*** Official 2012-13 Hot Stove Thread (2 Viewers)

[Brady Marino]

Skip Schumaker to the Dodgers for a minor leaguer.He's a useful player. Like the move but hate the Dodgers.

He got Kozma'd out of a job.

I have no understanding of the Descalso lovefest going on within the organization. Skip was the best option at 2B by a pretty wide margin against RHP. Kozma could play there against LHP. Really, really dislike this deal and I don't even know who the Cards got in return.

Skip was pretty one-dimensional. Good average, but no power and meh plate discipline. Descalso is a better fielder, can play SS if absolutely necessary, and has less YOS than Skip. Sure, Skip can play all three OF positions somewhat competently, but again, no power. Plus, Descalso has shown flashes of being better than meh.That's my guess as to why the Cards prefer Descalso over Skip.

Descalso is developing into a plus player - I wasn't sold on him at first but he is becoming one of my favorite Cardinals.

You guys are drinking the kool-aid too. The man barely crossed the .600 threshold in OPS last season. He's not a plus player in any sense of the word. He's "gritty" and he plays any infield position adequately (not well), so Cards fans like him. I get it. He's not an everyday player though. Kolten Wong better get here fast.I'll take Skip. Sorry.

Not saying Descalso is the next Oquendo or anything. But he does play multiple INF positions, is "gritty" as you said, bats lefty too, and has less YOS than Skip. Yes, he's a utility man and yes, that's probably all he'll ever be. But let's not get any delusions that Skip was anything more than utility, either. Skip isn't exactly Sandberg at 2B.

 

[RnR]

Skip Schumaker to the Dodgers for a minor leaguer.He's a useful player. Like the move but hate the Dodgers.

He got Kozma'd out of a job.

I have no understanding of the Descalso lovefest going on within the organization. Skip was the best option at 2B by a pretty wide margin against RHP. Kozma could play there against LHP. Really, really dislike this deal and I don't even know who the Cards got in return.

Skip was pretty one-dimensional. Good average, but no power and meh plate discipline. Descalso is a better fielder, can play SS if absolutely necessary, and has less YOS than Skip. Sure, Skip can play all three OF positions somewhat competently, but again, no power. Plus, Descalso has shown flashes of being better than meh.That's my guess as to why the Cards prefer Descalso over Skip.

Descalso is developing into a plus player - I wasn't sold on him at first but he is becoming one of my favorite Cardinals.

You guys are drinking the kool-aid too. The man barely crossed the .600 threshold in OPS last season. He's not a plus player in any sense of the word. He's "gritty" and he plays any infield position adequately (not well), so Cards fans like him. I get it. He's not an everyday player though. Kolten Wong better get here fast.I'll take Skip. Sorry.

Not saying Descalso is the next Oquendo or anything. But he does play multiple INF positions, is "gritty" as you said, bats lefty too, and has less YOS than Skip. Yes, he's a utility man and yes, that's probably all he'll ever be. But let's not get any delusions that Skip was anything more than utility, either. Skip isn't exactly Sandberg at 2B.

I'm just saying: The guy is .288/.345/.377 in 2687 career PA's (.305/.359/.403 against RHP). He can play all three OF positions in addition to 2B, has an affordable team-friendly contract, has been around the organization for 8 years of winning baseball, and is universally liked in the clubhouse by all accounts. This is the kind of guy that screams "great bench player." There was room for Kozma, Schumaker, and Descalso on the same roster, especially with Freese's need to be replaced defensively often.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Dbacks just told the royals THAT'S HOW YOU TRADE A TOP PROSPECT FOR NOTHING!honestly, I don't think Bauer will be anything good. Dude has less control than a teenaged boy at a strip club, his fastball was nothing special, and hes a bit of a loco.

A bit? Dude may grow up with time but based off what he's shown thus far, he's a spoiled brat and one of the crazier players in baseball. I'd love to dump him were I a Diamondbacks fan. Just not sure if this is the best value for the kid.

How is Bauer loco/crazy? Please tell me you guys aren't basing that on his warm up routine.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Dbacks just told the royals THAT'S HOW YOU TRADE A TOP PROSPECT FOR NOTHING!honestly, I don't think Bauer will be anything good. Dude has less control than a teenaged boy at a strip club, his fastball was nothing special, and hes a bit of a loco.

