Comments on: Respond React http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/01/14/respond-react/ Development site for Bronx Banter Blog's upcoming look and feel Sun, 19 May 2013 03:27:48 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 By: horace_clarke_era http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/01/14/respond-react/#comment-270562 horace_clarke_era Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:49:28 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=78467#comment-270562 OYF, old timer, yes, 'tis the Hoss, shambling out of his stall into the pasture, at the news of a big Cashmoney move. Much has changed here, much remains the same (A Rod's contract!). I was medium happy with the HoF voting. Not a big Jack Morris fan but he won't be the worst P in the Hall. Still think Tim Raines gets way too little love. I think the Friday Night Lights moves were very strong. Obviously when you deal a top prospect for a top prospect there's risk, but the positional alignment makes this a really smart move, I think. I agree with you that the next DH, ideally, will also be a semi-decent OF. Money is tight now, though. The 10 million for Kuroda was a one-time extension, a breaking of current policy. Cash needs to unload some contract to find room for a DH, or the 'policy' is a sham. Only obvious place is to try to dump half of AJs contract and get back an 8-9 million DH type. But who wants to do that with us? Who wants AJ at even 9 million? Not based on last year, that's for sure. OYF, old timer, yes, ’tis the Hoss, shambling out of his stall into the pasture, at the news of a big Cashmoney move. Much has changed here, much remains the same (A Rod’s contract!).

I was medium happy with the HoF voting. Not a big Jack Morris fan but he won’t be the worst P in the Hall. Still think Tim Raines gets way too little love.

I think the Friday Night Lights moves were very strong. Obviously when you deal a top prospect for a top prospect there’s risk, but the positional alignment makes this a really smart move, I think.

I agree with you that the next DH, ideally, will also be a semi-decent OF. Money is tight now, though. The 10 million for Kuroda was a one-time extension, a breaking of current policy. Cash needs to unload some contract to find room for a DH, or the ‘policy’ is a sham. Only obvious place is to try to dump half of AJs contract and get back an 8-9 million DH type. But who wants to do that with us? Who wants AJ at even 9 million? Not based on last year, that’s for sure.

]]> By: monkeypants http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/01/14/respond-react/#comment-270539 monkeypants Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:18:01 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=78467#comment-270539 Let's push the Mauer comparison further. Mauer has begun to break down at age 28 after about 5 or 6 monster seasons as a catcher. That's the same number of seasons that Montero will likely play for the Mariners before he leaves as a very costly free agent. If I am in the Mariner's organization, why would I worry significantly about Montero breaking down early after catching? Rather, my strategy would be to extract maximum value from him for the duration of his almost-certain limited tenure with the team. Let’s push the Mauer comparison further. Mauer has begun to break down at age 28 after about 5 or 6 monster seasons as a catcher. That’s the same number of seasons that Montero will likely play for the Mariners before he leaves as a very costly free agent. If I am in the Mariner’s organization, why would I worry significantly about Montero breaking down early after catching? Rather, my strategy would be to extract maximum value from him for the duration of his almost-certain limited tenure with the team.

]]> By: monkeypants http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/01/14/respond-react/#comment-270535 monkeypants Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:34:29 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=78467#comment-270535 [35] <i>Montero was horrible behind the plate. Of everything I've read, only people affiliated with the Yankees thought he could Catch. Coincidence?</i> Of course it's not a coincidence---it was in the interest of most others to downplay his catching ability, right? Anyway, Piazza was terrible behind the plate but that still worked out ok. I guarantee Montero catches with Seattle. [35] Montero was horrible behind the plate. Of everything I’ve read, only people affiliated with the Yankees thought he could Catch. Coincidence?

Of course it’s not a coincidence—it was in the interest of most others to downplay his catching ability, right? Anyway, Piazza was terrible behind the plate but that still worked out ok.

I guarantee Montero catches with Seattle.

