Nationals trades Trevor Bauer, to Athletics for Matt Wisler, Lucas 12-Sims,
Nils has been asking about Bauer for quite some time, and I've been staring longingly at Wisler and Sims on his roster for a while. After a few iterations, this trade came together.
Bauer has premium stuff. On stuff alone, he has top of the rotation potential. There are a few issues that will continue to need to be hammered out. He has big command issues, is an extreme fly-ball pitcher, and his plus fastball does not cause enough swing and misses and has no movement when elevated. He's still young, and this is all stuff that can be worked on.
To me, Sims provides a lot of the upside that Bauer does. Despite mediocre numbers at HA, Sims' plus stuff still drew high marks and he was very young for the level. He held his stuff through 150 ip's, which was another mark of continued progress. He'll start 2015 in AA, and if he can find the strikeouts he did at the A level, he could debut as early as this September.
Wisler provides a similar floor to what Bauer would. Not an overpowering pitcher, he throws three plus pitches with excellent control. Wisler dominated AA before hitting a couple speed bumps at a hitters paradise in El Paso. He finished strong, and should start back in El Paso before making his MLB debut at some point this year at the age of 22.
Trades
Moderator: Yankees
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RedSox trades Alex 13-Gonzalez, Jorge 12-Mateo, to Nationals for Tyler Matzek, Craig Gentry,
Craig Gentry is a very strong sim player. He gets on base, he steals bases, and he fields at an incredibly high level. When I'm competitive in 10 years, I hope I have a Gentry on my team. Matzek had a breakthrough season in 2014. Flashing the plus stuff that made him a top prospect, Matzek had a terrific first full MLB season. He needs to continue to iron out his command and consistency, but Matzek will fit comfortably in the middle of the Rockies rotation for years.
Jorge Mateo is an exciting prospect to pick up. While he flashes above average tools across the board, including power, it's Mateo's speed that turns heads. He's a legitimate 8 on the 2-8 scale. 2015 will be a huge prospect year for Mateo. Chi Chi is a pitcher who has come and gone off my team...but hopefully he's back for a while. He was considered a safe draft pick in 2013, but his stuff ticked well up in 2014. His fastball can be a double plus pitch, with his slider and changeup already pitching to plus, and a show me curveball that was a huge change of pace addition for him during this past season. Once considered a mid-rotation upside arm, many think that the developments from this past season could see him pitch his way towards the top of a rotation.
Craig Gentry is a very strong sim player. He gets on base, he steals bases, and he fields at an incredibly high level. When I'm competitive in 10 years, I hope I have a Gentry on my team. Matzek had a breakthrough season in 2014. Flashing the plus stuff that made him a top prospect, Matzek had a terrific first full MLB season. He needs to continue to iron out his command and consistency, but Matzek will fit comfortably in the middle of the Rockies rotation for years.
Jorge Mateo is an exciting prospect to pick up. While he flashes above average tools across the board, including power, it's Mateo's speed that turns heads. He's a legitimate 8 on the 2-8 scale. 2015 will be a huge prospect year for Mateo. Chi Chi is a pitcher who has come and gone off my team...but hopefully he's back for a while. He was considered a safe draft pick in 2013, but his stuff ticked well up in 2014. His fastball can be a double plus pitch, with his slider and changeup already pitching to plus, and a show me curveball that was a huge change of pace addition for him during this past season. Once considered a mid-rotation upside arm, many think that the developments from this past season could see him pitch his way towards the top of a rotation.
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Phillies trades Nick Vincent, Hunter 13-Renfroe, to Nationals for Dellin Betances, Brock Holt,
Brock Holt is a tremendously versatile player who hits a little more than a utility man. He's going to have a tough time getting serious ab's in Boston, but would do very well on a team with creativity. Obviously for me, though, Dellin was the tough trade here. He's turned himself into a dominant relief arm...and got a phenomenal sim.
I was going to have to be in love with the person I got back for him...and while that person was not Nick Vincent, Nick Vincent can pitch. He's probably 75% the reliever that Betances is, featuring strong peripherals, a good track record, and an excellent k/9 rate.
The player I loved, and got back, is Renfroe. He is a classic RF profile with plus defense, a plus arm, and big time power. Between Martinez, Snider, Renfroe, Fisher, and Piscotty on the corners, and Dahl, Wren, Smith, and Hill in the middle, I'm totally thrilled with my outfield situation at the moment.
Brock Holt is a tremendously versatile player who hits a little more than a utility man. He's going to have a tough time getting serious ab's in Boston, but would do very well on a team with creativity. Obviously for me, though, Dellin was the tough trade here. He's turned himself into a dominant relief arm...and got a phenomenal sim.
I was going to have to be in love with the person I got back for him...and while that person was not Nick Vincent, Nick Vincent can pitch. He's probably 75% the reliever that Betances is, featuring strong peripherals, a good track record, and an excellent k/9 rate.
The player I loved, and got back, is Renfroe. He is a classic RF profile with plus defense, a plus arm, and big time power. Between Martinez, Snider, Renfroe, Fisher, and Piscotty on the corners, and Dahl, Wren, Smith, and Hill in the middle, I'm totally thrilled with my outfield situation at the moment.
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Friday, Bloody Friday
In:
Gregory Bird
Fernando Perez
Jacob Lamb
Rob Refsnyder
Wilmer Difo
Sam Tuivailala
Dixon Llorens
Francisco Mejia
Miguel Castro
Out:
Josh Harrison
J.D. Martinez
Yimi Garcia
Mark Trumbo
Nick Vincent
Javier Guerra
Derek Norris
All the gentlemen going out equate to almost 15 wins last year. Harrison is a solid starting 3b without the historic 3b profile, but is a very solid player. Martinez was a bet last year that certainly paid off, as he's a negative fielder, but has tremendous power. Speaking of power, that's Mark Trumbo's calling card...when he can find a position and stay on the field. Garcia and Vincent are both terrific young relief pitchers who carry good sim's, but setup, not closer, ceilings. Guerra is a terrific young SS, but a long way off...and well behind Escobar, Robertson, and Mateo on my SS depth chart.
