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

[cheese]

Reds fan here. Yea, that's steep, but I'll take it. But I had no visions of keeping Alonso or Grandal this offseason. Don't care about Volquez. What I think stings is having to throw in Boxberger, who I thought was the closer of the future.

So... Cueto, Latos, Arroyo, Leake, Bailey, Wood... still try to make Chapman a starter, or is he the closer?

I still think Walt will dish out 8-10M on a FA closer, maybe even Cordero. If I'm wrong though, I think Chapman's probably the backup plan.@guru... I do agree that the Reds gave up more value here, but they had been trying to deal Alonso for an ace starter for over a year now with no real takers. I think his market just isn't as big as people want it to be. No question that the guys dealt will be worth more to SD than they would've been while roadblocked here. I don't think as much of the Volquez wild card as you do either. He's had a one year flash of dominance when he switched leagues, but I think he has more problems than just rehab. He just seems incapable of throwing strikes even when thats all he is trying to do. I think its much more likely that his good 1st half in 2008 was the anomoly than his last 3 years all being a bad blip on the radar. Even if he does somehow turn back the clock 3+ years, you're a year away from making a big decision on whether to pay him a guy with a roller coaster track record.The thing is nobody is trading a 24 year old Sabathia or Halladay. I'm not even sure he exists and he would be completely untouchable if he did. Latos was arguably the best pitcher that was actually available and he comes without a monster salary.

 

[Eephus]

yeah, the more I look into that, the more I dislike that deal for the Reds.Latos is young and talented, but he's going to need to turn into a super star, top 10 type pitcher for 5-10 years for that deal to make sense. And I just don't see that. He's not all that durable, and while he strikes out guys at a decent clip, he's more a fly ball pitcher and in Cincy, that's not real beneficial.Alonso is going to be a solid major league first basemen for years to come, and while his path may have been blocked, he alone should have brought a solid 1 or 2 type pitcher.Volquez is a big question mark, but how quick are we to forget his dominance just 3 years back. Sure, since that time he's had TJ surgery and a rough transition, but that surgery alone can take 18-24 months to recover, and he has not lost any velocity since '08. Plus, he's just 28 and under a VERY reasonable contract. This is the kind of pitcher you want on your team, if he pans out, you get 15 wins at 1.8 million dollars. If he doesn't, well, he has no Lackeyian contract wrapped around his neck. Now he gets to move into an extreme pitchers park?And then they trow in their 2010 first round pick in Grandal and one of their '09 first round picks in Boxberger, who both project to be near major league ready? The trade makes sense if you are receiving a 24 year old Sabathia or Halladay, a guy you can pencil in for 200+ innings each year. Shelf life on pitchers is generally not all that great, look at guys like Peavy (who is just 30), Prior, Wood and Webb, so on and on and on. Arms are fragile and the strain put on them is unbelievable.

I pretty much agree with this. The trade could work out for the Reds but it'll take Latos to maintain his park adjusted performance and increase his workload. It would also help if Cincinnati can make a playoff run before Votto leaves. It is a big deal that Latos isn't a super two so he has one very cheap year left.All four of the guys going west could turn out to be Major League producers. Any one of them could make this trade look bad a few years from now, although it's more likely to be some combination of two or three.

 

[guru_007]

@guru... I do agree that the Reds gave up more value here, but they had been trying to deal Alonso for an ace starter for over a year now with no real takers. I think his market just isn't as big as people want it to be. No question that the guys dealt will be worth more to SD than they would've been while roadblocked here. I don't think as much of the Volquez wild card as you do either. He's had a one year flash of dominance when he switched leagues, but I think he has more problems than just rehab. He just seems incapable of throwing strikes even when thats all he is trying to do. I think its much more likely that his good 1st half in 2008 was the anomoly than his last 3 years all being a bad blip on the radar. Even if he does somehow turn back the clock 3+ years, you're a year away from making a big decision on whether to pay him a guy with a roller coaster track record.The thing is nobody is trading a 24 year old Sabathia or Halladay. I'm not even sure he exists and he would be completely untouchable if he did. Latos was arguably the best pitcher that was actually available and he comes without a monster salary.