]]> By: OldYanksFan http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/01/14/respond-react/#comment-270533 OldYanksFan Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:18:46 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=78467#comment-270533 Out next 'DH' should be a non-1Bman player... who can play the field when needed and gives us some flexibility. Montero was horrible behind the plate. Of everything I've read, only people affiliated with the Yankees thought he could Catch. Coincidence? Frankly, with Mauer breaking down already, I'm not sure you take a potential .900+ OPS player and put him behind the plate. Jesus is big and sluggish. He can BUC if needed, but the guy (much as I love him) probably won't Catch. Seattle has no hitting. They might be better making Montero a pure DH, ala Big Papi, and just build around him and Smoak. The Yankees didn't have that luxury, but Seattle does. Out next ‘DH’ should be a non-1Bman player… who can play the field when needed and gives us some flexibility.

Montero was horrible behind the plate. Of everything I’ve read, only people affiliated with the Yankees thought he could Catch. Coincidence?

Frankly, with Mauer breaking down already, I’m not sure you take a potential .900+ OPS player and put him behind the plate. Jesus is big and sluggish. He can BUC if needed, but the guy (much as I love him) probably won’t Catch. Seattle has no hitting. They might be better making Montero a pure DH, ala Big Papi, and just build around him and Smoak. The Yankees didn’t have that luxury, but Seattle does.

]]> By: OldYanksFan http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/01/14/respond-react/#comment-270532 OldYanksFan Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:54:59 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=78467#comment-270532 [3] Hoss...? Hoss....? Is that You? is that REALLY YOU??? [3] Hoss…? Hoss….? Is that You? is that REALLY YOU???

]]> By: monkeypants http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/01/14/respond-react/#comment-270526 monkeypants Sun, 15 Jan 2012 07:43:57 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=78467#comment-270526 [30] I doubt Fielder signs for fewer than 7 years. [30] I doubt Fielder signs for fewer than 7 years.

]]> By: Jose Sarduy http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/01/14/respond-react/#comment-270525 Jose Sarduy Sun, 15 Jan 2012 02:23:19 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=78467#comment-270525 Thanks for those links Alex. Most of these columnist mention trading Jesus will give "DH at-bats to aging and oft-injured veterans" which is a good idea but I still think and hope they'll get a hitter. Thanks for those links Alex.

Most of these columnist mention trading Jesus will give “DH at-bats to aging and oft-injured veterans” which is a good idea but I still think and hope they’ll get a hitter.

]]> By: horace_clarke_era http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/01/14/respond-react/#comment-270524 horace_clarke_era Sun, 15 Jan 2012 01:53:29 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=78467#comment-270524 Guys, we can't AFFORD 5/125 right now, we have the richest payroll, but are not a bottomless bank account going forward. Target is 192 million or something. Yes, some guys will come off in couple of years (Jeter, AJ) but others will become 20 million players (Cano, for one). Guys, we can’t AFFORD 5/125 right now, we have the richest payroll, but are not a bottomless bank account going forward. Target is 192 million or something. Yes, some guys will come off in couple of years (Jeter, AJ) but others will become 20 million players (Cano, for one).

]]> By: Mr OK Jazz Tokyo http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/01/14/respond-react/#comment-270523 Mr OK Jazz Tokyo Sun, 15 Jan 2012 01:07:54 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=78467#comment-270523 [24] I'm not sure about signing Hamilton long-term..guy can't stay healthy. For all the concerns about Prince Fielder's "body type", guy never misses a game. I'd sign him 5-125 easily as the contract will end when he's 33, that's perfect. [24] I’m not sure about signing Hamilton long-term..guy can’t stay healthy. For all the concerns about Prince Fielder’s “body type”, guy never misses a game. I’d sign him 5-125 easily as the contract will end when he’s 33, that’s perfect.

]]> By: William Juliano http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/01/14/respond-react/#comment-270521 William Juliano Sat, 14 Jan 2012 18:10:00 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=78467#comment-270521 Twitter can definitely be a write first, think later medium. My initial reaction was very negative because I had visions of Montero's opposite field power dancing in my head (i.e., Cabrera, Manny, Piazza), but upon further reflection, the move makes more sense. Ultimately, the wisdom of the deal hinges on Montero's defensive ability. If he can catch adequately, Pineda would have to be an ace of aces to justify the deal. However, as a 1B/DH, his offense would still be very good, but those players are a lot easier to find. Almost every season, a top bat at that position comes available, so ultimately, this was a trade based on greater need and scarcity. As for Cash's glowing assessment of Montero, I am sure he believes it because I do as well. However, that's the ceiling, and there are no guarantees Montero will actually be that good (although I am certain he will at least be a well above average major league hitter over a long career). Twitter can definitely be a write first, think later medium. My initial reaction was very negative because I had visions of Montero’s opposite field power dancing in my head (i.e., Cabrera, Manny, Piazza), but upon further reflection, the move makes more sense.