Tuivailala and Llorens provide younger, high end relief arms. Tuivailala's scouting reports in '14 were off the charts, and Llorens put up Kimbrel-esque minor league numbers. I've seen Bird ranked all over the place, but what I read, across the board, people think he's a .270 hitter with a strong obp and the potential for 25 homers at Yankee Stadium. He finished '14 on fire and crushed the AFL. Refsnyder is either a 2b or a COF...but he had a monster '14 at multiple upper minor league levels. Difo had a breakout year in the Nationals system, and I like his potential to turn into an MLBer...at what role, I don't know.
I got an outstanding, personal scouting report on Fernando Perez. He had a breakout '14 and features elite bat speed. He's positionless, but should provide some thump going forward. Miguel Castro is young, with a developmental path ahead of him, but he features terrific stuff. He can pitch towards the front of the rotation if he develops properly, or, at the least, he profiles as a setup man/closer.
The two biggest catches of the day were Jacob Lamb and Francisco Mejia. Lamb can play 3b on a day-to-day basis, but features big time real power and an emerging hit tool. Classic profile and should start the year as the starting 3b in Arizona. Mejia is a potential superstar. The only downside you can find on him is that he's raw. He has plus athleticism for a catcher, and a potential plus hit tool, power tool, arm, and glove. He's started down the developmental path, and should find full season ball next year. It may be a longer development path, but he will be worth the wait.
In:
Gregory Bird
Fernando Perez
Jacob Lamb
Rob Refsnyder
Wilmer Difo
Sam Tuivailala
Dixon Llorens
Francisco Mejia
Miguel Castro
Out:
Josh Harrison
J.D. Martinez
Yimi Garcia
Mark Trumbo
Nick Vincent
Javier Guerra
Derek Norris
All the gentlemen going out equate to almost 15 wins last year. Harrison is a solid starting 3b without the historic 3b profile, but is a very solid player. Martinez was a bet last year that certainly paid off, as he's a negative fielder, but has tremendous power. Speaking of power, that's Mark Trumbo's calling card...when he can find a position and stay on the field. Garcia and Vincent are both terrific young relief pitchers who carry good sim's, but setup, not closer, ceilings. Guerra is a terrific young SS, but a long way off...and well behind Escobar, Robertson, and Mateo on my SS depth chart.
Tuivailala and Llorens provide younger, high end relief arms. Tuivailala's scouting reports in '14 were off the charts, and Llorens put up Kimbrel-esque minor league numbers. I've seen Bird ranked all over the place, but what I read, across the board, people think he's a .270 hitter with a strong obp and the potential for 25 homers at Yankee Stadium. He finished '14 on fire and crushed the AFL. Refsnyder is either a 2b or a COF...but he had a monster '14 at multiple upper minor league levels. Difo had a breakout year in the Nationals system, and I like his potential to turn into an MLBer...at what role, I don't know.
I got an outstanding, personal scouting report on Fernando Perez. He had a breakout '14 and features elite bat speed. He's positionless, but should provide some thump going forward. Miguel Castro is young, with a developmental path ahead of him, but he features terrific stuff. He can pitch towards the front of the rotation if he develops properly, or, at the least, he profiles as a setup man/closer.
The two biggest catches of the day were Jacob Lamb and Francisco Mejia. Lamb can play 3b on a day-to-day basis, but features big time real power and an emerging hit tool. Classic profile and should start the year as the starting 3b in Arizona. Mejia is a potential superstar. The only downside you can find on him is that he's raw. He has plus athleticism for a catcher, and a potential plus hit tool, power tool, arm, and glove. He's started down the developmental path, and should find full season ball next year. It may be a longer development path, but he will be worth the wait.
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Nationals trades Eduardo Escobar, Chase Anderson, Miguel 11-Castro, to Rockies for Domingo Santana, Max 14-George,
Out the door went 3 very solid players. Castro is an excellent prospect who has two outstanding pitches, and a developing third pitch. He made HA as a 19 year old, and didn't put a foot out of place. Chase Anderson is a solid arm, who had a good 2015, and comes armed with a very solid SIM. He has an outstanding changeup which allows all his other pitches to play up. Escobar is a utility play with some very real pop and a solid glove across the diamond.
Coming back this way is another player who is coming back to the Nats. Santana is young, has achieved AAA success (.858 ops), can take a walk, has big time power, and is a legit outfielder. The downside? He swings and misses...a lot. His MLB call-up was catastrophic, and, even if you push that aside, he struck out 150 times in 520 AAA ab's. If he finds some consistency with his bat, he could be a force in the Astros lineup...the good news is that he is WAY ahead of the developmental curve.
Out the door went 3 very solid players. Castro is an excellent prospect who has two outstanding pitches, and a developing third pitch. He made HA as a 19 year old, and didn't put a foot out of place. Chase Anderson is a solid arm, who had a good 2015, and comes armed with a very solid SIM. He has an outstanding changeup which allows all his other pitches to play up. Escobar is a utility play with some very real pop and a solid glove across the diamond.
Coming back this way is another player who is coming back to the Nats. Santana is young, has achieved AAA success (.858 ops), can take a walk, has big time power, and is a legit outfielder. The downside? He swings and misses...a lot. His MLB call-up was catastrophic, and, even if you push that aside, he struck out 150 times in 520 AAA ab's. If he finds some consistency with his bat, he could be a force in the Astros lineup...the good news is that he is WAY ahead of the developmental curve.
