Trade for Reggie Sanders?

by Zonis on May 5, 2005 7:04 PM PDT

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4737

Urban has said that the latest Byrnes rumor lies with Reggie Sanders of the Cardinals.

Byrnes + a low prospect for Sanders. Well, I'd say no personaly.

Sanders makes $2 mil more then Byrnes, is almost a decade older, and will be good for a .310 OBP most likely. And thats not figuring in the 'Adjustment' Period. He would probably give us the same amount of Home Runs thus, and frankely, if Byrnes wakes up, he can do the same.

While it would be a patchwork fix for us to get anyone anyways, I'd still rather go after a big slugger, even if it may cost a bit. Someone like Aubrey Huff, Adam Dunn or even maybe try to pry Bobby Abreu from the Phillies. Arbeu is the IDEAL moneyball player; high avg, .400+ OBP, 30+ Home Runs and some Stolen Bases if we let him. He will hit you Homers, Doubles, and whatever you need, but might cost a lot. But hey, he's 30 and if you lock him up ala Jermaine Dye, he could carry the org. Lot better then Chavez anyways. Plus, next year we get a lot of money off the books.

If we could manage to get TWO of those types, that would make us instantly better, though rob out farm. I will be happy with just one slugger, but the guy I want would be, as I said before, a guy with power and OBP, and Abreu (31), Dunn (25) and Huff (28) all do that, with Abreu the best and Dunn the 2nd (best if counting age).

One can dream though, right? Too bad they are all Left Handed.

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rumor is on the A's website

here's the link:

http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050505&content_id=1039759& ;vkey=news_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak

by OaklandSi on May 5, 2005 7:17 PM PDT reply actions

deal

I like the idea, Come on all pitchers have to do is throw breaking balls to byrnsie to get him out. While he is fast and has a good hustling attitude, he is a OVERATED fielder and makes a lot of terible plays. I will admit he makes some amazing plays but overall hes just not a good fielder. Plus Sanders is that kind of veteran mentality we need.

Lets go Oakland!

by bballfanr33 on May 5, 2005 7:17 PM PDT reply actions

I think

abreu is a switch hitter

goddamn crazy sunday driver- butters

by guy on May 5, 2005 7:20 PM PDT reply actions

no, he bats left only

by OaklandSi on May 5, 2005 7:24 PM PDT up reply actions

Gmaca from ESPN forums

has a blog, he put up an interesting little theory. http://aslegacy.blogspot.com/2005/05/colonel-sanders-secret-recipe.html

There is a Yankee rumor about them getting Kearns, and theres a rumor about us getting Sanders. So we'd send Sanders for Kearns with the Yanks.

I think though, why include STL then?

Why not..

Yanks trade for Kearns (Pitcher and 2B man mentioned).

A's trade Byrnes + Low Lvl Prospect for Kearns.

Yankees get their CF (haha, yes I know, but), and we get our power bat, and the Reds get pitching and middle infield (say goodbye Rich Arillia?).

"Timeline? Time is not made of Lines! Time is made of Circles! Thats why Clocks are Round!"

by Zonis on May 5, 2005 7:40 PM PDT reply actions

why would the Yankees prefer

Sanders to Kearns?

(I know, I'm thinking like Oakland, not like New York)

by OaklandSi on May 5, 2005 7:47 PM PDT up reply actions

That's what I was wondering.

by Sharon on May 5, 2005 7:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Reason

is because Kearns is a Corner OF, and the Yankees need a CF, not a corner OFer.

"Timeline? Time is not made of Lines! Time is made of Circles! Thats why Clocks are Round!"

by Zonis on May 5, 2005 8:05 PM PDT up reply actions

So is Sanders

by andeux on May 5, 2005 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions

That is why

I said why not just skip Sanders all together and trade Byrnes instead

"Timeline? Time is not made of Lines! Time is made of Circles! Thats why Clocks are Round!"

by Zonis on May 5, 2005 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Just some clarification

Hello all, I am the writter of said article and I think something can be said for at least the Sanders trade; three sources, especially Will Carroll and Urban, have mentioned the trade. So this is something that the A's may very well be working on.

But as I posed, why? Well the only logical thing I could come up with is that he would be traded to someone who is looking at the name and not the numbers, someone like the Boss. It is very likely that Cashman has very little leeway in defying the Boss so if we dangled Sanders, Steinbrenner may look at him as another vet to right the ship.