Ultimately, the wisdom of the deal hinges on Montero’s defensive ability. If he can catch adequately, Pineda would have to be an ace of aces to justify the deal. However, as a 1B/DH, his offense would still be very good, but those players are a lot easier to find. Almost every season, a top bat at that position comes available, so ultimately, this was a trade based on greater need and scarcity.

As for Cash’s glowing assessment of Montero, I am sure he believes it because I do as well. However, that’s the ceiling, and there are no guarantees Montero will actually be that good (although I am certain he will at least be a well above average major league hitter over a long career).

]]> By: horace_clarke_era http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/01/14/respond-react/#comment-270520 horace_clarke_era Sat, 14 Jan 2012 18:04:24 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=78467#comment-270520 For sure they need six starters, not just for steps backwards but because there are ALWAYS injuries. They may well keep all 7, two in the pen, but then they add payroll for the everyday DH (or platoon) they need. Or, does anyone think they might rotate DJ/Alex/Swisher/Tex through and around DH? I think AJ CAN be dealt, it is just a matter of how much of his crazy contract we'll cover. If we want a good player back, we cover a lot of it, if we take lunch money, less. For sure they need six starters, not just for steps backwards but because there are ALWAYS injuries. They may well keep all 7, two in the pen, but then they add payroll for the everyday DH (or platoon) they need.

Or, does anyone think they might rotate DJ/Alex/Swisher/Tex through and around DH?

I think AJ CAN be dealt, it is just a matter of how much of his crazy contract we’ll cover. If we want a good player back, we cover a lot of it, if we take lunch money, less.

]]> By: Chyll Will http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/01/14/respond-react/#comment-270519 Chyll Will Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:22:12 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=78467#comment-270519 I see AJ being traded for whatever. Hughes is traded if he's less than lights out by mid season or is lights out during Spring training for depth (based on what the rest of the rotation is doing). They'd probably want to keep Hughes around as a hedge on any of Pineda, Kuroda or Garcia and especially is Nova takes a giant step backwards. I see AJ being traded for whatever. Hughes is traded if he’s less than lights out by mid season or is lights out during Spring training for depth (based on what the rest of the rotation is doing). They’d probably want to keep Hughes around as a hedge on any of Pineda, Kuroda or Garcia and especially is Nova takes a giant step backwards.

]]> By: monkeypants http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/01/14/respond-react/#comment-270518 monkeypants Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:56:51 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=78467#comment-270518 [25] I am completely certain that it's going to be Hughes-to-the-pen or Hughes-traded. [25] I am completely certain that it’s going to be Hughes-to-the-pen or Hughes-traded.

]]> By: seamus http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/01/14/respond-react/#comment-270517 seamus Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:48:36 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=78467#comment-270517 wow, just wow! saw the news this morning and read through the last three threads and am still somewhat stunned. like many have said, sad to see jesus go. i now lose the opportunity to play <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSfa56tjBQo" rel="nofollow">this song</a> after huge homers. i do think it's a fair deal though and we'll have to see how players pan out. but i am relieved as well. going into this season needing aj in the rotation and with Hughes mixed results thus far made me nervous. we now have incredible starting pitching depth. i am sad that this might bump Hughes from the rotation as he's one of those home grown guys i really want to succeed. Not sure what happens now for sure but two guys get bumped so who? CC Kuroda Pineda Nova Garcia/Hughes bye bye aj? hughes to pen? is pen an option for garcia? well, if nothing else, my excitement for the season jumps a notch with a more serviceable rotation. wow, just wow! saw the news this morning and read through the last three threads and am still somewhat stunned. like many have said, sad to see jesus go. i now lose the opportunity to play this song after huge homers. i do think it’s a fair deal though and we’ll have to see how players pan out.

but i am relieved as well. going into this season needing aj in the rotation and with Hughes mixed results thus far made me nervous. we now have incredible starting pitching depth. i am sad that this might bump Hughes from the rotation as he’s one of those home grown guys i really want to succeed. Not sure what happens now for sure but two guys get bumped so who?