yeah, the thing is that none of us are probably at all aware of what offers the Reds have been given for Alonso straight up.One thing I was wondering (to myself) is if the Reds would be willing to have done a Alonso for Wandy Rodriguez trade straight up. That one would have been hard to have made as they are/were both in the same division, but the Astros have a strong need for good young talent and while Wandy isn't a stud, his numbers have been pretty consistent - I guess his age would be the only issue, but if the reds do that trade, they still have pieces available to grab another starting pitcher too. just spitballing for sure, but I would have liekd to have been a fly on the wall to see what else was available.And as far as Volquez, like I said, I don't necessarily think he will magically revert to 2008 form, I think with some good coaching, he can get back to throwing strikes again, as the velocity is there. And his salary is well worth the risk for a guy with that upside. I'd take him on for a year, a contract year no less, and see what he can do. As long as they don't throw an oliver perez type extension on him. I guess I take real baseball a bit like I do fantasy baseball, in that when building a pitching staff I'm more than willing to take a few chances on the cheap on guys that can really be difference makers and discard them when the year is over.

 

[cheese]

yeah, the more I look into that, the more I dislike that deal for the Reds.Latos is young and talented, but he's going to need to turn into a super star, top 10 type pitcher for 5-10 years for that deal to make sense. And I just don't see that. He's not all that durable, and while he strikes out guys at a decent clip, he's more a fly ball pitcher and in Cincy, that's not real beneficial.Alonso is going to be a solid major league first basemen for years to come, and while his path may have been blocked, he alone should have brought a solid 1 or 2 type pitcher.Volquez is a big question mark, but how quick are we to forget his dominance just 3 years back. Sure, since that time he's had TJ surgery and a rough transition, but that surgery alone can take 18-24 months to recover, and he has not lost any velocity since '08. Plus, he's just 28 and under a VERY reasonable contract. This is the kind of pitcher you want on your team, if he pans out, you get 15 wins at 1.8 million dollars. If he doesn't, well, he has no Lackeyian contract wrapped around his neck. Now he gets to move into an extreme pitchers park?And then they trow in their 2010 first round pick in Grandal and one of their '09 first round picks in Boxberger, who both project to be near major league ready? The trade makes sense if you are receiving a 24 year old Sabathia or Halladay, a guy you can pencil in for 200+ innings each year. Shelf life on pitchers is generally not all that great, look at guys like Peavy (who is just 30), Prior, Wood and Webb, so on and on and on. Arms are fragile and the strain put on them is unbelievable.

I pretty much agree with this. The trade could work out for the Reds but it'll take Latos to maintain his park adjusted performance and increase his workload. It would also help if Cincinnati can make a playoff run before Votto leaves. It is a big deal that Latos isn't a super two so he has one very cheap year left.All four of the guys going west could turn out to be Major League producers. Any one of them could make this trade look bad a few years from now, although it's more likely to be some combination of two or three.

I don't think that one of those guys blowing up in SD will make this trade look bad, at least not to me. With the possible exception of Box (even him I question), none of those guys were going to get a shot to do anything similar here. What they can or can't do in completely different circumstances means very little to me as a Reds fan. Besides, Alonso, EV, and Grandal have been the trade bait for an SP all along. They were most likely gone whether in this deal or another one. The only thing that really matters is if Latos was the right guy to pull the trigger on.

 

[shuke]

Reds fan here. Yea, that's steep, but I'll take it. But I had no visions of keeping Alonso or Grandal this offseason. Don't care about Volquez. What I think stings is having to throw in Boxberger, who I thought was the closer of the future.

So... Cueto, Latos, Arroyo, Leake, Bailey, Wood... still try to make Chapman a starter, or is he the closer?

I'm guessing Wood is the odd man out here to start the season if Chapman is in the rotation.

 

[shadyridr]

@guru... I do agree that the Reds gave up more value here, but they had been trying to deal Alonso for an ace starter for over a year now with no real takers. I think his market just isn't as big as people want it to be. No question that the guys dealt will be worth more to SD than they would've been while roadblocked here. I don't think as much of the Volquez wild card as you do either. He's had a one year flash of dominance when he switched leagues, but I think he has more problems than just rehab. He just seems incapable of throwing strikes even when thats all he is trying to do. I think its much more likely that his good 1st half in 2008 was the anomoly than his last 3 years all being a bad blip on the radar. Even if he does somehow turn back the clock 3+ years, you're a year away from making a big decision on whether to pay him a guy with a roller coaster track record.The thing is nobody is trading a 24 year old Sabathia or Halladay. I'm not even sure he exists and he would be completely untouchable if he did. Latos was arguably the best pitcher that was actually available and he comes without a monster salary.

