Sellers, buyers, or watchers?

[Gaddabout]

I asked someone close to the team if he thought the D-Backs would be active during mid-season trade activity. He predicted they would be sellers.

It's a .500 team and is more competitive than they've been in a couple of years. The payroll is the 7th smallest in baseball. But I guess .500 won't be enough for the D-Backs to resist moving salaries of guys like Kelly Johnson, Branyon, and Saunders if they collect enough interest.

OTOH, it sounds like the constant Drew trade rumors can be put to rest. Same for Upton. So there's that.

Couple of bats in Reno that are killing it to start the season, but they look like lifetime tweeners like Willie Mo Pena and Tony Abreu. Reno's loaded with players like that. So ... not sure what to expect in terms of call ups if they move a starter.

 

[Matt L]

Putz may have some value at the deadline. I wonder what the Phillies would give up for Kelly Johnson.

 

[azsportsfan01]

I asked someone close to the team if he thought the D-Backs would be active during mid-season trade activity. He predicted they would be sellers.

It's a .500 team and is more competitive than they've been in a couple of years. The payroll is the 7th smallest in baseball. But I guess .500 won't be enough for the D-Backs to resist moving salaries of guys like Kelly Johnson, Branyon, and Saunders if they collect enough interest.

OTOH, it sounds like the constant Drew trade rumors can be put to rest. Same for Upton. So there's that.

Couple of bats in Reno that are killing it to start the season, but they look like lifetime tweeners like Willie Mo Pena and Tony Abreu. Reno's loaded with players like that. So ... not sure what to expect in terms of call ups if they move a starter.

There is no doubt this team will be sellers since they aren't quite ready to contend, though they won't be sellers to the extent they have been in the past.

Obviously Upton is going nowhere (and I seriously doubt he was really on the block to begin with. I think it was more of a light the fire under him than anything else).

I could see Drew put on the block though I think the off-season is the time we will really look at dealing him. Above average shortstops are impossible to find and I doubt Boras will let him re-sign with the D-Backs so they will need to look at dealing him at some point.

Kelly I could see being traded since they had a tough time agreeing to a deal, getting one in just before arb. In the end I think he stays.

Saunders is gone.

Branyan should be dealt since teams always want that power bat off the bench. Those are the type of guys the D-Backs need to sign each year. Someone who can help for half a year and then can be dealt for a decent piece.

I doubt Putz gets dealt because the D-Backs don't really have a closer ready to take over. If he gets dealt it will be next off-season.

 

[BC867]

I doubt Putz gets dealt because the D-Backs don't really have a closer ready to take over.

'Agree. A dependable closer is probably the single most important player on the roster. It gives confidence to the rest of the pitching staff, the offense, management and the fans.

 

[overseascardfan]

Where's 82CardsFan, Hudson got whacked tonight. Definitely, not ace material, none of the rotation has ace potential. I think there is no untouchable on this team because no one has played like an untouchable.

I honestly think Drew will get dealt, he is too rich for the D'backs blood, get a nice package for him while you can. Problem is all our talent is in the low minors: Goldschmidt, Owings, Borchering, Pollock, Davidson, Brewer, Parker, Miley, Krauss etc. They won't be ready for at least a couple of years.

 

[Gaddabout]

I honestly think Drew will get dealt, he is too rich for the D'backs blood, get a nice package for him while you can. Problem is all our talent is in the low minors: Goldschmidt, Owings, Borchering, Pollock, Davidson, Brewer, Parker, Miley, Krauss etc. They won't be ready for at least a couple of years.

And alot of those guys like Borchering have a high miss factor. D-Backs have the 3rd pick in this year's draft and it sounds like they most obvious choice is Virginia pitcher Danny Hultzen. That would help and he'd probably be on a fast-track. They really need to pick some winners this year ...

 

[Mulli]

If you can get something good for Johnson, K or Branyan, R how can you NOT deal them.

 

[The Commish]

If you can get something good for Johnson, K or Branyan, R how can you NOT deal them.

Yeah those are the guys you deal. Putz, Drew, etc aren't going anywhere this year in my opinion.

 

[82CardsGrad]

Where's 82CardsFan, Hudson got whacked tonight. Definitely, not ace material, none of the rotation has ace potential. I think there is no untouchable on this team because no one has played like an untouchable.

I honestly think Drew will get dealt, he is too rich for the D'backs blood, get a nice package for him while you can. Problem is all our talent is in the low minors: Goldschmidt, Owings, Borchering, Pollock, Davidson, Brewer, Parker, Miley, Krauss etc. They won't be ready for at least a couple of years.

5 hits in 5 1/3rd innings is most certainly NOT getting "whacked"... He walked 4, which included walking in 2 runs in one inning...

He certainly hasn't looked like an "ace" thus far this season, however, I'm definitely not willing to drop him from that status after a mere 24 innings pitched. Last season, he pitched 80 innings and had a 1.69 ERA and a WHIP of 0.84. That's "ace" stuff no matter how you twist it.
Thus far this season, thru 24 innings he's got a 5.92 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. Very poor ERA and a middle of the pack WHIP. Let's give the kid a few more games before we start hammering him. Control seems to be the issue so far. I would guess that he'll improve there in short order...

 

[ASUCHRIS]

Yeah those are the guys you deal. Putz, Drew, etc aren't going anywhere this year in my opinion.

Considering Drew will be a free agent soon, and is represented by Boras, I can almost assure you he gone. Better to get something for him then let him walk.

 

[82CardsGrad]

Where's 82CardsFan, Hudson got whacked tonight. Definitely, not ace material, none of the rotation has ace potential. I think there is no untouchable on this team because no one has played like an untouchable.