Basically, if the Reds are willing to do a deal for Wang and Cano for Kearns, I don't think we need to intrude on that deal if the Yanks are willing to take Byrnes off our hands for Kearns.

All of this is conjecture but it makes for interesting discussion!

http://www.aslegacy.blogspot.com

by Genaro on May 5, 2005 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions

Oops!

"if the Yanks are willing to take Byrnes off our hands for Kearns." should read:

"if the Yanks are willing to take Byrnes, via the Sanders trade, off our hands for Kearns."

http://www.aslegacy.blogspot.com

by Genaro on May 5, 2005 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions

Sanders, Kearns, prospects, Byrnes

Depending on the financial terms, I like the idea of getting Sanders. While I've preached patience with some of our other slumping players, something about Byrnes has just really annoyed me this year. I just have this feeling that, while he is capable of some hot streaks, we've seen the best he has to offer, and it's not quite good enough. Sanders is old, but has remained durable and healthy over the past few years, and could really stabilize the lineup.

I don't see the Kearns/Sanders swap as a realistic possibility. As others have said, why would the Yankees want to do that? They've just moved Matsui to CF, and I wouldn't expect Sanders to be better defensively there - he only played center for one year, when he was much younger. If Kearns is really on the market, why wouldn't we just try to get him directly from Cincinatti? The rumored Yankees prospects Cano and Wang are nothing special - neither made Baseball America's top 100 prospects, and Sickels rates them both as B- prospects. One of Ginter/Scutaro/Ellis, plus one of Saarloos/Etherton/Rheinecker (I assume Meyer is off-limits) seems like it could be just as good.

by andeux on May 5, 2005 8:05 PM PDT reply actions

Reds outfielders

Dunn is making $4 million this year. Kearns and Pena are making around $950,000.

Reds fans are very disappointed in how Kearns has been playing (hitting .208, I think). Lots of teams have asked about Pena. Reds are looking for pitching and a second baseman.

by OaklandSi on May 5, 2005 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions

Reds looking for 2nd baseman?

Why are the Reds looking for a 2nd baseman? Jimenez has started out cold, but they have Ryan Freel, too. Don't see why they would be looking for a 2nd baseman.

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on May 6, 2005 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions

Abreu

Great hitter, no question, but if you're concerned about Sanders amking $2 million more than Byrnes, well, Abreu makes $10 million more this year, and is signed for two more years at $12 mil+/year.

I don't see the A's bumping the payroll that much, even if they could convince the Phils to part with him. Which is doubtful.

by Jeff in Seattle on May 5, 2005 8:05 PM PDT reply actions

Byrnes and Sanders difference

the problem I have with the Byrnes and Sanders financial difference is that it would be $2 mil more and getting maybe less in return.

"Timeline? Time is not made of Lines! Time is made of Circles! Thats why Clocks are Round!"

by Zonis on May 5, 2005 8:07 PM PDT up reply actions

NY mentality

I could totally see the yankees wanting sanders over kearns. What has kearns really done in his young career other than never playing a full season.

Sanders would be a guy that could play the same role he does in St. Louis, in which he doesnt play everyday. Sanders has also hit at least 20+ HR for the past 4 years. Kearns has the potential and is younger but since when have the yankees cared about youth. Sanders would also be another power threat off their bench.

I dont think Sanders is the guy for us though, however, I welcome the idea of shipping Byrnes out. Im on the Huff wagon, I think hes a much better player than both of those guys. Abreu is a pipe dream, why would the phils want to get rid of their best player?

by pickinmachine on May 5, 2005 8:20 PM PDT reply actions

Beane would have to be out of his freakin' mind

Part of Urban's arguement is that the A's aren't going to let Byrnes play full time. But Sanders will get a full time job? Once Swisher comes back from injury how crowded will the outfield be? Are we supposed to belive that Sanders will play full time and Thomas, Keilty and Swisher will all rotate in RF?

Don't think so.

Sanders will sit, just like Byrnes is stuck doing. Only now the A's are paying $2 million MORE for a part time OFer. Sanders is going to play 130 games this year.

