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Mariners send away Putz, Green in Zduriencik's first trade as GM

3-team mega-swap

Yeah, I know, it's an A's blog.  But, hey, Seattle's in the division, right?  And this deal surprised the heck out of me considering Putz was one of their only marquee players and Sean Green was (in my understanding) a highly-touted up-and-comer.  They also send off Jeremy Reed and 2B Luis Valbuena, so... yeah.

Star-divide

Anyway, the Mariners get back Aaron Heilman, Endy Chavez, Jason Vargas, and 3 minor leaguers from the Mets.  Keith Law tells me those prospects are OF Ezequiel Carrera, 1B Mike Carp, and RHP Maikel Cleto.  Along with that, the M's get OF Franklin Gutierrez from the Indians.

Meanwhile, the Mets pick up 2 good bullpen arms in Putz and Green to compliment new closer F-Rod.  The Indians snag RP Joe Smith from the Mets and Valbuena from the M's.

I'm no prospect expert, but it really seems like the Mets gave up nothing to acquire 2 very good relief pitchers.  Someone who is a prospect expert (not named Keith Law): tell me how to feel about this one.

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I don't know much about the prospects

But the Mets gave up one of the best defensive OFs I’ve ever seen, a reliever who is just as good as Sean Green, another one who is better, and a bunch of nothing-special minor leaguers for an injury-prone now set-up man, a meh reliever, and a bad outfielder. I don’t see how this is a win for the Mets.

by thejd44 on Dec 11, 2008 10:52 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

I'unno

Heilman used to be pretty good. Endy Chavez is a fine fourth OFer, but not much else. Then I looked to see if I should have heard of Jason Vargas. I didn’t find much. But the Mets get back a pretty damn good reliever when healthy, and a dude you don’t mind throwing out there in the middle innings when you need a quick DP. The bullpen was an issue for New York, so I think this was a pretty savvy trade for them; they didn’t give up anything.

I’m just glad I don’t have to see Putz pitching against the A’s anymore.

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Dec 11, 2008 11:13 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

You're severely underrating Endy Chavez

He’s so good defensively (or at least was a year or two ago, I assume he’s still great) that he could hit as poorly as Adam Everett and be a quality starting CF. He’s way better than a 4th OF.

by thejd44 on Dec 11, 2008 6:56 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I'll admit, my thoughts of him are colored by Baseball Prospectus's take

Which isn’t overwhelmingly good. I suppose I’ll see enough of the guy next year that he’ll have a good chance of changing my mind.

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Dec 11, 2008 8:12 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

What's really scary is

that Ryan Rowland-Smith and Brandon Morrow (and Ryan Feierabend, although he might not make the rotation —-although the M’s as a rebuilding team should give him a longer cup of tea at the MLB level) are both flyball pitchers. And, they’re both pretty much near locks to be in the rotation.

And, an OF of Chavez-Gutierrez-Ichiro is one of the best defensive OF in baseball.

Not. Good.

Dude. This.

by Blicks on Dec 11, 2008 8:30 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I was in the middle of writing that when you posted it

Still, it’s perturbing that we can’t rely on the M’s to be run like jokers like Bavasi. He’d make sure his outfield was Raúl Ibañez, Emil Brown, and Butter Bean.

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Dec 12, 2008 12:15 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I love Christina Kahrl's writing

but for whatever reason, she seems to underrate Endy.

I watched Endy quite a bit with the Mets. Carlos Beltran is one of the best defensive OFs in MLB. It’s a joy, a privilege, to watch him running after a flyball in the flyball. Endy Chavez is better than Beltran. When Endy was in the OF with Beltran, it sometimes seemed that it didn’t matter if the other OF was a potted fern.

And most Mets fans who’ve watched him quite a bit tend to think the same way, that Endy is better than Beltran.

ZIPS: Milledge: 466 HR, 485 2B, 2282 hits, 278-379-524

by rfloh on Dec 12, 2008 9:13 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Wow.

How does one run after a flyball in the flyball? That DOES sound like a privilege to see :D

by mikev on Dec 12, 2008 3:24 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, yeah, Chavez is a better outfieler than Beltran

Not a better player by any means, and Beltran is good enough that the Mets can live without Chavez.

by thejd44 on Dec 13, 2008 1:08 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah OK

Putz is injury prone. Heilman is suckiness prone. If both Putz and Heilman rebound, Putz is clearly better than Heilman.

