Buyers or Sellers?

[MaoTosiFanClub]

One month until the non-waiver trade deadline, where do you see this team? And if you do see them as sellers, who do you want the DBacks to explore dealing?

 

[boondockdrunk]

I think we sell some of our players to get some pitching depth in the minors. With the bats we got coming up it would be nice to see a young pitcher or two who can step in next year.

 

[WizardOfAz]

They are just 4.5 games out....I'd hate to see them turn into sellers just now.

 

[AZZenny]

I agree about getting minor league pitching - and we'll need to clear several 40-man roster spots in the off season anyhow, so let's do exactly that - see if we can trade some players for one or maybe two really good pitching prospects. No one on the 25-man roster now is safe in my book except Webb, maybe Cormier, Valverde, Snyder (He still has a lot more potential than Hill, and Montero won't be ready for two more years). Not that anyone will take on Ortiz, Glaus, or Green.

btw -

We finished June, 2004 with a 10-17 record.

We finished June, 2005 with a 9-19 record.

We have 11 more wins for the season at this point than we had last year - not sure that's enough to get all pumped up about.

Tell me again how how much better we made this team in the offseason, because I'm still not seeing a real contender. Any division but our own, and we'd be at or near the bottom, so to imagine one guy for the bullpen or one starter, at undoubtedly very high cost, would make us a legitimate threat beyond at most one round of the playoffs - just blowing smoke, something Arizona has quite enough of lately.

 

[boondockdrunk]

Right. I don't see us as real contenders either and I don't want to trade away talent like Santos or Conor just to win a mediocre division. What the team needs now, both in the minors and majors, is more pitching.

If we can trade prospects like Kroeger (good minor league players with potential but blocked by better players) for some young pitching I would do it.

I know we are only a few games out, but we can ship off players like Shawn Green and get more value for them because it is during the trading deadline. If we wait until the off-season then we will get less value. Plus, trading some of the older players for pitching gives us spots to plug in our good prospects.

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

Wiz is right, we're only 4.5 games out of first place so to put on a firesale right now would be an insult to the fans of Phoenix. I voted sellers mostly because I think we're going to end up being sellers later this month, but a smart owner would wait until the series after the All Star break to start fielding calls. I agree with Zen though, even if we manage to win this garbage division we'd get killed by Atlanta, Florida, St. Louis, or whoever else makes the playoffs.

Players that definitely should be on the block are Estes and Clark as their value is at their peak right now.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

No surprise here. So much money wasted on mediocre player like Ortiz and Glaus, not to mention Green and Cruz Jr.. Glaus may have good numbers, but time after time he blows it with players in scoring position and in big situations. The biggest mistake was Ortiz. Perhaps we can trade him for some minor leaguers to get rid of his contract...

 

[ASUCHRIS]

Players that definitely should be on the block are Estes and Clark as their value is at their peak right now.

Agreed, start acting like a rebuilding team with a stock of young talent.

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

No surprise here. So much money wasted on mediocre player like Ortiz and Glaus, not to mention Green and Cruz Jr.. Glaus may have good numbers, but time after time he blows it with players in scoring position and in big situations. The biggest mistake was Ortiz. Perhaps we can trade him for some minor leaguers to get rid of his contract...

Russ Ortiz joins Jason Giambi as the two most untradeable players in the MLB. I think we'd have to throw in Conor Jackson in order for some team to take that garbage contract. And add Cruz to Estes and Clark as players we should be fielding calls for.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

No surprise here. So much money wasted on mediocre player like Ortiz and Glaus, not to mention Green and Cruz Jr.. Glaus may have good numbers, but time after time he blows it with players in scoring position and in big situations. The biggest mistake was Ortiz. Perhaps we can trade him for some minor leaguers to get rid of his contract...

Inexplicably, Glaus has terrific RISP figures over his career but hasnt been able to duplicate it here so far.