I honestly think Drew will get dealt, he is too rich for the D'backs blood, get a nice package for him while you can. Problem is all our talent is in the low minors: Goldschmidt, Owings, Borchering, Pollock, Davidson, Brewer, Parker, Miley, Krauss etc. They won't be ready for at least a couple of years.

5 hits in 5 1/3rd innings is most certainly NOT getting "whacked"... He walked 4, which included walking in 2 runs in one inning...

He certainly hasn't looked like an "ace" thus far this season, however, I'm definitely not willing to drop him from that status after a mere 24 innings pitched. Last season, he pitched 80 innings and had a 1.69 ERA and a WHIP of 0.84. That's "ace" stuff no matter how you twist it.
Thus far this season, thru 24 innings he's got a 5.92 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. Very poor ERA and a middle of the pack WHIP. Let's give the kid a few more games before we start hammering him. Control seems to be the issue so far. I would guess that he'll improve there in short order...

Nice game from Hudson tonight as he picks up his first W of the season... 6 innings, 6 K's and zero walks. Did give up 10 hits, of which 6 came in the first three innings. He continues to struggle early in games. Strange.
Anyway, on the heels of Kennedy's gem yesterday, the team just assured themselves of a series win against the Phillies. Nice way to bounce back after the turd they dropped in NY...

 

[82CardsGrad]

Nice game from Hudson tonight as he picks up his first W of the season... 6 innings, 6 K's and zero walks. Did give up 10 hits, of which 6 came in the first three innings. He continues to struggle early in games. Strange.
Anyway, on the heels of Kennedy's gem yesterday, the team just assured themselves of a series win against the Phillies. Nice way to bounce back after the turd they dropped in NY...

Another solid performance from Hudson yesterday. 7 innings. 5 K's and only 1 walk and 3 earned runs. Picked up his 2nd consecutive W. Last two starts he's pitched 13 innings, with 11 K's and 1 walk. I think he's getting back into rhythm...

 

[82CardsGrad]

Another solid performance from Hudson yesterday. 7 innings. 5 K's and only 1 walk and 3 earned runs. Picked up his 2nd consecutive W. Last two starts he's pitched 13 innings, with 11 K's and 1 walk. I think he's getting back into rhythm...

And........ ANOTHER great outing for Hudson. 3rd win in a row. 7 innings, 5 k's, NO walks and No runs allowed!

Last 3 starts he's pitched a combined 20 innings, with 16 K's and 1 walk!

Kid can flat out pitch!!

 

[Tyler]

BUY BUY BUY. The team is buying in, they can win now. pick up a quality starter like Dan Haren and this team can win the west.

 

[overseascardfan]

BUY BUY BUY. The team is buying in, they can win now. pick up a quality starter like Dan Haren and this team can win the west.

Should we just give back what they gave up to get him?

 

[82CardsGrad]

Where's 82CardsFan, Hudson got whacked tonight. Definitely, not ace material, none of the rotation has ace potential. I think there is no untouchable on this team because no one has played like an untouchable.

Yet ANOTHER tremendous "ACE MATERIAL" outing from Hudson yesterday! Complete Game, 5 hits, 3 K's, no Walk and 1 earned run! And, while this is by far the most he's ever pitched in a season, he ended the game yesterday in 1-2-3 fashion, with a swinging strikeout to close it out!

What an incredible deal this has turned out to be (Jackson for Hudson)! Kenny Williams got rocked!!

Oh, and by the way - Kennedy is also "ACE MATERIAL"...

 

[Matt L]

I wouldn't mind swinging a deal for a 3B, SP, RP.

 

[Azlen]

If the Drew injury is serious, and it looks like it is, then that really takes us out of the buyer category.

 

[sundevil04]

If the Drew injury is serious, and it looks like it is, then that really takes us out of the buyer category.

...?!?!?!?!?! Can you say Buster Posey?

 

[devilalum]

Dbacks are not buyers. They have too many holes.

 

[DWKB]

Dbacks are not buyers. They have too many holes.

That and the Giants would need to show some sign of imploding soon.

 

[Mulli]

Okay okay, maybe it would be cool to see Konerko in Phoenix.

 

[AsUdUdE]

I realize I am in the minority.. But losing Drew while big, does not elminate us from contention this year....

Over the next 26 games the Giants play the Brutal schedule that the Dbacks just got done playing, in that stretch they play Philly (7 times), Atlanta (4 times), Milwakee, Cinncinatti, Pittsburg, and AZ...

That is BRUTAL...

The Dbacks meanwhile in the next 26 games get the Dodgers (6 times), Houston (4 times), Padres, Rockies, SF, and Mets....

We will know in a month which way this season will go... but I don't think losing Drew has killed our season just yet...

 

[DutchmanAZ]

Dbacks roster moves:
Sent RHP Yhency Brazoban outright to Reno. Optioned RHP Barry Enright to Reno
Selected the contract of RHP Ryan Cook from Mobile (SL). Recalled RHP Bryan Shaw from Reno (PCL).

Whats the difference between "outright to Reno" and "Optioned to Reno"?

 

[Gaddabout]

I'm stunned they didn't bring up Cody Ransom today. Kid is killing Triple A. I guess when you're veteran you're expected to in that league, but he has franchise-record 25 home runs so far and he's a short stop. With Drew out, I don't think you go into August with a hole like that. Although I do like Bloomquist there against certain matchups.

I think the D-Backs are considered buyers still by most people who cover the game, but they're buyers on a budget. They're looking for bullpen bargains. They won't be going after, say, Heath Bell or some of the other bigger names that might be on the market for a hefty price.