yeah, the thing is that none of us are probably at all aware of what offers the Reds have been given for Alonso straight up.One thing I was wondering (to myself) is if the Reds would be willing to have done a Alonso for Wandy Rodriguez trade straight up. That one would have been hard to have made as they are/were both in the same division, but the Astros have a strong need for good young talent and while Wandy isn't a stud, his numbers have been pretty consistent - I guess his age would be the only issue, but if the reds do that trade, they still have pieces available to grab another starting pitcher too. just spitballing for sure, but I would have liekd to have been a fly on the wall to see what else was available.And as far as Volquez, like I said, I don't necessarily think he will magically revert to 2008 form, I think with some good coaching, he can get back to throwing strikes again, as the velocity is there. And his salary is well worth the risk for a guy with that upside. I'd take him on for a year, a contract year no less, and see what he can do. As long as they don't throw an oliver perez type extension on him. I guess I take real baseball a bit like I do fantasy baseball, in that when building a pitching staff I'm more than willing to take a few chances on the cheap on guys that can really be difference makers and discard them when the year is over.

You wouldve rather them have trade Alonso for an expensive mediocre arm in Wandy than Alonso and a few more players for a young cheap stud pitcher?

 

[shuke]

yeah, the more I look into that, the more I dislike that deal for the Reds.Latos is young and talented, but he's going to need to turn into a super star, top 10 type pitcher for 5-10 years for that deal to make sense. And I just don't see that. He's not all that durable, and while he strikes out guys at a decent clip, he's more a fly ball pitcher and in Cincy, that's not real beneficial.Alonso is going to be a solid major league first basemen for years to come, and while his path may have been blocked, he alone should have brought a solid 1 or 2 type pitcher.Volquez is a big question mark, but how quick are we to forget his dominance just 3 years back. Sure, since that time he's had TJ surgery and a rough transition, but that surgery alone can take 18-24 months to recover, and he has not lost any velocity since '08. Plus, he's just 28 and under a VERY reasonable contract. This is the kind of pitcher you want on your team, if he pans out, you get 15 wins at 1.8 million dollars. If he doesn't, well, he has no Lackeyian contract wrapped around his neck. Now he gets to move into an extreme pitchers park?And then they trow in their 2010 first round pick in Grandal and one of their '09 first round picks in Boxberger, who both project to be near major league ready?

Reds have been holding onto prospects forever, and they haven't won a playoff game since 1990. They have a small window with Phillips and Votto, and they want to take that chance now. I'm all for it.

The trade makes sense if you are receiving a 24 year old Sabathia or Halladay

Oh come on.

 

[guru_007]

You wouldve rather them have trade Alonso for an expensive mediocre arm in Wandy than Alonso and a few more players for a young cheap stud pitcher?

Well, many would argue that Wandy is more than a mediocre arm. He's had 4 straight seasons with ERA's of 3.60. He has good strikeout ratios and his other ratios are solid as well. Plus the Astros would have been willing to eat a pretty good portion of the salary due if they fetched a prospect of Alonso's status in return.Plus, the Reds would have been left with Volquez, Grandel and Bixberger if they wanted to go out and acquire another starter.I think Latos is really, really good. I'm not willing to place him as a stud of yet. He's young, had the luxury of pitching at Petco and no real pressure situations. His durability is a possible issue, and for the price you paid for him, the Reds will absolutely need him to be their #1 pitcher for the next 5+ years. That's why I threw out a suggestion of trading one prospect and getting a #2 starter. If I am a GM, I'd probably prefer stockpiling arms as opposed to putting all my eggs in one or two baskets.I threw out Wandy as an example because I knew he was available, and to me, it kind of made a bit of sense for both clubs. There may have been other alternatives available, say a Matt Garza for Yonder Alonso and so on.

 

[Eephus]

You wouldve rather them have trade Alonso for an expensive mediocre arm in Wandy than Alonso and a few more players for a young cheap stud pitcher?

Well, many would argue that Wandy is more than a mediocre arm. He's had 4 straight seasons with ERA's of 3.60. He has good strikeout ratios and his other ratios are solid as well. Plus the Astros would have been willing to eat a pretty good portion of the salary due if they fetched a prospect of Alonso's status in return.Plus, the Reds would have been left with Volquez, Grandel and Bixberger if they wanted to go out and acquire another starter.I think Latos is really, really good. I'm not willing to place him as a stud of yet. He's young, had the luxury of pitching at Petco and no real pressure situations. His durability is a possible issue, and for the price you paid for him, the Reds will absolutely need him to be their #1 pitcher for the next 5+ years.

Latos pitched in a divisional race in 2010. He collapsed along with the rest of the club allowing the Giants to sneak into the playoffs. I'd give him the benefit of the doubt in that case; he was 22 and had never pitched anywhere near that many innings before.

