They are certainly looking at starting pitching and also a reliever. Nationals and Astros have talked about deals centered around relievers. I think they have a better chance of getting a quality reliever than anyone else. They have spoken to teams about a solid MOR starter and are open to a deal for a TOR veteran quasi ace if one becomes available. As for bats - they want someone that can play first and have spoken to just about every team. Best bet for a deal is with the A’s or Rays for a player that can pitch or play 1st. Lots of outfielders out there. Winkler is talented but is inconsistent and is really not respected around the game.
Do you consider giving up 5 top 20 prospects as blowing up the Farm? Example, would trading Blubaugh, Loperfido, Gordon, Melton and Cole to get Flaherty, Erzeg, Winker blow up the farm? Heck I would even throw in a couple of high end pitchers like Tamarez, Knorr, Santa. Of course I've got faith in Dana easily being able to replace these guys. There's not a Tucker, Bregs, Pena in the system right now from what I've read. Health, sure they need to get JV back and pitching well in the playoffs. His injury (only god knows what's really wrong with him) could be a good thing because it will limit his innings and increase the odds of him being stronger in the playoffs. With this said Dana should operate like JV isn't going to make it back and go out and get the best SP possible because it would be a shame if the Stros came up short on a WS run because of lack of pitching due to the fact that they wanted to hold onto prospects. These runs are rare and orgs need to do everything possible to get as many rings as possible, even if it means trades may hurt a little more than Dana would like. I would feel a lot better if Luhnow was making these calls instead of Dana and especially Crane.
Whether you have a stacked farm or a barren one, it’s all about knowing which players to trade away and which ones to keep.
Look for the Mariners to add at least 2 bats in the coming days. All the guys we have been talking about for the Astros are in okay for them as well. wRC+ C: Diaz 103 / Raleigh 104 1b: Singleton 96 / Raley 103 2b: Altuve 130 / Polanco 73 3b: Bregman 106 / Rojas 96 SS: Pena 102 / Crawford 90 LF: Dubon 92 / Moore 106 CF: Meyers 104 / Rodriguez 101 RF: Tucker 173 / Haniger 81 DH: Alvarez 159 / Garver 85 Interesting thing is that both teams 6 hitters between 90-106. The difference is the other 3: Astros 173, 159, 130 Mariners: 85, 81, 73
Predictions: Dodgers will get Crochet and Robert Mariners will get Rooker and DeJong Orioles will get Skubal Phillies will get Taylor Ward
I hope the Dodgers get Crochet and Robert (if the Astros don't pull a rabbit out of the hat) I agree with this, except I don't think Skubal gets traded.
The closer we get to the deadline (and lose games scoring less than 3 runs) the more I am convinced a big deal is coming and it's for a controllable bat.
Need #1 = SP. Need #2 = >120 wRC+/OPS+ bat likely 1b or LF. Need #3 = another bat Need #4 leverage RP. That's all unless trading creates another hole. If we get Flaherty, Paredes, and Winker I think Penn Murfee can be the bullpen add and this team would be the favorites heading into the post season.
Justin Verlander - SP Kyle Tucker - Bat Lance McCullers Jr. - SP Luis Garcia -SP Kendall Graveman RP Starting Pitcher, 1 Batter, that hits 5th or 6th, high average, decent power, RISP professional hitter in that spot.
Seattle got them a low 200s hitter that essentially only drives in runs when he homers. Ok, he'll fit in perfectly in Seattle.
Man y'all dreaming up some sheet. Let's remember the 2022 trade deadline moves. And we were NOT under monetary restraints, mind you. No luxury tax implications to worry about. Trey Mancini (nearly useless) Christian Vazquez (nearly useless) Will Smith (useless) That was it. You just described a dream scenario that's not going to be anywhere close to reality.
#1 = Mancini was projected to be much more than useless. I loved that move but it didn't work out. He had a 116 OPS+ pre-trade 2022 and for his career in Baltimore. It's still weird how badly and quickly he fell off. #2 = Vasquez was a playoff tested catcher that had a 109 OPS+ at the time of the trade. Maldonado finished the season w/ 70 (but I don't know what it was at the deadline). He checked all the boxes that Dusty used as excuses to keep Maldy in the lineup but sat the bench anyway. #3 = Smith wasn't bad while here, but mainly he got Odorizzi off the books for 2023. #4 = they won a World Series so the deals couldn't have hurt too bad.
