What is the deal with Tampa?

by PosterNutbag44 on Dec 7, 2005 1:24 PM PST

Admittedly, a team I follow a bit closer than I probably should, is Tampa Bay. As I already said in a nother thread, I love Crawford. He is without a doubt, including former A's (Huddy was ALWAYS my fave from day 1 too), my favorite non-A's baseball player. On top of that, they have guys like Cantu, Gomes, Huff, Baldelli, Lugo, Young, Upton, etc. Needless to say, the core is there to be built around. How, how, how in the world do you pass up Marte from the Braves for Lugo??? If that deal was truly offered, and nobody in Tampa said "Yes!!!" right away, I am 100% convinced they have no future until a better ownership group/front office takes over.

Imagine....
Upton, Young, Marte, Cantu, Gomes, Baldelli, Crawford, Orvella all coming up together, that would be a starting point most teams would die for. Heed my warning, with the right minds to guide the ship, they'll be dangerous eventually. But for now, the apparent lack of a decent decision making process is going to kill that team.

Anybody else see that the way I do? Anyone else see what kind of opportunity that team has to become something special? I'd like to know what other AN'ers think, because you folk are rather intelligent baseball-wise (usually).

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Some of the seamheads

at BProspectus or Hardball Times-- I can't remember which-- are saying that it's only a matter of time before they pass Toronto in the AL East pecking order, despite (or because of) the Burnett and Ryan signings.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Dec 7, 2005 1:26 PM PST reply actions

There is a new group.

The new controlling owner has installed a few new components in the front office. Don't be too suprised to see some odd changes in an effort to get the team in line with an updated philosophy.

Barry and the "Intangibles"

by Duke of left field on Dec 7, 2005 1:38 PM PST reply actions

New group....

That's where my concern grew even more so, I should have made it clear. The new ownership/group/front office, just declined that deal that would have sent Marte over for Lugo. With Cantu in place at 2nd (he can play 3rd too) and Upton coming up at SS (he'd prefer to stay at SS), AND Young coming up at 1st, why would you not trade a guy like Lugo if he gets you Marte at 3rd. Think of how long they would control the rights to that extremely talented infield (not to mention they won't just be a product of thier ballpark either! coughtexascough). Maybe they know something we don't, but if it were my call, I would've done it without even thinking twice.

"Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, dance like nobody is watching....." - KW

by PosterNutbag44 on Dec 7, 2005 1:56 PM PST up reply actions

Side note........

Marte has ligament damage in his elbow. It may have just spooked the D-Rays.

Barry and the "Intangibles"

by Duke of left field on Dec 9, 2005 3:28 PM PST up reply actions

Yeah, I like `em

But the pitching...lot of work to do.

by Mark H on Dec 7, 2005 2:19 PM PST reply actions

Upton is not going to stay at SS

I'm sorry, but if he was a SS he'd be one of the worst ever to play SS on a regular basis. I don't have his numbers here but the amount of errors he commits are just silly. He'll make the inevitableswitch to Center in the next couple years, following the footsteps of Mickey Mantle and countless other exceptional athletes/shoddy shortstops.

by Nick86 on Dec 7, 2005 5:57 PM PST reply actions

but...

they already have Crawford, Gathright, Hollins, Young, Gomes and Baldelli in the outfield.

Maybe he could fill a role like Huff? 1B/OF/DH/SS?
Cantu tops the depth chart at 3B and 2B...

I don't see him moving out of SS though. They have nowhere to put him.

by Jjjsixsix on Dec 7, 2005 9:30 PM PST up reply actions

Trade for TREY ANASTASIO!!!

:0)

rock on.

Kiko Streetscherer...is where it ends!!!

by jrwolf on Dec 8, 2005 5:54 AM PST reply actions

Dewon Brazelton for Sean Burroughs

interesting trade of former high first round picks who have been busts to this point, I wonder if this deal would prevent the rumored Lugo/Marte trade, even though Burroughs certainly hasn't warranted much more than a ST invite at this point.

See, I'm a murderer, I kill what I eat. I'm a hunter-gatherer, I kill what I eat. I'm a steelworker, I kill what I eat. I'm a bricklayer, I kill what I eat.

by Cutthemullet on Dec 8, 2005 8:04 AM PST reply actions