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

Has any division been more impacted by free agency and trades?

Cards lose Pujols

Brewers potentially lose Fielder and Braun facing suspension

Reds shuffle around a bunch with this trade and possibly lose Cordero

Pirates and Cubs - well, they are the Pirates and Cubs.

This could be a fun division next year. Could be the year for the Pirates to rise up - or even the Cubs. Still think the Brewers and Cards pitching will be daunting and the Brewers signing of Aramis will definitely help...but still, going to be a dogfight the whole way.

 

[the moops]

Could be the year for the Pirates to rise up

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Rotoworld says Nats are pushing for Gio Gonzalez. They seem like the kind of team who would give up too much for a player like him.

 

[boom king]

Has any division been more impacted by free agency and trades?Cards lose Pujols Brewers potentially lose Fielder and Braun facing suspensionReds shuffle around a bunch with this trade and possibly lose CorderoPirates and Cubs - well, they are the Pirates and Cubs.This could be a fun division next year. Could be the year for the Pirates to rise up - or even the Cubs. Still think the Brewers and Cards pitching will be daunting and the Brewers signing of Aramis will definitely help...but still, going to be a dogfight the whole way.

cubs sign fieldercubs sign tebowcubs win

 

[Wrigley]

Has any division been more impacted by free agency and trades?Cards lose Pujols Brewers potentially lose Fielder and Braun facing suspensionReds shuffle around a bunch with this trade and possibly lose CorderoPirates and Cubs - well, they are the Pirates and Cubs.This could be a fun division next year. Could be the year for the Pirates to rise up - or even the Cubs. Still think the Brewers and Cards pitching will be daunting and the Brewers signing of Aramis will definitely help...but still, going to be a dogfight the whole way.

cubs sign fieldercubs sign tebowcubs win

You don't have to get much better, you just need the rest of the division to get that much worse.It's going to be a crazy year.

 

[dparker713]

yeah, the more I look into that, the more I dislike that deal for the Reds.Latos is young and talented, but he's going to need to turn into a super star, top 10 type pitcher for 5-10 years for that deal to make sense. And I just don't see that. He's not all that durable, and while he strikes out guys at a decent clip, he's more a fly ball pitcher and in Cincy, that's not real beneficial.Alonso is going to be a solid major league first basemen for years to come, and while his path may have been blocked, he alone should have brought a solid 1 or 2 type pitcher.Volquez is a big question mark, but how quick are we to forget his dominance just 3 years back. Sure, since that time he's had TJ surgery and a rough transition, but that surgery alone can take 18-24 months to recover, and he has not lost any velocity since '08. Plus, he's just 28 and under a VERY reasonable contract. This is the kind of pitcher you want on your team, if he pans out, you get 15 wins at 1.8 million dollars. If he doesn't, well, he has no Lackeyian contract wrapped around his neck. Now he gets to move into an extreme pitchers park?And then they trow in their 2010 first round pick in Grandal and one of their '09 first round picks in Boxberger, who both project to be near major league ready? The trade makes sense if you are receiving a 24 year old Sabathia or Halladay, a guy you can pencil in for 200+ innings each year. Shelf life on pitchers is generally not all that great, look at guys like Peavy (who is just 30), Prior, Wood and Webb, so on and on and on. Arms are fragile and the strain put on them is unbelievable.

There is alot more probability in a guy that has already succeeded at the MLB level than those prospects or a guy that has yet to regain his form after a major sugery. And Latos isn't a flyball pitcher. He's been a slightly groundball guy since coming into the league, but its more or less even at this point.

 

[GOB]

Rumor that Reds and Cubs are talking about a Travis Wood for Sean Marshall swap. This per Ken Rosenthal.

I would think that this points towards Chapman being a starter this season.

 

[Kirby]

Rumor that Reds and Cubs are talking about a Travis Wood for Sean Marshall swap. This per Ken Rosenthal.I would think that this points towards Chapman being a starter this season.

I don't know about this one. Wood is young and they have him locked up forever. Marshall would be a cheap closer... but he's free after this year. Also read that it's Wood and a couple other prospects. Last trade was Volquez and three "prospects"... so maybe these two are Sappelt and Mesoraco.

 

[cheese]

Pending which prospects, I like the Wood/Marshall trade as long as Marshall is coming to be a really good setup guy. I hate the idea of just getting a good 8th inning guy and then throw him in at closer on what should be a winning team. It just isn't the same. If this is in addition to a closer and Marshall/Bray are both lefties available in the 6/7/8th, I think Marshall can add a lot.