ZIPS: Milledge: 466 HR, 485 2B, 2282 hits, 278-379-524

by rfloh on Dec 11, 2008 11:42 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

plus heilman wanted to be traded, and was being a butthole about it

'That's something we do...thirteen hits and not score'-Terrence Long

by DyeLongJustice on Dec 11, 2008 2:06 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

As an M's fan I love this deal.

Dr. Z translated the inflated value of a closer (and one with injury concerns, at that), a potential starting 2B in Valbuena (down the road), an easily duplicated MR, a decent glove no hit 4th outfielder for two of the best defensive outfielders in baseball (Gutierrez and Chavez), a potentially effective late inning arm (Heilman), a potential starting 1B (again, down the road) in Mike Carp, and three young minor leaguers with varying potentials.

I actually like the deal from every team’s perspective, but I believe the ultimate winner will be the M’s as I expect at least Carp and Maikel Cleto to pan out, and have hope that Gutierrez hits enough to be a fixture in the outfield for years to come.

by Omerta on Dec 11, 2008 10:59 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Mike Carp isn't a potential starting 1b

Not unless you want Dan Johnson as your starting 1b. Carp is likely to pan out as a Dan Johnson type.

And if Heilman is a potentially effective late inning arm, Putz is a potentially best relief pitcher in MLB. Putz’ value isn’t because it is “inflated” by him being a closer. Putz’ value is because, if he is healthy, he’s one of the best relievers in MLB.

ZIPS: Milledge: 466 HR, 485 2B, 2282 hits, 278-379-524

by rfloh on Dec 11, 2008 11:45 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

You don't believe Putz' position as a closer inflates his value?

Perhaps I erred in not stating that Putz if healthy (which he appears to be) is indeed a dominant reliever, but his value would not be perceived the same if he hadn’t had been a closer to begin with. Is it right? No, but I believe that to be true…we saw it with Huston Street in the Holliday trade as well.

As far as Carp turning into Dan Johnson…in this case, you have to take into account what was there prior to Carp, which was a whole lot of nothing. 1B depth starts and ends with Bryan LaHair. That’s pathetic. I would also take Dan Johnson over Miguel Cairo.

For the Mariners, Mike Carp is most definately a potential starting 1B.

by Omerta on Dec 11, 2008 12:12 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

This "closers end up having

their value inflated because they are closers" meme is really overstated among the SABR community. Putz’ value is inflated, because at his best, he was one of the best relievers in MLB. Is his value higher since he pitched in the 9th inning instead of as a setup man? Yes, because closers pitch in higher leverage situations than set up man, despite all the whining from some SABR influenced fans about high lev innings in the 7th and 8th innings.

I’m not saying that Carp is worthless. If he becomes DJ, he has value, principally in being cheap, and preventing you from having to play Miguel Cairo. But, guys like that can be gotten essentially free. The Mariners could have signed Josh Phelps last season if they wanted for example. A ~105 OPS+ 1b / DH type is useful, but his main value is in being a cheap stopgap.

ZIPS: Milledge: 466 HR, 485 2B, 2282 hits, 278-379-524

by rfloh on Dec 11, 2008 6:24 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Closers typically don't pitch in higher leverage situations than set-up men

That’s the problem with a “Closer.” They usually don’t pitch when they actually should.

by thejd44 on Dec 11, 2008 6:58 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

yes they do....

you can check it out at fangraphs.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Dec 11, 2008 8:30 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think I buy it

The whole reason your best reliever shouldn’t be the “closer” is because a lot of times, the 9th inning isn’t the inning where your best reliever should be in.

by thejd44 on Dec 13, 2008 1:09 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

You can also find leverage on BPro

ZIPS: Milledge: 466 HR, 485 2B, 2282 hits, 278-379-524

by rfloh on Dec 12, 2008 9:08 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I disagree

The Mariners have enough payroll that Mike Carp will never see playing time if the organization is run even half-decently, which clearly it is now.

www.punditpolitics.com - Political IQ Tests, Pundit Blog, News and Opinion.

by ChadGod on Dec 12, 2008 12:27 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I have to respectfully disagree

There is no reason that Mike Carp should not see playing time on a rebuilding club. There is no way to see what he can do unless you….I don’t know…give him ML ABs sometime in ’09.

Even on a large payroll team, if a team can get slots filled cheaply with productive players, they can spend on the superstars.