 

[AZZenny]

Unless Javy tells the FO he LOVES the dry climate, scratchy eyes, and the delicate barbequed scent of his clothes, and plans to stay, they should look to package him sooner rather than later to a legit contender, ideally for a HEALTHY, hear that Joe? Healthy top young starter maybe at AAA level. The risk of waiting until the deadline is that while the desperation may be higher, the possibile suitors and returns may be picked over.

With their contracts, I just don't see Ortiz, Green, Glaus going anywhere - and no doubt they have some no-trade limitations - and who would want Cruz? He's not going to get us anything. We can't fall into the 'sweeten the pot with a couple prospects' to get teams to take our bad contracts. Thats how we lost Capuano - who would look pretty acceptable in our rotation about now, wouldn't he?


As to Glaus - someone here mentioned he never plays without wincing and its true - geez - he trots like he's 50 years old. His numbers aren't significantly different than Sexson's - in fact, they are startlingly similar - except more errors for Glaus, and Sexson is hitting a little better with RISP. Although he has 4 times as many GIDP as Glaus. So Troy may be a disappointment, but appears Sexson would be, too - Of course, for $3M less dollars.

Looking at more detailed stats, it is fascinating that neither one of these guys is really 'clutch' (yeah, yeah, no such thing, whatever - bear with me) in that their numbers drop sharply as they go from 0-1-2 strike counts. I mean Glaus falls off the planet with 2 strikes on him, and always has. Sexson is similar, maybe not as dramatic. Also, career stats indicate Glaus is worst in the #3 or #4 spot and does best #2, or #6-7 in the lineup.

Here's an interesting Scouting, Inc. note on Troy: The key, as always, is staying healthy. He insists on playing third base and that could lead to further injuries down the road, as his 245 pounds diving for balls can tend to strain tendons, ligaments and muscles. The other issue is the long slumps he can stumble into, typically around early June. Unfortunately, this year he didn't slump in June - or his maybe generally mediocre performance made a slump undetectable.

 

[Gnomad]

buyers, but i feel we're going to be moving some major bodies. i'd like to see clayton out of the lineup, for one. fantastic defense, but is craptastic with the stick. I know Cintron isn't a favorite around here, but he's one of the best hitters we have, and he's not THAT bad in the field... ok... he's getting better, how's that?

Obviouly Ortiz has to go. And cruz jr. The guy has 11 HRs this year, he's doing well in that dept, but that's the ONLY thing i've seen him do this year, and that's simply not enough, but may be enough to get him moved to a team looking for some power. lots of names need moved. take a look into the bullpen, grab a body, make him go. I'd like to see Cormier stay, i think he could be special for us in a couple years.

random meandering post with no point. thanks for reading my randomness. I love this team the most of any pro team, but they're killing me with this type of play.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

Glaus just doesn't strike me as particularily bright. The guy takes the exact same swing when the count is 0-2 as he does at 3-0, or 3-1....he never shortens up or makes adjustments. It's frustrating as hell to watch.

 

[IndyDevil]

Unless Javy tells the FO he LOVES the dry climate, scratchy eyes, and the delicate barbequed scent of his clothes, and plans to stay, they should look to package him sooner rather than later to a legit contender, ideally for a HEALTHY, hear that Joe? Healthy top young starter maybe at AAA level. The risk of waiting until the deadline is that while the desperation may be higher, the possibile suitors and returns may be picked over.

Kind of what I was going to babble about - maybe the FO should try and get some good young arms for Vasquez, unless Javy clearly indicates he wants to stay past this season. One problem is that Javy has made it known he wants to be closer to Puerto Rico, which might eliminate some teams from consideration; also, who knows what kind of a reaction Vasquez might have knowing we are trying to trade him, though going to a contender might soften that a bit.

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

Glaus just doesn't strike me as particularily bright. The guy takes the exact same swing when the count is 0-2 as he does at 3-0, or 3-1....he never shortens up or makes adjustments. It's frustrating as hell to watch.

There's probably bonuses in his contract for home runs, not walks or sacrifices.

And if trading Javy this season is inevitable, let's hope he puts it together this month to sweeten the pot.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

There's probably bonuses in his contract for home runs, not walks or sacrifices.

And if trading Javy this season is inevitable, let's hope he puts it together this month to sweeten the pot.

Totally agree, hopefully between him, Estes and Clark we can attempt to restock our minor league pitching. We really need to find a way to improve our pitching throughout the organization.

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

I doubt we get a pitcher for Clark, he's a one year wonder and position players generally don't get as much as in midseason deals as they would during the offseason. If Estes and Javy have good months then we should be able to pick up some quality for them. However, if they both have a good July then we may be back in the race and therefore won't want to trade them.

 

[overseascardfan]

I think they should maybe trade a couple of players to build for the future. Guys who our blocking prospects who are ready. Ortiz, Cintron, and maybe Green could bring us some good young pitching prospects. I wouldn't trade Vazquez and would be a little hesitant in trading Green due to the fact that he has played well in last couple of weeks.

 

[boondockdrunk]

I think they should maybe trade a couple of players to build for the future. Guys who our blocking prospects who are ready. Ortiz, Cintron, and maybe Green could bring us some good young pitching prospects. I wouldn't trade Vazquez and would be a little hesitant in trading Green due to the fact that he has played well in last couple of weeks.

We can trade both Clark and Tracy because Conor is racking in AAA. He isn't great with the glove, but the boy can hit. So maybe a contender in need of a 1st baseman can give us at least one good pitching prospect.

 

[AZZenny]

This may sound silly - but I liked Tracy in LF the other night. He had more hustle than Gonzo normally shows (but how about that in-the-stands catch today to rob a HR! Way to go Gonzo!) and with a little practice, I could see Chad out there. I like his bat and his approach, and it's not clear that anyone other than CQ is quite ready to take a spot in the OF. (I still don't think Conor looked that bad in LF the dozen or so games I saw him out there, and by the end of AZFL, he was even throwing it in pretty decently.)

 

[WizardOfAz]

This may sound silly - but I liked Tracy in LF the other night. He had more hustle than Gonzo normally shows (but how about that in-the-stands catch today to rob a HR! Way to go Gonzo!) and with a little practice, I could see Chad out there. I like his bat and his approach, and it's not clear that anyone other than CQ is quite ready to take a spot in the OF. (I still don't think Conor looked that bad in LF the dozen or so games I saw him out there, and by the end of AZFL, he was even throwing it in pretty decently.)

Good observation on Gonzo. It was a nice play in the stands (did you catch the Cubs' reference by Lyons?) but he cannot play for ever. I thought Tracy did a decent job while Gonzo was gone last week, but would hev to see more before I can be convinced of his long term viability.

 

[overseascardfan]

This may sound silly - but I liked Tracy in LF the other night. He had more hustle than Gonzo normally shows (but how about that in-the-stands catch today to rob a HR! Way to go Gonzo!) and with a little practice, I could see Chad out there. I like his bat and his approach, and it's not clear that anyone other than CQ is quite ready to take a spot in the OF. (I still don't think Conor looked that bad in LF the dozen or so games I saw him out there, and by the end of AZFL, he was even throwing it in pretty decently.)

From what I hear LF is going to go to Jon Zeringue in the next couple of years, unless either him or Quentin can move to center or they trade Glaus, Tracy may be the odd man out in the long run.

 

[devilalum]

What stinks is that the Dbacks are probably still saying, "Look we're only 4 out!" like that matters.

They were so horrible in June why would they think things are all of a sudden going to turn around.

It would be like the captain of the Titanic refusing to send a distress call. "Don't worry lads we'll have this vessel on its way in no time."

 

[AZZenny]

From what I hear LF is going to go to Jon Zeringue in the next couple of years,

Well, that was the initial impression based on his post-draft performance, but he'll need to show his abilities in the higher minors and he's struggling a bit at the AA level so far this year. (We tend to forget just how much of a hitter's park Lancaster is, perhaps.)

Zeringuw: 257 AB, 3 HR, 29rbi, a terribul! 5.3K per BB, 5/4 SB/CS; .261 BA, .292 OBP, .362 slg, 7 E.

Right now, Noochie Varner looks like a better bet for OF.

 

[IndyDevil]

From AZ Central (FanBoy):

It is time to run up the white flag over Bank One Ballpark and post a "For Sale By Owner" sign at the entrance of the D-Backs' clubhouse.

A look at the NL West standings might reflect only a 4½-game deficit with half a season to be played, but as the losses pile up it is time to take a cold, hard look at this team and come to the realization that the D-Backs aren't a playoff team.

No form of positive spin can take away from the fact that the D-Backs are a .500 team at best. A dreadful June and a bad start to July has dampened the optimism that arose from a surprising April and May, and now fans are left to wonder what to make of this team that has looked vaguely reminiscent to their 2004 version during the last couple of weeks.

It is time for the D-Backs to undo some of their mistakes from the past off-season and start aggressively looking to get rid of some of their veterans, and that lists starts with Javier Vazquez.

Vazquez should become a hot commodity in the next couple of weeks, especially for teams that are looking for an extra arm to get them over the hump down the stretch. The Puerto Rican right-hander can help the D-Backs out if he can string together some solid outings. It is uncertain how the market will bear out, but the D-Backs should be able to get two young arms in exchange for Vazquez.

Aside from the Baltimore Orioles (wouldn't Daniel Cabrera look nice in a D-Backs jersey?) and Boston Red Sox, who may be in need of another starter down the stretch, the Florida Marlins are an intriguing option given the quality of their minor league system and Vazquez's desire to play close to home in Puerto Rico.

There are some young arms like Scott Olsen and Yorman Bazardo who are just breaking into the Marlins' big-league staff, and it would be a coup for the D-Backs to grab either one of these pitchers.

The White Sox could be players in the Vazquez sweepstakes. The Sox are looking to replace Jose Contreras in the rotation - and GM Ken Williams was interested in acquiring Vazquez from the Yankees last season - so expect these rumors to heat up in the next couple of weeks.

The Sox have some talent in their farm system with pitchers Sean Tracey and Brenden McCarthy at the top of the heap when it comes to pitchers.

Shawn Estes should be another player on the block, but he needs to have a couple solid outings in the next couple of weeks to pique some contender's interest. Teams are always looking to add left-handed arms and Estes' small $2.5 million salary won't scare any one off. While Estes won't generate the interest of Vazquez, the D-Backs may be able to get a minor leaguer or two out of the deal.

Tony Clark should be another one looking for a new home come the 1st of August. With the imminent arrival of Conor Jackson and the presence of Chad Tracy at first, Clark's bat is a luxury the D-Backs don't need. Clark won't nab a high-level prospect, but the D-Backs may be able to get a player that may help down the road.

The D-Backs would love to get something for Jose Cruz Jr., but given his health problems, lack of production and $4 million salary, there won't be many suitors. Since Cruz is on the roster he will continue to get at-bats that should be going to determining if Luis Terrero is a legitimate Major League center-fielder. The D-Backs should look to move Cruz even if they get a bag of balls and a fungo bat in return.

What you won't be seeing in the next month is the D-Backs trading away any of their signees from 2004. Troy Glaus, Shawn Green, Russ Ortiz, Royce Clayton and Craig Counsell are staying put because letting any of these players go would be an acknowledgment of the mistakes made this off-season.

While it should be a given after watching the last couple of weeks that the D-Backs aren't a true contender for the postseason, it may be that the D-Backs' front office is still viewing this season through rose-colored glasses. They could easily get back to the point that they start talking about acquiring bullpen help again.

The D-Backs have always been an organization that has looked at the present instead of the future. It is time they finally changed that philosophy.

Yep.