Wood was stuck in no-man's land. Another year dominating in Louisville makes no sense and he wasn't making the rotation. Of course, when the 1st SP goes down with even a minor injury, people will be missing him.

Good point by GOB about Chapman. Really hard to say what this means for him. If he stays in the bullpen, its either him or Marshall at closer I would think. Otherwise, they're pretty redundant and thats not even including Bray who is actually decent as our LOOGY.

 

[Eephus]

Yuniesky Betancourt to the Royals

Cesar Izturis to the Brewers

 

[Michael Brown]

Yuniesky Betancourt to the RoyalsCesar Izturis to the Brewers

And you don't think this deserved its own thread?!?!?

 

[Eephus]

Yuniesky Betancourt to the RoyalsCesar Izturis to the Brewers

And you don't think this deserved its own thread?!?!?

Adjust your Alcides Escobar and Alex Gonzalez projections accordingly

 

[Brady Marino]

According to CBS Sports, Carlos Beltran is down to either the Cardinals or Blue Jays. He reportedly has a 2 year or 3 year offer on the table (my guess is STL has the 2 year deal).

:fingerscrossed:

 

[fasteddie_21]

yeah, the more I look into that, the more I dislike that deal for the Reds.

Latos is young and talented, but he's going to need to turn into a super star, top 10 type pitcher for 5-10 years for that deal to make sense. And I just don't see that. He's not all that durable, and while he strikes out guys at a decent clip, he's more a fly ball pitcher and in Cincy, that's not real beneficial.

Alonso is going to be a solid major league first basemen for years to come, and while his path may have been blocked, he alone should have brought a solid 1 or 2 type pitcher.

Volquez is a big question mark, but how quick are we to forget his dominance just 3 years back. Sure, since that time he's had TJ surgery and a rough transition, but that surgery alone can take 18-24 months to recover, and he has not lost any velocity since '08. Plus, he's just 28 and under a VERY reasonable contract. This is the kind of pitcher you want on your team, if he pans out, you get 15 wins at 1.8 million dollars. If he doesn't, well, he has no Lackeyian contract wrapped around his neck. Now he gets to move into an extreme pitchers park?

And then they trow in their 2010 first round pick in Grandal and one of their '09 first round picks in Boxberger, who both project to be near major league ready?

The trade makes sense if you are receiving a 24 year old Sabathia or Halladay, a guy you can pencil in for 200+ innings each year. Shelf life on pitchers is generally not all that great, look at guys like Peavy (who is just 30), Prior, Wood and Webb, so on and on and on. Arms are fragile and the strain put on them is unbelievable.

That's exactly what they got:

