Possible Trade and Free Agent Scenarios

[Mike_Wilner]

Now I don't normally do this, but I know a lot of people often ask me to make predictions and generalizations, so I finally gave in. Any of the following players should be viewed as expendable:

 

- Encarnacion

- Lind

- Melky

- Josh Johnson

- Buerhle

- Arencibia

- Rasmus

- Gose

- Rajai Davis

- Mark DeRosa

- Bonifacio

- Izturis

- Any bullpen arm

- R.A. Dickey

 

BUT the return must yield guys who are going to be able to contribute to the major league club immediately and we can't fix positions such as second base at the expense of creating holes elsewhere.

 

I'm talking Ian Kinsler or Jurickson Profar folks.

 

I also think AA might try and sign guys like Brian McCann or Kendrys Morales this offseason. I personally wouldn't mind him going after David Murphy either.

[Daniel Labude]

Now I don't normally do this, but I know a lot of people often ask me to make predictions and generalizations, so I finally gave in. Any of the following players should be viewed as expendable:

 

- Encarnacion

- Lind

- Melky

- Josh Johnson

- Buerhle

- Arencibia

- Rasmus

- Gose

- Rajai Davis

- Mark DeRosa

- Bonifacio

- Izturis

- Any bullpen arm

- R.A. Dickey

 

BUT the return must yield guys who are going to be able to contribute to the major league club immediately and we can't fix positions such as second base at the expense of creating holes elsewhere.

 

I'm talking Ian Kinsler or Jurickson Profar folks.

 

I also think AA might try and sign guys like Brian McCann or Kendrys Morales this offseason. I personally wouldn't mind him going after David Murphy either.

 

Trade Bautista, he is not a top 3 hitter on the team anymore. Get profar while you still can.

[Angrioter]

JJ for Joc Pederson

Janssen and Boni for Kolten Wong++

Buehrle for Ronny Rodriguez ++

[JaysFanToTheEnd]

Trade Bautista, he is not a top 3 hitter on the team anymore. Get profar while you still can.

 

+1 We would get a huge haul for him.

 

I would try to package him with Buerhle to the Dodgers and clear their farm system (mainly for Puig and Seager)

 

Then in the offseason, sign either Choo or Granderson to replace Bautista and make a serious run (though unlikely) for Cano.

 

Trade JP, replace with McCann. Trade Melky and Johnson BUT only if we can net something worth it.

 

Though the main emphasis should be starting rotation.

[gruber92]

How is Houston's 2B Altuve as a player? I see he's put up a good offensive season last year and is having a good year so far this year. How does his defense play? At 23 yrs old ,is he a viable long term solution at second? What would it take to land him? Obviously someone young and controllable. Nolin + Boni?

[Angrioter]

How is Houston's 2B Altuve as a player? I see he's put up a good offensive season last year and is having a good year so far this year. How does his defense play? At 23 yrs old ,is he a viable long term solution at second? What would it take to land him? Obviously someone young and controllable. Nolin + Boni?

 

Altuve MVP caliber 2B, unavailable.

Delino DeShields Jr = Boni

[gruber92]

Altuve MVP caliber 2B, unavailable.

Delino DeShields Jr = Boni

 

Really? Not even Sanchez + Kawasaki?

[digiblader]

Any prices for trades of veterans will be sky-high--remember, no Qualifying Offers for the team that trades for a potential free agent. And Bautista and EE would cost nearly an entire farm system--and their multi-year deals are unmovable.

 

Josh Johnson will depend on whether he rebounds. Dickey is also unmovable due to injury/poor performance.

[Metallijay]

Trade Bautista, he is not a top 3 hitter on the team anymore. Get profar while you still can.

 

Ur dumb.

[Angrioter]

Really? Not even Sanchez + Kawasaki?

 

Altuve is unavailable bro. You'd have to overpay for him (Sanchez+Stroman+Lopes+Gose)

[torontofan]

How is Houston's 2B Altuve as a player? I see he's put up a good offensive season last year and is having a good year so far this year. How does his defense play? At 23 yrs old ,is he a viable long term solution at second? What would it take to land him? Obviously someone young and controllable. Nolin + Boni?

