Mets OF sucks and I know Michael Bourn is a solid player, but they cant seriously be contemplating signing him and losing the 11th pick in the draft, can they?

 

[dparker713]

I know the Mets OF sucks and I know Michael Bourn is a solid player, but they cant seriously be contemplating signing him and losing the 11th pick in the draft, can they?

They're hoping for a waiver because they got bumped by the Pirates failing to sign their top pick last season. However, such protection was in the previous CBA and was excluded from this CBA, so I think they've got no shot.

 

[Brady Marino]

Jesus

Here are identifiable substances connected to Alex Rodriguez according to documents released by the Miami New Times, which the publication attributes as the handwritten logs of Florida wellness clinician Tony Bosch. It does not include some substances that could not be identified because of abbreviations or legibility. Omega-3, -6, -9: Essential fatty acids Ibuprofen: Anti-inflammatory drug to treats minor aches and pains

A-HA! He abuses fish oil and over-the-counter pain killers! BURN HIM AT THE STAKE!

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I'm completely befuddled. Two years of Lowrie. It just makes no sense, unless there's something seriously wrong with Carter.

You mean other than a 31.9% K rate and negative defensive value?

Every AL team has room for one Adam Dunn. And plate discipline obviously isn't that easy, but, you know, you can't teach power.

 

[Eephus]

I'm completely befuddled. Two years of Lowrie. It just makes no sense, unless there's something seriously wrong with Carter.

You mean other than a 31.9% K rate and negative defensive value?

Every AL team has room for one Adam Dunn. And plate discipline obviously isn't that easy, but, you know, you can't teach power.

The Astros already have Carlos Pena

 

[dparker713]

I'm completely befuddled. Two years of Lowrie. It just makes no sense, unless there's something seriously wrong with Carter.

You mean other than a 31.9% K rate and negative defensive value?

Every AL team has room for one Adam Dunn. And plate discipline obviously isn't that easy, but, you know, you can't teach power.

Guy's already had more than 3500 professional PAs. Any gains he's going to make in plate discipline or contact rate are likely to be minimal at best. I know, chicks dig the long ball, but you're overrating the importance of his power considering the other problems in his game. Plus, the As have a real chance to win right now and Lowrie figures to help significantly more in that regard even accounting for his injury history. They have a black hole at 2b and he'd be an upgrade at 3b. Meanwhile the drop off from Carter to Moss, Barton or whoever just isn't that great.

 

[Eephus]

I'm completely befuddled. Two years of Lowrie. It just makes no sense, unless there's something seriously wrong with Carter.

You mean other than a 31.9% K rate and negative defensive value?

Every AL team has room for one Adam Dunn. And plate discipline obviously isn't that easy, but, you know, you can't teach power.

Guy's already had more than 3500 professional PAs. Any gains he's going to make in plate discipline or contact rate are likely to be minimal at best. I know, chicks dig the long ball, but you're overrating the importance of his power considering the other problems in his game. Plus, the As have a real chance to win right now and Lowrie figures to help significantly more in that regard even accounting for his injury history. They have a black hole at 2b and he'd be an upgrade at 3b. Meanwhile the drop off from Carter to Moss, Barton or whoever just isn't that great.

Carter's HR/FB ratio was 25.4% in 2012. If he can sustain that, he's one of the biggest power threats in baseball. I don't think he can though.

 

[Annyong]

I'm completely befuddled. Two years of Lowrie. It just makes no sense, unless there's something seriously wrong with Carter.

You mean other than a 31.9% K rate and negative defensive value?

Every AL team has room for one Adam Dunn. And plate discipline obviously isn't that easy, but, you know, you can't teach power.

Guy's already had more than 3500 professional PAs. Any gains he's going to make in plate discipline or contact rate are likely to be minimal at best. I know, chicks dig the long ball, but you're overrating the importance of his power considering the other problems in his game. Plus, the As have a real chance to win right now and Lowrie figures to help significantly more in that regard even accounting for his injury history. They have a black hole at 2b and he'd be an upgrade at 3b. Meanwhile the drop off from Carter to Moss, Barton or whoever just isn't that great.

Carter's HR/FB ratio was 25.4% in 2012. If he can sustain that, he's one of the biggest power threats in baseball. I don't think he can though.

Does the move to Enron make him sleeper-ish this year?

 

[Eephus]

I'm completely befuddled. Two years of Lowrie. It just makes no sense, unless there's something seriously wrong with Carter.

You mean other than a 31.9% K rate and negative defensive value?

Every AL team has room for one Adam Dunn. And plate discipline obviously isn't that easy, but, you know, you can't teach power.

Guy's already had more than 3500 professional PAs. Any gains he's going to make in plate discipline or contact rate are likely to be minimal at best. I know, chicks dig the long ball, but you're overrating the importance of his power considering the other problems in his game. Plus, the As have a real chance to win right now and Lowrie figures to help significantly more in that regard even accounting for his injury history. They have a black hole at 2b and he'd be an upgrade at 3b. Meanwhile the drop off from Carter to Moss, Barton or whoever just isn't that great.

Carter's HR/FB ratio was 25.4% in 2012. If he can sustain that, he's one of the biggest power threats in baseball. I don't think he can though.

Does the move to Enron make him sleeper-ish this year?

Yes in an OBP league. Playing time in Houston is going to be a moving target though. They have Carter, Pena and Brett Wallace in the mix for 1B/DH ABs. Their OF is unsettled but I don't think that's a viable option for any of them. Carter has played some OF but not very much or very well.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I'm completely befuddled. Two years of Lowrie. It just makes no sense, unless there's something seriously wrong with Carter.

You mean other than a 31.9% K rate and negative defensive value?

Every AL team has room for one Adam Dunn. And plate discipline obviously isn't that easy, but, you know, you can't teach power.

Guy's already had more than 3500 professional PAs. Any gains he's going to make in plate discipline or contact rate are likely to be minimal at best. I know, chicks dig the long ball, but you're overrating the importance of his power considering the other problems in his game. Plus, the As have a real chance to win right now and Lowrie figures to help significantly more in that regard even accounting for his injury history. They have a black hole at 2b and he'd be an upgrade at 3b. Meanwhile the drop off from Carter to Moss, Barton or whoever just isn't that great.

Carter's incredibly disciplined against lefties. 24 BB against 26 K in 109 PA. His main problem as a lefty is a crazy (fluky?) IFFB rate that's depressed his batting average. But his OBP was still north of .400 vs. lefthanders, and near .500 in SLG. And his plate disciplined improved throughout his time at AAA, getting his K% down to 22% in AAA in 2012.He's not David Ortiz, but he's cheap and controllable, and he's already got lefties figured out. As a platoon guy/LOOGY killer, he's pretty valuable. I hope Daric Barton's ready.

 

[Eephus]

Chris Carpenter is very unlikely to pitch during the 2013 season, the Cardinals announced at a Tuesday afternoon press conference. General manager John Mozeliak made the announcement, citing continued issues with the health of Carpenter's right shoulder, neck and arm.Retirement was not mentioned specifically, but it's obviously on the table because Mozeliak mentioned that Carpenter was worried about having a "normal after-career." Judging from the demeanor of Mozeliak, manager Mike Matheny and the words they used during the press conference, it was pretty clear both believe Carpenter has thrown his last pitch in the majors."We're comfortable with what we have," Mozeliak said when asked if the Cardinals would revisit signing free agent Kyle Lohse.Without Carpenter, the Cardinals have Adam Wainwright and Jake Westbrook definitely in the rotation. Jaime Garcia is recovering from a shoulder injury, Lance Lynn could be a starter or used in the bullpen, and youngsters Shelby Miller, Joe Kelly and Trevor Rosenthal could also figure in the mix.

:deadbanana:

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Lowrie is a real nice player and the A's got a very good player, but IMO he's not elite. Seems like Carter is rising and power bats are always nice to have, and Peacock could be a #2. I get why they made the deal but I like the Astros side better.

 

[Frostillicus]

I hope Daric Barton's ready.

Ouch.