CAREER2010-2011INNINGS PITCHED displayed only--not a sorting criteriaBATTERS FACED displayed only--not a sorting criteriaERA vs. the league average displayed only--not a sorting criteriaRSAA displayed only--not a sorting criteriaNEUTRAL WINS displayed only--not a sorting criteriaCode:BASERUNNERS/9 IP BR/9 IP IP BFP ERA RSAA N_W 1 Roy Halladay 9.55 484.1 1926 1.53 82 40 2 Clayton Kershaw 9.85 437.2 1760 1.35 59 33 3 Cole Hamels 9.98 424.2 1705 1.00 46 29 4 Matt Cain 10.01 445 1803 0.91 30 27 5 Mat Latos 10.28 379 1547 0.71 18 26 6 Daniel Hudson 10.32 301.2 1222 0.86 37 23 7 Ted Lilly 10.39 386.1 1585 0.13 6 24 8 Roy Oswalt 10.57 350.2 1430 0.81 28 27 9 Ian Kennedy 10.67 416 1710 0.61 37 26 10 Tim Hudson 10.79 443.2 1804 0.90 43 32 HITS/9 IP H/9 IP IP BFP ERA RSAA N_W 1 Clayton Kershaw 6.87 437.2 1760 1.35 59 33 2 Matt Cain 7.24 445 1803 0.91 30 27 3 Ubaldo Jimenez 7.36 344.2 1426 0.51 46 27 4 Cole Hamels 7.50 424.2 1705 1.00 46 29 5 Ian Kennedy 7.55 416 1710 0.61 37 26 6 Mat Latos 7.55 379 1547 0.71 18 26 7 Jhoulys Chacin 7.66 331.1 1410 0.43 42 28 8 Tim Hudson 7.67 443.2 1804 0.90 43 32 9 Tim Lincecum 7.76 429.1 1797 0.84 25 31 10 Tommy Hanson 7.79 332.2 1385 0.51 18 21 STRIKEOUTS/9 IP SO/9 IP IP BFP ERA RSAA N_W 1 Clayton Kershaw 9.46 437.2 1760 1.35 59 33 2 Tim Lincecum 9.45 429.1 1797 0.84 25 31 3 Yovani Gallardo 9.34 392.1 1668 0.25 13 26 4 Mat Latos 8.88 379 1547 0.71 18 26 5 Bud Norris 8.85 339.2 1478 -.38 -15 16 6 Ubaldo Jimenez 8.67 344.2 1426 0.51 46 27 7 Ryan Dempster 8.60 417.2 1799 -.38 -12 24 8 Cole Hamels 8.58 424.2 1705 1.00 46 29 9 Tommy Hanson 8.52 332.2 1385 0.51 18 21 10 Anibal Sanchez 8.26 391.1 1671 0.31 15 23 STRIKEOUTS/WALKS SO/BB IP BFP ERA RSAA N_W 1 Roy Halladay 6.75 484.1 1926 1.53 82 40 2 Cole Hamels 3.89 424.2 1705 1.00 46 29 3 Madison Bumgarner 3.85 315.2 1316 0.76 13 21 4 Ricky Nolasco 3.83 363.2 1556 -.69 -27 20 5 Daniel Hudson 3.62 301.2 1222 0.86 37 23 6 Ted Lilly 3.41 386.1 1585 0.13 6 24 7 Clayton Kershaw 3.41 437.2 1760 1.35 59 33 8 Mat Latos 3.34 379 1547 0.71 18 26 9 Hiroki Kuroda 3.30 398.1 1648 0.69 25 31 10 Roy Oswalt 3.29 350.2 1430 0.81 28 27And if that isn't enough, here it written up much much better than I ever could:

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/reds-finally-get-their-ace-in-mat-latos/

 

[fasteddie_21]

Reds fan here. Yea, that's steep, but I'll take it. But I had no visions of keeping Alonso or Grandal this offseason. Don't care about Volquez. What I think stings is having to throw in Boxberger, who I thought was the closer of the future.

So... Cueto, Latos, Arroyo, Leake, Bailey, Wood... still try to make Chapman a starter, or is he the closer?

CuetoLatosLeakeBaileyArroyoChapman starts in AAA and, if all goes well, comes up mid-season to replace anyone who falters (read: Arroyo). With Wood being traded for Sean Marshall, that helps solidify the bullpen and I assume, *sigh* that Cordero comes back as well. Hoping for Madsen though.

 

[fasteddie_21]

Has any division been more impacted by free agency and trades?Cards lose Pujols Brewers potentially lose Fielder and Braun facing suspensionReds shuffle around a bunch with this trade and possibly lose CorderoPirates and Cubs - well, they are the Pirates and Cubs.This could be a fun division next year. Could be the year for the Pirates to rise up - or even the Cubs. Still think the Brewers and Cards pitching will be daunting and the Brewers signing of Aramis will definitely help...but still, going to be a dogfight the whole way.

The Cubs are going to lose 90 games this year. Walt is making a huge push to dominate the division starting this year.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Can't really hate what the Reds are doing.

NL Central is gonna be a great division, lots of teams on the rise at the same time.

 

[harryhood]

According to CBS Sports, Carlos Beltran is down to either the Cardinals or Blue Jays. He reportedly has a 2 year or 3 year offer on the table (my guess is STL has the 2 year deal).:fingerscrossed:

Maybe it doesn't, matter but 81 games on natural grass seems like a better fit for what is left of his career.

 

[Wrigley]

Has any division been more impacted by free agency and trades?Cards lose Pujols Brewers potentially lose Fielder and Braun facing suspensionReds shuffle around a bunch with this trade and possibly lose CorderoPirates and Cubs - well, they are the Pirates and Cubs.This could be a fun division next year. Could be the year for the Pirates to rise up - or even the Cubs. Still think the Brewers and Cards pitching will be daunting and the Brewers signing of Aramis will definitely help...but still, going to be a dogfight the whole way.

The Cubs are going to lose 90 games this year. Walt is making a huge push to dominate the division starting this year.

They Mayans predicted the end of the world in 2012I don't know, it might just be the Cubs year.

 

[guru_007]

at cherry picking 4 (correlated at that) stats at anointing Latos as a top10 starter in the majors.

Not saying it won't happen. but that's what you'll need for the next 5+ years. So, g'luck with that.