Why would the A's trade a younger, less expensive player AND a prospect for a 37 year old part time player? It makes no sense.

by grover on May 5, 2005 8:27 PM PDT reply actions

No

OF is Sander, Kotsay, Swisher. Period. Thomas and Kielty are bench players. Perhaps one of them goes away when Crosby returns because there would be fewer OF ABs to go around.

by boilerdan on May 6, 2005 8:12 AM PDT up reply actions

Yankees

Despite making some very poor personnel moves in the last couple of years, and the constant pressure from Steinbrenner to sacrifice the future to win now, Cashman and the rest of the Yankees front office are not dumb. I just can't see them wanting Sanders or Byrnes as a CF instead of playing Matsui there and putting Kearns in a corner. Of course, I would love to be wrong on this one.

by andeux on May 5, 2005 8:27 PM PDT reply actions

Well the idea

is that if they are going for Kearns is not for him to play CF as he's a corner outfielder. So if they were going to go for Kearns anyways then why not have the veteran Sanders instead?

And you are correct, but partly imo, as the Cashman/NY FO is not dumb enough to make this move but the Boss/Tampa FO is. Remember, that faction was the one who wanted Womack and Wright this season. And last season, Cashman wanted Guerrero but the Boss wanted Sheffield.

Trust me, they are dumb enough to go after Sanders.

http://www.aslegacy.blogspot.com

by Genaro on May 5, 2005 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions

kearns

its not like hes tearing it up though. How does it look in NY when the move they make is to bring in a guy who isnt hitting. NY is very familiar with what Sanders especially when he was on the diamonbacks and beat them in the WS. If you polled yankee fans, i bet it would be overwhelming in favor of sanders.

Kearns is hitting a robust .208 with 10 RBIs and 3HR. NY is not a building block team, they want results and 'proven' 'winners'.

by pickinmachine on May 5, 2005 8:40 PM PDT up reply actions

Man do I not want Sanders...

Kearns I would take in a second....but Id rather have Byrnes than Sanders. Hes too old.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on May 5, 2005 8:32 PM PDT reply actions

I reported to AN a few days ago.

http://www.athleticsnation.com/story/2005/5/3/141550/7621#readmore
if you didnt hear it.
I heard on WGN 720 chicago.
There must be something to it if Urban is on top of it.

Joe Morgan smells bad and has poor english skills. Wait so do I.

by Ionnes on May 5, 2005 9:49 PM PDT reply actions

Yeah I read your post

and gave ya cites... Great scoop john!

http://www.aslegacy.blogspot.com

by Genaro on May 5, 2005 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions

hmmm, I'm skeptical...

Byrnes and a prospect for an older, more expensive guy. Beane could prolly get some cash out of them to make it not so bad, but why do this? The only reason I can see is Beane wants to add a veteren to help keep the young guys together and their heads on straight.

But yeah, I'd take Kearns over Sanders in a heartbeat...and I'd take Huff over both them.

by ZeroIndulgence on May 5, 2005 10:35 PM PDT reply actions

regarding Sanders,

I gan't see why the A's would want him. Oops, I meant to say I "can't" see why...No wait, I was right the first time.

Nico

by Nico on May 5, 2005 10:35 PM PDT reply actions

haha

definetly the same similarity

good post

by pickinmachine on May 5, 2005 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Wow

That was perhaps the most subtle thing I've ever read on the internet.

That's Ron Gant, everyone

by H3liCat on May 6, 2005 8:55 PM PDT up reply actions

Gant or Gnat...

"The Pen is mightier then the Sword, that is why I use a Paintball Gun!"

by Zonis on May 6, 2005 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions

I like it

Regardless if we trade him for Kearns or keep him (does anyone else have this urge to spell Kearns like Kyrnes?). Sanders is a pereniall five hundred slugger, and what this lineup needs is just 1 slugging mentality, not OBP mentality.

Conventional wisdom says 15 is too young to be an executive of a major sports franchise. Galileo and Einstein weren't conventional. Neither am i.

by ohad on May 5, 2005 10:39 PM PDT reply actions

Kyrnesy, kaby!

Much funnier than Sanders.

Nico

by Nico on May 5, 2005 10:43 PM PDT reply actions

Pena....

I'd rather have Willy Mo than either Kearns OR Sanders. And would give up more if necessary to get him. That would make alot more sense than either Kearns or sanders for many reasons. Kearns durability is highly questionable given his injury history and he hasn't hit a lick this season. Sanders is expensive and on the downside of his career. Pena makes alot more sense for the future,financially and otherwise.