 

It makes no sense from Houston's viewpoint to trade Altuve. He is everything they are looking for: young, controllable, & cheap.

[gruber92]

It makes no sense from Houston's viewpoint to trade Altuve. He is everything they are looking for: young, controllable, & cheap.

 

Yes,agreed. Although if Houston is looking to stock up on high end pitching talent,he may be moveable,especially if they have another high end middle infield prospect.

[Abomination]

I also think AA might try and sign guys like Brian McCann or Kendrys Morales this offseason. I personally wouldn't mind him going after David Murphy either.

 

I really like the idea of McCann. If JPA wasn't moved, he could be used as the backup catcher and part time dh and still probably get 100+ games in the starting lineup. I dislike the idea of trading many of the names on that list, but for Kinsler / Profar level talent it would be worth it. I also think this would be a really good time to offer JJ a smaller term extension (2 years). It would give him a chance to regain value and still put himself in line for a big contract, and we'd get to keep him during this competitive window.

 

Other guys who could be interesting are Ruiz (who should come cheaper than McCann), possibly Ellsbury or Granderson depending on the cost, Choo if he drops Boris.

[JaysFanToTheEnd]

I really like the idea of McCann. If JPA wasn't moved, he could be used as the backup catcher and part time dh and still probably get 100+ games in the starting lineup. I dislike the idea of trading many of the names on that list, but for Kinsler / Profar level talent it would be worth it. I also think this would be a really good time to offer JJ a smaller term extension (2 years). It would give him a chance to regain value and still put himself in line for a big contract, and we'd get to keep him during this competitive window.

 

Other guys who could be interesting are Ruiz (who should come cheaper than McCann), possibly Ellsbury or Granderson depending on the cost, Choo if he drops Boris.

 

Damn, forgot he was a Boris client.

 

Make a push for Granderson. Maybe his injury plagued season could work to our advantage. Either way we would still have to sign him to a sizable contract.

[Abomination]

Damn, forgot he was a Boris client.

 

Make a push for Granderson. Maybe his injury plagued season could work to our advantage. Either way we would still have to sign him to a sizable contract.

 

And I forgot Ellsbury also was

[Mike_Wilner]

Chin Soo Choo is old and won't be able to play defense much longer plus he has a .249 average in ballparks that start with the letter R so that doesn't bode well for us.

 

Ellsbury has only hit .135 with runners in scoring position on sundays that follow a statutory holiday so I would definitely be careful there.

 

The Jays don't need to tinker with the outfield that much unless it means finding an upgrade for Rasmus (just kidding, he's a 5 tool player). The only area where upgrades are required are catcher and second base.

 

Catcher can be addressed by signing McCann this offseason and Kolton Wong, Profar or Kinsler should be traded for without trading outfielders. However even if this doesn't happen, we will be fine because JP hits lots of homeruns and has a .512 average on days when he allows 2 or more pass balls

[GD]

I love this Wilner troll. Great content.

[Angrioter]

Chin Soo Choo is old and won't be able to play defense much longer plus he has a .249 average in ballparks that start with the letter R so that doesn't bode well for us.

 

Ellsbury has only hit .135 with runners in scoring position on sundays that follow a statutory holiday so I would definitely be careful there.

 

The Jays don't need to tinker with the outfield that much unless it means finding an upgrade for Rasmus (just kidding, he's a 5 tool player). The only area where upgrades are required are catcher and second base.

 

Catcher can be addressed by signing McCann this offseason and Kolton Wong, Profar or Kinsler should be traded for without trading outfielders. However even if this doesn't happen, we will be fine because JP hits lots of homeruns and has a .512 average on days when he allows 2 or more pass balls

 

 

great read

 

Are you Nox alter ego?

[Abomination]

Maybe it actually is Wilner masquerading as a troll of himself.

[Nox]

Are you Nox alter ego?

 

Unfortunately not. I wish this was my troll account.