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Nationals trades Wilfredo Tovar, Kyle Hendricks, to Tigers for Eugenio Suarez, Billy 13-McKinney,
Hendricks lives on the margins...but he lives on the margins very well. His stuff is below average, but his command and execution are outstanding. He has a great SIM and is coming off two outstanding seasons. You'd like to see a few more k's, but you'd take the results. Tovar is a nice young player with a good approach and great defense, but a below average hit tool and an empty bat.
Given my state of SS being mostly guys who probably won't play there long-term (Robertson, Difo, & Morgan) or a dynamic player far away (Mateo), Suarez gives me a player who'll definitely play the position. He's not an empty bat, he has a solid approach at the plate, and he's got a solid glove. McKinney was the big get for me here. He has the upside of a double plus bat, who has a good approach, and developing power. He's relegated to LF...but that's not the worst thing in the world.
Hendricks lives on the margins...but he lives on the margins very well. His stuff is below average, but his command and execution are outstanding. He has a great SIM and is coming off two outstanding seasons. You'd like to see a few more k's, but you'd take the results. Tovar is a nice young player with a good approach and great defense, but a below average hit tool and an empty bat.
Given my state of SS being mostly guys who probably won't play there long-term (Robertson, Difo, & Morgan) or a dynamic player far away (Mateo), Suarez gives me a player who'll definitely play the position. He's not an empty bat, he has a solid approach at the plate, and he's got a solid glove. McKinney was the big get for me here. He has the upside of a double plus bat, who has a good approach, and developing power. He's relegated to LF...but that's not the worst thing in the world.
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Nationals trades Michael Pineda, Garin Cecchini, Jake 14-Reed, to Royals for Blake Swihart, Justin 14-Steele,
So there goes Pineda for exactly the type of return I was looking for. Pineda hasn't stopped throwing strikes or getting people out since he became healthy. He's become a better strike thrower, and has struck more people out this spring...which is tremendously encouraging. If he stays healthy, there's no real ceiling here. Health is a big key, though. Cecchini is a nice floor for a 3b, but not tremendously sexy. Reed should move quickly, had sexy numbers, but is a reliever ultimately.
Steele is a nice young pitcher, got a good bonus, is in the Cubs organization, and has upside...so I like the get. He could blow up or fall apart, but he's a nice upside play.
Swihart was the big get for me. He's a very high floor catcher who's consistently a top 20 prospect in the game now. He's above average across the board, offensively and defensively...with still more opportunity for growth. The Red Sox are looking to get through with Hanigan this year to give Swihart more exposure at AAA, but no one would be shocked to see him play a part in a pennant chase over the summer.
So there goes Pineda for exactly the type of return I was looking for. Pineda hasn't stopped throwing strikes or getting people out since he became healthy. He's become a better strike thrower, and has struck more people out this spring...which is tremendously encouraging. If he stays healthy, there's no real ceiling here. Health is a big key, though. Cecchini is a nice floor for a 3b, but not tremendously sexy. Reed should move quickly, had sexy numbers, but is a reliever ultimately.
Steele is a nice young pitcher, got a good bonus, is in the Cubs organization, and has upside...so I like the get. He could blow up or fall apart, but he's a nice upside play.
Swihart was the big get for me. He's a very high floor catcher who's consistently a top 20 prospect in the game now. He's above average across the board, offensively and defensively...with still more opportunity for growth. The Red Sox are looking to get through with Hanigan this year to give Swihart more exposure at AAA, but no one would be shocked to see him play a part in a pennant chase over the summer.
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Pirates trades Pedro Alvarez, Justin 13-Williams, to Nationals for Justin Smoak, Jonathan Schoop,
Pretty straightforward trade. JP gets better in the moment with some upside and I get very intriguing upside for people that probably weren't in my long term plans.
Justin Smoak has a solid SIM this year, a track record for destroying AAA pitching, and a penchant for underwhelming at the MLB level. Playing in Toronto gives Smoak some potential, but he will have to work for ab's with Toronto's depth. Schoop has somewhat of the same MO, but a little bit younger with more upside, and a terrific glove. He needs to find some consistency with the hit tool and find an ability to have better ab's to reach his upside...and it will be interesting to see if the O's give him that time.
Pedro Alvarez is a guy I've asked JP about for a while. He's a terrible 3b...but a very intriguing play at 1b. He no longer is looking over his shoulder for Harrison at 3b, nor have to worry about being terrible when he does play there. His spring gave some cause for optimism, and he's always had big power potential. Speaking of power potential, Justin Williams is a big human who puts on fireworks in the cage. The power was always to be developing, but he has, very encouragingly, made solid contact at every one of his MiLB stops. He's a long way away...but someone who may be well worth waiting on.
Pretty straightforward trade. JP gets better in the moment with some upside and I get very intriguing upside for people that probably weren't in my long term plans.
Justin Smoak has a solid SIM this year, a track record for destroying AAA pitching, and a penchant for underwhelming at the MLB level. Playing in Toronto gives Smoak some potential, but he will have to work for ab's with Toronto's depth. Schoop has somewhat of the same MO, but a little bit younger with more upside, and a terrific glove. He needs to find some consistency with the hit tool and find an ability to have better ab's to reach his upside...and it will be interesting to see if the O's give him that time.
Pedro Alvarez is a guy I've asked JP about for a while. He's a terrible 3b...but a very intriguing play at 1b. He no longer is looking over his shoulder for Harrison at 3b, nor have to worry about being terrible when he does play there. His spring gave some cause for optimism, and he's always had big power potential. Speaking of power potential, Justin Williams is a big human who puts on fireworks in the cage. The power was always to be developing, but he has, very encouragingly, made solid contact at every one of his MiLB stops. He's a long way away...but someone who may be well worth waiting on.
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Nationals trades Eugenio Suarez, Chi Chi Gonzalez, to Rockies for Aaron Blair, Adrian 14-Rondon,
I'm a very big Suarez fan...and an even bigger Chi Chi fan...plus they are both about as surefire a prospect as you can find. Suarez looks to be a solid hitting SS with a good approach, some pop, and average to slightly plus D. Chi Chi looks the part of a mid-rotation starter in Texas. The fact that they've both seen success at the MLB level is not lost on me.
As solid as Suarez is, he doesn't possess the ceiling of a Robertson or Difo, who are both also close, or near the ceiling of a Mateo and Rondon...who make up for an insanely exciting future for me at the SS position. The reports on Rondon this spring continue to be insanely exciting...and, at worst, he's a terrific asset for me. Blair is a pitcher I've been asking Nate about since he got him. While he does not have Chi Chi's floor, he represents a slightly higher ceiling...and should see AAA and/or MLB innings this year. While I think everyone would like him to miss more bats, he has incredible command of four potential plus pitches, and hitters have an incredibly difficult time squaring him up. Teaming him with Rodriguez, Matz, and Wisler in the short run is incredibly exciting, as well as with Holmes, Stewart, Underwood, Sims, & Thorpe a little longer down the line.
I'm a very big Suarez fan...and an even bigger Chi Chi fan...plus they are both about as surefire a prospect as you can find. Suarez looks to be a solid hitting SS with a good approach, some pop, and average to slightly plus D. Chi Chi looks the part of a mid-rotation starter in Texas. The fact that they've both seen success at the MLB level is not lost on me.
As solid as Suarez is, he doesn't possess the ceiling of a Robertson or Difo, who are both also close, or near the ceiling of a Mateo and Rondon...who make up for an insanely exciting future for me at the SS position. The reports on Rondon this spring continue to be insanely exciting...and, at worst, he's a terrific asset for me. Blair is a pitcher I've been asking Nate about since he got him. While he does not have Chi Chi's floor, he represents a slightly higher ceiling...and should see AAA and/or MLB innings this year. While I think everyone would like him to miss more bats, he has incredible command of four potential plus pitches, and hitters have an incredibly difficult time squaring him up. Teaming him with Rodriguez, Matz, and Wisler in the short run is incredibly exciting, as well as with Holmes, Stewart, Underwood, Sims, & Thorpe a little longer down the line.
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Indians trades Nick Martinez, to Nationals for Lucas Sims,
I like Lucas Sims, in theory, but I'm going to be honest...I'm really tired of waiting for him to be good at baseball. He hasn't struck anyone out in two years and remains eminently hittable. No one knocks the stuff, he's still young, and a worthy gamble...but he doesn't look like he's going to be a viable option for me any time soon.
Nick Martinez is not an overly sexy arm, in fact, he may be the anti-Lucas Sims. The one skill he has had, between the minors and majors, is getting people out. His peripherals are better across the board in his 2nd MLB season, he's only 24, and looks like he can sit at the back of a rotation for years. Sitting behind Matz, Rodriguez, Wisler, and Blair (with Lively, Blackburn, Thorpe, Stewart, Holmes, Steele, Jorge, and Underwood all on the way), all he's going to have to do is get people out...which he's pretty darn good at.
I like Lucas Sims, in theory, but I'm going to be honest...I'm really tired of waiting for him to be good at baseball. He hasn't struck anyone out in two years and remains eminently hittable. No one knocks the stuff, he's still young, and a worthy gamble...but he doesn't look like he's going to be a viable option for me any time soon.
Nick Martinez is not an overly sexy arm, in fact, he may be the anti-Lucas Sims. The one skill he has had, between the minors and majors, is getting people out. His peripherals are better across the board in his 2nd MLB season, he's only 24, and looks like he can sit at the back of a rotation for years. Sitting behind Matz, Rodriguez, Wisler, and Blair (with Lively, Blackburn, Thorpe, Stewart, Holmes, Steele, Jorge, and Underwood all on the way), all he's going to have to do is get people out...which he's pretty darn good at.
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Athletics trades Ruben Tejada, Arismendy Alcantara, to Nationals for Samuel Tuivailala, Stephen Piscotty,
This was a tough trade for me, as I love Piscotty and Tuivailala. Tui is very strong, but a drop in k's between the MLB/AAA is a little concerning...but, overall, I have to be less attached to relievers. Piscotty is doing some very cool things in terms of growing his power while keeping his approach this year, but with Santana, McKinney, Renfroe, Snider, Williams and Fisher, I'd consider COF a strength...even without Piscotty.
Tejada gives me some more depth up the middle, with a patient approach and a decent SIM. He's not overly sexy, but he's entirely functional. Alcantara was the prize. While he Domingo Santana'd to start the MLB season, Alcantara is showing his power again at AAA...and plays a solid 2b/ss/cf. He was a top 20 prospect who is still very young, and provides intriguing depth up the middle for me, alongside Difo, Mateo, Herrera, Robertson, Perez, Refsnyder, and Tejada.
Overall, alongside some great player development this year, I think the two trades yesterday helped pushed my window of competitiveness up a full year.
This was a tough trade for me, as I love Piscotty and Tuivailala. Tui is very strong, but a drop in k's between the MLB/AAA is a little concerning...but, overall, I have to be less attached to relievers. Piscotty is doing some very cool things in terms of growing his power while keeping his approach this year, but with Santana, McKinney, Renfroe, Snider, Williams and Fisher, I'd consider COF a strength...even without Piscotty.
Tejada gives me some more depth up the middle, with a patient approach and a decent SIM. He's not overly sexy, but he's entirely functional. Alcantara was the prize. While he Domingo Santana'd to start the MLB season, Alcantara is showing his power again at AAA...and plays a solid 2b/ss/cf. He was a top 20 prospect who is still very young, and provides intriguing depth up the middle for me, alongside Difo, Mateo, Herrera, Robertson, Perez, Refsnyder, and Tejada.
Overall, alongside some great player development this year, I think the two trades yesterday helped pushed my window of competitiveness up a full year.
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Nationals trades Gregory Bird, Jake Lamb, Daniel Robertson, Grant 14-Holmes, Nationals Draft Pick 1, to Rockies for Nolan Arenado, Nick Ahmed, Chase Anderson, Sam 14-Coonrod, Rockies Draft Pick 4,
I'm a little drunk right now...which is the only way I'd want to write this trade up. I gave up a lot. Jake Lamb is a very legit starting MLB 3b at the moment, which gives Nate a very solid replacement immediately. The pick will be in the top 10, potentially top 5 in a draft that is not deep, but has real talent at this point. Robertson will need to find a permanent home, but the guy can hit and is not a negative glove. His bat will play at 2b or 3b, but has continued to defy the odds to continue to play at ss.
The two that hurt particularly are Greg Bird and Grant Holmes. Bird is a Yankee who just keeps on coming. He's a positive at 1b and just continues to hit at every level. After starting slow at AA, Bird came on in a big way the last month, earning a promotion to AAA, where he's more than held his own. Holmes is a beast. Everyone says he's a legit #2...yet, with 3 plus pitches, plus command, and very good athleticism, I'm not quite convinced that he can't front a rotation. The only knock really seems to be his height on that front. He's young, and he has to make it there, but this guy can flat out bring it.
The pick keeps me at 5 picks and Coonrod is a solid if unspectacular arm who is having a very good introduction to pro ball. Chase Anderson is a player who I traded for, away, and now back for. He's bettered last year's success everywhere but K rate, and should fit in strongly to the back of my rotation for the next few years. Ahmed is another player I'm trading back for here. While I have a lot of confidence in Difo, Mateo, and Rondon, Ahmed provides me a plus glove who has been a serviceable bat. He's on pace for a 4 win season in AZ...which I'll take any day out of my ss.
Clearly the get here, for me, is Arenado. Let's start with the negative...he could walk more. And...that's about it. He's one of the best defensive 3b's around, his power numbers climb each year, his average climbs each year, and the dude is still just 24...almost half a year younger than Jake Lamb. If I'm going to give up all of the above, I better be getting a superstar with a lot of time on his side...and I sure did.
I'm a little drunk right now...which is the only way I'd want to write this trade up. I gave up a lot. Jake Lamb is a very legit starting MLB 3b at the moment, which gives Nate a very solid replacement immediately. The pick will be in the top 10, potentially top 5 in a draft that is not deep, but has real talent at this point. Robertson will need to find a permanent home, but the guy can hit and is not a negative glove. His bat will play at 2b or 3b, but has continued to defy the odds to continue to play at ss.
The two that hurt particularly are Greg Bird and Grant Holmes. Bird is a Yankee who just keeps on coming. He's a positive at 1b and just continues to hit at every level. After starting slow at AA, Bird came on in a big way the last month, earning a promotion to AAA, where he's more than held his own. Holmes is a beast. Everyone says he's a legit #2...yet, with 3 plus pitches, plus command, and very good athleticism, I'm not quite convinced that he can't front a rotation. The only knock really seems to be his height on that front. He's young, and he has to make it there, but this guy can flat out bring it.
The pick keeps me at 5 picks and Coonrod is a solid if unspectacular arm who is having a very good introduction to pro ball. Chase Anderson is a player who I traded for, away, and now back for. He's bettered last year's success everywhere but K rate, and should fit in strongly to the back of my rotation for the next few years. Ahmed is another player I'm trading back for here. While I have a lot of confidence in Difo, Mateo, and Rondon, Ahmed provides me a plus glove who has been a serviceable bat. He's on pace for a 4 win season in AZ...which I'll take any day out of my ss.
Clearly the get here, for me, is Arenado. Let's start with the negative...he could walk more. And...that's about it. He's one of the best defensive 3b's around, his power numbers climb each year, his average climbs each year, and the dude is still just 24...almost half a year younger than Jake Lamb. If I'm going to give up all of the above, I better be getting a superstar with a lot of time on his side...and I sure did.
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Yankees
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Nationals trades Travis Snider, R.J. Alvarez, Wilmer Difo, to DBacks for Aaron Altherr, Leonardo 13-Molina, Mike Bolsinger,
Travis Snider is having another very usable season in the pros and has a halfway decent SIM. R.J. Alvarez has a very good SIM and, after getting roughed up at MLB and to start his AAA campaign, seems to be getting his act together. The loss here is Wilmer Difo. He looks more and more like a legit SS each day, and is again proving that 2014 was not an isolated occurrence with the stick. He also has a good SIM this year, but was available with acquiring Ahmed and having Rondon and Mateo.
Molina is the long-term play for me, here. He has all the tools to be a middle of the order, center fielder...but we will see how the development goes. Speaking of athletic cf's, Altherr is having a very nice breakout year between AA/AAA, putting up a .293/.366/.486 line that shows him matching his tools with results. Bolsinger was someone who made sense to me. His peripherals are starting to match results...and that's exciting. I can see him settling in as a 3/4 starter that may have elevated results in Dodgers Stadium. The depth on the back end of my rotation now is very strong.
Travis Snider is having another very usable season in the pros and has a halfway decent SIM. R.J. Alvarez has a very good SIM and, after getting roughed up at MLB and to start his AAA campaign, seems to be getting his act together. The loss here is Wilmer Difo. He looks more and more like a legit SS each day, and is again proving that 2014 was not an isolated occurrence with the stick. He also has a good SIM this year, but was available with acquiring Ahmed and having Rondon and Mateo.