And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic...

by Blicks on Dec 12, 2008 2:28 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

The only player the Mariners got that I actually like is Gutierrez

Although odds are good that they’ll get one or two more useful parts out of the rest. Still, seems like they took quantity over quality here.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 11, 2008 11:08 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

That was my thinking as well

Their minor league system is pretty piss-poor, yeah? I don’t see how this improves it that much.

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Dec 11, 2008 11:14 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I wouldn't call it piss-poor

It’s full of high-upside players with severe defects which will probably keep them from being useful MLB players— Greg Halman, Michael Saunders, etc.

I’d definitely grade it in the bottom half of systems league-wide. Better than the Angels, though.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 11, 2008 12:00 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Angels still interested in Peavy

Hopefully Jake waives his NTC, so the Angels can surrender what’s left of their farm system.

Dude. This.

by Blicks on Dec 11, 2008 12:31 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Lookout Landing's reactions

here

Looks like the reaction is generally positive among M’s fans. Then again, given the team’s track record, any trade that doesn’t make the team worse is cause for celebration.

Apparently, Franklin Gutierrez was the primary target.

"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk

by iglew on Dec 11, 2008 11:44 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

The M's have defense now

Ichiro, Chavez, Gutierrez, and Beltre? Damn. They don’t need that much defense….they should trade us Beltre. And does this trade mean they’re giving up on Wlad?

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton

by vignette17 on Dec 11, 2008 12:17 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Wlad was below replacement level last year. Downright horrible.

And, he’ll probably see some ABs somewhere, but he really shouldn’t.

Dude. This.

by Blicks on Dec 11, 2008 12:17 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I'd love to score him on the cheap

He was pretty unlucky this season, although he also obviously wasn’t ready.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 11, 2008 1:01 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I like this deal for the M's.

Chavez and Gutierrez are sick defensively. Pair that with Ichiro in RF. This is scary. And, they shaved an insane amount of payroll with losing Putz and Ibanez.

I think Heilman might get flipped though. A good bullpen is useless for a rebuilding team. I have a feeling Heilman rebounds as a reliever, and then is flipped to a contender who needs pen help at the deadline.

I really am starting to NOT like this Zduriencik guy. First because I can’t spell, and secondly because he’s actually making smart moves. And thirdly because they stole Russell Branyan, who I wanted the A’s to sign.

For the sake of the A’s, I hope the M’s do NOT trade Beltre. Z will easily get a massive haul for him, and I really, really don’t like that idea.

Dude. This.

by Blicks on Dec 11, 2008 12:23 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

I don't know

I’m starting to get concerned about the Mariners extending him, and contending in 2010. They’re going to have a good foundation (Felix, Beltre, Ichiro, Gutierrez, Bedard), a GM who can find FAT, and oodles of available cash (Don’t forget Washburn’s coming off the books soon). If no one beats me to it, I might do a fanpost on Zd..cik, and why we should be concerned, next week.

Thank God they traded Adam Jones.

by Josh Deletchi on Dec 11, 2008 12:44 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Bedard is a free agent in 2010

The Mariners should be looking to flip both him and Beltre for more prospects to rebuild their system.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 11, 2008 1:04 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

if they flip Bedard

it won’t be until the trade deadline so they can rebuild his value. Otherwise, they can at least let him walk and get 2 picks…if he is still Type A

'That's something we do...thirteen hits and not score'-Terrence Long

by DyeLongJustice on Dec 11, 2008 2:13 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I would say that was unlikely

but the Elias formula is so whack that it really wouldn’t surprise me at all no matter what he got classified as.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 11, 2008 2:25 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

that's how exactly how i felt, and hence why i would hang out to him until i think i'm getting max value

so thats either after he’s rebuilt his value or he walks and we get picks…then again i’m not the Mariners GM so who knows what will happen

'That's something we do...thirteen hits and not score'-Terrence Long

by DyeLongJustice on Dec 11, 2008 6:00 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

And that Silva's still around for 3 more years.

And, I don’t think the M’s extend Beltre. Agent is Scott Boras, and the next big 3B FA besides Beltre (assuming Chipper Jones does not test the market next year), is Eric Chavez after the 2010 season.

Beltre will get a huge contract from someone on the market next offseason. I don’t think the M’s will be the team giving out that contract.

Dude. This.

by Blicks on Dec 11, 2008 1:07 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

in related intradivisional news ...

BWAAAAAAAAAAHAHA!

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 11, 2008 12:46 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

YES YES YES YES YES YES

PUT HIM IN LEFT FIELD. PUT HIM IN LEFT FIELD ANGELS. DO IT DO IT.