CC
Kuroda
Pineda
Nova
Garcia/Hughes

bye bye aj? hughes to pen? is pen an option for garcia? well, if nothing else, my excitement for the season jumps a notch with a more serviceable rotation.

]]> By: Chyll Will http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/01/14/respond-react/#comment-270515 Chyll Will Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:37 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=78467#comment-270515 [23] That's assuming they can afford to keep them all (and Nelson Cruz, Neftali Feliz, Elvis Andrus, et al) long term together like the Yanks did with their core guys in the 90's. If they can't or don't wish to (cheaper replacements on the farm), why wouldn't they try to get value for someone they can replace or can't afford to keep in the first place? [23] That’s assuming they can afford to keep them all (and Nelson Cruz, Neftali Feliz, Elvis Andrus, et al) long term together like the Yanks did with their core guys in the 90′s. If they can’t or don’t wish to (cheaper replacements on the farm), why wouldn’t they try to get value for someone they can replace or can’t afford to keep in the first place?

]]> By: Jon DeRosa http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/01/14/respond-react/#comment-270514 Jon DeRosa Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:22:35 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=78467#comment-270514 [21] Why would the Rangers trade the guy? The Rangers are in the pole position in the AL. Seems to me they are not going to do anything that would have a negative impact on their major league team. [21] Why would the Rangers trade the guy? The Rangers are in the pole position in the AL. Seems to me they are not going to do anything that would have a negative impact on their major league team.

]]> By: Jon DeRosa http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/01/14/respond-react/#comment-270513 Jon DeRosa Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:21:31 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=78467#comment-270513 What I also liked about Montero from what I saw was how easily he could exploit the short porch in right field. Seemed tailor made for our park, as much as any right handed hitter could be. What I also liked about Montero from what I saw was how easily he could exploit the short porch in right field. Seemed tailor made for our park, as much as any right handed hitter could be.

]]> By: Chyll Will http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/01/14/respond-react/#comment-270512 Chyll Will Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:15:30 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=78467#comment-270512 Here's another hypothetical question: if Texas signs Fielder and Darvish to long term deals, would you trade for Josh Hamilton (who would not likely get a long-term deal under those set of circumstances)? Here’s another hypothetical question: if Texas signs Fielder and Darvish to long term deals, would you trade for Josh Hamilton (who would not likely get a long-term deal under those set of circumstances)?

]]> By: flycaster http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/01/14/respond-react/#comment-270511 flycaster Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:57:04 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=78467#comment-270511 I don't pretend to be a professional talent evaluator, but I distinctly recall watching Montero catch in spring training last year and he was astonishingly, indescribably poor. That said, he could certainly improve, and we of all fans should have a warm place in our hearts for a good hit/poor field catcher. I would say his best-bet upside would be as Edgar Martinez II, which is saying a lot. I like the trade even though I was looking forward to watching Jesus play for the Yanks. Dominant pitching wins. I don’t pretend to be a professional talent evaluator, but I distinctly recall watching Montero catch in spring training last year and he was astonishingly, indescribably poor. That said, he could certainly improve, and we of all fans should have a warm place in our hearts for a good hit/poor field catcher. I would say his best-bet upside would be as Edgar Martinez II, which is saying a lot. I like the trade even though I was looking forward to watching Jesus play for the Yanks. Dominant pitching wins.

]]> By: Alex Belth http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2012/01/14/respond-react/#comment-270510 Alex Belth Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:56:59 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=78467#comment-270510 Montero might be that good. But I also think Cashman is putting on a good face. He's not going to trash the guy. No, praise him--and again, the praise could be accurate--but make it clear how much you gave up. Good for Pineda too, to know what's expected of him. Takes is high. Montero might be that good. But I also think Cashman is putting on a good face. He’s not going to trash the guy. No, praise him–and again, the praise could be accurate–but make it clear how much you gave up. Good for Pineda too, to know what’s expected of him. Takes is high.

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