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Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Dec 7, 2006
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Interesting little piece here I found on rotowire.com
The Dodgers are currently making runs at both C.C. Sabathia and the Pirates' Jack Wilson, according to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal.
Complicating their efforts for Sabathia is that one or two players the Indians want are also being discussed in the Wilson deal. Rosenthal hints that 3B Andy LaRoche, RHP James McDonald and SS Chin-lung Hu are "likely drawing consideration" from Cleveland, though he offers nothing to back that up. Source: FOXSports.com Jul. 4 - 7:00 pm et
It makes me think that if Jack goes (because the Bucs really do not have anyone to replace him immediately) then a huge firesale/ full blown rebuilding process would follow as we near the deadline. I think I could accept that if the return is substantial. Hu is an intriguing prospect at SS, and maybe one day the Pirates will have the free swinging Laroche brothers starting at the corners. That would probably drive us all insane!
Just some pre-trading deadline fireworks to share for you all. Happy Fourth of July!
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Reputation:98
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Since:Aug 20, 2006
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Was just about to post this. That same article goes on to say that the Dodgers aren't going to mind giving up prospects to get an everyday SS. Apparently they are really hurting for one and I wasn't aware of that otherwise I wouldn't say that Jack Wilson is worthy of more than one decent prospect. However, this seems to be the perfect storm, if you will, only on a minor scale. We've been shopping Jack for over a year now and haven't got much offered for him other than Jair Jurrgens when he was with the Tigers (doh!). I think James McDonald (4-2, 3.19 ERA, 93 Ks in 90 IP at AA) straight up is pretty darn good for Jack, but if the Dodgers are that desperate we might be able to milk them for another guy, but I doubt it would be two of the three mentioned.
And yes, please for the love of God, stay away from any other LaRoche from here on out.
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Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Dec 4, 2006
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B/Jim: I agree with one thing - if we dare to trade Jack Wilson we might as well mail in the rest of the year. Anyone who recalls the beginning of this season when we went with Gomez, Rivas, and Brian Bixler at SS while Jack was injured has to know how idiotic this is unless we get somebody's first born. McDonald has some nice stats, and if he was a 1st or 2nd year pitcher at AA I would think a little more on this, but I think he was drafted out of HS or after a year at a JUCO, and it has taken him 5 or 6 years to get to AA. I cannot get too excited about that. Hu is a legitimate Shortstop with a great glove, and he has exhibited the ability to hit .300+ at just about every level of the minors. No trade can be made without getting this guy in return. One question - he used to be listed as 5'9" 150, and he is now listed at 5'11" 190?
For the Dodgers, they are 1 game out and with the Diamondbacks reeling, they could do well to have an experienced SS. They have been paying $13 mil for the privilege of having Rafael Furcal - Wilson is making $6.5, will make $7.25 in 2009, and has a Club Option of $8.4 mil in 2010. The Dodgers have to be drooling to get somebody with his ability and leadership, eliminate the need to get into the FA market when Furcal leaves after the end of the year, and pay about half of what they have been paying. Nice deal for them at a time that they need a guy like JW
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Reputation:96
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Since:Jan 4, 2008
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What this comes down to is the Dodgers NEED Jack Wilson more than the Pirates need the Dodgers. That being said, the Pirates finally are somewhat holding the upper hand. The Dodgers have an abundance of OFs. I know a Kemp or Ethier are probably out of the question, but I'd angle for one of them first. "We have too many outfielders!" Well, if we get a great YOUNG outfielder (Kemp or Ethier), that would enable us to move Bay or Nady. I would make that sacrifice to play Rivas/Gomez/Bixler for one year, or go pick up a SS piece in the Bay or Nady trade.
Hu looked small in the games I've seen him, much closer to 5'7" 120 than even 5'9" 150. If he can pick it at short, that is great! He would then be an improvement over any of the above-mentioned. I'll take a defensive SS and put him at the bottom of the order, BUT HE HAS TO MAKE THE PLAYS IN THE FIELD. The Dodgers wouldn't give us LaRoche and Hu. Not for just Jack Wilson. What about a Wilson/Marte for LaRoche/Hu? What about a Wilson/Marte for Kemp? (Doubt it...but I love Kemp!)
Feedback all?
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Reputation:93
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Since:May 21, 2008
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Another team looking for SS is Toronto. What do you guys think about A.J. Burnett for Jack Wilson? Burnett is sign for 2 more years for $24 million, Jack for $16 m if the 2010 option is pick up. Move Jose Bautista to ss, bring up Neil Walker. BTW I live in L.A. watch the Dodgers just about everytime they play, Hu is closer to 5'7" than 5'11" he struggle when he was call up earlier in the year and is now back in the minors, but is a highly regarded prospect, getting him and a top pitching prospect will be a good deal.
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Reputation:97
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Since:Dec 4, 2006
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Hu can definitely pick it - 16 E's in 120 games last year split over three different levels in the minors. The year before that, 2006, he had only 10 E's in over 520 chances at AA. I think he was selected the best defensive shortstop in the Southern league that year. He is their #3 prospect according to Baseball America. | |