 

[Eephus]

Russ Canzler's off-season odyssey continues. December 21, 2012: Selected off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays from the Cleveland Indians.January 2, 2013: Selected off waivers by the Cleveland Indians from the Toronto Blue Jays.January 4, 2013: Selected off waivers by the New York Yankees from the Cleveland Indians.Today: Selected off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles from the New York Yankees.

 

[dparker713]

I'm completely befuddled. Two years of Lowrie. It just makes no sense, unless there's something seriously wrong with Carter.

You mean other than a 31.9% K rate and negative defensive value?

Every AL team has room for one Adam Dunn. And plate discipline obviously isn't that easy, but, you know, you can't teach power.

Guy's already had more than 3500 professional PAs. Any gains he's going to make in plate discipline or contact rate are likely to be minimal at best. I know, chicks dig the long ball, but you're overrating the importance of his power considering the other problems in his game. Plus, the As have a real chance to win right now and Lowrie figures to help significantly more in that regard even accounting for his injury history. They have a black hole at 2b and he'd be an upgrade at 3b. Meanwhile the drop off from Carter to Moss, Barton or whoever just isn't that great.

Carter's incredibly disciplined against lefties. 24 BB against 26 K in 109 PA. His main problem as a lefty is a crazy (fluky?) IFFB rate that's depressed his batting average. But his OBP was still north of .400 vs. lefthanders, and near .500 in SLG. And his plate disciplined improved throughout his time at AAA, getting his K% down to 22% in AAA in 2012.He's not David Ortiz, but he's cheap and controllable, and he's already got lefties figured out. As a platoon guy/LOOGY killer, he's pretty valuable. I hope Daric Barton's ready.

Thats some awfully small sample sizes to be touting. If you recognize his IFFB rate could be fluky, why not those walks? Nobody walks 22% of the time.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I'm completely befuddled. Two years of Lowrie. It just makes no sense, unless there's something seriously wrong with Carter.

You mean other than a 31.9% K rate and negative defensive value?

Every AL team has room for one Adam Dunn. And plate discipline obviously isn't that easy, but, you know, you can't teach power.

Guy's already had more than 3500 professional PAs. Any gains he's going to make in plate discipline or contact rate are likely to be minimal at best. I know, chicks dig the long ball, but you're overrating the importance of his power considering the other problems in his game. Plus, the As have a real chance to win right now and Lowrie figures to help significantly more in that regard even accounting for his injury history. They have a black hole at 2b and he'd be an upgrade at 3b. Meanwhile the drop off from Carter to Moss, Barton or whoever just isn't that great.

Carter's incredibly disciplined against lefties. 24 BB against 26 K in 109 PA. His main problem as a lefty is a crazy (fluky?) IFFB rate that's depressed his batting average. But his OBP was still north of .400 vs. lefthanders, and near .500 in SLG. And his plate disciplined improved throughout his time at AAA, getting his K% down to 22% in AAA in 2012.He's not David Ortiz, but he's cheap and controllable, and he's already got lefties figured out. As a platoon guy/LOOGY killer, he's pretty valuable. I hope Daric Barton's ready.

Thats some awfully small sample sizes to be touting. If you recognize his IFFB rate could be fluky, why not those walks? Nobody walks 22% of the time.

18-19% in 2011-2012 vs. lefties in the minors. http://minorleaguecentral.com/player?pid=474892&split=2012

 

[dparker713]

I'm completely befuddled. Two years of Lowrie. It just makes no sense, unless there's something seriously wrong with Carter.

You mean other than a 31.9% K rate and negative defensive value?

Every AL team has room for one Adam Dunn. And plate discipline obviously isn't that easy, but, you know, you can't teach power.

Guy's already had more than 3500 professional PAs. Any gains he's going to make in plate discipline or contact rate are likely to be minimal at best. I know, chicks dig the long ball, but you're overrating the importance of his power considering the other problems in his game. Plus, the As have a real chance to win right now and Lowrie figures to help significantly more in that regard even accounting for his injury history. They have a black hole at 2b and he'd be an upgrade at 3b. Meanwhile the drop off from Carter to Moss, Barton or whoever just isn't that great.

