Diamondbacks get Hellickson

[kgm1]

And the cost cutting continues in Tampa. Outfielder Justin Williams part of the deal and one more prospect

[Chappy]

Wow.

[Laika]

Hellickson is a POS - probably worse than Happ - and Justin Williams is a guy who has hit .351 in the minors + is supposed to have like, 70 grade raw power (that hasn't shown up in games yet, obviously).

[Atothe]

The fact that they got anything valuable for Hellickson is a miracle.

[jaysblue]

So good deal for the Rays?

[Laika]

Wow Andrew Velazquez too. Could be a future league average (ish) shortstop.

 

Nice little deal for TB.

 

Hellickson is probably less talented than JA Happ, lol.

[kgm1]

Hellickson is a back of rotation starter. Steamer projects 0.4 war but he might do better in the NL West.

[Captain Adama]

Hellickson is a back of rotation starter. Steamer projects 0.4 war but he might do better in the NL West.

 

A flyball pitcher going to chase field? Don't think he's going to do better.

[Chappy]

Hellickson is a back of rotation starter. Steamer projects 0.4 war but he might do better in the NL West.

 

I think he is much better than that.

[jaysfan2014]

So good deal for the Rays?

 

Hard to call. They're Arizona's #12 and #14 prospects. They're 3 years away at best.. by that time, there may be no fans left in Tampa, and possibly no team either if no new stadium movement occurs soon.

 

Here's MLB's description on Velazquez:

 

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 30 | Run: 60 | Arm: 55 | Field: 45 | Overall: 45

Velazquez went under the radar coming out of Fordham Prep in New York City in 2012, and he didn't raise his profile much in his first full professional season. That changed this year when Velazquez reached base in 74 consecutive games, setting a new Minor League record.

 

One of the keys to the record was Velazquez's improved approach at the plate. Armed with a better awareness of the strike zone, he has become a more disciplined hitter, though there is still some swing-and-miss in his game. Velazquez generates good bat speed, but his small size limits his power output. His improved on-base skills and his plus speed make him an ideal fit at the top of the order.

 

Defensively, Velazquez is still learning the infield after playing mostly center field in high school. He has good range and a strong arm, and he could develop into a solid defender in time.

 

And for Williams:

 

Scouting grades: Hit: 40 | Power: 60 | Run: 40 | Arm: 50 | Field: 45 | Overall: 45

Williams was one of the youngest players in the 2013 Draft class, and he had some of the best power. His age hasn't been apparent at the plate, as he has more than held his own everywhere the D-backs have sent him.

 

Williams packs a lot of power in his big, physical frame. His approach at the plate is still a work in progress, however, limiting how much of that power he can use in games. At his best, Williams uses the whole field to hit, and with more experience, he should be able to drive the ball out of any part of the park.

 

Williams was a shortstop in high school, but he was quickly moved to left field by Arizona. He has the tools to become an adequate outfielder once he gets used to the new position.

 

Basically, both are lottery tickets.

[NorthOf49]

Justin Williams crushed the MWL as an 18-year-old and has light tower power.

[Laika]

.... but he might do better in the NL West.

 

Chase is a top 5 park for hitting. The Trop is bottom 5.

 

Huge swing! Honestly like moving from Petco to Yankee Stadium.

 

Yeah he gets At&T, Petco, and Dodger Stadium on the road, but he also gets Coors lmao.

[jaysfan2014]

Justin Williams crushed the MWL as an 18-year-old and has light tower power.

 

That's great to hear.. but will it translate when he reaches higher levels of competition? He hasn't played above Low-A ball yet.

[Captain Adama]

Justin Williams reached A ball at the age of 18 and put up a 131 wRC+ there with a total 135 wRC+ last year. That's pretty decent value for a back-end starter.

[kgm1]

Chase is a top 5 park for hitting. The Trop is bottom 5.

 

Huge swing! Honestly like moving from Petco to Yankee Stadium.

 

Yeah he gets At&T, Petco, and Dodger Stadium on the road, but he also gets Coors lmao.

 

I knew Chase was a hitters park but was thinking about the big parks in that division , forgot about Coors thou. Still he does get the pitchers spot every 9 batters.

 

Rays need to bolster a poor farm system. They just don't have the talent in the system they used to have.

[Chappy]

I knew Chase was a hitters park but was thinking about the big parks in that division , forgot about Coors thou. Still he does get the pitchers spot every 9 batters.

 

Rays need to bolster a poor farm system. They just don't have the talent in the system they used to have.

 

Ken the Rays system is s*** right now. They need to rebuild in a big way if they want to see any chance of contending in the next few years.

[kgm1]

These are both talented prospects. BA hasn't done AZ,s top ten but won't surprise me it they had ranked there. BA tends to rank younger talent higher than others.

[jaysfan2014]

Ken the Rays system is s*** right now. They need to rebuild in a big way if they want to see any chance of contending in the next few years.

 

And the Rays aren't likely done trading. Zobrist is likely next out the door, along with Joyce and S-Rod. And don't rule out Loney or even Longoria(unlikely) either.. remember, this franchise said payroll will be MUCH lower next year.

[kgm1]

Ken the Rays system is s*** right now. They need to rebuild in a big way if they want to see any chance of contending in the next few years.

 

Yep. All the love they get on this board yet they haven't drafted well and their system is pretty bare

[jaysfan2014]

Who's the acting GM in Tampa, did they hire one, great deal for the Rays.

 

Matt Silverman was responsible for this trade.

[BTS]

This is an excellent move. The D'Backs are f***ing pathetic.

[Captain Adama]

This is an excellent move. The D'Backs are f***ing pathetic.

 

Still surprised that Kevin Towers still has a job, the last decent move I can remember is when he traded for Aaron Hill.

[Captain Adama]

Anyone?

 

Matt Silverman, damn Harvard boy.

[Chappy]

Who's the acting GM in Tampa, did they hire one, great deal for the Rays.

 

I asked this question a few days ago. Who is pulling the strings?

[Chappy]

Yep. All the love they get on this board yet they haven't drafted well and their system is pretty bare

 

It is Ken, one of the worst in baseball. They can replenish in a big way if they rebuild, and it looks like that is the course of action right now.

[NorthOf49]

Still surprised that Kevin Towers still has a job, the last decent move I can remember is when he traded for Aaron Hill.

I think he's with the Reds now lol

 

Dave Stewart and TLR calling the shots in Arizona.

[Captain Adama]

I think he's with the Reds now lol

 

Dave Stewart and TLR calling the shots in Arizona.

 

Oh yeah, he just did get the boot, my bad.

[BTS]

Matt Silverman, damn Harvard boy.

 

I really don't think the Rays will miss a beat. Friedman is a smart guy, but he was hired by smart guys, and then hired a bunch of other smart guys who are still there.

[Chappy]

I really don't think the Rays will miss a beat. Friedman is a smart guy, but he was hired by smart guys, and then hired a bunch of other smart guys who are still there.

 

Fanboy.

[Chappy]

Teams President.

 

He is f***ed either way for not having a 10 WAR manager.