MLB Free Agency Thread.

[HitterD]

Originally Posted by flames_1987

ESPN.com reporting the Dodgers are intrested in Vernon Wells, with Jason Schmidt, LA has pitching and prospects to deal.

Yup, obviously it's Penny that would start the negotiations, and Kemp would likely (hopefully) be included as well. Even still, I'm weary about dealing Vernon.

EDIT: heres a link with a couple of jays tidbits, and it mentions Penny as well.

Also mentions Chris Gomez as a possible signing, although I don't really see why sisnce the Jays just picked up Smith in the Rule 5 draft.

http://torontosun.com/Sports/Basebal...69803-sun.html

[CaramonLS]

Originally Posted by flames_1987

ESPN.com reporting the Dodgers are intrested in Vernon Wells, with Jason Schmidt, LA has pitching and prospects to deal.

Yes, but why?

They just signed Luis Gonzalez 1 year-7 million to play RF, and Juan Pierre for a stupid amount of cash to play CF. They have a good player in Andre Ethier who is playing left for them. He had a very good rookie season.

[HitterD]

Originally Posted by CaramonLS

Yes, but why?

They just signed Luis Gonzalez 1 year-7 million to play RF, and Juan Pierre for a stupid amount of cash to play CF. They have a good player in Andre Ethier who is playing left for them. He had a very good rookie season.

Some reports are suggesting that Penny's temper has become too frustrating to management. Couple that with his poor second half after being the NL starting pitcher in the all-star game, and I think thats why they are willing to deal him for a big bat. The Dodgers have the $$$$ to sign VW or to take on Manny Ramirez's contract, so it's possible.

But you are right, they don't appear to need help in the OF, I think they just want a big bat though.

[flambers]

Originally Posted by HitterD

Some reports are suggesting that Penny's temper has become too frustrating to management. Couple that with his poor second half after being the NL starting pitcher in the all-star game, and I think thats why they are willing to deal him for a big bat. The Dodgers have the $$$$ to sign VW or to take on Manny Ramirez's contract, so it's possible.

But you are right, they don't appear to need help in the OF, I think they just want a big bat though.

Sure they need the help out of the those 3 Outfielders you mentioned none of them are in the class of Vernon Wells. I am sure they would love to land the guy the only question is would the Jays trade him.

[HitterD]

Originally Posted by flambers

Sure they need the help out of the those 3 Outfielders you mentioned none of them are in the class of Vernon Wells. I am sure they would love to land the guy the only question is would the Jays trade him.

Look at it this way:

We keep wells and lose him after this year, and gain 2 draft picks. The Jays try to contend with WV and 2 young unproven starting pitchers.

or

we trade him for Penny and Kemp (maybe add another mid-level prospect if needed), and hope that the addition of a solid pitcher to the rotation will make up for Vernon's offence. The Jays will also need to hope that someone like Rios can step up into the #3 spot and hit well consistently.

Which scenario is better?? I'm not sure yet. Wells is very valuable, but keeping him this year and losing him for draft picks is a bit of a crapshoot. I'd be tempted to make the trade, but it's close.

To answer your question, i think JP is seriously considering trading Wells, so it's not out of the realm of possibility.

[flambers]

Originally Posted by HitterD

Look at it this way:

We keep wells and lose him after this year, and gain 2 draft picks. The Jays try to contend with WV and 2 young unproven starting pitchers.

or

we trade him for Penny and Kemp (maybe add another mid-level prospect if needed), and hope that the addition of a solid pitcher to the rotation will make up for Vernon's offence. The Jays will also need to hope that someone like Rios can step up into the #3 spot and hit well consistently.

Which scenario is better?? I'm not sure yet. Wells is very valuable, but keeping him this year and losing him for draft picks is a bit of a crapshoot. I'd be tempted to make the trade, but it's close.

To answer your question, i think JP is seriously considering trading Wells, so it's not out of the realm of possibility.

If its my call, I trade Wells to a team like the Dodgers who have lots of prospects but I believe JP will not trade Wells he will try to sign the guy and if he trades Wells it will happen in July. Which in my view is a mistake.

I agree with you I really believe the correct decision is to trade Wells and try to land a really good package deal.

[kipperfan]

Just a thought I had today......If the Jays were willing to pay Meche and Lilly $11/year each, why wouldnt they take a run at Zito and offer him $20+/year for 4-5 year term?