Carter's incredibly disciplined against lefties. 24 BB against 26 K in 109 PA. His main problem as a lefty is a crazy (fluky?) IFFB rate that's depressed his batting average. But his OBP was still north of .400 vs. lefthanders, and near .500 in SLG. And his plate disciplined improved throughout his time at AAA, getting his K% down to 22% in AAA in 2012.He's not David Ortiz, but he's cheap and controllable, and he's already got lefties figured out. As a platoon guy/LOOGY killer, he's pretty valuable. I hope Daric Barton's ready.

Thats some awfully small sample sizes to be touting. If you recognize his IFFB rate could be fluky, why not those walks? Nobody walks 22% of the time.

18-19% in 2011-2012 vs. lefties in the minors. http://minorleaguece...4892&split=2012

Well, thats a) in the minors b) only 100 PA c) only 82% of the rate he had in the majors last season. There is zero reason to believe that he will sustain his rate from last season going forward.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I'm completely befuddled. Two years of Lowrie. It just makes no sense, unless there's something seriously wrong with Carter.

You mean other than a 31.9% K rate and negative defensive value?

Every AL team has room for one Adam Dunn. And plate discipline obviously isn't that easy, but, you know, you can't teach power.

Guy's already had more than 3500 professional PAs. Any gains he's going to make in plate discipline or contact rate are likely to be minimal at best. I know, chicks dig the long ball, but you're overrating the importance of his power considering the other problems in his game. Plus, the As have a real chance to win right now and Lowrie figures to help significantly more in that regard even accounting for his injury history. They have a black hole at 2b and he'd be an upgrade at 3b. Meanwhile the drop off from Carter to Moss, Barton or whoever just isn't that great.

Carter's incredibly disciplined against lefties. 24 BB against 26 K in 109 PA. His main problem as a lefty is a crazy (fluky?) IFFB rate that's depressed his batting average. But his OBP was still north of .400 vs. lefthanders, and near .500 in SLG. And his plate disciplined improved throughout his time at AAA, getting his K% down to 22% in AAA in 2012.He's not David Ortiz, but he's cheap and controllable, and he's already got lefties figured out. As a platoon guy/LOOGY killer, he's pretty valuable. I hope Daric Barton's ready.

Thats some awfully small sample sizes to be touting. If you recognize his IFFB rate could be fluky, why not those walks? Nobody walks 22% of the time.

18-19% in 2011-2012 vs. lefties in the minors. http://minorleaguece...4892&split=2012

Well, thats a) in the minors b) only 100 PA c) only 82% of the rate he had in the majors last season.

Good point. Minor league numbers are never indicative of anything. Look at Mike Trout, his minor league numbers were ####ty, and he was awesome.And players never improve on their rookie year. The rookie year in the bigs is kind of the apex, and then it's a slow slide downwards from there.

There is zero reason to believe that he will sustain his rate from last season going forward.

Bayes is backflipping in his grave right now.

 

[dparker713]

There is zero reason to believe that he will sustain his rate from last season going forward.

Bayes is backflipping in his grave right now.

Thats rich. Steamer, Bill James and Oliver all project Chris Carter with a BB% of no greater than 11.4% and a K rate of atleast 25.9%. Would seem the math is on my side.

 

[Wrigley]

I'm completely befuddled. Two years of Lowrie. It just makes no sense, unless there's something seriously wrong with Carter.

You mean other than a 31.9% K rate and negative defensive value?

Every AL team has room for one Adam Dunn. And plate discipline obviously isn't that easy, but, you know, you can't teach power.

Guy's already had more than 3500 professional PAs. Any gains he's going to make in plate discipline or contact rate are likely to be minimal at best. I know, chicks dig the long ball, but you're overrating the importance of his power considering the other problems in his game. Plus, the As have a real chance to win right now and Lowrie figures to help significantly more in that regard even accounting for his injury history. They have a black hole at 2b and he'd be an upgrade at 3b. Meanwhile the drop off from Carter to Moss, Barton or whoever just isn't that great.

