Possible Trade and Free Agent Scenarios

[Angrioter]

Cliff Lee anyone?

 

MLBTR:

 

As with most partial no-trade clauses, Cliff Lee and his agents at Frontline had the opportunity before the season to restructure his. Lee can block trades to 20 teams, writes Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports, including the Yankees, Red Sox, Rangers, and Orioles. Most of the 20 are projected trade deadline buyers, a source tells Morosi. Keep in mind that the presence of these teams does not mean Lee will automatically block a trade to them; it just means he has leverage if the Phillies strike a deal with one.

 

Lee, 34, has been dominant for the Phillies in 2013. His 88 1/3 innings rank second in the National League, his 2.45 ERA ranks eighth, and his 5.69 K/BB ratio ranks second. The Phillies, winners of two in a row, are 7.5 games back in the NL East and faring about the same in the wild card. Nonetheless, Clay Davenport's projections give them a 15.6% chance of making the playoffs. On May 11th the Phils were five games back, and around that time, a "Phillies insider" told Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, "Every time I hear a Lee rumor, I don’t believe it. Don’t think we’d be that dumb unless what we got back in return was so overwhelming that we’d be dumb to pass it up. Will that happen? My gut is it won’t." By Sunday, however, a couple dozen executives, scouts, and players polled by Cafardo named Lee the best starter expected to be available at the trade deadline this year.

 

Lee signed a five-year, $120MM deal with the Phillies in December 2010. At the deadline he'll be owed about $6.25MM this year plus $62.5MM covering 2014-15, for a total of $68.75MM. That's if the record-setting $12.5MM buyout is paid on his 2016 club option, which becomes guaranteed if Lee is not on the disabled list at the end of 2015 season with an injury to his left elbow or shoulder, and has 200 innings in 2015 or 400 in 2014-15 (according to Cot's Baseball Contracts). If the option vests, it will probably be a good thing, but then the commitment would become $83.75MM through 2016.

 

At any rate, Cliff Lee needs to start checking MLB Trade Rumors. A Lee quote from Morosi: "Every time I’ve been traded, before that every organization would say, ‘You’ll be the first one to know if we’re ever going to move you,’” Lee said, recalling that he learned of each trade while watching television. “I was the last one to know every time." It's been an odd career for Lee since becoming an ace in 2008, as he's been traded three times since. The difference this time is that he comes with a market-value financial commitment.

 

Mucho dinero

[kgm1]

lol........pass.

 

Hard to believe posters think AA will have enough money to even think about Cano or Lee . That would put us in the 160 mil to 170 mil range and I just don't see the fanbase supporting that thru the turnstiles and Rogers expects revenue .

 

I think we will have to live with the rotation options we have in the system which is why the RR situation and how they handled it just pisses me off . Handled properly he may have figured it out ,but now I think it will take a change of organizations if ever so we are eating that 19 mil .

 

AA better pray Hutch comes back strong , Dickey gets his hard knuckler back , Morrow gets healthy , Buehrle is himself Happ pitches better than he ever has and Drabek finds control cause if all that doesn't happen or at least 5/6ths of it AA will on the outside unemployed .

 

And fix the damn defense too cause it sucks big time

[Abomination]

Rasmus + Izzy for Murphy + Tapia?

 

I think Rasmus + Boni (or Izzy) for Murphy + Rafael Montero would be a better fit. Tapia may have better upside, but Montero should be able to step into the rotation right now if needed, and certainly should be ready next year as the depth we've been missing. He probably has #3 or #4 upside, but I think he's almost guaranteed to reach it. Fastball in the low 90's, but incredible control with 1.4 walks / 9 the last 2 years and 1.5 over his minor league career. Good k rate too, although it's hard to tell if that will translate as well to the majors.

[DuckDuckGose]

Who were you from the old board, I can't quite put my finger on it, a good poster of course?

 

Lipchitz

[DuckDuckGose]

I think I hear the Buffalo management licking their lips from here over a rotation next year of Hutch, Drabek, Nolin, Jenkins, and Stroman under that scenario.

 

Im just so sick of relying on guys making MLB debuts as depth. Option years exist so use them to your advantage instead of gifting players roster spots and throwing your hands in the air when they fail.

[G-Snarls]

Hard to believe posters think AA will have enough money to even think about Cano or Lee . That would put us in the 160 mil to 170 mil range and I just don't see the fanbase supporting that thru the turnstiles and Rogers expects revenue .

 

And fix the damn defense too cause it sucks big time

 

Yeah neither is realistic but especially Lee. Way too much money tied to 1 SP. I recognize that. Though then again I never thought we'd see AA take on a salary like Buerhle's either.

[Chappy]

Cano is not coming to Toronto, lets all be realistic. I don't want the Jays to sign him to a 7 year deal worth close to $180-$200 million which is what a lot of people think he'll demand and get from the Yankees. There is no way the Yankees let him go - with all aging stars like Jeter, A-Rod etc, Cano is their franchise player.

 

Ian Kinsler is a more realistic option.

 

I used Cano as an example. That being said they should be making an attempt at him. If they are going to throw big money around (which may or may not happen), I would rather attempt to get the best guy on the market who has a chance to still be great for quite some time and instantly makes our lineup capable of carrying this team if and when our old as s*** SP falls apart. Cano is as durable and consistent as they come and this lineup could use a guy like that. If he chooses not to come here which is likely then move to plan B which may or may not be Kinsler.

[Chappy]

Hard to believe posters think AA will have enough money to even think about Cano or Lee . That would put us in the 160 mil to 170 mil range and I just don't see the fanbase supporting that thru the turnstiles and Rogers expects revenue .

 

I find it hard to believe that people quickly dismiss the idea that AA may have more money to spend. Before last winter 99% of the board would have laughed hysterically at the thought of our payroll going up the way that it did, but it happened. Now I am not saying there is more money, I am just not going to completely dismiss that idea without really knowing whats what. With the extra funds becoming available to every team this winter and the fact that Rogers is probably cashing in huge on what the Jays bring to their portfolio overall, spending more brings more attention to this product which from a marketing standpoint cannot be discounted.

 

It will be interesting to see what AA does before the start of next season, because its either going to buy him several more years at the helm or he is going to be looking for work by the end of next season if not sooner.

[G-Snarls]

I used Cano as an example. That being said they should be making an attempt at him. If they are going to throw big money around (which may or may not happen), I would rather attempt to get the best guy on the market who has a chance to still be great for quite some time and instantly makes our lineup capable of carrying this team if and when our old as s*** SP falls apart. Cano is as durable and consistent as they come and this lineup could use a guy like that. If he chooses not to come here which is likely then move to plan B which may or may not be Kinsler.

 

Agree you might as well ask. There's not another available player that would result in a bigger net gain. Replacing our worst regular (Izturis) with Robinson F'n Cano would be monstrous. Realistically, he almost certainly wants more years than the Jays will provide, and he probably does want to be a #Yankeeforlife and if so that's fine. But you at least try to negotiate with him.

 

And yeah - signing Cano and dumping Romero or Bueuhrle's salary in a deal would actually be fathomable in terms of the finances.

[Chappy]

Agree you might as well ask. There's not another available player that would result in a bigger net gain. Replacing our worst regular (Izturis) with Robinson F'n Cano would be monstrous. Realistically, he almost certainly wants more years than the Jays will provide, and he probably does want to be a #Yankeeforlife and if so that's fine. But you at least try to negotiate with him.

 

And yeah - signing Cano and dumping Romero or Bueuhrle's salary in a deal would actually be fathomable in terms of the finances.

 

Our offense has shown some good signs the past month without Reyes. You add both Reyes and Cano (or some other 2B improvement) and our lineup will be good enough to sustain multiple injuries and still produce. Something we cannot say for our SP.

 

As for getting rid of Romero or Buehrle's contracts, probably not going to happen unless Romero somehow pulls a 180 which seems highly doubtful. Buehrle can probably be moved if half the contract is absorbed.

 

Players I would look to reduce payroll with are with Rasmus, Boni/Izzy and Lind. That could save us $10 to $15 million (not counting arb raises and with Linds option).

 

With the current construction of this roster its certain payroll goes up, but by how much is the question.

[G-Snarls]

Our offense has shown some good signs the past month without Reyes. You add both Reyes and Cano (or some other 2B improvement) and our lineup will be good enough to sustain multiple injuries and still produce. Something we cannot say for our SP.

 

As for getting rid of Romero or Buehrle's contracts, probably not going to happen unless Romero somehow pulls a 180 which seems highly doubtful. Buehrle can probably be moved if half the contract is absorbed.

 

Players I would look to reduce payroll with are with Rasmus, Boni/Izzy and Lind. That could save us $10 to $15 million (not counting arb raises and with Linds option).

 

With the current construction of this roster its certain payroll goes up, but by how much is the question.

 

Yeah I don't know what he's going to do with Rasmus and Lind

 

Both are worth what they're getting paid this year, but both are due for raises either from the contract (Lind) or arbitration (Rasmus)

[z3r0s]

That is a dream lineup... also leaves us with NO team in about 4 years haha.

[G-Snarls]

That is a dream lineup... also leaves us with NO team in about 4 years haha.

 

Gose n' Lawrie

[G-Snarls]

it's a dream but:

 

Reyes

cano

bautista

encarnacion

lind

melky

lawrie

thole/jp

gose

 

fapity fap fap fap

 

It's practically the Dominican natioanl all-star team

[Chappy]

Yeah I don't know what he's going to do with Rasmus and Lind

 

Both are worth what they're getting paid this year, but both are due for raises either from the contract (Lind) or arbitration (Rasmus)

 

Rasmus should be able to net us a decent prospect and if Lind keeps this up for the rest of the year he should be able to net us something as well. Not expecting the world for either of these guys, but its nice to know that they have value, especially Lind who before the season started couldn't have been given away for free.

[DuckDuckGose]

fapity fap fap fap

 

It's practically the Dominican natioanl all-star team

 

Without the pitching

[DuckDuckGose]

Rasmus should be able to net us a decent prospect and if Lind keeps this up for the rest of the year he should be able to net us something as well. Not expecting the world for either of these guys, but its nice to know that they have value, especially Lind who before the season started couldn't have been given away for free.

 

Colby has looked great in the field this year, he has a smooth swing from the left side and his approach at the plate is really starting come around. I've been off the Rasmus bandwagon for awhile but I've been impressed with the changes to his swing and the power it has brought. Lately he has been ripping pitches the other way and looks to be turning a corner (just my opinion) with the SO's.

 

IMO the Jays should hold off on moving Rasmus until the off-season. If he continues to perform well they'll get a decent prospect, if he turns a corner they'll get a very good prospect and if he cools off they can just hang on to him and see if the changes stick next year.

[kgm1]

Yeah I don't know what he's going to do with Rasmus and Lind

 

Both are worth what they're getting paid this year, but both are due for raises either from the contract (Lind) or arbitration (Rasmus)

 

Rasmus and hopefully a rebounding JJ are the two decent trade chips we can use to retool with . Davis , Boni/Izzy ,and Oliver get little return other than opening up 40 man roster spots .

I would move Rasmus and JJ soon into the trading season if we get good value . If JJ is pitching well I would not be surprised if St Louis would want him what with all their injuries . Kolton Wong or one of their starters .

 

Rasmus is a bit different , only the rangers of the playoff bound teams seem in dire need .

 

Lind , I'm starting to think we keep , At 5 mil( 7 mil minus the 2 mil buyout ) if he continues going as he is can't be replaced for those $$$$ . Just never have him face a lefty .

 

As for Cano , Common guys , That is a pipe dream . We can't get a 2nd tier FA to come here even if we did pay more in years and $$$ . Why does anyone think the best who can go anywhere want to come to TO

[z3r0s]

I think the biggest target we should shoot for is Brian McCann. The guys is pretty young and from all accounts is a good receiver. He may not get FMV due to inconsistent ply prior to this year. Then you can use JPA as trade bait for any GM dumb enough to look at this HR/RBI numbers and pop a boner.

