Comparing Mesoraco and Grandal

by sc_monsta1015 on Oct 22, 2011 12:10 PM EDT

I've enjoyed reading articles that compare players, so I'll try that here. Over the past couple of weeks, after being asked who James Shields might be traded to this offseason, if traded at all, the community answered the Reds. After being asked who it would take to acquire the Rays righty, the community answered First Basemen Yonder Alonso and Devin Mesoraco/Yasmani Grandal, both Catchers. This trade would provide the Rays with more young talent while filling holes in the lineup. The question is, who would the Rays rather have out of the two Catcher prspects? Let the comparing begin!

Basic Attributes:

Hitting: Contact-Mesoraco, Discpline-Even, Power-Grandal. Edge-Mesoraco

Defensively: Grandal all-around.

ETA: Mesoraco is big-league ready, while Grandal will be ready in a couple of years.

Scouts say: Mesoraco is a better hitter than Grandal with solid defense, and Grandal is a btter defender.

Mesoraco is the #2 catching prospect, while Grandal is the 7th best, according to MLB.com

From what we see here, Mesoraco has the higher value. However, if Mesoraco is untouchable this offseason, Grandal seems like a solid option, and the Rays should easily be able to squeeze out at least another player from the Reds. Of course, a Shields trade isn't a surefire thing. It all depends on if the Rays would rather build for the future or go for it this year. Personally, I would like to see a trade like this, so we can say dumb thing like "Don't Mess-oraco with Devin", and, "Watch Alonso hit the ball to Yonder scoreboard", but that's just my opinion. What do you think?

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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Try to take it easy on me if I screwed something up

I guess I’m still fairly new here

I AM THE MONSTER - The big SCARY monsta

by sc_monsta1015 on Oct 22, 2011 12:11 PM EDT reply actions

Can someone explain why Alonso is such a target?

His minor league numbers are solid, but hardly eye opening. If he was an 8th round pick instead of 1st, no one would be bringing him up.

by td32 on Oct 22, 2011 3:26 PM EDT reply actions

I'm here, but people I respect value him pretty highly and have a litany of excuses for many of his question marks

and there goes our season

OTM's biggest Clutch Carl fan.
by gizmosandy on Sep 11, 2011 3:59 PM EDT reply actions

by Sandy Kazmir on Oct 22, 2011 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions

And I'm not saying he isnt good...

He was a high draft pick, but his #‘s arent too sexy when you’re talking about a pitcher like Shields being involved.

by td32 on Oct 22, 2011 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions

If the Rays trade Shields for Alonso, Grandal better be coming along too.

Obviously we’d have to add something but I can’t imagine it’d be too much.

by firemangreg on Oct 24, 2011 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions

One of the biggest questions is power, right?

How has he looked since the hamate thing cleared up?

by firemangreg on Oct 24, 2011 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Usually you would want more power from a First Basemen

But this guy can still hit. He has consistantly had a high BA, doesn’t strike out a ton. Almost a Casey Kotchman of THIS year with way more power potential-more potential all-around. Add to that he seems very solid on defense at both 1B and RF. But of course he was only playing Left to make room for him on the Reds, but he would obviously be playing 1st for us. Still, he is not even the centerpiece in this potential deal.

I AM THE MONSTER - The big SCARY monsta

by sc_monsta1015 on Oct 22, 2011 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions

I've been asking this for months.

I’d rather have Ike Davis.

Am I the only one flagging this guy?
Seriously, do we have to wait for the money shot or a "F*** THE SOXXXXXX!" before we ban him? Doubleteapot… BAN HIM!!

by AlohaSox on Sep 28, 2011 10:20 PM CDT

by SandalsNoPants on Oct 22, 2011 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Or Kyle Blanks.

Am I the only one flagging this guy?
Seriously, do we have to wait for the money shot or a "F*** THE SOXXXXXX!" before we ban him? Doubleteapot… BAN HIM!!

by AlohaSox on Sep 28, 2011 10:20 PM CDT

by SandalsNoPants on Oct 22, 2011 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Blanks would be great but I don't think the Pads are keen on moving him.

by firemangreg on Oct 24, 2011 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions

but is he really an OF?