Molina is the long-term play for me, here. He has all the tools to be a middle of the order, center fielder...but we will see how the development goes. Speaking of athletic cf's, Altherr is having a very nice breakout year between AA/AAA, putting up a .293/.366/.486 line that shows him matching his tools with results. Bolsinger was someone who made sense to me. His peripherals are starting to match results...and that's exciting. I can see him settling in as a 3/4 starter that may have elevated results in Dodgers Stadium. The depth on the back end of my rotation now is very strong.
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Yankees
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Angels trades Ben Paulsen, Angels Draft Pick 4, to Nationals for Nationals Draft Pick 3,
I let go Ben Paulsen during the last off-season. Well...I paid to get him back. There's about 40 pick difference to pick up a solid, if unspectacular, bat. I'm not expecting Paulsen to be a SIM difference maker next year...but I do believe he's a hitter.
I let go Ben Paulsen during the last off-season. Well...I paid to get him back. There's about 40 pick difference to pick up a solid, if unspectacular, bat. I'm not expecting Paulsen to be a SIM difference maker next year...but I do believe he's a hitter.
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Yankees
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Athletics trades Mark Teixeira, Homer Bailey, to Nationals for Hunter Renfroe, Adrian 14-Rondon, Nationals Draft Pick 2,
This was a trade that Nils and I had been kicking around in some way, shape, or form for a week or so. The #2 pick is not a huge worry for me...I'm not a fan of this draft. Rondon is an excellent prospect who figures to stay at SS over the long run, but, after a tough start stateside, he figures to be at, at the very least, four years away. Renfroe is a player I absolutely love, but had to be available in this deal. He continues to make adjustments at every level and is a positive in the field. There are questions about his swing and miss, but I'd bet on the athleticism.
Teixeira has retained his status as a middle of the order masher and could offer protection for me for Arenado. I believe in Vogelbach's bat and his ability to stay on the field, so Teix is a terrific bridge. Bailey was the guy who made this hard to say 'no' on this deal. Even though he won't be back until mid-'16, he's a legit mid-rotation starter who will pleasantly surround Matz, Rodriguez, Wisler, Blair...and the Martinez, Bolsinger, Anderson, Lively group. It's a strong, deep rotation that's absolutely augmented with Bailey.
This was a trade that Nils and I had been kicking around in some way, shape, or form for a week or so. The #2 pick is not a huge worry for me...I'm not a fan of this draft. Rondon is an excellent prospect who figures to stay at SS over the long run, but, after a tough start stateside, he figures to be at, at the very least, four years away. Renfroe is a player I absolutely love, but had to be available in this deal. He continues to make adjustments at every level and is a positive in the field. There are questions about his swing and miss, but I'd bet on the athleticism.
Teixeira has retained his status as a middle of the order masher and could offer protection for me for Arenado. I believe in Vogelbach's bat and his ability to stay on the field, so Teix is a terrific bridge. Bailey was the guy who made this hard to say 'no' on this deal. Even though he won't be back until mid-'16, he's a legit mid-rotation starter who will pleasantly surround Matz, Rodriguez, Wisler, Blair...and the Martinez, Bolsinger, Anderson, Lively group. It's a strong, deep rotation that's absolutely augmented with Bailey.
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Yankees
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Nationals trades Billy McKinney, Derek 14-Hill, Nationals Draft Pick 4, to Pirates for Gerardo Parra, Tony Kemp, Cy 14-Sneed,
There's some very good talent going to Pittsburgh in this deal. McKinney is shooting up prospect charts as he continues to rake at every level. He's a LF without question and has questionable pop, which does cut into his value a little, but the guy can really play. Hill is an outstanding CF who was pushed aggressively this year with very mediocre results, but he's young for LA. His defense is probably MLB-ready now, he has a good swing, and a good approach...but the results have not followed and a faulty back that has kept him on and off the DL has not helped. He'll be a slow burn, but there's very good upside.
Parra provides me a very strong bridge to Derek Fisher in left by only now coming into his prime and having a phenomenal year. He's an excellent OF in LF & RF...and plays a passable CF. That type of talent and flexibility should suit me well. It's also important to remember that, outside of 2014, Parra has been a very strong player since 2010. Given McKinney was going, Kemp was a player that was important for me to get. I've asked JP about him a few times with no success...so he was costly, but I think he's worth it. He's a fantastic contact hitter with a smart approach at the plate who can steal bases...and he'll be eligible at 2b, LF, and CF next year...which is a huge plus for him. Sneed is a decent enough arm that people like, but see primarily as a back-end starter.
There's some very good talent going to Pittsburgh in this deal. McKinney is shooting up prospect charts as he continues to rake at every level. He's a LF without question and has questionable pop, which does cut into his value a little, but the guy can really play. Hill is an outstanding CF who was pushed aggressively this year with very mediocre results, but he's young for LA. His defense is probably MLB-ready now, he has a good swing, and a good approach...but the results have not followed and a faulty back that has kept him on and off the DL has not helped. He'll be a slow burn, but there's very good upside.
Parra provides me a very strong bridge to Derek Fisher in left by only now coming into his prime and having a phenomenal year. He's an excellent OF in LF & RF...and plays a passable CF. That type of talent and flexibility should suit me well. It's also important to remember that, outside of 2014, Parra has been a very strong player since 2010. Given McKinney was going, Kemp was a player that was important for me to get. I've asked JP about him a few times with no success...so he was costly, but I think he's worth it. He's a fantastic contact hitter with a smart approach at the plate who can steal bases...and he'll be eligible at 2b, LF, and CF next year...which is a huge plus for him. Sneed is a decent enough arm that people like, but see primarily as a back-end starter.