A bit? Dude may grow up with time but based off what he's shown thus far, he's a spoiled brat and one of the crazier players in baseball. I'd love to dump him were I a Diamondbacks fan. Just not sure if this is the best value for the kid.

How is Bauer loco/crazy? Please tell me you guys aren't basing that on his warm up routine.

Why shouldn't that count? His blowup with Montero would likely be forgotten with time but it's another sign of his immaturity. What of the Diamondbacks allegedly telling him to start pitching lower in the strike zone and his refusal to listen? What of the continued drop in his velocity since being drafted? Likely just a simple mechanical fix but this kid hasn't shown himself to take criticism easily. His potential is tremendous and I think it's a great move on Cleveland's part to acquire the kid. But there are some problems if he won't start listening to others. It's not like his way has lead to early dominance.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Can someone who knows about him talk about Gregorius a little bit. His minor league numbers certainly don't pop off the page, nor does his speed. He must project as a plus fielder at SS then?

Freak athlete first and foremost, which many believe gives him some additional upside to improve in all areas. Also, when he's been up or even in ST it's clear his glove is already a plus fielder. He was roadblocked by Cozart though and the reds were running out of options to improve leadoff. For the Reds, I like it well enough. I think Ludwick will get plenty of days off on the road where Heisey can play center. At home when the big 3 are all playing, you're at least getting great RF defense to help out whichever of Bruce/Choo is in center. I might have preferred if the Reds had just traded Didi for Bauer themselves, but they weren't happy at leadoff and they're in obvious win-now mode. Hamilton replaces Choo in 14.

Choo's an awful defender. FYI.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Greinke used to be pretty nuts too.

 

[shadyridr]

Greinke used to be pretty nuts too.

Used to?

 

[Eephus]

Dbacks just told the royals THAT'S HOW YOU TRADE A TOP PROSPECT FOR NOTHING!honestly, I don't think Bauer will be anything good. Dude has less control than a teenaged boy at a strip club, his fastball was nothing special, and hes a bit of a loco.

A bit? Dude may grow up with time but based off what he's shown thus far, he's a spoiled brat and one of the crazier players in baseball. I'd love to dump him were I a Diamondbacks fan. Just not sure if this is the best value for the kid.

How is Bauer loco/crazy? Please tell me you guys aren't basing that on his warm up routine.

Why shouldn't that count? His blowup with Montero would likely be forgotten with time but it's another sign of his immaturity. What of the Diamondbacks allegedly telling him to start pitching lower in the strike zone and his refusal to listen? What of the continued drop in his velocity since being drafted? Likely just a simple mechanical fix but this kid hasn't shown himself to take criticism easily. His potential is tremendous and I think it's a great move on Cleveland's part to acquire the kid. But there are some problems if he won't start listening to others. It's not like his way has lead to early dominance.

He's a pitcher, not an airline pilot or Supreme Court justice.

 

[Eephus]

Eli Whiteside has been with four different teams since the end of the World Series: Giants, Yankees, Blue Jays and now the Rangers.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Dbacks just told the royals THAT'S HOW YOU TRADE A TOP PROSPECT FOR NOTHING!honestly, I don't think Bauer will be anything good. Dude has less control than a teenaged boy at a strip club, his fastball was nothing special, and hes a bit of a loco.

A bit? Dude may grow up with time but based off what he's shown thus far, he's a spoiled brat and one of the crazier players in baseball. I'd love to dump him were I a Diamondbacks fan. Just not sure if this is the best value for the kid.

How is Bauer loco/crazy? Please tell me you guys aren't basing that on his warm up routine.

Why shouldn't that count? His blowup with Montero would likely be forgotten with time but it's another sign of his immaturity. What of the Diamondbacks allegedly telling him to start pitching lower in the strike zone and his refusal to listen? What of the continued drop in his velocity since being drafted? Likely just a simple mechanical fix but this kid hasn't shown himself to take criticism easily. His potential is tremendous and I think it's a great move on Cleveland's part to acquire the kid. But there are some problems if he won't start listening to others. It's not like his way has lead to early dominance.

