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[Dmncnby2k9]

Wait... some team out there thinks K-Rod will be an effective middle reliever?

Definitely believe it when I see it.

Good on the Mets for being able to unload that albatross. On Boomer & Carton they were saying it's a total savings on K-Rod of $20 MM (including the option). Increases the chances of re-signing Reyes, right?

We sending 5 million over to Milwaukee. It definitively helps in terms of Reyes.

 

[Sanjuro]

Early trades. Moar plz.

 

[Wellington]

Watching Tyler Clippard pitch (an out, but still) in the ASG last night got me thinking about all the guys that filtered through the Yankees that are prominent now and how much we could use their services.

Clippard - Traded to the Nationals for RP Jonathan Albaladejo

Ian Kennedy - Traded as part of the Granderson trade. (DET received Scherzer and Austin Jackson, Arizona received Kennedy)

Jeff Karstens - Traded as part of the deal for Damaso Marte and Xavier Nady. (Jose Tabata, Karstens, Russ Ohlendorf, and Dan McCutchen for Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte).

...*sigh*

Granted they are all in the NL, but still!

 

[verbum]

Watching Tyler Clippard pitch (an out, but still) in the ASG last night got me thinking about all the guys that filtered through the Yankees that are prominent now and how much we could use their services.

Clippard - Traded to the Nationals for RP Jonathan Albaladejo

Ian Kennedy - Traded as part of the Granderson trade. (DET received Scherzer and Austin Jackson, Arizona received Kennedy)

Jeff Karstens - Traded as part of the deal for Damaso Marte and Xavier Nady. (Jose Tabata, Karstens, Russ Ohlendorf, and Dan McCutchen for Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte).

...*sigh*

Granted they are all in the NL, but still!

Can the Yankees wait until a player blossoms or is the NYC pressure so much that the Yankees have to trade away potential for immediate results? Is it pressure from fans/media or impatience on the part of management?

 

[Dragon]

Of course the Yankees can afford to be patient. Even with the team aging they still have a great nucleus of players. Having a fifth starter not being a retread like Garcia could actually work. Too bad Hughes has been so up and down.

 

[mjc]

Can be pretty sure he wont be worse than Kam Loe. And for free? Worth a shot.

Truer words have never been spoken.

 

[eznark]

Truer words have never been spoken.

I ran the gamut of emotions last night. My text messages were hilarious. "mother fucking cuntyfuckhead" was the first one, the last one was "wow, this significantly improves the bullpen and at little cost to the Brewers. Surprisingly shrewd."

 

[Dragon]

Yeah I think the Brewers did fine, depending what type of prospects they give up. He won't reach that games finished provision in his contract so why not if the Mets are giving them that type of money?

 

[eznark]

Yeah I think the Brewers did fine, depending what type of prospects they give up. He won't reach that games finished provision in his contract so why not if the Mets are giving them that type of money?

hahaha. Prospects? Brewers? hahahah

This is as good a take as any I have seen:

Fangraphs:

From the Brewers’ perspective, this trade makes a surprising amount of sense. With John Axford firmly entrenched in the closer role in Milwaukee, it’s likely that K-Rod slides in as a set-up man and doesn’t reach the 55 games closed that would vest his option. And even if Rodriguez’s option does vest for some ridiculous, illogical reason, this is still not a horrible trade for the Brewers.

If the option vest, the Brewers would then pay Rodriguez $17.5 million for essentially 1.5 years of service (prorates to $11.5 million / year), and his help in the bullpen this season could help push the Brewers into a playoff spot. The Brewers are currently tied with the Cardinals for the AL Central lead (and the Pirates are only one game behind them), and Baseball Prospectus gives them a 45% chance of reaching the playoffs. Their bullpen has been mediocre this season, posting a 3.92 ERA (20th in baseball) and 3.68 FIP (10th in baseball), and they could use some high-leverage help outside of Axford. Teams that are close to the reaching the playoffs should be willing to overpay if it will helps improve their team for the late-season run…and it’s still very, very likely that Rodriguez’s option won’t vest.