[Stangstag]

- Rasmus plus Lind to KC for Hosmer at the deadline

- Jose Reyes to Detroit for Nick Castellanos

- Jose Bautista to Texas for Profar

- Bonifacio plus Buehrle to StL for Wong

Makes the team alot younger and alot CHEAPER. Gives us flexability to sign a power bat and decent pitcher in the offseason.

[Daniel Labude]

- Rasmus plus Lind to KC for Hosmer at the deadline

- Jose Reyes to Detroit for Nick Castellanos

- Jose Bautista to Texas for Profar

- Bonifacio plus Buehrle to StL for Wong

Makes the team alot younger and alot CHEAPER. Gives us flexability to sign a power bat and decent pitcher in the offseason.

 

Keep Reyes, dont think trading Lind is smart, and love the idea of trading Buehrle and Boni for Wong. I still believe we could easily get Profar and Olt for Bautista.

[Abomination]

- Rasmus plus Lind to KC for Hosmer at the deadline

- Jose Reyes to Detroit for Nick Castellanos

- Jose Bautista to Texas for Profar

- Bonifacio plus Buehrle to StL for Wong

Makes the team alot younger and alot CHEAPER. Gives us flexability to sign a power bat and decent pitcher in the offseason.

 

- The KC idea doesn't make much sense for KC unless they're in it at the deadline (which is looking unlikely).

- I doubt Detroit could take on Reyes contract

- I'm not convinced Texas could take on Bautista's, unless it was something like Bautista for Kinsler.

- Stl almost certainly can't take on Buehrle's contract.

[Stangstag]

- The KC idea doesn't make much sense for KC unless they're in it at the deadline (which is looking unlikely).

- I doubt Detroit could take on Reyes contract

- I'm not convinced Texas could take on Bautista's, unless it was something like Bautista for Kinsler.

- Stl almost certainly can't take on Buehrle's contract.

 

Yeah I thought about the money problem... IDK, I would just fork over some cash too. Just so we can get rid of the old guys and bring in new guys.

I think KC would do Lind plus Rasmus for Hosmer in a heartbeat if they are anywhere close at the deadline.

[Stangstag]

- The KC idea doesn't make much sense for KC unless they're in it at the deadline (which is looking unlikely).

- I doubt Detroit could take on Reyes contract

- I'm not convinced Texas could take on Bautista's, unless it was something like Bautista for Kinsler.

- Stl almost certainly can't take on Buehrle's contract.

 

And I believe that Detroit would take Reyes. They have been increasing payroll like crazy. If they make another WS appearance this year, I could totally see them taking on Reyes for 2014.

[jaysblue]

Hosmer would be a good buy low. Like you said if KC is in the race, I could see them dangling him. Rasmus would be a nice fit there and Lind has hit well this season. Kind of like how the Jays went out and got Rasmus two years ago from St. Louis.

 

I could see the Tigers wanting someone like Reyes. He would be the ultimate fit there, leading off ahead of Hunter, Cabrera, Fielder, V-Mart etc. Not sure the Blue Jays would trade him in 2014 unless they get a young shortstop back from somewhere else.

 

I'd definitely trade Bautista or EE for Profar though I'm not sure Texas wants to trade him. Like I said in another thread, I think the Jays have a better chance at acquiring Kinsler than Profar.

 

Buehrle always said he wanted to pitch in St. Louis so it could be a possibility, especially with Garcia done until 2014.

[o2cui2i]

Christmas Cake Recipe

 

Cook Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes

Total Time: 5 hours, 30 minutes

Ingredients:

 

1lb 2oz/525g currants

8oz/ 225g golden raisins/sultanas*

8oz / 225g raisins

4oz / 110g mixed candied peel, finely chopped

6oz / 165 glace cherries, halved

10oz/ 300g all purpose or plain flour

Pinch salt

½ level tsp mixed spice **

½ level tsp ground cinnamon

½ level tsp freshly ground nutmeg

2½ sticks / 300g butter, slightly softened

10 oz / 300g soft brown sugar

Zest of ½ lemon

6 large eggs, lightly beaten

3 tbsp brandy, plus extra for feeding

 

Preparation:

 

Heat the oven to 300°F/150°C/Gas 2

The temperature is low as the cake needs a long slow bake. It is packed with sugars, fruits and brandy and if the temperature is any higher the outside of the cake will burn and the inside be undercooked.