They’ve also got that guy from Boston there who is a 1b. I wouldn’t mind him, either, now that I think about it. Rizzo?

Am I the only one flagging this guy?
Seriously, do we have to wait for the money shot or a "F*** THE SOXXXXXX!" before we ban him? Doubleteapot… BAN HIM!!

by AlohaSox on Sep 28, 2011 10:20 PM CDT

by SandalsNoPants on Oct 29, 2011 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions

I wouldn't do anything for those monkeys

I AM THE MONSTER - The big SCARY monsta

by sc_monsta1015 on Oct 30, 2011 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I could have sworn Alonso was a 1st round pick.

where are my gifs? is this a new thread? you guys are litl fucking sluts. uck you guys. i bet you guys tmpons in the womines bathromms and pay 75 cents for each ne. fuck you

by daveh33 on Sep 3, 2010 11:09 PM EDT reply actions

by PriceMultiCyYoungs on Oct 25, 2011 7:45 AM EDT up reply actions

You can't read.

by firemangreg on Oct 25, 2011 9:02 AM EDT up reply actions

Meseraco is better, all around too I believe.

I am 99% sure Meseraco is the better defender.

by mr. maniac on Oct 22, 2011 4:33 PM EDT reply actions

really?

from what i’ve heard Grandal is slightly better defensively, while Mesoraco is a better hitter

I AM THE MONSTER - The big SCARY monsta

by sc_monsta1015 on Oct 22, 2011 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Grandal's defense has been very meh according to scouts

I think his receiving/blocking has been a disappointment

I put the screw IN THE TUNA!

by Transplanted on Oct 22, 2011 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions

I see.

I guess I’ve heard that he has a big arm and can shut down runners more than blocking-ability.

I AM THE MONSTER - The big SCARY monsta

by sc_monsta1015 on Oct 22, 2011 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Could we squeeze out another player if it were Mesoraco/Alonso?

We should for sure if we would accept Grandal

I AM THE MONSTER - The big SCARY monsta

by sc_monsta1015 on Oct 22, 2011 6:00 PM EDT reply actions

Forget trading Shields,

I’d rather see them trade Price, for a similar package from the Reds.

by TBRaysfan009 on Oct 22, 2011 11:01 PM EDT reply actions

Why?

Am I the only one flagging this guy?
Seriously, do we have to wait for the money shot or a "F*** THE SOXXXXXX!" before we ban him? Doubleteapot… BAN HIM!!

by AlohaSox on Sep 28, 2011 10:20 PM CDT

by SandalsNoPants on Oct 23, 2011 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions

Because between the two of them, the Rays coud keep Shields longer, whereas Price can opt out of his contract by the end of this year.

by TBRaysfan009 on Oct 23, 2011 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions

But Price will be better for longer.

I’d be wanting a way better return for Price. Proven young MLB players.

Am I the only one flagging this guy?
Seriously, do we have to wait for the money shot or a "F*** THE SOXXXXXX!" before we ban him? Doubleteapot… BAN HIM!!

by AlohaSox on Sep 28, 2011 10:20 PM CDT

by SandalsNoPants on Oct 23, 2011 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Rays own Price til 2015. Shields' contract runs out in 14.

I think you’re a little confused.

I'll make out with a guy if he knocks it in
by Jason Collette on Jun 11, 2011 9:00 PM CDT
(Kotchman knocked it in)

by Vin on Oct 23, 2011 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions

The whole opt out thing is confusing, but the Rays will retain his rights until 2015 as Vin said.

It just means that he can go to arby rather than be bound by the covenants of his rookie deal

and there goes our season

OTM's biggest Clutch Carl fan.
by gizmosandy on Sep 11, 2011 3:59 PM EDT reply actions

by Sandy Kazmir on Oct 23, 2011 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions

His contract ends next year, so ya the Rays only control him till 2012

Plus, regardless, Price is going to get very expensive, and won’t be cost-effective for very long. Also, I don’t have as much faith in Price as I do in Shields; Price’s one pitch is his fastball, and the rest of his pitches can only be relied on occasionally, and if not, then teams, like the Rangers and Yankees, feast on him.

Source: http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/priceda01.shtml#contracts ( Specifically look at the Salary section)

by TBRaysfan009 on Oct 23, 2011 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions

You can only be a free agent if you have 6+ years of MLB service time, unless the team decided to not offer him a contract.

He will become more expensive but should be affordable even for the rays for 2 more seasons.

by jtmorgan on Oct 23, 2011 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions

And not be eligible for free agency until after the 2015 season as long as the Rays would offer him a contract.

by jtmorgan on Oct 23, 2011 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Refer only to Cots when referencing contracts.

Price may void salary & file for arbitration in any year he is arbitration-eligible

http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2005/01/tampa-bay-devil-rays_112131227267025321.html

https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=tgIp3wMqRUbYKz17SoXACQg&output=html

I'll make out with a guy if he knocks it in
by Jason Collette on Jun 11, 2011 9:00 PM CDT
(Kotchman knocked it in)

by Vin on Oct 23, 2011 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Ahh, now you see, that makes much more sense.

I completely agree with you now. However, my other statements on Price still stand, but, yes, I admit defeat in this respect.

by TBRaysfan009 on Oct 23, 2011 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions

The single respect that would make the deal make any sense.

by firemangreg on Oct 24, 2011 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions

I may be alone on this but I would rather see them move Niemann/Davis/Cobb for Grandal

keep Shields and go with Shoppach this year and make a hard push for the WS in 2012 and have Grandal for the future to catch Helly, Price, Moore, etc…

by Dbullsfan on Oct 23, 2011 4:04 AM EDT reply actions

Because Shoppach screams "legitimate contender."

Can’t do it without ’em.

I'll make out with a guy if he knocks it in
by Jason Collette on Jun 11, 2011 9:00 PM CDT
(Kotchman knocked it in)

by Vin on Oct 23, 2011 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions

This is what I've been saying

Trade another one of those arms to shore up 1B

and there goes our season

OTM's biggest Clutch Carl fan.
by gizmosandy on Sep 11, 2011 3:59 PM EDT reply actions

by Sandy Kazmir on Oct 23, 2011 12:07 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Shields to Miami for Logan Morrison.

Per Buster Olney.

I'll make out with a guy if he knocks it in
by Jason Collette on Jun 11, 2011 9:00 PM CDT
(Kotchman knocked it in)

by Vin on Oct 23, 2011 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Heard this!

They would need to throw in more, I’m not certain why everyone is so enamored with Morrison.

and there goes our season

OTM's biggest Clutch Carl fan.
by gizmosandy on Sep 11, 2011 3:59 PM EDT reply actions

by Sandy Kazmir on Oct 23, 2011 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions

For me, he can't be the selling point.

If the deal starts with Shields for Morrison, I’m out.

I'll make out with a guy if he knocks it in
by Jason Collette on Jun 11, 2011 9:00 PM CDT
(Kotchman knocked it in)

by Vin on Oct 23, 2011 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Niemann/Davis/Cobb would be another story though.

I'll make out with a guy if he knocks it in
by Jason Collette on Jun 11, 2011 9:00 PM CDT
(Kotchman knocked it in)

by Vin on Oct 23, 2011 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions

No way on earth we trade more than 2 of our 8 good starters

We all know how the FO works with us

I AM THE MONSTER - The big SCARY monsta

by sc_monsta1015 on Oct 23, 2011 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions

He's talking about trading one of those guys

jonahkeri jonahkeri
Josh Freeman refund please.

by SRQman on Oct 23, 2011 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Nope. All three. At the same time.

Salary relief, bro.

I'll make out with a guy if he knocks it in
by Jason Collette on Jun 11, 2011 9:00 PM CDT
(Kotchman knocked it in)

by Vin on Oct 23, 2011 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions

thats what I thought

what do you expect to get from all 3 of those guys? Trading Shields and Upton is bigger salary relief, plus we would get guys to fill holes

I AM THE MONSTER - The big SCARY monsta

by sc_monsta1015 on Oct 23, 2011 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions

You're bad at this game.

OK, next time I'll just leave it at "Davis/ Niemann/Cobb would be a different story though"

And not ask something about it

I AM THE MONSTER - The big SCARY monsta

by sc_monsta1015 on Oct 23, 2011 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions

I'll concede the slash typically means "and/or" but in this case it clearly meant "or".

Also, trading three guys who are going to make around 2 million between them for salary relief should have been a clear indicator of sarcasm.

I'll make out with a guy if he knocks it in
by Jason Collette on Jun 11, 2011 9:00 PM CDT
(Kotchman knocked it in)

by Vin on Oct 23, 2011 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Then I didn't understand the sarcasm.

my bad then

I AM THE MONSTER - The big SCARY monsta

by sc_monsta1015 on Oct 23, 2011 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions

But like I was saying.........

I don’t expect for us to trade more than 2 Starters this offseason

I AM THE MONSTER - The big SCARY monsta

by sc_monsta1015 on Oct 23, 2011 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Yea

I might consider this if it was like LoMo, Yelich, Ceda, and another prospect. Yelich had a really good year with the bat and Ceda has potential has reliever. And if we got greedy, throw in a lefty in either Chad James or Rasmussen. Then I would do it. That would suck for Shields though, having to go to Miami and their team. Minus the always hurt Josh Johnson, Anibal Sanchez, and Mike Stanton, the Marlins dont have much.And their farm system, definetly if a trade like this happened, is crap.

No matter how much they are hyped, my teams always find a way to disappoint.

by thedudeofdudes on Oct 23, 2011 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Ok, listen to this:

We fill holes at First Base, Catcher and don’t bother filling Shortstop. What would we get for B.J. Upton from the Nats? Remember, this is a scenario where we DO NOT need a Catcher. I was thinking Drew Storen could be involved, but how much more would we get out of Upton?

I AM THE MONSTER - The big SCARY monsta

by sc_monsta1015 on Oct 23, 2011 2:14 PM EDT reply actions

If this has any significance.....

MiLB.com named the Reds’ organizational All Stars.
Yasmani Grandal was the Catcher, Mesoraco was the DH

I AM THE MONSTER - The big SCARY monsta

by sc_monsta1015 on Oct 23, 2011 5:23 PM EDT reply actions

I thought up a couple of scenarios for the Rays offseason, mostly relying on if and who would we get for James Shields.

Scenario #1: Shields is traded for Mesoraco, Alonso and Bill Bray (or similar). Upton is traded for Drew Storen, Roger Bernadina and a minor leaguer not worth thinking of. We sign Carlos Pena and Jim Thome to 1-year deals worth a total of around 7 million. Desmond Jennings is moved to CF, Yonder Alonso plays LF, Pena plays 1B and Thome is our DH. We resign Shoppach for less than 3 million (instead of his option) for he knows the pitching staff.
Our lineup now looks something like this:
Jennings CF
Zobrist 2B
Longoria 3B
Pena 1B
Thome DH
Joyce RF
Alonso LF
Mesoraco C
Sean Rodriguez SS
Bench:
Fuld LF
Shoppach C
Brignac SS
Bernadina or Canzler (?)
Bullpen: Sonnanstine (resign for league-minimum), Cesar Ramos, McGee, B. Gomes, Peralta, Farnsworth, Storen.
Let me know what you think. Scenario #1 will be posted shortly-honestly I think that will be more realistic.

I AM THE MONSTER - The big SCARY monsta

by sc_monsta1015 on Oct 23, 2011 5:40 PM EDT reply actions

Forgot to mention starters.

