Tweet
OK I would love to see Atlanta make a serious push for the division title and to get out of the 1st round of the playoffs. We have some young pieces to put together to nab a veteran player that can help us. I have a couple people to try to go after in mind and would love to hear what you guys think - Will they be able to get him? What would they have to give up?
1) This is a stretch - Ian Snell I know we screwed Pittsburgh already with the LaRoche deal(that guy blows by the way). What about some type of package including Wickman. We have Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez, each of whom can close. Wickman's contract runs out at year's end and he would actually do something Salomon Torres can not - earn a save. Obviously there would need to be a lot more included like maybe Kyle Davies and someone else, but it would be well worth it for a guaranteed solid #3 starter or even #2 if Hudson continues to falter.
2) Zach Duke - He would be a lot easier to acquire because of the fact that he has never pitched well in Pittsburgh. The kid has a lot of talent. He is a young lefty and it has been said that Black Jack McDowell is a better pitching coach when it comes to the young guys as opposed to the veterans. Again Wickman can be put in a deal here or Davies or maybe even a Matt Diaz.
3) Lance Berkman - I know it is a BIG contract to take on, but Berkman can play Left, center, or 1B. He gives you a lot of flexibility and a stable bat in the lineup with some pop. I can see trading Andruw in a spot like this if Atlanta has the impression he will not re-sign with them. Willie Harris can move into CF as he has the speed necessary. Thorman can also be a pawn here with Wickman(everyone knows Houston has bullpen problems) and Kyle Davies.
4) Daniel Cabrera and Nick Markakis - This would have to be a big package and either Francouer or Markakis would need to switch positions. I think Cabrera could be a good starter in the NL and has the stuff for #3 or #4 status. Being in the AL East is rough having to play the Yankees and Boston that many times in a year especially when your bullpen can blow a lot of games. Markakis is a young talent that can come cheaply(cost wise). Atlanta would probably need to make a big package here. I would bet it would have to include Diaz, Thorman, and 2 or 3 other players depending on who Baltimore wanted in return. This is a stretch here, but it would be nice to nab both. This could also be another spot for Andruw as Markakis started 8 games in CF last year and 24 in LF so Willie Harris can be moved if necessary.
The main pieces that would be moved are Andruw, Wickman, Thorman, Davies. Three are young, only one will cost a lot at year's end. Each would solve a need for certain teams. I have heard Adam Dunn or Griffey mentioned. Please no Griffey as we do not need to be the New York Rangers of baseball - getting guys after their prime before they retire. Adam Dunn would not be a complete waste, depending on what we have to give up.
I am open to suggestions so please let me know what you think of my ideas. Thanks guys..
1) This is a stretch - Ian Snell I know we screwed Pittsburgh already with the LaRoche deal(that guy blows by the way). What about some type of package including Wickman. We have Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez, each of whom can close. Wickman's contract runs out at year's end and he would actually do something Salomon Torres can not - earn a save. Obviously there would need to be a lot more included like maybe Kyle Davies and someone else, but it would be well worth it for a guaranteed solid #3 starter or even #2 if Hudson continues to falter.
2) Zach Duke - He would be a lot easier to acquire because of the fact that he has never pitched well in Pittsburgh. The kid has a lot of talent. He is a young lefty and it has been said that Black Jack McDowell is a better pitching coach when it comes to the young guys as opposed to the veterans. Again Wickman can be put in a deal here or Davies or maybe even a Matt Diaz.
3) Lance Berkman - I know it is a BIG contract to take on, but Berkman can play Left, center, or 1B. He gives you a lot of flexibility and a stable bat in the lineup with some pop. I can see trading Andruw in a spot like this if Atlanta has the impression he will not re-sign with them. Willie Harris can move into CF as he has the speed necessary. Thorman can also be a pawn here with Wickman(everyone knows Houston has bullpen problems) and Kyle Davies.
4) Daniel Cabrera and Nick Markakis - This would have to be a big package and either Francouer or Markakis would need to switch positions. I think Cabrera could be a good starter in the NL and has the stuff for #3 or #4 status. Being in the AL East is rough having to play the Yankees and Boston that many times in a year especially when your bullpen can blow a lot of games. Markakis is a young talent that can come cheaply(cost wise). Atlanta would probably need to make a big package here. I would bet it would have to include Diaz, Thorman, and 2 or 3 other players depending on who Baltimore wanted in return. This is a stretch here, but it would be nice to nab both. This could also be another spot for Andruw as Markakis started 8 games in CF last year and 24 in LF so Willie Harris can be moved if necessary.
The main pieces that would be moved are Andruw, Wickman, Thorman, Davies. Three are young, only one will cost a lot at year's end. Each would solve a need for certain teams. I have heard Adam Dunn or Griffey mentioned. Please no Griffey as we do not need to be the New York Rangers of baseball - getting guys after their prime before they retire. Adam Dunn would not be a complete waste, depending on what we have to give up.
I am open to suggestions so please let me know what you think of my ideas. Thanks guys..
Comment