Practical Trade Idea

by SC raysfan on Jul 24, 2008 5:39 PM EDT

It seems like alot of us Rays fans are frustrated by the inactivity in the market so far. I'm sure Andrew and Co. are probaly even more so. The skyrocket prices are to blame and I think it is way easier to sell than to buy nowadays, so with that being said, who can we get that can help us now and maybe for another couple of years until our young guys can come up (mainly Desmond Jennings etc.). Blake is one type of guy that we have discussed quite a bit but the more I look at him and the feedback from those who have followed him for awhile, the less impressed I get. So after alot of digging I have thought alot about a guy that was mentioned a ways back but is not really currently on the radar. The more I think about what he could do the more I like him as our practical trade idea. The name: Austin Kearns of the Nats. He hits for power, gets hot like Aubrey Huff sometimes at the end of the year, plays good defense, can either play the field or DH, gets along with teamates and would be fairly easy to acquire and pretty inexpensive. He is signed thru next year (2009) for about 8 mil in 09 and has an option for 2010 if desired. He could take either Gomes or Floyd's place (I keep thinking Cliff is going to pull something soon anyway) He probaly would platoon something like Gross/ Kearns in RF with HInske/ Gomes at DH. When he gets really hot he hits RH starters great so he could stay in the line-up more often in RF over Gross even against Righties. This would keep Hinske and Gomes from having to play the field unless in a dire situation and would balance the bench from both sides. Feedback?

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.

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Comments

Not a bad idea but

I still think that they either need to go big or just call up Ruggiano. I think Justin could do just as much as Blake, Kearns type and we wouldnt have to give up anything for him.

by Dbullsfan on Jul 24, 2008 5:42 PM EDT reply actions

I agree..Need to go for a big name or just call somone up

No sense in trading for someone who is at the same level as the guys we have. I’d like to see Murton if anyone that isn’t a “big” name. He’s young, an above avg. fielder and has shown some pop in his bat. He can develop and his contract is a plus. If this all isn’t a possibility and we stand pat I think we need to bring up Ruggiano and Price and DFA Glover and either Floyd or Gomes. Just can’t see us not doing something with all the teams around us trying to make moves.

by arkansasraysfan on Jul 24, 2008 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions

would you trade Ruggiano straight up for Murton

because CC and Upton arent going anywhere and there is no point in having Murton and Ruggiano as they are essentially the same player (murton has more MLB experience, Ruggiano has more tools (speed, power, Avg)) but neither are going to be all-stars but both would be solid. I have no problem getting Murton but if we do we need to trade Ruggs, give him a shot to make a big league team.

by Dbullsfan on Jul 24, 2008 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Ruggiano

I don’t see the power potential as compared to Kearns and for some reason the Rays don’t seem to be enamored with him or else he would be getting more time.

SC raysfan

by SC raysfan on Jul 24, 2008 5:55 PM EDT reply actions

I just want to get a solid hitter that can hit his own weight....lol

Don’t need a masher per say..need someone that can drive in runs. If a guy hits well and has a good OBP the runs will come. Kearns would be ok but not sold on him. I’d like to see Baldelli come back..he’d be the answer but as sad as I am about it, not thinking it will happen.

by arkansasraysfan on Jul 24, 2008 6:08 PM EDT reply actions

Kearns is a very good fielder, too, the best of any names thrown out there

And probably on par with Gabe Gross. But his 2008 stats scare even me, and I’m not prone to overreacting. As Bowden’s proved, it doesn’t take much to take his players, as long as you can give him whatever he’s currently infatuated with.

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by Sky Kalkman on Jul 24, 2008 6:12 PM EDT reply actions