I think Zito + Marcum/League/Towers/Rosario for $22-23 million would be a helluva lot better then Lilly + Meche for the same money.

I havent heard anyone mention this as even a possibility so im sure there is no chance of it happening, but my god, if we could have Halladay/Burnett/Zito it would be the best 1/2/3 in the league hands down.

[HitterD]

Originally Posted by flambers

If its my call, I trade Wells to a team like the Dodgers who have lots of prospects but I believe JP will not trade Wells he will try to sign the guy and if he trades Wells it will happen in July. Which in my view is a mistake.

I agree with you I really believe the correct decision is to trade Wells and try to land a really good package deal.

Just out of curiosity, what makes you believe JP wont trade him until July, if at all?

I know JP has said that he is not interested in trading Wells unless a deal really blew him away, but since when is he ever honest with the media??

Last off-season JP publically stated that he was no longer interested in Burnett and Ryan, only to have them signed within 48 hrs.

I have a feeling VW will not be a Blue Jay to begin the season, in fact, he may be gone by February.

You may be right, i'm just curious what makes you think that he wont trade VW yet, thats all

[CaramonLS]

Originally Posted by kipperfan

Just a thought I had today......If the Jays were willing to pay Meche and Lilly $11/year each, why wouldnt they take a run at Zito and offer him $20+/year for 4-5 year term?

I think Zito + Marcum/League/Towers/Rosario for $22-23 million would be a helluva lot better then Lilly + Meche for the same money.

I havent heard anyone mention this as even a possibility so im sure there is no chance of it happening, but my god, if we could have Halladay/Burnett/Zito it would be the best 1/2/3 in the league hands down.

He wont take 22-23, think lower, like 17.

[kipperfan]

Originally Posted by CaramonLS

He wont take 22-23, think lower, like 17.

Yeah but frankly if the Jays wanted any chance of getting him I think they would have to give him an amazing offer considering the other teams that are said to be pursueing him(Yanks, Mets and Rangers).

If I am JP I throw $85 million over 4 years at him, same money they would have spent on Lilly and Meche, and perhaps he could lure him to come to Canada and play. If it happened, you hold to Wells, as you would have to think on paper the Jays would have one of the, if not the best lineup in the American league.

[HitterD]

Originally Posted by kipperfan

Just a thought I had today......If the Jays were willing to pay Meche and Lilly $11/year each, why wouldnt they take a run at Zito and offer him $20+/year for 4-5 year term?

I think Zito + Marcum/League/Towers/Rosario for $22-23 million would be a helluva lot better then Lilly + Meche for the same money.

I havent heard anyone mention this as even a possibility so im sure there is no chance of it happening, but my god, if we could have Halladay/Burnett/Zito it would be the best 1/2/3 in the league hands down.

Well, I really like the idea, i have for awhile actually.

Unfortunetly, I don't think Zito has any aspirations to become a Jay. I believe he has publically stated he wants to either go to a NY team or stay on the coast.

It would cost us alot to get him, and given the tax situation in Toronto/Canada, It's probably going to cost us considerably more money than he has been offered in order to convince him to come up north.

That said, Zito's career #'s at the Roger's Centre are atrocious. In fact, I believe his career ERA against Toronto/Boston/NY is over 5.00 as well. Alot of people think he will be crushed in the AL East. I'm not so sure that would happen, but if it did, thats alot of money to spend on a player who gets lit up by our two biggest rivals.

This is why I liked Lilly, even though he was inconsistent, he always seemed to rise to the occation against Boston and NY.

Even still, I'd be real tempted to sign him anyway, because that rotation would be deadly.

Another Idea.... what do you guys think of Jennings from Colorado?? I hear he is avaliable, and Colorado needs a CF. What about a package centered around Reed johnson and some prospects?

[kipperfan]

Originally Posted by HitterD

Well, I really like the idea, i have for awhile actually.

Unfortunetly, I don't think Zito has any aspirations to become a Jay. I believe he has publically stated he wants to either go to a NY team or stay on the coast.

It would cost us alot to get him, and given the tax situation in Toronto/Canada, It's probably going to cost us considerably more money than he has been offered in order to convince him to come up north.