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Yankees
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Royals trades Michael 14-Chavis, to Nationals for Clayton Blackburn,
For a guy I've picked up twice, Blackburn just won't stop being useful...in and out of the SIM. He doesn't feature great stuff (average across the board), but he's incredibly tough to hit hard and won't stop getting people out. If you play in a big park and have a solid infield D...Blackburn's going to be well above average for you.
Rotation is a deep spot for me and Blackburn didn't really fit into the long-term plans. Enter Michael Chavis, who I still see as getting first round talent (in a very coveted '14 role) for me. He's not a SS...and he's not much of a hitter for average, but Chavis can square it up. He's most likely a 3b who'll need the power to continue and the average to tick up, but there's definitely reason to hope here.
For a guy I've picked up twice, Blackburn just won't stop being useful...in and out of the SIM. He doesn't feature great stuff (average across the board), but he's incredibly tough to hit hard and won't stop getting people out. If you play in a big park and have a solid infield D...Blackburn's going to be well above average for you.
Rotation is a deep spot for me and Blackburn didn't really fit into the long-term plans. Enter Michael Chavis, who I still see as getting first round talent (in a very coveted '14 role) for me. He's not a SS...and he's not much of a hitter for average, but Chavis can square it up. He's most likely a 3b who'll need the power to continue and the average to tick up, but there's definitely reason to hope here.
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Yankees
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Phillies trades Aaron 14-Brown, to Nationals for Mike Morin,
Mike Morin was really good last year and got a really good SIM. Mike Morin was REALLY bad this year. He can definitely help a contender...he will not be a big help next year, most likely.
Aaron Brown is a nice prospect who has a good glove in CF and not an empty bat. He helps me because he's a '14 who rounds out my draft roster for next year.
Mike Morin was really good last year and got a really good SIM. Mike Morin was REALLY bad this year. He can definitely help a contender...he will not be a big help next year, most likely.
Aaron Brown is a nice prospect who has a good glove in CF and not an empty bat. He helps me because he's a '14 who rounds out my draft roster for next year.
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Yankees
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Giants trades Mitch Moreland, Erik Goeddel, to Nationals for Pedro Alvarez, Josh Phegley,
Both Alvarez and Phegley have their plusses and minuses. Alvarez will murder righties at times...but is terrible defensively and against lefties. Phegley is a solid is unspectacular defensive catcher with a decent approach at the plate...but he's nowhere near the C Swihart will be. I'll find another backup.
Goeddel is an intriguing play as a guy with really solid arm...and WAY more success at the MLB level as a reliever than in the minors. Here's a bet the arm plays. Moreland was the guy I was targeting. While he has his limitations, the guy can hit and field...and will find his way into my lineup with some thump for next year.
Both Alvarez and Phegley have their plusses and minuses. Alvarez will murder righties at times...but is terrible defensively and against lefties. Phegley is a solid is unspectacular defensive catcher with a decent approach at the plate...but he's nowhere near the C Swihart will be. I'll find another backup.
Goeddel is an intriguing play as a guy with really solid arm...and WAY more success at the MLB level as a reliever than in the minors. Here's a bet the arm plays. Moreland was the guy I was targeting. While he has his limitations, the guy can hit and field...and will find his way into my lineup with some thump for next year.
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Yankees
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Indians trades J.T. Realmuto, Ender Inciarte, Ryan Dull, to Nationals for Arismendy Alcantara, Duane 12-Underwood, Kohl 13-Stewart, Francisco 12-Mejia,
So I traded a lot of talent here. In full disclosure, Underwood is the one that hurt the most here. He's a solid talent who's been lights out when healthy...just a little under the radar with all the talent in Chicago. Alcantara is another terrific talent, but he has bottomed out this year...and faces a huge roster crunch if he stayed in DC. He definitely has the talent for a comeback. Mejia is a very good young C who had an excellent 2nd half. His first half was rough and he's got a long development path ahead of him, but, again, a ton of talent. Kohl Stewart is probably the biggest name. Stewart pitched effectively at LA, but was hittable, walked too many hitters, and struck out too few. The stuff and bottom line results are there, but he has to find a way to put more hitters away.
Ryan Dull is undersized...but he's also having an absolutely monster season. Across three levels he's been completely dominant and should play a big part in my pen next season. Realmuto is an excellent defensive catcher who has upside with the bat, and has taken the starters job in Miami. He'll hit at the bottom of a lineup, but he's definitely an MLB-caliber starter. Inciarte is a big pick-up here, too. He's an outstanding defensive outfielder across three positions and can hit, get on base, and steal a base. Along with Santana, Parra, Dahl, Altherr, and Jose Martinez, I'll have a ton of options to play the match-ups.
So I traded a lot of talent here. In full disclosure, Underwood is the one that hurt the most here. He's a solid talent who's been lights out when healthy...just a little under the radar with all the talent in Chicago. Alcantara is another terrific talent, but he has bottomed out this year...and faces a huge roster crunch if he stayed in DC. He definitely has the talent for a comeback. Mejia is a very good young C who had an excellent 2nd half. His first half was rough and he's got a long development path ahead of him, but, again, a ton of talent. Kohl Stewart is probably the biggest name. Stewart pitched effectively at LA, but was hittable, walked too many hitters, and struck out too few. The stuff and bottom line results are there, but he has to find a way to put more hitters away.
Ryan Dull is undersized...but he's also having an absolutely monster season. Across three levels he's been completely dominant and should play a big part in my pen next season. Realmuto is an excellent defensive catcher who has upside with the bat, and has taken the starters job in Miami. He'll hit at the bottom of a lineup, but he's definitely an MLB-caliber starter. Inciarte is a big pick-up here, too. He's an outstanding defensive outfielder across three positions and can hit, get on base, and steal a base. Along with Santana, Parra, Dahl, Altherr, and Jose Martinez, I'll have a ton of options to play the match-ups.