Carter's incredibly disciplined against lefties. 24 BB against 26 K in 109 PA. His main problem as a lefty is a crazy (fluky?) IFFB rate that's depressed his batting average. But his OBP was still north of .400 vs. lefthanders, and near .500 in SLG. And his plate disciplined improved throughout his time at AAA, getting his K% down to 22% in AAA in 2012.He's not David Ortiz, but he's cheap and controllable, and he's already got lefties figured out. As a platoon guy/LOOGY killer, he's pretty valuable.

I hope Daric Barton's ready.

Thats some awfully small sample sizes to be touting. If you recognize his IFFB rate could be fluky, why not those walks? Nobody walks 22% of the time.

18-19% in 2011-2012 vs. lefties in the minors. http://minorleaguece...4892&split=2012

Well, thats a) in the minors b) only 100 PA c) only 82% of the rate he had in the majors last season.

Good point. Minor league numbers are never indicative of anything. Look at Mike Trout, his minor league numbers were ####ty, and he was awesome.And players never improve on their rookie year. The rookie year in the bigs is kind of the apex, and then it's a slow slide downwards from there.

There is zero reason to believe that he will sustain his rate from last season going forward.

Bayes is backflipping in his grave right now.

23 Hr's in 4 minor league years, and out of nowhere hit's 30 his first year in the bigs?Makes me say hmmmmmm

 

[shadyridr]

Theres more Chris Carter talk in this thread than the Shark Pool. Also, I saw the Astros want to put him in LF.

 

[guru_007]

Lowrie is a real nice player and the A's got a very good player, but IMO he's not elite. Seems like Carter is rising and power bats are always nice to have, and Peacock could be a #2. I get why they made the deal but I like the Astros side better.

I don't think the Astros got anything back that would make one think Lowrie is elite. Carter is 26 years old and has less than 400 lifetime plate appearances at the major league level.Lowrie is a major bona fide major league player. He's not a star, but he's decent, and versatile. Who knows, maybe the A's catch lightning in a bottle with him as they have with another ex Red Sox player.Carter is going to play in Houston. There's no reason to think that they will not give him every chance to produce in that pathetic lineup. His competition is:Carlos Pena who hasn't batted over .230 in the past 4 years ffs. And he's played on much better offensive teams, so this year he can expect to see a lot of balls thrown his way again, and since he's on a one year deal, mid-30's, I expect him to strike out a lot again trying to hit for a contract.Brett Wallace is another 26 year old with just a few more pa's than Carter. And in his 800 or so lifetime ml pa's he's managed 16 home runs, a .250 lifetime average and a .325 or so obp, which is basically puke for a first baseman and/or DH.For fantasy baseball purposes, Carter should be better than Lowrie, but for real baseball, the A's got the best player in the deal and didn't give up all that much to get him, in my eyes.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Lowrie is a real nice player and the A's got a very good player, but IMO he's not elite. Seems like Carter is rising and power bats are always nice to have, and Peacock could be a #2. I get why they made the deal but I like the Astros side better.

I don't think the Astros got anything back that would make one think Lowrie is elite. Carter is 26 years old and has less than 400 lifetime plate appearances at the major league level.Lowrie is a major bona fide major league player. He's not a star, but he's decent, and versatile. Who knows, maybe the A's catch lightning in a bottle with him as they have with another ex Red Sox player.Carter is going to play in Houston. There's no reason to think that they will not give him every chance to produce in that pathetic lineup. His competition is:Carlos Pena who hasn't batted over .230 in the past 4 years ffs. And he's played on much better offensive teams, so this year he can expect to see a lot of balls thrown his way again, and since he's on a one year deal, mid-30's, I expect him to strike out a lot again trying to hit for a contract.Brett Wallace is another 26 year old with just a few more pa's than Carter. And in his 800 or so lifetime ml pa's he's managed 16 home runs, a .250 lifetime average and a .325 or so obp, which is basically puke for a first baseman and/or DH.For fantasy baseball purposes, Carter should be better than Lowrie, but for real baseball, the A's got the best player in the deal and didn't give up all that much to get him, in my eyes.