Because it's irrelevant, if his warm up in college and the minors was to throw back a 2'6 of vodka then I sure as hell would want him to do the same in the majors given his college and minor league success. And if long-toss was good enough for Old Hoss Radbourn then it's good enough for Bauer. All those other things you listed seem like legitimate concerns, but they're nowhere near concerning enough to give up on the kid for the package of suck they got in return imo.

 

[Eephus]

Dbacks just told the royals THAT'S HOW YOU TRADE A TOP PROSPECT FOR NOTHING!honestly, I don't think Bauer will be anything good. Dude has less control than a teenaged boy at a strip club, his fastball was nothing special, and hes a bit of a loco.

A bit? Dude may grow up with time but based off what he's shown thus far, he's a spoiled brat and one of the crazier players in baseball. I'd love to dump him were I a Diamondbacks fan. Just not sure if this is the best value for the kid.

How is Bauer loco/crazy? Please tell me you guys aren't basing that on his warm up routine.

Why shouldn't that count? His blowup with Montero would likely be forgotten with time but it's another sign of his immaturity. What of the Diamondbacks allegedly telling him to start pitching lower in the strike zone and his refusal to listen? What of the continued drop in his velocity since being drafted? Likely just a simple mechanical fix but this kid hasn't shown himself to take criticism easily. His potential is tremendous and I think it's a great move on Cleveland's part to acquire the kid. But there are some problems if he won't start listening to others. It's not like his way has lead to early dominance.

Because it's irrelevant, if his warm up in college and the minors was to throw back a 2'6 of vodka then I sure as hell would want him to do the same in the majors given his college and minor league success. And if long-toss was good enough for Old Hoss Radbourn then it's good enough for Bauer. All those other things you listed seem like legitimate concerns, but they're nowhere near concerning enough to give up on the kid for the package of suck they got in return imo.

Terry Francona has a good track record of getting production out of ballplayers with idiosyncratic approaches to the game. Cleveland seems like a good place for Bauer to establish himself as a major leaguer.

 

[boubucarow]

Dbacks just told the royals THAT'S HOW YOU TRADE A TOP PROSPECT FOR NOTHING!honestly, I don't think Bauer will be anything good. Dude has less control than a teenaged boy at a strip club, his fastball was nothing special, and hes a bit of a loco.

A bit? Dude may grow up with time but based off what he's shown thus far, he's a spoiled brat and one of the crazier players in baseball. I'd love to dump him were I a Diamondbacks fan. Just not sure if this is the best value for the kid.

How is Bauer loco/crazy? Please tell me you guys aren't basing that on his warm up routine.

Why shouldn't that count? His blowup with Montero would likely be forgotten with time but it's another sign of his immaturity. What of the Diamondbacks allegedly telling him to start pitching lower in the strike zone and his refusal to listen? What of the continued drop in his velocity since being drafted? Likely just a simple mechanical fix but this kid hasn't shown himself to take criticism easily. His potential is tremendous and I think it's a great move on Cleveland's part to acquire the kid. But there are some problems if he won't start listening to others. It's not like his way has lead to early dominance.

Because it's irrelevant, if his warm up in college and the minors was to throw back a 2'6 of vodka then I sure as hell would want him to do the same in the majors given his college and minor league success. And if long-toss was good enough for Old Hoss Radbourn then it's good enough for Bauer. All those other things you listed seem like legitimate concerns, but they're nowhere near concerning enough to give up on the kid for the package of suck they got in return imo.

Terry Francona has a good track record of getting production out of ballplayers with idiosyncratic approaches to the game. Cleveland seems like a good place for Bauer to establish himself as a major leaguer.

Kevin Millar was talking about this on Intentional Talk with all the crazies on that first Red Sox championship.

 

[Eephus]

Andres Torres is back with the Giants after a one year vacation in New York. Bringing back known quantities is a low risk but potentially low reward strategy. I won't be too critical of the genius unless Ryan Garko shows up in Scottsdale.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Josh Hamilton - OF - Rangers FOX Sports West's Joe McDonnell reports that the Angels are in "serious negotiations" with Josh Hamilton.

 

[Eephus]

Josh Hamilton - OF - Rangers FOX Sports West's Joe McDonnell reports that the Angels are in "serious negotiations" with Josh Hamilton.

