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Searching for a First Baseman, Part 2

An update on the first basemen the Rays have been tied to this winter. Brewers, Pirates and Mariners all rival the Rays for top choices.

By Daniel Russell
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

This is purely speculation, but we may have a much clearer vantage point about first base once the week is over. The Brewers have emerged as the Rays' greatest nuisance in finding a first baseman, having already made an offer to Corey Hart (which was expected), and reportedly shown interest in trade targets Logan Morrison and Ike Davis.

Here's how the first base market is shaping up as we enter the third day of the Winter Meetings, with tweets and commentary. In Part 1, I provided steamer projections to provide a little context when comparing one to another. This time I'm using our early Christmas present, the new Fangraphs spray charts, to display each player's range and consistency at first base over the last two seasons.

He says hi.

Ike Davis - Rays looking likely

Andrew's not dishing on what he's up to, but it's been understood that the Brewers are in on Davis as their fall back for Corey Hart:

But this is new -- the Brewers might actually be out on Ike, with an offer lower than what at least one other team could offer.

There's no doubt the Rays have lots of young pitching, more because they're hoarders though, normally dealing to acquire more. Perhaps there was a change of direction for a controllable first baseman.

As mentioned above, here's some brief fielding data on Ike:


Source: FanGraphs

Probability breakdowns for plays made and missed are available here.

Corey Hart - has offer from Brewers

According to Tom Haudricourt, the former Milwaukee outfielder has an offer in hand from his old club, and the Brewers are holding off their decision to make a trade or not based on his decision.

They want him back.

He hasn't made his decision as of this morning, but McCalvy's tweet seems to indicate the Brewers are but one team involved.

Update: confirmed, there are multiple teams.

I'm somewhat surprised that teams are already able to make a determination on Hart's knee after he was cleared for baseball activites only a week ago, but the offer is surely on the Brewers terms and without many concessions.

Harts fielding graph is really just 2012, due to the surgery.


Source: FanGraphs

Probability breakdowns for plays made and missed are available here.

James Loney - Pirates interested; Rays waiting

The Pirates GM is on the record saying Gaby Sanchez is not the answer. After taking a gander around the league, it looks like Pittsburgh has turned back to Loney, who had scared them off with lofty contract demands last week. They may be the only team willing to come close to his AAV of $8-9M over a few years of contract security. For now, the option is just back on the table for the Buccos.

This graph was linked this morning, but wow, Loney can field just about anywhere.


Source: FanGraphs

Probability breakdowns for plays made and missed are available here.

Mitch Moreland - I hope not

or

Just seems like speculation to me, but it's in the twittersphere. I've already said what I want to say about Moreland, which is to find someone different.

The bat carries all the problems and frustrations of what Joyce already gives us -- which hasn't been a joyful experience, peaks and valleys of an incredible leadoff hitter and a guy who needs benched -- but with the fielding range of Loney there's a discussion to be had.


Source: FanGraphs

Probability breakdowns for plays made and missed are available here.

Logan Morrison - Seattle is your mystery team

The Rays have not been mentioned much since the weekend rumor that Miami held an interest in Sean Rodriguez, which also reported the Rays were in on Morrison.

Like Hart, his fielding graph has a more limited sample size due to right knee surgery.


Source: FanGraphs

Probability breakdowns for plays made and missed are available here.

Michael Morse - stock falling

So, the Michael Morse market has been suspiciously quiet, but we're finally getting some waves:

Ouch. I think Morse can put together a great season or two, but it's a roll of the dice when that'll be; however, there is one team interested.

More on Morse Beyond the Box Score. His fielding data at first base was not readily available, but here's his outfield plays made and missed.

Mark Reynolds - a backup plan

He has a bat with a better projection than Morrison, and set for a rebound season after a dramatic power outage last year. Reynolds should fall through the cracks this off season, so the Rays might be able to land whim on the cheap if things don't break out way.

The fielding range is much better than I expected.


Source: FanGraphs

Probability breakdowns for plays made and missed are available here.

Mark Trumbo - traded once

Kevin Towers pulled off a rather unpopular three-team trade yesterday, sending off 90-mph pitching prospect Tyler Skaags and 4th OF Adam Eaton, both of whom have big believers and big opponents, for Mark Trumbo, slotting him into the outfield in a press for power.

Trumbo is blocked at first base by Paul Goldschmidt and is an awkward fit to say the least, so if you need me, I'll be dreaming of scenarios where the Rays can land one of the slugging first basemen. I wouldn't put it past Towers to flip a huge trade piece shortly after his acquisition.


Source: FanGraphs

Probability breakdowns for plays made and missed are available here.

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