Price, Hellickson, Niemann, Davis, Cobb. I know I’m the only one on this boat, but I think Moore stays down the 1st month to make sure he can handle good hitting. Then he can come in for whoever is injured or not playing well

I AM THE MONSTER - The big SCARY monsta

by sc_monsta1015 on Oct 23, 2011 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh I think everyone thinks Moore will stay down a month.

jonahkeri jonahkeri
Josh Freeman refund please.

by SRQman on Oct 23, 2011 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions

or however long his super 2 time is

I could care less about your graduate degree-I was a full professor at Harvard at 34 and am a full professor at Columbia now in a theoretical field whose main tool is statistical mechanics. So can can come down from your high place.

by Buzzy on Sep 24, 2011 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions

by pudieron89 on Oct 23, 2011 6:55 PM EDT up reply actions

thats what i was thinking

I AM THE MONSTER - The big SCARY monsta

by sc_monsta1015 on Oct 23, 2011 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Rays would never do this.

by mr. maniac on Oct 23, 2011 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions

That is a lot of lefties in the lineup

and two of the four bench players who can play outfield or 1B are also lefty (as is the shortstop reserve). So should Maddon want to sit Joyce or Pena against a tough lefty, he only has another lefty to replace either. On the other hand, there is no lefty catcher.

I think you also sacrifice a lot of defense in LF. Alonso is apparently brutal there. Even if you believe in his bat, a point I am not willing to concede yet, I don’t think it likely the Rays would accept a poor defensive outfielder.

Jim Thome is 41 and most of his important numbers are tending down already, including games played, K rate, BB rate and even power numbers. They may still be pretty good, but do you really want to take a risk on such an old player?

There are some other things about this roster I don’t like, but those issues leap out immediately.

by bobr on Oct 23, 2011 6:04 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs

Reply fail.

But yeah, I thought about some of those issues. I guess Scenario #1 is building a big offense rather than what we usually do. But like I said, Scenario #2 seemed more likely to me, given how the Rays operate

I AM THE MONSTER - The big SCARY monsta

by sc_monsta1015 on Oct 23, 2011 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions

I saw Alonso in the OF a couple times. Absolutely brutal. Horrible routes, balls kept getting by him, slow.

by firemangreg on Oct 24, 2011 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions

Scenario #2 (continued):

We trade Shields for Grandal, Alonso and Todd Frazier. Upton is traded for Storen, Bernadina, plus a minor leaguer. We sign Ramon Hernandez and Jim Thome to 1-year deals worth around 5 million total. Jennings plays CF, Brandon Guyer and Frazier platoon in LF. Resign Shoppach for less than 3 million, for he knows the staff.
Our lineup looks something like this:
Jennings
Zobrist
Longoria
Thome
Joyce
Ramon Hernandez
Alonso
Guyer/Frazier
Sean Rod
Bench:
Fuld
Shop
Brignac
Frazier (super-utility!)
Bullpen looks the same as scenario 1

I AM THE MONSTER - The big SCARY monsta

by sc_monsta1015 on Oct 23, 2011 6:06 PM EDT reply actions

Same thing with starters.

Matt Moore starts season in AAA, comes up for injury or struggling player

I AM THE MONSTER - The big SCARY monsta

by sc_monsta1015 on Oct 23, 2011 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions

I really hope the Rays aren't trading Upton for a reliever.

and there goes our season

OTM's biggest Clutch Carl fan.
by gizmosandy on Sep 11, 2011 3:59 PM EDT reply actions

by Sandy Kazmir on Oct 23, 2011 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Actually a closer, a backup CF and a minor leaguer.

Honestly I just threw that out there, not sure what he will bring

I AM THE MONSTER - The big SCARY monsta

by sc_monsta1015 on Oct 23, 2011 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions

we'd be so lucky!

by Buzzy on Sep 24, 2011 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions

by pudieron89 on Oct 23, 2011 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Trade Upton to the Nats for a package of young players of need

and add Neimann or Davis to acquire those players to offset the possibility of the Nats not being able to exten Upton. Rays would get either Ramos to be their catcher next season or Norris for the year after(depending on their preference). They also get Steve Lombardozzi to be their E. Johnson utility guy, possible SS if he can shift over and their future 2nd baseman(when Zobrist’s contract ends in two seasons). He’s going to be a player and is blocked in Washington.

Also get Chris Marrero to be a RH’ed 1st base option(in a platoon next season) or fulltime if he continues to develop. At least he’s a RH power bat off the bench or possible DH.
The last piece(and maybe the jewel) would be Henry Rodriquez to set-up Farnsworth next year and become the closer in 2013. Much less experience then Storen or Clippard but more upside(throws 100MPH) and less usage on his arm.

by budman3 on Oct 23, 2011 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions

I dont know if this is much,

but if the Rays traded both Upton and Davis/Niemann in same deal, I would want at least AJ Cole to be part of the of the deal.Probly couldnt pull off Cole and Ramos in the same deal seeng as I’m guessing Washington values them highly.

