Mariners agree Nelson Cruz 4Yrs/57M

[Angrioter]

[Mikeleelop]

market now set for Melky. Something less than $14.25m AAV

[Angrioter]

Saunders and Ackley available.

[gbill2004]

Very nice. Weakens Baltimore's lineup significantly. I suspect they reach a deal with Markakis quickly now.

[Laika]

That's a lot of money for a 34 going on 35 year old without a diverse skill set.

 

 

They're also giving up pick #21 to sign Cruz - that's a value of about $10M IIRC.

[TDotttt2005]

I see this 2 ways. Good for the Jays because it takes away a suitor for Melky's services, and sets a decent AAV benchmark for Melky. On the other hand, Cruz got a 4-year contract for his age 35-38 seasons, which makes me think the Jays will have to give Melky a 4th year, which is something they're allegedly against. Wonder how high AAV they'd have to be at to get him for 3 years? 3yrs 50? Like the Martin deal, at that point, it makes sense to add on the extra year, no?

[ScientificReason]

Excellent, means baltimore is weakened, and Saunders could be available.....Getting Saunders would be a decent pickup. Also sets a market limit for melky. I would not go any higher then 40 with melky for 3 years.

[gbill2004]

I see this 2 ways. Good for the Jays because it takes away a suitor for Melky's services, and sets a decent AAV benchmark for Melky. On the other hand, Cruz got a 4-year contract for his age 35-38 seasons, which makes me think the Jays will have to give Melky a 4th year, which is something they're allegedly against. Wonder how high AAV they'd have to be at to get him for 3 years? 3yrs 50? Like the Martin deal, at that point, it makes sense to add on the extra year, no?

If you're going to go 3/50 you may as well just give him the same deal as Cruz with the 4th year.

[Angrioter]

Excellent, means baltimore is weakened, and Saunders could be available.....Getting Saunders would be a decent pickup. Also sets a market limit for melky.

 

Kemp > Cruz

[Governator]

Now Cabrera can realize $50MM over 3 years is unrealistic.

[Laika]

Certainly this means Dustin Ackley or Michael Saunders are fully on the trade block.

 

Ackley is more likely because of a variety of reasons (2B playing in the OF for the M's because of Cano; disappointing former top prospect). A great trade target for 2B with such a weak free agent crop.

 

Saunders might move because of the relationship damage between him and the M's though. Saunders obviously the better OF.

[ScientificReason]

Kemp > Cruz

 

Kemp is an Oriole?

[Mikeleelop]

I see this 2 ways. Good for the Jays because it takes away a suitor for Melky's services, and sets a decent AAV benchmark for Melky. On the other hand, Cruz got a 4-year contract for his age 35-38 seasons, which makes me think the Jays will have to give Melky a 4th year, which is something they're allegedly against. Wonder how high AAV they'd have to be at to get him for 3 years? 3yrs 50? Like the Martin deal, at that point, it makes sense to add on the extra year, no?

 

why would melky get 3/$50m - AAV of $16.67million when Cruz just got 4/57 after a much more productive season? Age?

 

Jays allegedly offered 3/39. That seems to be in the right ballpark. maybe settle at 3/42million. Then Melky can be a FA at the same age as Cruz was this year

[Angrioter]

Kemp is an Oriole?

 

By the end of the week

[ScientificReason]

By the end of the week

 

Oh so speculation, got ya.

[Mikeleelop]

Certainly this means Dustin Ackley or Michael Saunders are fully on the trade block.

 

Ackley is more likely because of a variety of reasons (2B playing in the OF for the M's because of Cano; disappointing former top prospect). A great trade target for 2B with such a weak free agent crop.

 

Saunders might move because of the relationship damage between him and the M's though. Saunders obviously the better OF.

 

how do the Jays line up with SEattle for a trade?? I don't know their roster well enough to know what they need most. They are in the playoff mix so they are not looking for a prospect only deal.

[Westfan]

Cruz will be their DH. Saunders in Right, Jackson in centre, and Ackley in left.

[HERPDERP]

Still pissed off we didn't get Ryan Franklin last year, but I wouldn't mind getting Ackley and putting him @ 2nd. I hear his defense is above adequate?

[Governator]

Yea Mariners had one of the worst numbers from the DH hole, I think Cruz is going to be that missing bat they've needed. It's a good signing for them.