That said, Zito's career #'s at the Roger's Centre are atrocious. In fact, I believe his career ERA against Toronto/Boston/NY is over 5.00 as well. Alot of people think he will be crushed in the AL East. I'm not so sure that would happen, but if it did, thats alot of money to spend on a player who gets lit up by our two biggest rivals.

This is why I liked Lilly, even though he was inconsistent, he always seemed to rise to the occation against Boston and NY.

Even still, I'd be real tempted to sign him anyway, because that rotation would be deadly.

Another Idea.... what do you guys think of Jennings from Colorado?? I hear he is avaliable, and Colorado needs a CF. What about a package centered around Reed johnson and some prospects?

I wouldnt want to lose Reed at all, he is excellent in the field, an amazing lead off hitter and one of those heart and soul guys that gives 125% every play.........that said I might consider it anyway Jennings has very good numbers when you consider he has pitched his entire career in the launching pad that is Coors field.

[RedHot25]

I'm not 100% sold on Zito, either. Don't get me wrong, he's an upper-echoleon pitcher, but....there's just something about him...

Ok maybe I am a bit off, just checked his stats and he really had that one crapper year in 2004 - a 4.50 ERA. I'm not sure then where my hesitation comes from with him, but its there a bit.

Maybe some A's fans on here can comment about him a little bit more - are my concerns unfounded? (Again, I realize he is a fantastic pitcher...but there's just something about him).

But that said, I gotta go and pick up the wife!

Cheers.

[flambers]

Originally Posted by HitterD

Just out of curiosity, what makes you believe JP wont trade him until July, if at all?

I know JP has said that he is not interested in trading Wells unless a deal really blew him away, but since when is he ever honest with the media??

Last off-season JP publically stated that he was no longer interested in Burnett and Ryan, only to have them signed within 48 hrs.

I have a feeling VW will not be a Blue Jay to begin the season, in fact, he may be gone by February.

You may be right, i'm just curious what makes you think that he wont trade VW yet, thats all

From the comments of guys like Jeff Blair and others it sounds like JP is not high on the option of trading wells. I would be shocked to see Wells dealt.

[flames_1987]

Talks about the Jays maybe going after Tony Arams Jr. A move I really like, really enjoyed him when he pitched for the Expos. You could probablly get him for a 1 year 3 million-4million dollar contract

[alan21]

Maybe the young guys like Towers and Marcum will step up and fill the 4 and 5 slots. which in turn will make the winter meetings a success for not having to fork out 20 mil a year on 2 average pitchers. Realistically, if Halladay, Burnett and Chacin operates at max potential injury free all you need from the 4 and 5 spot is around a .500 record. no big deal at all that they came out empty handed.

[flambers]

Originally Posted by alan21

Maybe the young guys like Towers and Marcum will step up and fill the 4 and 5 slots. which in turn will make the winter meetings a success for not having to fork out 20 mil a year on 2 average pitchers. Realistically, if Halladay, Burnett and Chacin operates at max potential injury free all you need from the 4 and 5 spot is around a .500 record. no big deal at all that they came out empty handed.

If the Jays want any chance at the playoffs they need a 4th starter and a 5th starter. Guys like Towers should spend the year in the minors. As for Marcum I would rather see him in the minors as well.

[kipperfan]

Originally Posted by alan21

Maybe the young guys like Towers and Marcum will step up and fill the 4 and 5 slots. which in turn will make the winter meetings a success for not having to fork out 20 mil a year on 2 average pitchers. Realistically, if Halladay, Burnett and Chacin operates at max potential injury free all you need from the 4 and 5 spot is around a .500 record. no big deal at all that they came out empty handed.

Towers is a horrible pitcher with horrible stuff, if he is in the rotation any chance of the playoffs is dramatically decreased.

[flames_1987]

I could see Marcum or at least one of the Jays young arms take the 5th spot in the rotation, Marcum did have a good end to last year. I think it's pretty obvious the Jays do need to add at least one more SP and it's almost a lock that JP will sometime this offseason.

[kipperfan]

Originally Posted by flames_1987

I could see Marcum or at least one of the Jays young arms take the 5th spot in the rotation, Marcum did have a good end to last year. I think it's pretty obvious the Jays do need to add at least one more SP and it's almost a lock that JP will sometime this offseason.

I can see this as well and have no problem with it as long as someone is either signed or traded for to fill the #4 spot.