Dude. This.

by Blicks on Dec 11, 2008 1:05 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Must... make... Sawks... sign... Teixeira...

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Dec 11, 2008 2:01 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I prefer Nats. Strongly.

The Suxx are dangerous enough already. I hate them.

Dude. This.

by Blicks on Dec 11, 2008 2:31 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed

But my gut tells me Tex don’t wanna play for a club that would struggle in AAA.

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Dec 11, 2008 3:56 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

eh not like the Angels are world beaters

'That's something we do...thirteen hits and not score'-Terrence Long

by DyeLongJustice on Dec 11, 2008 6:00 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I am popping champaigne if they sign the dart thrower.

My religion is A'slamic.

by WhoNeedsReligionWhenYaGotBaseball on Dec 11, 2008 1:14 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

but...
2:53pm: Stark says the Phillies “stepped up their efforts” for Ibanez. What’s more, Ibanez has been telling friends the Phils are his top choice.

:(

by mikev on Dec 11, 2008 1:15 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Dear Mr. Amaro, and the rest of the Phillies FO:

Raul Ibanez plays horrible defense. For those of you who are stat-challenged, just lookie…..

And, he really can’t hit lefties. With Ryan Howard as one of your best hitters, that could be a problem. You guys just won the WS. You can do better. So, please do all fans of non-Angels AL West teams a favor, and let the slegnA sign him.

Dude. This.

by Blicks on Dec 11, 2008 1:19 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

awesome blicks

"If you hit .440 with 20 bombs, you don't have to do s---. You don't have to bring a glove to practice, just hit and leave whenever you want. You can bring a 40 and smoke a cigarette and call me from the parking lot asking me what time the game is, and I'll tell you. You can even say 'F--- you, Steve!' Actually, don't say that, that wouldn't be very nice." -Steve Friend, Head Coach, Chabot College Gladiators Baseball

by flipgatey3 on Dec 11, 2008 1:52 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Jeff and Jl are just awesome.

And I like excuses to post that thing, because its hilarious.

Dude. This.

by Blicks on Dec 11, 2008 2:31 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

MOAR LAWN DART!!!!11!!1!!11

"However, at Elias, I think they keep track of the amount of sunflower seeds spit in a dugout each night." - Brad Ziegler, 8/7/08

by doctorK on Dec 12, 2008 3:04 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

You can never have too much lawn dart.

And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic...

by Blicks on Dec 12, 2008 3:20 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

i must say

i have seen this clip on several posts, and i still enjoy watching it. everytime its posted, i must watch it at least five times just to be sure that a throw like that is possible.

'That's something we do...thirteen hits and not score'-Terrence Long

by DyeLongJustice on Dec 11, 2008 6:01 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

brings back memories of Lonnie "Skates" Smith

I'll send you a postcard from Space Mountain. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 11, 2008 6:19 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Pat Burrell also plays bad D

As does Dunn. Depending on how much Ibanez, and Burrell, and Dunn, and Abreu, are each going to cost, Ibanez might very well be a decent signing.

ZIPS: Milledge: 466 HR, 485 2B, 2282 hits, 278-379-524

by rfloh on Dec 11, 2008 6:27 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

3/30 mil

Your 2009 Athletics: Catch The Disease

by DyeLongJustice on Dec 12, 2008 5:35 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

That sounds insane

ZIPS: Milledge: 466 HR, 485 2B, 2282 hits, 278-379-524

by rfloh on Dec 12, 2008 9:16 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

My dream scenario Tex signs with the Nats and the Halos settle for Raul Ibanez

Instead of a guy who plays gold glove D and hit .324 against us, (not to mention the only guy in what 3+ years to jack one off Ziegler) for a guy who hit .211 against us and plays crappy outfield. That would be my Christmas miracle!

"AN, Reducing Work Productivity since 2003", connie mack 11/06/08

by adragon on Dec 11, 2008 1:01 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

YES YES YES YES

More Angels interest in Ibanez…

The Angels are also aggressively pursuing options for offense in case Teixeira signs elsewhere, with free-agent left fielder Raul Ibanez their top target.

Ibanez, who is being heavily pursued by Philadelphia, is 36, but he hit .286 with 23 homers and 110 runs batted in for last-place Seattle last season. He probably will command a deal in the three-year, $35-million range.

DO IT DO IT DO IT

Dude. This.

by Blicks on Dec 11, 2008 5:33 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

GOD YES

He’s like a 5-run upgrade for them.