Nice way to replace Torii Hunter. It would draw some local attention back down I5. 2014 would be their only bad year from a luxury tax perspective. Pujols' big money kicks in 2014 but Wells comes off the books after that.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Josh Hamilton - OF - Rangers FOX Sports West's Joe McDonnell reports that the Angels are in "serious negotiations" with Josh Hamilton.

Nice way to replace Torii Hunter.

Not so sure. Major regression candidate. What was his BABIP and oWAR? How is his oRING? We know the drugs are "bigger" in Texas, but are they "better" in California? So many questions.

 

[Bogart]

Jon Daniels says that Hamilton has agreed with the Angels. 5/125 are the numbers being said

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Jon Daniels says that Hamilton has agreed with the Angels. 5/125 are the numbers being said

If true I don't think LA gets their money's worth.Does Texas have a backup plan? Is there still a pulse on that Justin Upton trade?

 

[Annyong]

Potential Angels Lineup?

1. Mike Trout, CF

2. Erick Aybar, SS

3. Albert Pujols, 1B

4. Josh Hamilton, RF

5. Mark Trumbo, 3B

6. Kendrys Morales, DH

7. Howard Kendrick, 2B

8. Chris Iannetta, C

9. Peter Bourjos, LF

 

[Raider Nation]

Thank God. I wanted him to go anywhere except to the Yankees.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Jon Daniels says that Hamilton has agreed with the Angels. 5/125 are the numbers being said

If true I don't think LA gets their money's worth.Does Texas have a backup plan? Is there still a pulse on that Justin Upton trade?

Bourn is still out there.

 

[Raider Nation]

Baseball Prospectus has reported that Hamilton will ask for a seven-year, $175 million contract.

Good luck with that Josh.

It sounds comical indeed, but I'll bet you some team feels enough pressure to come pretty close.

He may not get the years but I think the $25M/yr. is pretty close

I can buy that, but I can't see a team going 25 million for more than 4 or 5 years.

Right on the money, excuse the pun.I'm sure Josh is pleased. Shoot for a ridiculous figure. Settle for a slightly less ridiculous figure.

 

[=Smackdown=]

Potential Angels Lineup? 1. Mike Trout, CF 2. Erick Aybar, SS 3. Albert Pujols, 1B 4. Josh Hamilton, RF 5. Mark Trumbo, 3B 6. Kendrys Morales, DH 7. Howard Kendrick, 2B 8. Chris Iannetta, C 9. Peter Bourjos, LF

 

[Eephus]

Potential Angels Lineup? 1. Mike Trout, CF 2. Erick Aybar, SS 3. Albert Pujols, 1B 4. Josh Hamilton, RF 5. Mark Trumbo, 3B 6. Kendrys Morales, DH 7. Howard Kendrick, 2B 8. Chris Iannetta, C 9. Peter Bourjos, LF

or Callaspo at 3B and Trumbo in left. Either way, they'll score some runs.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Jon Daniels says that Hamilton has agreed with the Angels. 5/125 are the numbers being said

If true I don't think LA gets their money's worth.Does Texas have a backup plan? Is there still a pulse on that Justin Upton trade?

Bourn is still out there.

Also from a power standpoint I kind of expect them to sign Adam LaRoche to play 1B, maybe give Moreland a bench role. Nats aren't budging off two years to LaRoche, Texas only needs to offer three to get him.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Potential Angels Lineup? 1. Mike Trout, CF 2. Erick Aybar, SS 3. Albert Pujols, 1B 4. Josh Hamilton, RF 5. Mark Trumbo, 3B 6. Kendrys Morales, DH 7. Howard Kendrick, 2B 8. Chris Iannetta, C 9. Peter Bourjos, LF

Balls be flyin.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Holy ****snacks.

 

[MAC_32]

Jon Daniels says that Hamilton has agreed with the Angels. 5/125 are the numbers being said

If true I don't think LA gets their money's worth.Does Texas have a backup plan? Is there still a pulse on that Justin Upton trade?

Dbacks exec said internally Upton trade was dead last weekend, decided to move Bauer instead.

 

[=Smackdown=]

Trumbo for Dickey?

 

[shadyridr]

When did these LA teams become the Yankees?

 

[Billy Bats]

Well that's just not fair.

 

[Bobcat10]

Already hearing the Trumbo rumors again in Cleveland and how the Angels will want/need to move him.

Perez?

 

[Billy Bats]

Already hearing the Trumbo rumors again in Cleveland and how the Angels will want/need to move him.

Perez?

FWIW:Buster Olney ‏@Buster_ESPN Other teams asked about Mark Trumbo, and been told that he's not available; the Angels have said they are keeping him.

 

[Eephus]

Red Sox sign Dempster 2/$26.5M.

Fills a need and doesn't break the bank.

 

[Bogart]

@toriihunter48 "I was told money was tight but I guess the Arte had money hidden under a Mattress. Business is business but don't lie."

 

[cheese]

Already hearing the Trumbo rumors again in Cleveland and how the Angels will want/need to move him.Perez?

I think Trumbo could fetch much more. The Dickey rumors make more sense to me.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

As an A's fan, ####.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

@toriihunter48 "I was told money was tight but I guess the Arte had money hidden under a Mattress. Business is business but don't lie."

Sorry Torii.....389. BABIP IS BABIP.Arte would much rather pay a 32 year old (in a 42 year old's body) $25 million for 5 years than he would pay a 38 year old (in a 32 year old's body) $13 million for 2 years. LA loves them some really bad contracts.

 

[Thunderlips]

IF you're Texas....what do you give up for Giancarlo Stanton?

 

[Daywalker]

@toriihunter48 "I was told money was tight but I guess the Arte had money hidden under a Mattress. Business is business but don't lie."

Sorry Torii.....389. BABIP IS BABIP.Arte would much rather pay a 32 year old (in a 42 year old's body) $25 million for 5 years than he would pay a 38 year old (in a 32 year old's body) $13 million for 2 years. LA loves them some really bad contracts.

Rather have Hamilton for five years then Greinke for six. Not a tough decision either.

 

[The Flying Elvis]

IF you're Texas....what do you give up for Giancarlo Stanton?

I'm assuming the Marlins would want Profar but Texas wouldn't be feeling that too much. So if I'm Texas I am starting with Andrus/Olt and would expect to have to add more to get it done, would probably have to add in a top SP prospect or a SP already on the team. Does Andrus/Perez/Olt get it done? Probably not? Holland?

 

[Bogart]

Coming across the radio here that Anibal Sanchez is going to the Cubs.

 

[Bogart]

IF you're Texas....what do you give up for Giancarlo Stanton?

I'm assuming the Marlins would want Profar but Texas wouldn't be feeling that too much. So if I'm Texas I am starting with Andrus/Olt and would expect to have to add more to get it done, would probably have to add in a top SP prospect or a SP already on the team. Does Andrus/Perez/Olt get it done? Probably not? Holland?

Talk last month was it was going to take Profar and Olt just to start. Probably a Perez or Holland in there as well. Most likely too rich for Texas.

 

[Daywalker]

Angels should offer Wells, Trumbo and Bourjos to anyone for a bag of balls.

 

[Daywalker]

@toriihunter48 "I was told money was tight but I guess the Arte had money hidden under a Mattress. Business is business but don't lie."

He sounds like a contestant on Survivor who whines when someone lies to them and they are voted out.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Angels should offer Wells, Trumbo and Bourjos to anyone for a bag of balls.

No way. They're better off eating the money and keeping Trumbo's power. Wells will be gone in 2 more years. Bourjos is a good speedster.

 

[Annyong]

Coming across the radio here that Anibal Sanchez is going to the Cubs.

5 years $75mm

 

[shadyridr]

5 yrs for josh Hamilton seems pretty fair to me. Great signing

 

[Daywalker]

Angels should offer Wells, Trumbo and Bourjos to anyone for a bag of balls.

No way. They're better off eating the money and keeping Trumbo's power. Wells will be gone in 2 more years. Bourjos is a good speedster.

What does Trumbo get on the open market?

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Angels should offer Wells, Trumbo and Bourjos to anyone for a bag of balls.

No way. They're better off eating the money and keeping Trumbo's power. Wells will be gone in 2 more years. Bourjos is a good speedster.

What does Trumbo get on the open market?

I'm not sure what he'd get on the open market but I know guys who can hit 30+ home runs don't grow on trees. Crappy defense and a poor obp can be worked around when you've got an 808 OPS that's a big help to a team's offense. Were I Anaheim I'd be game for flipping him. Just for more than taking on Vernon's contract.