Every team needs a few guys with big f*ckin' stones who ain't afraid to flash 'em - Huddy

by FabulousG on May 5, 2005 10:50 PM PDT reply actions

dont you think

that cinci knows pena makes more sense for the future and probably wont want to deal him unless they are given an offer they cant refuse. I know Pena has pop, but I dont think its wise to overpay for this guy, or anyone for that matter.

by pickinmachine on May 5, 2005 11:12 PM PDT up reply actions

Pena

doesnt get on base, is the problem.

But the main reason is that EVERYONE wants Pena, so the shift is to Pena away from Kearns. That means that Kearns would be cheaper then Pena.

"Timeline? Time is not made of Lines! Time is made of Circles! Thats why Clocks are Round!"

by Zonis on May 5, 2005 11:57 PM PDT up reply actions

W-Mo

I love watching Wily Mo play. His centerfield play is akin to Byrnes, though.

He's a tremendous talent, though. I saw him hit two homers over 450 feet in the same game then the next day go 4 feet over the wall to rob someone of a HR. That said, the slider down and away will K him every time.

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on May 6, 2005 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions

Adam Dunn

Why should the Reds trade their best hitter? The only player I can see them give up Dunn for is Harden, and we are not going to do that. Plus he's a lefty, we don't need another one.

PS: Dunn is my fave non-A's player!

by Ktulu on May 6, 2005 12:45 AM PDT reply actions

He's bigger than he looks on TV

and he looks BIG on TV.

Wily Mo Pena, too. Those guys are massive!

The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.

by JJ on May 6, 2005 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions

Lets put away dreams

Of Dunn and Abreu. THese are franchise players (Abreu is the second on his team, but oh well). Phillies would haev NO BUSINESS trading him.

Conventional wisdom says 15 is too young to be an executive of a major sports franchise. Galileo and Einstein weren't conventional. Neither am i.

by ohad on May 6, 2005 5:18 AM PDT reply actions

i take sanders over kearns

not another "OBP" player in Kearns. The only Reds OF I want is Wily Mo. fudge it if he strikes out 100+. Give me that raw slugging percentage and that psychological effect on pitchers.

A's need some balance. get some free swingers up there. anything but take shit down the middle on 3-2 or 0-0 counts.

by suggy on May 6, 2005 12:35 PM PDT reply actions

Agreed Suggy

But don't forget THE upside factor. Wily Mo Is 23 and has HUGE upside. The guy is still developing and could literally be a 40-50 HR per season source in the near future. No, he's not a natural centerfielder but has the range for left and the arm for right. THIS is the guy i'd want for my best trade asset(s). I'm thinking 3 or 4 way deal most likely..blockbuster type...possibly involving Dotel,Zito..maybe Byrnes...prospects.

Every team needs a few guys with big f*ckin' stones who ain't afraid to flash 'em - Huddy

by FabulousG on May 6, 2005 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions

these

are the symptoms of insanity (your trade proposal). I suggest you get some medication, and fast.

Conventional wisdom says 15 is too young to be an executive of a major sports franchise. Galileo and Einstein weren't conventional. Neither am i.

by ohad on May 6, 2005 3:37 PM PDT up reply actions

Trading Time

I think the Byrnes for Sanders rumor was saying to the fanbase that the best the A's can realistically get on the market to upgrade their hitting right now is Sanders. Every MLB team knows the A's are in need of offense so the pricetag for acquiring hitting talent is high at the moment. This puts the A's at a trading disadvantage which is not a good time for BB to pull the trigger. I believe while the A's continue to hover around .500 BB will let the team try to pull out of its hitting funk and await Crosby's return. The pricetag for player acquisition will improve much closer to the July 31 deadline when other teams needs become more clearly defined.

If the A's hitting improves they'll be in a better trading position when late July comes. A trade is more likely to happen in July if BB thinks the A's are in contention and will be competing in Sept for the playoffs. Then an extra bat can get them to the post season.

If they continue to play .500 ball the marginal improvement Sanders offers becomes worthless if they improve from 81 to 85 wins. Its conceivable the Angels will finish with 90+.

If their bats do not wake up and the A's fall out of contention by the end of July it makes sense for the A's to trade for prospects. Teams in contention will be calling BB in July looking for that one player (Byrnes and Dotel are obvious candidates at the moment) who can help another team get to the playoffs. We'd get a prospect or two who could be ready to help the A's win down the road. This may be seen as giving up on the season and not popular but it improves the A's prospects in the future. Its all about the 5 year plan! It would save the A's some cash on the outgoing players contracts too.

by Playball on May 7, 2005 8:24 AM PDT reply actions