So even though the Mets aren’t getting much in terms of minor-league talent and the Brewers are taking a calculated risk, I view this trade as a Win-Win. The Mets free up some much-needed payroll space for next season, allowing them to reallocate those funds to more cost-effective routes (like a Jose Reyes extension?), and the Brewers add some talent that should help them make a push for the playoffs. You can’t ask for much more than that.

 

[The Frankman]

Twitter Link

According to the New York Post’s Joel Sherman, the Mets will pay $5 million to the Brewers.

From what I can gather, that basically covers every dollar due to him through the end of this season, while the Brewers will be 100 percent on the hook for his $3.5 million buyout and his 2012 option.

I like it. There is NO way any time (let alone the Mets) should be paying $17.5 million to a guy who pitches just 70 innings. Here, the Mets move the money and a player, who, though he’s been effective, has seen his skills diminish over the last year or so. Now, the Mets get two prospects, but, most importantly, shed major money that should now mean they’ll have roughly $30 million or so to spend on new acquisitions this winter.

Great deal by the Mets, now hopefully the list has a decent pitcher on it. Let the Brewers worry about Boras, who recently made this comment:

“Francisco Rodriguez is a historic closer,” Boras told Newsday. “He’s not going anywhere to be a setup man.”

:jakncoke If anyone thinks he's going to strictly be a setup man, they're going to be sadly mistaken. The MLBPA will be watching this and you can bet Boras will start yapping the minute he perceives an "injustice".

 

[eznark]

:jakncoke If anyone thinks he's going to strictly be a setup man, they're going to be sadly mistaken. The MLBPA will be watching this and you can bet Boras will start yapping the minute he perceives an "injustice".

Boras starts any shit and Melvin will have his recently drafted kid moved to bullpen catcher.

 

[The Frankman]

OctoBoras has his tentacles in everything. He'll get Melvin fired and Roenicke will become the GM. Is that what you want?

IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT EZNARK?

 

[eznark]

Meh. Fielder is a Boras client too. Both will be gone in a few months after winning the Brewers a World Series.

Love it.

KRod will probably be thrilled to go to a contender.

 

[ConradCervantes]

My dead grandmother could hold leads better than Brewers middle relief, so I welcome K-Rod with open arms. He comes to a contender, we get a quality arm.

 

[sangreal]

I can't disagree with Pete Abe here: http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2011/07/this_game_count.html

 

[eznark]

Ax is pumped!

@JohnAxford: This could be the #staching-est bullpen this side of...well...anywhere! I'm overly pumped! Can't wait for this 2nd half to start! #KROD!

 

[Joe Shlabotnik]

I can't disagree with Pete Abe here: http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2011/07/this_game_count.html

100%. Alternatively, of course, just stop making the fucking thing "count". Is there anything officially locking MLB into that, besides the embarrassment of admitting it was a stupid idea?

 

[mjc]

I'm just ecstatic that we won't have to see Loe's face every other game now. Thank the tentacled one.

 

[Billy Shears]

I used to be a die hard Rays fan but died off in recent years, but they're just getting boring to watch again and traded all the names that made the team feel special during the 200Rayght years. I understand players degrade but this team is just...boring to watch now a days. Any teams around carrying the magic of the Rays?

Go Nationals I guess! :smith:

 

[biggkidd32]

I used to be a die hard Rays fan but died off in recent years, but they're just getting boring to watch again and traded all the names that made the team feel special during the 200Rayght years. I understand players degrade but this team is just...boring to watch now a days. Any teams around carrying the magic of the Rays?

Go Nationals I guess! :smith:

You could start following the pirates. They seem to be having an interesting year.

 

[clemenx]

Why wouldn't he be a good middle reliever? K-Rod is annoying and overpaid but he's a good pitcher.
Or people still believe that there's something magical about pitching the 9th?

 

[Lambtron]

Note to Bill Smith: Good bullpen arms are available without giving up top prospects. Please remember this as we head into the deadline. Otherwise I fear a trade of Aaron Hicks for Heath Bell.

 

[Joey Fox]

I used to be a die hard Rays fan but died off in recent years, but they're just getting boring to watch again and traded all the names that made the team feel special during the 200Rayght years. I understand players degrade but this team is just...boring to watch now a days. Any teams around carrying the magic of the Rays?