For 3/35? Yes? Please? It would be lovely if they would agree to tie up another $12 million a year in dead money.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 11, 2008 7:30 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Raul Ibanez ------> Phillies

Damn. It. Stupid move for the Phils.

Deal is estimated at 3/30MM

Even the Mets would’ve been better, because then the M’s wouldn’t get a first round draft pick (K-Rod is higher ranked than Ibanez, so M’s would get 2nd round pick)

And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic...

by Blicks on Dec 12, 2008 5:31 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Unbelievable

Just a horrible decision. They’d better not start printing those 2009 playoff tickets just yet.

Whyyyyyyy could it not have been the Angels…

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 12, 2008 12:23 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

cuz they are gonna end up wih abreu

Your 2009 Athletics: Catch The Disease

by DyeLongJustice on Dec 12, 2008 12:59 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Yes plz.

Although I would’ve preferred Raul, due to draft pick.

And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic...

by Blicks on Dec 12, 2008 2:19 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I cannot wait to see the Ibanez press conference.

with Amaro and crew.

And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic...

by Blicks on Dec 12, 2008 2:21 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

This is a good trade for everyone except the Mariners...

From the Mets’ perspective (I would think):

Chavez and Heilman are expendable parts. He was utterly ineffective last year though it’s not clear why just from watching him pitch as his velocity is still there. Still he seemingly gave up three run homers every other time he pitched last year.

Chavez is a pretty good defender but with Church, Beltran, Pagan, Dan Murphy, Nick Evans…there is just no place for him.

Mike Carp would’ve had no future with the Mets. I am glad that they moved him and gave him a chance to play with the Mariners.

Putz can throw 98-99 mph from what I’ve heard and not many people can do that. Not many people can spot a 1.38 ERA with 40 saves/2 blown saves, either.

From the Mariners perspective:

They traded a reliever…for another (worse) reliever. Oh and they got some subpar, no hit outfielders that you can get anywhere for peanuts. Their minor league teams are probably full of them.

The Mariners should’ve traded Putz for one legitimate prospect, not a truckfull of (excuse my french) filler.

by halflink123 on Dec 12, 2008 12:19 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Putz, can't throw 98-99.

I mean I’m sure he has, but he sits at 94-95 usually. It is his splitter along with his control of that fastball that transformed him into an out-machine.

www.punditpolitics.com - Political IQ Tests, Pundit Blog, News and Opinion.

by ChadGod on Dec 12, 2008 12:35 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Both the Mets and Mariners came out well in this deal.

Gutierrez and Chavez = defensive geniuses. Gutierrez is a better glove version of Jeremy Reed, the low-hit OF they traded away.

And, don’t think that Gutierrez is a nobody with a bat. He’s not as bad as some would make you think.

Heilman was buying low at the finest. Keep him in the pen, see if he rebounds back to his pre-2008 numbers. Then, at the deadline when someone needs a reliever, flip him. Or, just keep him. Heilman was a solid player.

Just because a prospect is blocked doesn’t mean his value is magically gone. Mike Carp isn’t even blocked; he’s a first baseman and Delgado is a FA after the 2009 season. Even big payroll teams can’t spend on everyone.

Zduriencik chose quantity over quality, targetting a volume of players who were undervalued by the market as opposed to 1-2 elite prospects.

The deal was solid for all sides.

And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic...

by Blicks on Dec 12, 2008 2:18 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

actually I am starting to agree

What a surprise…3 people say something and I start to believe it’s true.

Carp isn’t blocked by Delgado but I was thinking instead the 1B from Miami or whatever it was that the Mets drafted this year; I was thinking the Mets would probably replace Delgado with someone else until a prospect better than Carp comes along. There are many of these 1B types that teams just do not want to give any chances to: Dan Johnson, Jeff Bailey with the Red Sox. It seems unless one can slug .500 noone wants you; and even Bailey had some .500 seasons in the minors. Carp just has low trade value. Does that mean he’s not valuable as a player? I don’t know. But there are better first basemen prospects out there.

If they can turn Heilman into a league average or slightly above starter, that would be gravy on this deal for the Ms. Heilman wants to start and should be given the chance to do so.

As for Chavez, Gutierrez. I haven’t seen enough of Gutierrez to really say anything about him. Yes, Chavez is a good defender. But you need someone on the club that can hit – just ask the A’s where good defense alone got them last year. Maybe the league in undervaluing defense – but if you had a team full of Endy Chavez’s you’d have great defense, a ton of singles, and not much else to show for it.