Oh, it's not going to happen, there I said it.

We'll revisit this in 2015 or so.

 

[Billy Bats]

Gio Gonzalez traded to the Nats for LHP Tommy Milone, RHP Brad Peacock, C Derek Norris and RHP A.J. Cole.

I just lost Gio in my AL only league, are any of these guys the A's acquired worth rostering in my ML spot? Any top prospects??

 

[Don Quixote]

Gio Gonzalez traded to the Nats for LHP Tommy Milone, RHP Brad Peacock, C Derek Norris and RHP A.J. Cole.I just lost Gio in my AL only league, are any of these guys the A's acquired worth rostering in my ML spot? Any top prospects??

Cole has the highest ceiling, but he's the furthest away from being ready (probably 2014 at the earliest). Struggled in A ball this year.Peacock and Milone both had cups of coffee at the end of last year, and I expect will start the season in the majors. I like Peacock a lot, though he moved up the ranks quickly last year and may need some time to adjust. His ceiling is probably as a 3rd starter for a team. Milone looked decent, but he's more the "crafty"-type and likely an end of rotation guy.Norris is solid. Had a down year in AA, but then played great in Arizona Fall League. He'll probably start in AAA with an eye to joining the roster in 2013. He was blocked out of a position by Ramos, which made him easy to trade.

 

[curta269]

Beltran just signed with St. Louis. 2-year deal. Looks like Christmas is a few days early for myself and the rest of the Cardinals fans!

 

[shadyridr]

Beltran just signed with St. Louis. 2-year deal. Looks like Christmas is a few days early for myself and the rest of the Cardinals fans!

mmm ok

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

Beltran just signed with St. Louis. 2-year deal. Looks like Christmas is a few days early for myself and the rest of the Cardinals fans!

 

[Brady Marino]

Beltran just signed with St. Louis. 2-year deal. Looks like Christmas is a few days early for myself and the rest of the Cardinals fans!

He's not Pujols but he'll be a major help this season.Oh, and he got a full no-trade.

 

[guru_007]

Beltran for 2 years doesn't seem that bad to me for the Cards.

But looking at the Cards roster, looks to me like they have some pretty massive holes to fill and quick. Obviously Pujols is the biggest loss, but Berkman has 1 year left in him, Beltran for 2, not quite sure how many more effective years Carpenter has left in him. This could be a pretty precipitous fall for the Cardinals in just 1-2 years.

Like the Gonzalez move for the Nats a lot. IF Strasburg comes back near 100% this year, that gives them a fantastic 1-2-3 staff, and enough quality arms leftover to fill the last two pitching spots. Bullpen should be strong, they may just be missing 1 or 2 hitters from being pretty legitimate playoff contenders.

 

[Kirby]

Dave Sappelt and Ronald Torreyes are the prospects(Wood/Marshall trade). fuuuu

I saw Torreyes in Dayton last year... looked like they were pitching underhand to him.

 

[The Flying Elvis]

Rumors flying around the twitterverse that David Wright is going to be traded to the Phillies. Take it with a grain of salt.

http://nyc.barstoolsports.com/random-thoughts/one-particular-rumor-swirling-about-david-wright-possibly-being-trading-to-the-phillies-any-moment/

 

[Billy Bats]

Gio Gonzalez traded to the Nats for LHP Tommy Milone, RHP Brad Peacock, C Derek Norris and RHP A.J. Cole.I just lost Gio in my AL only league, are any of these guys the A's acquired worth rostering in my ML spot? Any top prospects??

Cole has the highest ceiling, but he's the furthest away from being ready (probably 2014 at the earliest). Struggled in A ball this year.Peacock and Milone both had cups of coffee at the end of last year, and I expect will start the season in the majors. I like Peacock a lot, though he moved up the ranks quickly last year and may need some time to adjust. His ceiling is probably as a 3rd starter for a team. Milone looked decent, but he's more the "crafty"-type and likely an end of rotation guy.Norris is solid. Had a down year in AA, but then played great in Arizona Fall League. He'll probably start in AAA with an eye to joining the roster in 2013. He was blocked out of a position by Ramos, which made him easy to trade.

Cool man, thanks for the breakdown. Doesn't sound like anyone's worth keeping.

 

[Eephus]

Gio Gonzalez traded to the Nats for LHP Tommy Milone, RHP Brad Peacock, C Derek Norris and RHP A.J. Cole.I just lost Gio in my AL only league, are any of these guys the A's acquired worth rostering in my ML spot? Any top prospects??

Cole has the highest ceiling, but he's the furthest away from being ready (probably 2014 at the earliest). Struggled in A ball this year.Peacock and Milone both had cups of coffee at the end of last year, and I expect will start the season in the majors. I like Peacock a lot, though he moved up the ranks quickly last year and may need some time to adjust. His ceiling is probably as a 3rd starter for a team. Milone looked decent, but he's more the "crafty"-type and likely an end of rotation guy.Norris is solid. Had a down year in AA, but then played great in Arizona Fall League. He'll probably start in AAA with an eye to joining the roster in 2013. He was blocked out of a position by Ramos, which made him easy to trade.

Cool man, thanks for the breakdown. Doesn't sound like anyone's worth keeping.

I wouldn't go that far. The Nationals trade their 3rd, 4th, 6th and 9th ranked prospects per Sickels. If Gonzalez performs and Washington contends, no one will care but they gave up four potential major leaguers circa 2014. Wolff and Beane look like they're going to move any decent players as soon as they become arbitration eligible until they get their ballpark in order.

 

[Captain Hook]

Doesn't sound like anyone's worth keeping.

I don't understand this comment in ANY baseball context

 

[Billy Bats]

Doesn't sound like anyone's worth keeping.

I don't understand this comment in ANY baseball context

Sorry, talking strictly about fantasy baseball and rostering one of those kids in my minor league spot. I thought my original question would've made that clear.

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

Rumors flying around the twitterverse that David Wright is going to be traded to the Phillies. Take it with a grain of salt.

http://nyc.barstools...ies-any-moment/

Talk about a return to prominence - put him in that lineup in that park....good Lord.

 

[dparker713]

Rumors flying around the twitterverse that David Wright is going to be traded to the Phillies. Take it with a grain of salt.

http://nyc.barstools...ies-any-moment/

Talk about a return to prominence - put him in that lineup in that park....good Lord.

Unless I missed a major signing this offseason, that lineup kinda sucks.

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

Rumors flying around the twitterverse that David Wright is going to be traded to the Phillies. Take it with a grain of salt.

http://nyc.barstools...ies-any-moment/

Talk about a return to prominence - put him in that lineup in that park....good Lord.

Unless I missed a major signing this offseason, that lineup kinda sucks.

Rollins, Pence and (if healthy) Howard seems like a good start to me.Place is a bandbox, they could sign my 11 year old and get 35 homers out of him.

 

[dparker713]

Rumors flying around the twitterverse that David Wright is going to be traded to the Phillies. Take it with a grain of salt.

http://nyc.barstools...ies-any-moment/

Talk about a return to prominence - put him in that lineup in that park....good Lord.

Unless I missed a major signing this offseason, that lineup kinda sucks.

Rollins, Pence and (if healthy) Howard seems like a good start to me.Place is a bandbox, they could sign my 11 year old and get 35 homers out of him.

Rollins, Utley, Victorino and Howard/Wigginton are all into their declines. Plus, they seem to not want to play Dominic Brown. And Citizen's Bank has played more or less neutral for the past several seasons.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Nightengale tweeting that MLB owners will approve the A's moving to SJ in Feb. Hot damn.

 

[Eephus]

Nightengale tweeting that MLB owners will approve the A's moving to SJ in Feb. Hot damn.

Major League Baseball sources told the SJ Mercury News that "nothing has changed. No decision has been made.'' Since March 2009, a special MLB committee has been reviewing the A's quest to move across the Bay into territory long claimed by the San Francisco Giants, who are balking at the move.But city leaders in San Jose confirmed Saturday they have been hearing rumblings that the league is moving toward a decision."All I know is that Lew is optimistic,'' said Mayor Chuck Reed, who spoke to Wolff last week. Another source close to Wolff said Saturday that Wolff "is very confident that the A's (deal) was going to happen.'' The source said that confidence is based on "communication between Wolff and (MLB commissioner Bud) Selig, which is very frequent.''Team owners are expected to discuss the A's move at a meeting Jan. 11-12 in Scottsdale, Ariz. A move to San Jose would have to be approved by three-quarters of the owners. But sources say they may not end up voting until a settlement with the Giants can be negotiated.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

Nightengale tweeting that MLB owners will approve the A's moving to SJ in Feb. Hot damn.

:confetti:Looks like we'll soon have an end date to Oakland's tanking.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Nightengale tweeting that MLB owners will approve the A's moving to SJ in Feb. Hot damn.

:confetti:Looks like we'll soon have an end date to Oakland's tanking.