 

SS - Reyes (S)

LF - Melky (S)

RF - Bautista ®

C - McCann (L)

1B - Edwin ®

DH - Lind (L)

3B - Lawrie ®

CF - Gose (L)

2B - Boni (S)

 

Lineup looks pretty decent, pretty balanced, the defense is better (marginal upgrade in CF and big upgrade at C). It might not even cost that much more with Colby due for a raise and JP going for Arb1. Then we also get a return from those 2.

[G-Snarls]

Without the pitching

 

The DR team has no pitching either. Hahaha.

[DuckDuckGose]

The DR team has no pitching either. Hahaha.

 

Ya, definitely not this year.

[Angrioter]

The DR team has no pitching either. Hahaha.

 

but platanos

[Chappy]

As for Cano , Common guys , That is a pipe dream . We can't get a 2nd tier FA to come here even if we did pay more in years and $$$ . Why does anyone think the best who can go anywhere want to come to TO

 

Ken, so what your saying is don't even bother to try and attract top FA's? Kind of like a self fulfilling prophecy where you convince yourself you can't so you don't even bother.

 

I don't care if every top FA AA goes after rejects playing here, its still his job and if were always going to settle for mediocrity then whats the point? Might as well blow it all up if that is the case.

 

The fact that this team took on some big contracts this past winter tells me they are at least willing. Why be a defeatist? I get that its highly unlikely, but you still have to try unless you want to see AA unload all our remaining top prospects for a couple more shot in the arms and then we sit in the basement for a decade.

[G-Snarls]

Ken, so what your saying is don't even bother to try and attract top FA's? Kind of like a self fulfilling prophecy where you convince yourself you can't so you don't even bother.

 

I don't care if every top FA AA goes after rejects playing here, its still his job and if were always going to settle for mediocrity then whats the point? Might as well blow it all up if that is the case.

 

The fact that this team took on some big contracts this past winter tells me they are at least willing. Why be a defeatist? I get that its highly unlikely, but you still have to try unless you want to see AA unload all our remaining top prospects for a couple more shot in the arms and then we sit in the basement for a decade.

 

Exactly

 

You should try

 

No available player would have more of a positive impact on this team

 

I have no problem if Cano decides to stay a Yankee just because he wants to be a Yankee, or he insists on 7-8 years and the Jays won't do it

 

I do have a problem if AA never even makes the call to his agent with an offer the team can afford.

 

I'm not holding my breath. Not in the least. But I want Anthopoulos at least making the effort.

[G-Snarls]

but platanos

 

Yes. Killer offense and mashed plantains made up for the weak pitching.

[G-Snarls]

I LOVE mashed plantains too my friend. F'n love them. Every breakfast I had in Punta Cana included a giant spoonful.

[Angrioter]

I LOVE mashed plantains too my friend. F'n love them. Every breakfast I had in Punta Cana included a giant spoonful.

 

Punta Cana is great

[G-Snarls]

Punta Cana is great

 

Yeah I've been to 7-8 Caribbean countries and I like Punta Cana as much as anywhere.

[Abomination]

I find it hard to believe that people quickly dismiss the idea that AA may have more money to spend. Before last winter 99% of the board would have laughed hysterically at the thought of our payroll going up the way that it did, but it happened. Now I am not saying there is more money, I am just not going to completely dismiss that idea without really knowing whats what. With the extra funds becoming available to every team this winter and the fact that Rogers is probably cashing in huge on what the Jays bring to their portfolio overall, spending more brings more attention to this product which from a marketing standpoint cannot be discounted.

 

It will be interesting to see what AA does before the start of next season, because its either going to buy him several more years at the helm or he is going to be looking for work by the end of next season if not sooner.

 

I think there was a thread where a lot of us made predictions on the payroll for this year (before we knew about the marlins trade). Someone should dig those up and post them.

[Chappy]

I think there was a thread where a lot of us made predictions on the payroll for this year (before we knew about the marlins trade). Someone should dig those up and post them.

 

Yeah that would be interesting. I think many knew the payroll could go up, but by how much it did, I doubt anyone expect that, especially in one winter. Fact is the payroll will have to go up again with many salary increases and arbitration eligible players and the Jays FO obviously knew this last winter. It really comes down to how much rope AA has. Did ownership promise him just enough to cover raises and filling out the roster with cheap options or is there more money for the "right" players?