 

Line a 9 inch cake tin with 2 thicknesses of parchment or greaseproof paper. Tie a double band of brown or newspaper paper around the outside. This acts as an insulator and to prevent the cake from burning on the outside read more about why here.

In a large roomy baking bowl mix the currants, sultanas, raisins, peel and cherries with the flour, salt and spices.

In another large bowl cream the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the lemon zest. Add the beaten egg to the butter mixture a little bit at a time, beating well after each addition - do not try to rush this process as the mixture could curdle. If it does curdle simply add a tbsp of flour and mix again, this should bring the mixture back together. If it doesn't come back together, don't fret, the cake will still be delicious.

Carefully fold in half the flour and fruit into the egg and butter mixture, once incorporated repeat with the remaining flour and fruit. Finally add the brandy.

Spoon the cake mixture into the prepared cake tin making sure there are no air pockets. Once filled smooth the surface with the back of s spoon and make a slight dip in the center (this will rise back up again during cooking and create a smooth surface for icing the cake).

Finally, using a piece of paper towel clean up any smears of cake batter on the greaseproof wrapping, if left on they will burn, and though it won't affect the cake, it doesn't smell too good.

Stand the tin on a double layer of newspaper in the lower part of the oven, if you have a gas oven ensure the paper is well away from the any flame, and bake for 4½ hours. If the cake is browning too rapidly, cover the tin with a double layer of greaseproof or parchment paper after 2½ hours. During the cooking time avoid opening the oven door too often as this may cause the cake to collapse.

After 4½ hours check the cake is cooked. The cake should be nicely risen and a deep brown all over. Insert a skewer or fine knife into the centre of the cake. If there is sticky dough on the skewer when you pull it out it needs cooking longer, if it is clean, the cake's done and remove from the oven.

Leave the cake to cool in the tin on a wire rack for an hour, then remove from the tin and leave to cool completely. Once cooled prick the surface of the cake with a fine metal skewer and slowly pour over 2 - 3 tbsp brandy. This feeding should be repeated every two weeks up until Christmas.

 

The cake should be stored wrapped in greaseproof or parchment paper in an airtight tin.

[TheHurl]

- Rasmus plus Lind to KC for Hosmer at the deadline

- Jose Reyes to Detroit for Nick Castellanos

- Jose Bautista to Texas for Profar

- Bonifacio plus Buehrle to StL for Wong

Makes the team alot younger and alot CHEAPER. Gives us flexability to sign a power bat and decent pitcher in the offseason.

 

As has been said since the trades, there is no going back in this kind of way. Players that are under contract here until at least 2015 (Dickey, Reyes, Bautista, Lawrie, EE, Morrow & Buehrle) are not going to be moved this year IMO (the possible exception being Izturis who we might hand the $7M he is owed to leave). It will be a question of adding to that and moving the pieces that aren't under contract that will happen. He's got to stick with that core and try and prove that he wasn't wrong.

[CHRIS]

He's got to stick with that core and try and prove that he wasn't wrong.

 

I agree that this is the route he'll take, and in general I think it's doable. The only problem is that it's still AA making the moves going forward.

 

I think the key for AA is trying to distinguish the unlucky (Reyes injury, maybe Dickey if he's more injured than we think, etc) from the bad (JPA as starting catcher, no depth).

[o2cui2i]

As has been said since the trades, there is no going back in this kind of way. Players that are under contract here until at least 2015 (Dickey, Reyes, Bautista, Lawrie, EE, Morrow & Buehrle) are not going to be moved this year IMO (the possible exception being Izturis who we might hand the $7M he is owed to leave). It will be a question of adding to that and moving the pieces that aren't under contract that will happen. He's got to stick with that core and try and prove that he wasn't wrong.

 

AA is never going to admit he screwed the pooch, so I think we are going to be having this kind of thread until AA is thrown from the CN Tower along with Beeston and that ugly dog Beeston wears on his head.

 

he looks like an evil dick-tator

 

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