I hate the fact that some random DA reported this as a done deal because I nvr thought we had a chance. Now I have my hopes up!
There was a recent ESPN article that listed Goldy as a "surprise" player that may be traded. That's why I brought it up. True, it was nothing more than a speculative opinion piece. And while I agree that ARI most likely doesn't move him (yet),Arizonas recent abysmal prospect ratings make it a fantasy talking point on a slow day.
Supposedly not now unless a team takes on the entire contract and surrenders quality prospects. The issue is ownership doesn't want to pay 40-60 million to entice a team to part with top 50 prospects. Supposedly they are going to roll the dice and hope for a bounce back elite season from him and reconsider moving him at the break or next year.
That sounds risky. He's expected to bounce back at least half way so they should almost be able to give him away. If he doesn't bounce back, Dbacks would be paying Fiers 34 million a year for 5 years for all intents and purposes. Dbacks don't have money or prospects to overcome that. Overpaying for Greinke and trading for Miller could possibly send Dbacks to cellar for nearly a decade. Arizona last year was run as if the average fan was running them. Take a team that was near average the year before, add the guy that should have won the NL Cy Young and another top 30 pitcher using only money, prospects, and a good defensive centerfielder...what could go wrong?
I agree it is very risky. Eating 50 million is a lot more appetizing than being stuck with nearly 200 million of dead money. I suspect that ownership is not willing to accept that their moves last year were a colossal failure and they need to cut their loses. However if they are smart, their new front office may be able to convince ownership by the break or next spring it is time to rebuild. They have pieces that could get them a very nice return.
Ownership group may not be willing to cut losses. Greinke may bounce back all the way and it could turn out good for them. Back on topic, let's overpay for EE and trade 6 prospects for Sale....what could go wrong?
Went from favorites to sign EE, then signing EE, to false report, to 'nothing is imminent', then complete silence. Anxious to see what happens and wondering what's going on behind the scenes.
Basically, the theory is the same as why the White Sox would trade Sale. Star player in his prime on a team that has no hopes in the near future. Now is when they can get the most value from him; the longer they wait, the less value he has to an acquiring team. Same reason the Astros should have traded Berkman and Oswalt sooner than they did. Also probably won't trade him for the same reasons - he's the face of the franchise and it would be a bit of a PR mess.
Passing on EE makes sense on a couple levels. First, Beltran is no slouch and he obviously fills a need. Second, he's cheaper both this year and more importantly, unlike EE, he presents no long-term baggage. Even if Beltran underperforms and regresses in 2016, our other moves (McCann, Reddick, Aoki, Yuli, and a full season of Bregman) should give the offense some breathing room. One reader compared Beltran to Ed Reed. I see the similarity in age, but the Astros FO is not relying on Beltran like Rick Smith and co. were relying on Reed. If Beltran flops, our offense will still be strong. Fangraphs has a good article on EE (http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-argument-against-edwin-encarnacion) that I suggest CF readers checks out. Regarding the long-term baggage issue, HOU is in a prime position to add elite talent in the biggest FA market of all-time in 2017. That stance would have been somewhat compromised with EE.