Brad Peacock prior to last year was widely regarded as one of the better pitching prospects in baseball. He has some control problems, but he has a fastball that hits about 97 and he throws a knuckle-curve which could be devastating if he could tell where it's going. To me it's him not Carter that will be the difference in this trade. If he can show improvement with his control he's a guy with a tremendous upside.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Brad Peacock prior to last year was widely regarded as one of the better pitching prospects in baseball. He has some control problems, but he has a fastball that hits about 97 and he throws a knuckle-curve which could be devastating if he could tell where it's going. To me it's him not Carter that will be the difference in this trade. If he can show improvement with his control he's a guy with a tremendous upside.

Peacock was a favorite of mine when he was a Nats farmhand and when he made it up to the big-league club for a couple starts in 2011, but I don't know if he was ever considered an elite prospect. Still, I agree with your larger point that he wasn't just a throw-in. He's got 4th or 5th starter potential for sure. He was the Nats' minor league pitcher of the year in 2011.

 

[Eephus]

Lowrie is a real nice player and the A's got a very good player, but IMO he's not elite. Seems like Carter is rising and power bats are always nice to have, and Peacock could be a #2. I get why they made the deal but I like the Astros side better.

I don't think the Astros got anything back that would make one think Lowrie is elite. Carter is 26 years old and has less than 400 lifetime plate appearances at the major league level.Lowrie is a major bona fide major league player. He's not a star, but he's decent, and versatile. Who knows, maybe the A's catch lightning in a bottle with him as they have with another ex Red Sox player.Carter is going to play in Houston. There's no reason to think that they will not give him every chance to produce in that pathetic lineup. His competition is:Carlos Pena who hasn't batted over .230 in the past 4 years ffs. And he's played on much better offensive teams, so this year he can expect to see a lot of balls thrown his way again, and since he's on a one year deal, mid-30's, I expect him to strike out a lot again trying to hit for a contract.Brett Wallace is another 26 year old with just a few more pa's than Carter. And in his 800 or so lifetime ml pa's he's managed 16 home runs, a .250 lifetime average and a .325 or so obp, which is basically puke for a first baseman and/or DH.For fantasy baseball purposes, Carter should be better than Lowrie, but for real baseball, the A's got the best player in the deal and didn't give up all that much to get him, in my eyes.

Brad Peacock prior to last year was widely regarded as one of the better pitching prospects in baseball. He has some control problems, but he has a fastball that hits about 97 and he throws a knuckle-curve which could be devastating if he could tell where it's going. To me it's him not Carter that will be the difference in this trade. If he can show improvement with his control he's a guy with a tremendous upside.

I think Peacock is the wild card in this trade. He's the one guy who make it look lopsided in favor of Houston three years from now. He turned 25 last week so he needs to start showing some command soon. His PCL ERA last year was deceivingly poor but Oakland must not have liked what they saw from him in other areas. Maybe a change of scenery or a move to the bullpen is the answer.Carter's talents and limitations are pretty obvious and unlikely to change significantly. He's very close to a finished product. His absolute upside is a right handed Carlos Pena with a worse glove. That's very useful but I think he'll fall well short of that ceiling. He's probably about as good a left fielder as Nell Carter though.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Brad Peacock prior to last year was widely regarded as one of the better pitching prospects in baseball. He has some control problems, but he has a fastball that hits about 97 and he throws a knuckle-curve which could be devastating if he could tell where it's going. To me it's him not Carter that will be the difference in this trade. If he can show improvement with his control he's a guy with a tremendous upside.

Peacock was a favorite of mine when he was a Nats farmhand and when he made it up to the big-league club for a couple starts in 2011, but I don't know if he was ever considered an elite prospect. Still, I agree with your larger point that he wasn't just a throw-in. He's got 4th or 5th starter potential for sure. He was the Nats' minor league pitcher of the year in 2011.

He was ranked the Nats #3 prospect and top 50 in several preseason top 100s the past couple of years.I'm not going to get into a the semantics of "elite" with you but he has way more upside than a #5 pitcher. Just because your team traded him doesn't all of a sudden make him worthless.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Brad Peacock prior to last year was widely regarded as one of the better pitching prospects in baseball. He has some control problems, but he has a fastball that hits about 97 and he throws a knuckle-curve which could be devastating if he could tell where it's going. To me it's him not Carter that will be the difference in this trade. If he can show improvement with his control he's a guy with a tremendous upside.