Go Nationals I guess! :smith:

The Nationals aren't a bad choice if you're looking for a magical team. Change your avatar to Livan Hernandez and you'll be good to go. Magic!

 

[The Frankman]

Why wouldn't he be a good middle reliever? K-Rod is annoying and overpaid but he's a good pitcher.
Or people still believe that there's something magical about pitching the 9th?

I'm thinking because of his record in non-save situations... for the last year or two it's been rather poor. The whole "closer mentality" thing...

 

[eznark]

I'm thinking because of his record in non-save situations... for the last year or two it's been rather poor. The whole "closer mentality" thing...

In his career he has been more dominant in the 8th inning than the 9th. Not that it means anything (but neither does non-save situation).

He is at his worst in low leverage situations, which he will probably never encounter, or at least very rarely.

 

[bluemax]

Watching Tyler Clippard pitch (an out, but still) in the ASG last night got me thinking about all the guys that filtered through the Yankees that are prominent now and how much we could use their services.

Clippard - Traded to the Nationals for RP Jonathan Albaladejo

Ian Kennedy - Traded as part of the Granderson trade. (DET received Scherzer and Austin Jackson, Arizona received Kennedy)

Jeff Karstens - Traded as part of the deal for Damaso Marte and Xavier Nady. (Jose Tabata, Karstens, Russ Ohlendorf, and Dan McCutchen for Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte).

...*sigh*

Granted they are all in the NL, but still!

Every team trades off players who sometimes end up better. How much do you think the Mariners could use Asdrubal Cabrera and Shin-Soo Choo right now?

I used to be a die hard Rays fan but died off in recent years, but they're just getting boring to watch again and traded all the names that made the team feel special during the 200Rayght years. I understand players degrade but this team is just...boring to watch now a days. Any teams around carrying the magic of the Rays?

Go Nationals I guess! :smith:

It must be so hard to watch two of the best start pitchers in baseball and possibly the best third baseman in baseball. Not to mention guys like Upton, Zobrist and Joyce. What a bunch of boring scrubs.

 

[Lambtron]

Watching Tyler Clippard pitch (an out, but still) in the ASG last night got me thinking about all the guys that filtered through the Yankees that are prominent now and how much we could use their services.

Ian Kennedy - Traded as part of the Granderson trade. (DET received Scherzer and Austin Jackson, Arizona received Kennedy)

The Yankees got a steal for Granderson.

 

[ProtoCents]

The Yankees got a steal for Granderson.

Mmhmm. I remember people saying, "b-b-b-but Austin Jackson!" A fine player but c'mon.

And when Tabata was killing it earlier this season I was regretting the Marte trade too but he really fell off.

 

[sf2fanatic]

Watching Tyler Clippard pitch (an out, but still) in the ASG last night got me thinking about all the guys that filtered through the Yankees that are prominent now and how much we could use their services.

Clippard - Traded to the Nationals for RP Jonathan Albaladejo

Ian Kennedy - Traded as part of the Granderson trade. (DET received Scherzer and Austin Jackson, Arizona received Kennedy)

Jeff Karstens - Traded as part of the deal for Damaso Marte and Xavier Nady. (Jose Tabata, Karstens, Russ Ohlendorf, and Dan McCutchen for Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte).

...*sigh*

Granted they are all in the NL, but still!

He having a one year wonder...Had him in my keeper league for a couple of years as a prospect and was garbage..But then again he might turn out OK

 

[CygnusXS]

Note to Bill Smith: Good bullpen arms are available without giving up top prospects. Please remember this as we head into the deadline. Otherwise I fear a trade of Aaron Hicks for Heath Bell.

Hicks for Proctor.

 

[Talon]

And when Tabata was killing it earlier this season I was regretting the Marte trade too but he really fell off.

I hope you're not referring to Andy Marte.

 

[CygnusXS]

Second half thread: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?p=29285409#post29285409

 

[ProtoCents]

I hope you're not referring to Andy Marte.

Damaso

 

[dmag1223]

eznark, what are the contract situations for the brewers? I know Fielder is gone, and Braun is signed to a long term deal, but what about Grienke, Marcum, Weeks, etc?

 

[eznark]

eznark, what are the contract situations for the brewers? I know Fielder is gone, and Braun is signed to a long term deal, but what about Grienke, Marcum, Weeks, etc?

Weeks signed an extension in February, Marcum is operating under a one year deal and Greinke is under contract for next season.

http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2005/01/milwaukee-brewers.html

Hart is signed, Gallardo is signed and I think anyone else of note is controlled by the Brewers.

 

[Wellington]

Mmhmm. I remember people saying, "b-b-b-but Austin Jackson!" A fine player but c'mon.

And when Tabata was killing it earlier this season I was regretting the Marte trade too but he really fell off.

It's different with the Yankees and Yankees fans. Giving up guys like Tabata and Jackson is like giving up on the idea of putting together another home-grown dynasty run.

 

[dmag1223]

Weeks signed an extension in February, Marcum is operating under a one year deal and Greinke is under contract for next season.

http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2005/01/milwaukee-brewers.html

Hart is signed, Gallardo is signed and I think anyone else of note is controlled by the Brewers.

Yeah it looks like everyone besides Fielder and Marcum are under control for next year. I was just curious because it looks like Fielder is gone, and their minor league system looks pretty bare right now, and Its also going to be difficult to lure big time free agents to Mulwaukee.

 

[Sanjuro]

People that hate Boras are the same who defend players during lockout. In other words they have no fucking clue what they are talking about.

 

[Sanjuro]

I want Brewers to take the division, but would love a Pirates Wild Card. Both are genuinely incredible stories. Not some fabricated Florida team shit.

 

[Windu]

I want Brewers to take the division, but would love a Pirates Wild Card. Both are genuinely incredible stories. Not some fabricated Florida team shit.

I don't see the braves or phillies suddenly collapsing so the Wild Card is out of the question. They are not the mets after all.

 

[Maxim726X]

Weeks signed an extension in February, Marcum is operating under a one year deal and Greinke is under contract for next season.

http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2005/01/milwaukee-brewers.html

Hart is signed, Gallardo is signed and I think anyone else of note is controlled by the Brewers.

Haaaa I read a rumor that the players might be Mat Gamel and Tyler Thornburg.

How would them apples taste??

(Note- I realize that the odds of this are slim... But that's what was being reported last night).

 

[Dmncnby2k9]

I don't see the braves or phillies suddenly collapsing so the Wild Card is out of the question. They are not the mets after all.

We shall wait and see.

 

[Sanjuro]

I don't see the braves or phillies suddenly collapsing so the Wild Card is out of the question. They are not the mets after all.

I feel like I should archive this post.

 

[Windu]

I feel like I should archive this post.

go right ahead

 

[Maxim726X]

I don't see the braves or phillies suddenly collapsing so the Wild Card is out of the question. They are not the mets after all.

Low blow.

But the Braves are a great team, and the Phillies clearly aren't going anywhere either.

Not surprised, really. I had the Braves as the WC team before the season began.

 

[Talon]

I feel like I should archive this post.

Go ahead and do it. He's right.

Both teams have dealt with injuries to key players and underperforming batters, and they have the two best records in the NL.

 

[eznark]

Haaaa I read a rumor that the players might be Mat Gamel and Tyler Thornburg.

How would them apples taste??

(Note- I realize that the odds of this are slim... But that's what was being reported last night).

The fact that 1. someone wrote that and 2. you actually believe it are absolutely hilarious. And incredibly sad.

 

[Maxim726X]

The fact that 1. someone wrote that and 2. you actually believe it are absolutely hilarious. And incredibly sad.

Interesting. What part of 'the odds are incredibly slim' insinuate that I believe they were involved?

Merely telling you what I heard.

 

[eznark]

Interesting. What part of 'the odds are incredibly slim' insinuate that I believe they were involved?

Merely telling you what I heard.

The fact that you think there is any chance at all of getting those two players is baffling.

"You heard," "reporting"

Man, people put a lot of stock in internet message boards these days. Although, I'd love to read the publication that would write that up. Too funny.

 

[Talon]

The fact that you think there is any chance at all of getting those two players is baffling.

"You heard," "reporting"

Man, people put a lot of stock in internet message boards these days. Although, I'd love to read the publication that would write that up. Too funny.

Well, we live in a world where a Presidential hopeful believes John Quincy Adams was a founding father.