But I do agree it’s a much more solid deal for the M’s than I initially thought. That said, I would always prefer quality over quantity especially for a club with money like the M’s that can fill holes through free agent signings.

by halflink123 on Dec 12, 2008 3:20 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Endy is a phenomenal defender

Arguably the best defensive OF in MLB.

As for Ike Davis, firstly, it’s WAY too early to start talking about him as the Mets 1b of the future. And he has enough issues that he might very well project to give similar production to the Carp. Incidentally, the Mets seem to produce a lot of 1b prospects like that. Just recently, Mike Jacobs, Carp, Evans. Guys who are useful stopgaps, but nothing more.

ZIPS: Milledge: 466 HR, 485 2B, 2282 hits, 278-379-524

by rfloh on Dec 12, 2008 6:37 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

No, Chavez is not a "good" defender.

Chavez is a GREAT defender. 162 games of him in center field would make the Mariners a couple wins better. He’s that awesome.

by thejd44 on Dec 13, 2008 1:14 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I don't understand how my perception of Chavez is so different

I’m usually on board with your player descriptions, but everything I’ve seen of Endy is that he’s a no-hit throbbing pile with the bat and a decent glove. BP’s highest rating for him was a +6 in CF in 2006. I know accuracy is an issue in defensive metrics, but I have a hard time believing it would be that far off.

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Dec 13, 2008 1:22 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

And replacing a certain LF with whichever one of Chavez/Gutierrez doesn't play CF

will add more wins.

And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic...

by Blicks on Dec 13, 2008 2:54 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Uh, nope

Ibanez is about 40 runs better than Endy with the bat, maybe 30 worse with the glove.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 13, 2008 7:47 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

You're right.

And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic...

by Blicks on Dec 13, 2008 8:17 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Nice Local H nod in the sig

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Dec 14, 2008 11:27 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Thank you.

Very close to one of my all time favorite songs.

And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic...

by Blicks on Dec 14, 2008 11:41 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

And a very, very underrated band IMO.

And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic...

by Blicks on Dec 14, 2008 11:41 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

And I forgot to put quotes around it... I'll do that.

And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic...

by Blicks on Dec 14, 2008 11:42 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

He's not that good

He was projected at something like +11 runs this year by CHONE, which means he’d be maybe 5-10 runs above replacement level as a full-time starter— really fringy.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Dec 13, 2008 7:46 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

* shrug*

Nick Evans is the same age as Carp. Similar production to Carp in the minors, though slightly different skillset: less walks, more power. Unlike Carp, he’s athletic enough that he could be a plus defender at 1b. Carp isn’t “blocked”, but he’s pretty much surplus.

ZIPS: Milledge: 466 HR, 485 2B, 2282 hits, 278-379-524

by rfloh on Dec 12, 2008 6:32 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

The Mariners are the biggest winners here

There’s really no logical way to argue against that. The Mets basically gave up 5 players for a set-up man (because that’s what Putz is) and a below-replacement OF. Joe Smith and Sean Green are the same guy. I’d rather have Chavez than Reed, and Putz is not worth those 4 prospects.

by thejd44 on Dec 13, 2008 1:13 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

You're right.

I wouldn’t say the Mets got the short end of the stick here though. Three of the players they gave up (the three minor league guys) aren’t really top prospects.

Valbuena is a solid prospect, and could slot in at 3B.

Out of the three teams, I’d say the M’s got the best haul, but Omar by no means got fleeced.

And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic...

by Blicks on Dec 13, 2008 2:59 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

You're mistaking quantity for quality

The Mets got a guy who could be one of the best relievers in MLB, without giving up any of FMart, Murphy , Wilmer Flores, Brad Holt.

Those prospects are either limited ones like Carp, or guys so far away from MLB that they could turn out to be close material, or flame out in AA.

If Putz is healty in 2009, they can trade him, very likely for better prospects if they want to.

ZIPS: Milledge: 466 HR, 485 2B, 2282 hits, 278-379-524

by rfloh on Dec 13, 2008 4:26 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

They're better off keeping Putz for when K-Rod's peripherals catch up to him

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Dec 14, 2008 11:28 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I wonder if the M's plan on giving Heilman a shot as a starter.

He wanted to start for the Mets.

Root for the Giants? Not even if they're playing al-Qaeda!

by Monday Fan on Dec 12, 2008 12:58 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

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