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Yankees
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Athletics trades Zack Wheeler, to Nationals for Eduardo Rodriguez, Dan Vogelbach,
This trade has risk all over it for me...but a risk I'm happy to take. Rodriguez is a terrific young arm who'll pitch in the middle of a rotation for years and years to come (he's 22!). Vogelbach will hit (and hit)...but he's a definite DH at this point.
Wheeler is coming off of TJ, making him a big risk for me...but he's also an elite arm who has legitimate top-of-the-rotation potential. Putting Wheeler and Matz at the front of a rotation absolutely makes me smile...but there's a ways to go before that happens.
This trade has risk all over it for me...but a risk I'm happy to take. Rodriguez is a terrific young arm who'll pitch in the middle of a rotation for years and years to come (he's 22!). Vogelbach will hit (and hit)...but he's a definite DH at this point.
Wheeler is coming off of TJ, making him a big risk for me...but he's also an elite arm who has legitimate top-of-the-rotation potential. Putting Wheeler and Matz at the front of a rotation absolutely makes me smile...but there's a ways to go before that happens.
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Yankees
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Rockies trades Gregor Blanco, Starling Marte, Justin Grimm, Tim Cooney, to Nationals for Homer Bailey, Domingo Santana, David Dahl, Aaron Blair,
First of all, I'd like to take a second to thank David Dahl for being the longest tenured Nat until this trade...and someone I'll always be rooting for. He has a legit CF glove with potential for a plus bat and plus pop. That's an all-star. The problem is that he has a tough time staying on the field. Bailey is a legit #3 starter, but he's coming off of TJ. Aaron Blair has #2 potential, if he can turn his plus stuff into strikeouts. If that's not the case, he's more of a #4, especially in Arizona. Santana is another one of my personal favorites who destroyed AAA this year and held his own in MLB...until the end of the year when pitchers started making adjustments. He has the pop and plate discipline...but he needs to make consistent contact.
Blanco is a really nice piece who can play multiple OF positions, take a walk, and hit a little. At the moment, after terrific MLB and AAA seasons, Cooney will be in my 2015 rotation. He's probably a #3 in his best year, but he looks like a very legit MLB arm. Justin Grimm was a big pickup for me in this trade. He's a lights out bullpen arm who can give me cover as a closer. Marte was clearly the star of this show for me, though. Combined with Inciarte and Bradley, my OF will be ferocious defensively...and all of them can definitely hit. Marte is still just 27 with a lot in front of him.
Athletics trades Jonathan Schoop, Jackie Bradley, Steve Geltz, to Nationals for Blake Swihart, Matt Wisler,
So this was quite a day. Along with Dahl, Swihart has left the building. He's a future all-star C who plays for Nils' favorite team. He's awesome. Wisler is a #3 starter in his best year, but will most likely settle in as a #4.
Geltz is a perfectly fine relief arm, who hopefully has his best years in front of him. Schoop is a former top 100 prospect whose calling cards were pop and defense...and, well, he did both of those incredibly well once he came off of the DL this year. If this was a breakout season (he's still very young), he's going to be a top tier 2b. Finally, after two below average times at the MLB level, Bradley, despite crushing upper minors pitching, finally broke out this season. He has good plate discipline, a terrific glove across the outfield, and has the potential for a plus bat and pop.
All in all, on these two deals, I've fortified an outstanding overall defense that should be above average offensively. My relief pitching should be strong and, while my starting pitching will be top heavy (Matz/Wheeler), it's deep 3-7 with slightly above average arms. Collectively, I'm pumped about what happened today...despite moving Dahl and Swihart.
First of all, I'd like to take a second to thank David Dahl for being the longest tenured Nat until this trade...and someone I'll always be rooting for. He has a legit CF glove with potential for a plus bat and plus pop. That's an all-star. The problem is that he has a tough time staying on the field. Bailey is a legit #3 starter, but he's coming off of TJ. Aaron Blair has #2 potential, if he can turn his plus stuff into strikeouts. If that's not the case, he's more of a #4, especially in Arizona. Santana is another one of my personal favorites who destroyed AAA this year and held his own in MLB...until the end of the year when pitchers started making adjustments. He has the pop and plate discipline...but he needs to make consistent contact.
Blanco is a really nice piece who can play multiple OF positions, take a walk, and hit a little. At the moment, after terrific MLB and AAA seasons, Cooney will be in my 2015 rotation. He's probably a #3 in his best year, but he looks like a very legit MLB arm. Justin Grimm was a big pickup for me in this trade. He's a lights out bullpen arm who can give me cover as a closer. Marte was clearly the star of this show for me, though. Combined with Inciarte and Bradley, my OF will be ferocious defensively...and all of them can definitely hit. Marte is still just 27 with a lot in front of him.
Athletics trades Jonathan Schoop, Jackie Bradley, Steve Geltz, to Nationals for Blake Swihart, Matt Wisler,
So this was quite a day. Along with Dahl, Swihart has left the building. He's a future all-star C who plays for Nils' favorite team. He's awesome. Wisler is a #3 starter in his best year, but will most likely settle in as a #4.
Geltz is a perfectly fine relief arm, who hopefully has his best years in front of him. Schoop is a former top 100 prospect whose calling cards were pop and defense...and, well, he did both of those incredibly well once he came off of the DL this year. If this was a breakout season (he's still very young), he's going to be a top tier 2b. Finally, after two below average times at the MLB level, Bradley, despite crushing upper minors pitching, finally broke out this season. He has good plate discipline, a terrific glove across the outfield, and has the potential for a plus bat and pop.
All in all, on these two deals, I've fortified an outstanding overall defense that should be above average offensively. My relief pitching should be strong and, while my starting pitching will be top heavy (Matz/Wheeler), it's deep 3-7 with slightly above average arms. Collectively, I'm pumped about what happened today...despite moving Dahl and Swihart.