Peacock was a favorite of mine when he was a Nats farmhand and when he made it up to the big-league club for a couple starts in 2011, but I don't know if he was ever considered an elite prospect. Still, I agree with your larger point that he wasn't just a throw-in. He's got 4th or 5th starter potential for sure. He was the Nats' minor league pitcher of the year in 2011.

He was ranked the Nats #3 prospect and top 50 in several preseason top 100s the past couple of years.I'm not going to get into a the semantics of "elite" with you but he has way more upside than a #5 pitcher. Just because your team traded him doesn't all of a sudden make him worthless.

Quite the opposite; he was a personal favorite and I still root for him. I was irrationally sad to see him go even with Gio coming back in return. I loved the story- 41st round pick, family cruising around America in an RV watching him pitch and parking in Wal-Mart parking lots overnight. And I met him once and he couldn't have been nicer. Didn't realize he'd reached 2012 Top prospect list status after the 2011 season, but it makes sense. I heard Law and maybe the BP guys refer to him as a back-end starter a couple times so that's where that assessment came from.In other news about guys with cool stories- Nats are bringing in Micah Owings on a minor league deal as a 1B.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Owings can rake

 

[Captain Hook]

Good point. Minor league numbers are never indicative of anything. Look at Mike Trout, his minor league numbers were ####ty, and he was awesome.

REALLY?Not sure WTH you are looking at2009A- 306/388/434 with 4HR, 19RBI, 11SB in 196 at batsA+ 362/454/526 with 6HR, 39RBI, 45SB in 312 at bats2010AA 326/414/544 with 11HR, 38RBI, 33SB in 353 at batsNOTHING crappy about those numbers

 

[scoobus]

Good point. Minor league numbers are never indicative of anything. Look at Mike Trout, his minor league numbers were ####ty, and he was awesome.

REALLY?Not sure WTH you are looking at2009A- 306/388/434 with 4HR, 19RBI, 11SB in 196 at batsA+ 362/454/526 with 6HR, 39RBI, 45SB in 312 at bats2010AA 326/414/544 with 11HR, 38RBI, 33SB in 353 at batsNOTHING crappy about those numbers

 

[TobiasFunke]

Good point. Minor league numbers are never indicative of anything. Look at Mike Trout, his minor league numbers were ####ty, and he was awesome.

REALLY?Not sure WTH you are looking at2009A- 306/388/434 with 4HR, 19RBI, 11SB in 196 at batsA+ 362/454/526 with 6HR, 39RBI, 45SB in 312 at bats2010AA 326/414/544 with 11HR, 38RBI, 33SB in 353 at batsNOTHING crappy about those numbers

In your defense, my sarcasm meter didn't pick it up at first either. Had to read back through the whole dialogue.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

There is zero reason to believe that he will sustain his rate from last season going forward.

Bayes is backflipping in his grave right now.

Thats rich. Steamer, Bill James and Oliver all project Chris Carter with a BB% of no greater than 11.4% and a K rate of atleast 25.9%. Would seem the math is on my side.

Those aren't unreasonable projections. But they also don't preclude a walk-rate against lefties in the 18-20% range. Especially if they're going to run him out there every day against righties.From Houston's perspective, he's not a great fit with Pena and Wallace there, he's going to be a mess in LF. But given that they're not going anywhere in the next couple years, he's obviously more valuable than Lowrie.

 

[Eephus]

There is zero reason to believe that he will sustain his rate from last season going forward.

Bayes is backflipping in his grave right now.

Thats rich. Steamer, Bill James and Oliver all project Chris Carter with a BB% of no greater than 11.4% and a K rate of atleast 25.9%. Would seem the math is on my side.

Those aren't unreasonable projections. But they also don't preclude a walk-rate against lefties in the 18-20% range. Especially if they're going to run him out there every day against righties.From Houston's perspective, he's not a great fit with Pena and Wallace there, he's going to be a mess in LF. But given that they're not going anywhere in the next couple years, he's obviously more valuable than Lowrie.

obviously = possibly