[Laika]

how do the Jays line up with SEattle for a trade?? I don't know their roster well enough to know what they need most. They are in the playoff mix so they are not looking for a prospect only deal.

 

The relationship with Saunders is so torn that Seattle will probably end up settling for the best possible offer, even if it's just some B- prospect at the end of the offseason.

 

Seattle could use another good hitter (current projected lineup is probably Cruz RF, Ackley LF, LoMO 1B, Jesus Montero DH; Cruz DH and LF on occasion depending on context).

 

They could also use quality SP depth. Their top 5 is fine but their #6 and #7 SP don't inspire much confidence (Brandon Maurer and Erasmo Ramirez). With Taijuan Walker (rookie), Roenis Elias (injury scare), and James Paxton (sophomore) in the rotation, someone like JA Happ who they could slot into a swingman role might actually appeal.

 

I honestly don't think a Happ for Saunders swap is out to lunch.... Saunders is more talented, 4 years younger, and he has an extra year of control, but financial costs are similar and the relationship between Saunders and Seattle is in tatters and the whole world knows it.

[jaysfan2014]

 

Big win for both the Mariners and Blue Jays. It makes the Mariners more dangerous and more of a threat to the Angels, and helps the Jays, Yankees and Red Sox by removing a big piece from the Orioles. Wonder why the O's weren't will to resign him like they did with Hardy? Did their ownership close the checkbook? It's rumored the O's are talking with the Dodgers re: Matt Kemp.. but will the O's want to eat any of that salary, and will the Dodgers really want to part with Kemp unless they get a decent return (such as one of the O's pitchers or something.)

[GreekFatAss]

I really hope we stand firm on the 3 years now that his market keeps dwindling.

[gbill2004]

On Saunders, isn't AA trying to shy away from injury prone players?

[Ehjays]

Big win for both the Mariners and Blue Jays. It makes the Mariners more dangerous and more of a threat to the Angels, and helps the Jays, Yankees and Red Sox by removing a big piece from the Orioles. Wonder why the O's weren't will to resign him like they did with Hardy? Did their ownership close the checkbook? It's rumored the O's are talking with the Dodgers re: Matt Kemp.. but will the O's want to eat any of that salary, and will the Dodgers really want to part with Kemp unless they get a decent return (such as one of the O's pitchers or something.)

 

i thought I read somewhere that Melky was the Os backup plan if they failed with Cruz or Markakis.

[Laika]

On Saunders, isn't AA trying to shy away from injury prone players?

 

His nickname is "The Condor". Who f***ing cares how much he gets hurt?

[Angrioter]

His nickname is "The Condor". Who f***ing cares how much he gets hurt?

 

Good teams?

[jaysfan2014]

BTW, it's doubtful the O's could afford to keep Cruz anyway. Including arb raises and $11-12M in benefit costs subject to luxury tax, the O's payroll is pushing close to $130M, with $115.2M projected pre-benefits, and about $127M with them. With Cruz gone, Davis likely gets tendered a contract, and the team likely gets more aggressive on Markakis and increases talks with the Dodgers, as it is uncertain if the O's will be willing to pay and sacrifice a draft pick for Melky Cabrera.

[Nox]

Paying free agent prices for a RH power hitter with no other real skills seems like a terrible idea when you play your home games in Safeco.

[Candy Maldonado]

BTW, it's doubtful the O's could afford to keep Cruz anyway. Including arb raises and $11-12M in benefit costs subject to luxury tax, the O's payroll is pushing close to $130M, with $115.2M projected pre-benefits, and about $127M with them. With Cruz gone, Davis likely gets tendered a contract, and the team likely gets more aggressive on Markakis and increases talks with the Dodgers, as it is uncertain if the O's will be willing to pay and sacrifice a draft pick for Melky Cabrera.

 

 

weird how you didn't post about the Donaldson trade

[TDotttt2005]

why would melky get 3/$50m - AAV of $16.67million when Cruz just got 4/57 after a much more productive season? Age?

 

Jays allegedly offered 3/39. That seems to be in the right ballpark. maybe settle at 3/42million. Then Melky can be a FA at the same age as Cruz was this year

 

Because its about total dollars to these guys rather than AAV. If Cruz got the 4th year and more total money, with the same PED taint, no defense, and 4 years older, Melky will most likely not take a 3 year deal, even if its at a higher AAV.