No matter how much they are hyped, my teams always find a way to disappoint.

by thedudeofdudes on Oct 23, 2011 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Upton's value is limited because he could only be a Nat for 1 year.

Nats really like Upton so that helps with a deal but he should be able to bring back a good major leaguer or two good(not great prospects). Neimann or Davis have value as the Nats are looking for a solid mid/back rotation starter and should also fetch a good ML’er or two good(not top prospects).

A package of Upton and Neimann/Davis fill in needs for them in making a push, at least for next season. Combined, the Rays should expect a combination of two good ML’ers and two good prospects..what I have suggested. Rays don’t necessarily need another top arm, like Cole and should be looking to maximize any return they get through trades in terms of meeting team and organizational needs, IMO.

And they should expect an even better haul by dealing Shields as well…including a big bat(like Alonso or Votto).

by budman3 on Oct 23, 2011 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions

If the Nats traded for Upton, I would assume they would lock him up long term.

That is a clear advantage that doesn’t show in the sats and WAR.

by mr. maniac on Oct 24, 2011 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions

i liked it better when you had disappeared and weren't making worthless contributions.

you used two paragraphs to say “trade upton for spare parts and a reliever prospect” come the hell on man.

by Buzzy on Sep 24, 2011 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions

by pudieron89 on Oct 23, 2011 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

I'm not sure how you can call a solid starting catcher like Ramos and a highly thought of reliever as Hernandez "spare parts" when they are clearly Rays needs heading into the next season and for after that.

And, obviously you view Lombardozzi and Marrero as extras(and they may be with the Nats) but fail to see their potential in solidifying the Rays roster for 2012(and what they could potentially become) and the flexibility that Maddon likes to have…unless they Rays have a RH hitting power 1st baseman(none) or a solid switch hitting utility MIF’er in the system that I don’t know about….unless you count Eliot Johnson.

BtW, all they guys I mentioned are 23 years age(Hernandez will be 25). Now Upton for Storen, a 4th OF’er and unknown prospect(as some have suggested) might meet your criteria for a bad trade. That’s far from what I have suggested.

by budman3 on Oct 23, 2011 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Not a fan of Marrero but getting 5 years of Ramos would be HUGE.

by Moore Guerreri and Cheese on Oct 23, 2011 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Rodriguez is the reliever he spoke of and I'm guessing there was a reason he was separate from the square parts

And the thing is is one of the main questions with Marrero is his power.The thing about the deal is besides Ramos, there isnt really any ML starters any where, all backups or platoons. Lombardozzi has potential but right now he is a utility player which we have in Sean Rodriguez and Johnson.Marrero isnt a starter.Bernadina is a backup. For Upton and Niemann/Davis, we need to get more than backups and a reliever.

No matter how much they are hyped, my teams always find a way to disappoint.

by thedudeofdudes on Oct 23, 2011 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Expecting more than one solid ML'er in return for Upton(considering his upcoming free agency) is asking a lot

..but adding one other good prospect in a deal would be fair, which is what I suggested. I would take Lombardozzi over EJ any day of the week or Marrero as a RH’er power type bat as an option for first base(or DH on occassion as well) heading into 2012. Both could potentially develop into starters at positions of need at some point. BTW, Canzler may be similar to Marrero but will be 26…two years older.

Adding Neimann/Davis to the deal returns a highly though of set-up man and potential dominant closer in Hernandez..something the Rays cold certainly use in 2012(and beyond). It could also net another decent prospect(which is why I added both Lombardozzi and Marrero).
Now maybe you don’t care for the prospects I suggested but Ramos and Hernandez for Upton and Neimann/Davis seems very fair, IMO. Both teams get players of need to improve their team for 2012 but has the added benefit of supplying the Rays with four young players under team control for the next 5 seasons.

by budman3 on Oct 24, 2011 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions