The Hot Stove is Heating Up...

by raysfaninminnesota on May 16, 2011 9:42 AM EDT

With rumors already surfacing of the impending free agents on the New York Mets who could be on the trade block in Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran, new rumors are surfacing that the Minnesota Twins could hold a similar sale on players like Jason Kubel and Jim Thome if they do not turn it around and quick. My question is, with a preliminary look at what could be available at the deadline, who else could you envision being on the trading block? Who would be a good fit with the Rays? Could this be the year that Baltimore finally parts with Luke Scott? Who would you like to see the Rays go after?

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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Jose Reyes by far.

Replacing Briggy w/ Reyes helps our lineup more than it hurts our defense. Simple as that.

Regressing to the mean streets of St. Pete

by stpetelawyer on May 16, 2011 10:02 AM EDT reply actions

Pujols, Bonds, Mays all the best guys

Seriously though, are biggest concern is a right-handed bat and I think/hope Jennings is that guy. If not Guyer is another option as I’d prefer to use internal talent than have to give up something for a rental.

@SandyKazmir
Yes I've only been a fan since 2009. You got me.
by blackraven on May 5, 2011 3:46 PM EDT

by Sandy Kazmir on May 16, 2011 10:03 AM EDT reply actions

I'd have to agree with you

I think we are getting close to the point when we need to see more of Guyer and Jennings. Fuld’s D in LF has been great, but both of these guys are deserving of that spot as well. I really want to see more of Guyer. A next year OF of Guyer-Jennings-Joyce with Zobrist manning 2B looks good to me.

by raysfaninminnesota on May 16, 2011 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions

I think maybe you don't know what the hot stove is

The caller said the boy, after removing the bulb from its socket, left the building and threw the bulb on the ground. When the bulb broke, the caller said the boy screamed "My electrolytes are down after the workout today…I fail"

by Top Gun Numba 1 on May 16, 2011 10:36 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

turdhaps

by raysfaninminnesota on May 16, 2011 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions

I wonder what Jason Kubel's contract is like

and if they would have any interest in BJ

by Dbullsfan on May 16, 2011 12:05 PM EDT reply actions

Ask and you shall receive

According to Cots Contracts, Kubel is making 5.25 million this year and is a free agent at year’s end. Definitely a cheap enough rental…the question will be the price.

by raysfaninminnesota on May 16, 2011 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Kubel is a good player off to a good start, but he's not worth as much as B.J.

Assuming he continues his production while playing DH for us, he’d probably end up being a 3 win player on the season (most of which he wouldn’t contribute to the Rays).

His WAR has always been brought down by his defense, but his bat isn’t otherworldly.

2007: 342 wOBA
2008: 345 wOBA
2009: 383 wOBA
2010: 323 wOBA

Considering he would only have value to us as a DH, that would mean moving Damon to 1B? Or platooning them? It wouldn’t be worth B.J.

@ptSuttery

by Suttree on May 16, 2011 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Plus he's a lefty and we're fine on that side

@SandyKazmir
Yes I've only been a fan since 2009. You got me.
by blackraven on May 5, 2011 3:46 PM EDT

by Sandy Kazmir on May 16, 2011 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions

right, we need a RHH.

@ptSuttery

by Suttree on May 16, 2011 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Doesn't eveybody have an interest in BJ?

This comment was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily reflect views or opinions.

by Passionate Apathy on May 16, 2011 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions

All the talk about Jose Reyes, what about Rafael Furcal?

Injury issues always a concern, but he could be the perfect rental for the rest of the year at SS. A bit pricy (making 12 mil this season) and has a 12 mil option, but it is only guaranteed if he makes 600 AB this year (only has 24 through nearly 2 months, so that’s not going to be a problem). But the added year allows the Rays to think about keeping him if he is healthy and hitting well, only on the hook for one more year (allowing the Rays to bridge the gap for the Tim Beckham Extravaganza), or the opportunity to pick up the option and trade him and get something in return.

by raysfaninminnesota on May 16, 2011 3:09 PM EDT reply actions

12 mil is an insane amount of money.

@ptSuttery

by Suttree on May 16, 2011 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions

(for the Rays.)

@ptSuttery

by Suttree on May 16, 2011 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions

agreed

doubtful they pick his option for next year…but could still work something out for his half salary this year. But Friedman loves going for guys who can at least be options for next year as well. (It’s why they were rumored to be interested in Cliff Lee and Jason Bay, among others). Furcal, while expensive, would give that option.

by raysfaninminnesota on May 16, 2011 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd rather let Baltimore fall out of it and get Hardy

He’s making $5.9M this season and is FA eligible after the season (would be a Type B)

by Jason Collette on May 16, 2011 3:30 PM EDT reply actions

He sure is looking good so far

Hardy would be a good fit as well. Depending upon how well he’s hitting, he may not cost that much, either. That gives 3 potential SS on the market at this point.

by raysfaninminnesota on May 16, 2011 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions

It looks like he's hitting a little over his head, but then again, the pitching in the ALE this year looks comparatively weak in comparison to years past.

Proof Matthan admitted he was wrong: http://www.draysbay.com/2011/3/18/2058018/ottotd-for-3-18-2011-thursday-night-t-v#61697767

by kericr on May 17, 2011 8:36 AM EDT up reply actions

Is it possible for a Carlos Pena reunion?

If/when Kotchman cools off, and the Cubs fall out of contention, would you consider a possible Pena reunion? The strikeouts are frustrating, but the power is still there. It’s another lefty bat, but it’s an interesting thought.

by raysfaninminnesota on May 16, 2011 3:32 PM EDT reply actions

He's not a good platoon match if the magic of Kotchman lasts until July

Not to mention, they’d still have to pay him $5M from mid-July on.

by Jason Collette on May 16, 2011 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions

If AF were smart he would trade for Tulo and Votto

I'm an F18, Bro

by Sveet on May 16, 2011 4:46 PM EDT reply actions

oh and Posey

He should trade for him too

The time is now Andrew

I'm an F18, Bro

by Sveet on May 16, 2011 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Do you guys think Stephen Drew might be available if Arizona keeps on being bad?

I don’t know about his D, but I know he would be better than Briggy on offense. I also don’t know about his contract in terms of years and arb, but I don’t think he would be to expensive in a trade. And I know we need a right handed bat, but you could just bring up Jennings or Guyer for that.

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

by thedudeofdudes on May 17, 2011 4:29 PM EDT reply actions

He probably is affordable.

11:$4.65M, 12:$7.75M, 13:$10M mutual option ($1.35M buyout): From Cots

by bobr on May 17, 2011 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions

MLBTR and others have thought he could be available if they continue to plummet

Contract, as bobr said, is affordable. Problem is, he’ll be pretty expensive as well. But if the Rays wanted to go crazy, they could trade for both Drew and Miguel Montero and solve their up the middle problems. But to get any of these guys they would probably have to trade Desmond Jennings. If they can pull this off without trading Jennings or Matt Moore, I’d say do it.

by raysfaninminnesota on May 18, 2011 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions