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Originally Posted by VERVE
Not sure if we need a big bat like Fielder especially with Scott Boras -the prince of darkness-as his agent. He would probably command Vernon Wells type of pay or more. Why can't we assume that Brett Lawrie could be that next big bat for us. He certainly has more speed and was coming along last yr. If they are going to spend that type of money, why not trade for a pitcher in #2 rotation.
I don't think Drabek, Cecil and or Alvarez are ready for that #2 slot-certainly not Drabek yet (who should be #1 in a few years if he ever gets consistent). IMO, Alvarez has a strong potential to be battling for #1a in 2 yrs. I am more excited about him than anyone in our rotation-he's got much mental toughness, velocity and movement. Heck, next year the #2 slot could be McGowan's to take if he stays healthy. He had awesome stuff with late movements last year albeit few short innings but his velocity is up there in the 96-97 mph (98-100mph before injuries).
If we are going to spend big bucks to improve, I would go for a pitcher first before I get a big bat. Here is a stretch, why not try for a Darvish. He was rated as the top 2-3 pitcher in the world not playing in the MLB a year ago and still is. In one of my posts last year, I described what I saw while I was in Sapporo (visiting my wife's family) and watching him pitched for the Nippon Ham Fighters. It is not a big a gamble as the other Japanese pitchers posted and signed, I think.
I am not a scout but IMO Darvish reminds me of a Randy Johnson. He has few more repitoire than Johnson. His tall and lanky body allows him to really whip his body into his full stretch- extension. He throws a lot of strikes. So far there is no elbow issues due to his arm being inverted as a "J" before bringing it overhead-kind of odd mechanics (?). Boston and Yankees are perhaps a little leery of posting such big money given their not so good luck with the Japanese pitchers. Although Matsuzaka is not a bust as some have claimed.
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I'm a big fan of Lawrie, however I don't think it is smart to depend on him to be a major bat in our lineup next season. I've seen way too many players do well as rookies and follow up with a sub-par season. He still has to be considered somewhat of an unknown at this point, at least until he puts another solid season or two together.
I read somewhere (I can't remember where but I'll try to find it) that the Jays are likely to bid for Darvish, they just aren't likely to be the highest bid. So who knows what will happen there. It may depend on if we can acquire a starter via trade before/if Darvish gets posted.