Some Bats That Could Be Available?
by MixFMKyle on Jul 26, 2010 4:30 PM EDT
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It's becoming more obvious that the Reds need an upgrade or two before the trade deadline. I think June 1st, most fans thought we needed more pitching, especially in the bullpen. However, Massett, Cordero, and Ondrusek all have been much better in July, and surprise call up Jordan Smith has proven he can get the job done as well.
However, since June 1st the red-hot bats have cooled off quite a bit. In fact, since June 15th, the Reds have played 36 games, and have scored 3 or less runs 18 times. Amazingly, due to some terrific starting pitching, the Reds managed to go 19-17 in that stretch, and 11 of those losses the Reds manage to score 1 run or less.
So if Walt has been paying attention, (I think he has) he is probably on the hunt for a bat this week. I found 3 guys I like.
1. Luke Scott - OF/1B Baltimore Orioles Bats: Left Handed
Scott missed a few games this year with a calf injury while busting out of the box on a ball he thought was going to be off the wall, that ended up going for a home run. However, when he's been in the lineup he has been very productive, sporting a nice .296/ .363 / .576 line in 250 at bats with 16 home runs and a OPS+ of 149 . Scott isn't a very good defender, and serves as the DH for the O's, but has played 14 games in Left field this year, and 9 at 1st base. He would be a clear upgrade of Laynce Nix, and could be good enough to platoon with Gomes. Even as a left hand batter, Scott has handled left handed pitching quite well this year. He is making just over 4 million this year, and would be arbitration eligible after this season. Scott's name hasn't been tossed out very much, most rumors are around Ty Wiggington, but you have to figure the O's would want infield help or pitching in any deal. They are pretty set at catcher and outfield.
2. Jose Bautista - INF/OF Toronto Blue Jays Bats: Right Handed
Bautista is an intriguing name only because of his power and his versatility. His batting average leaves a lot to be desired, but it's hard to argue with his power numbers he has shown this year, and how valuable it is to have someone who can play 6 positions (1B, 2B, 3B, LF, CF, RF). In 347 AB's Bautista has hit a League leading 27 home runs with a .242/ .355/ .548 line. His ability to play 3rd base on the multiple Rolen off days would be a plus, as his low salary this year (2.4 Million). However, he would likely be the most expensive to acquire, and he would be set for a huge raise in arbitration next year (5-7 million) that would likely scare the Reds.
3. Stephen Drew - SS Arizona Diamondbacks Bats: Left Handed
I'm going to be honest. David DeJesus was my guy here, because I am fairly confident the Reds are content with Orlando Cabrera. Unfortunately DeJesus got hurt, so I had to pick someone. If the Angels sent Saunder over as the centerpiece for Dan Haren, then can we send 'ol Lando over as the centerpiece for Stephen Drew? It's doubtful. Stephen is holding down a .265 / .335 / .401 batting line with 4 home runs in 332 at bats, playing above average defense. Drew is absolutely horrendous against lefties (.186 / .296 / .271 ), so maybe a Orlando and Drew Platoon would work? I'm sure Arizona would want a shortstop of some type back, and an arm or two. I think you could get him without sending one of the top 3 prospects, maybe Del Rosario, Cozart, and Maloney? P.S., Arizona has another reason to trade him - Drew is eligible for Arbitration next year, and could get a 3 or 4 million dollar raise. Many reports have the D-Backs hurting financially, so maybe they are more willing to move Drew.
After those 3, things drop off. Guys like Austin Kearns, Josh Willingham, Jose Guillen, Scott Podsednik are available, none of them currently are clear upgrades. With only teams like the Pirates, Nationals, Mariners, D-Backs, Indians, and Royals as the true "sellers" there isn't much out there. Maybe in August, the waiver wire will open up some more names.
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I think your point about the "true sellers"
will be the most important one over the next 5 days. I agree that those squads are the only ones now, but there will assuredly be a few more that conclude that they, too, will be well advised to sell.
I like Drew, and I think he’d be a clear-cut target in the offseason, but I just don’t see them messing with the OCrap SS idea. He’s been below average all year, and with Janish still riding pine, I take that as they’re rolling with him til the end (or they would’ve made a move in the lineup by now.)
I think a left-handed outfield bat with some punch is an absolute necessity at this point. With Stubbs still struggling with contact, and Gomes trending back towards his career BA/OBP, we need some sort of a DickerNix mutant…the pop of Laynce with the OBP/defense skills of Stubbs (so we could throw a LH CF out there if need be.)
DeJesus would’ve been perfect, I agree.
Set the gearshift to the high gear of your soul.
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jul 26, 2010 4:59 PM EDT reply actions
oh yeah
Jim Edmonds was a Jocker-ty pickup in STL a long, long time ago…
Set the gearshift to the high gear of your soul.
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jul 26, 2010 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions
The other thing about those squads
they don’t have much offense. And what they do have is young hitters, they aren’t willing to trade. Maybe part of the problem is the Pirates, Indians, Mariners, Royals, and Nationals have all been sellers like 3 straight years, only prospects are left..
weird
This post doesn’t have an author on the sidebar.
New SB Nation “feature”?
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
same here
did your comment screen go full-screen mode momentarily? Mine’s been doing that for a few days now, and it looks all strange when it does.
Set the gearshift to the high gear of your soul.
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jul 26, 2010 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions
it's missing the author and the comment count
I see them for all the other stories on the sidebar.
All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?
yes.. dejesus was my pick as well and i was quite bummed when he went on the DL.
now, i am convinced that we probably won’t make a move for a bat. if we happen to, i do think willingham would be an upgrade over gomes because he’s already worth 2.9 WAR this season and his wOBA of .391 looks mighty fine for a stretch run.
"Now onto more important things: Punching Errorlando Cabrerror in the fucking tits." -Geki
Are there currently any big name pitchers available? I haven’t been following the league in general as closely as I’d like to for the past couple weeks. I know Haren just got traded so he’s off the table now. That’s one big problem; we need an ace. A guy who you feel can get you an almost sure win every fifth day. That’s what they need if they really want to compete for a championship. I know Oswalt is being shopped but I’m not sure we have what it takes to get him.
We need a good bat as well. I hear (dare I say it?) Dunn might be available. He would absolutely have to go back to his days of playing LF because there’s no room for him with Votto. Of course, I don’t think I would want his lazy fielding on the defensive end of the ball. Luke Scott sounds like a good idea to me.
"Before I write I let my mind go blind and let the Lord do His thing. " -Tupac Shakur
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it looks like work." -Thomas Edison
I think Scott would fit well
and he’s a helluva lot better than Nix.
I just have a sneaking suspicion Edmonds will end up on this team.
Rolen, Isringhausen, Springer…Edmonds.
Set the gearshift to the high gear of your soul.
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jul 26, 2010 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Haren was the last ace available other than Oswalt.
Oswalt isn’t going to happen. Unless a crazy blockbuster happens, I don’t think we will get another SP.
i dont think Haren is an ace the past 12 months
"Yahan Sentona's strikeouts are way down this year" Jake Liscow
I agree.
He has “learned how to pitch,” which accounts for the alarming loss of velocity and declining production.
by Brian B on Jul 27, 2010 7:09 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
"alarming loss of velocity"
You’ve said this before and I still don’t know where you are getting this from. His average fastball is 90.5 this year. Last year it was 90.6. The year before it was 91.1. That’s alarming?
Red Reporter or follow on Twitter: @redreporter. Buy The Wire-to-Wire Reds today!
Even if you look at it on a game-by-game basis, it's relatively steady
It was down a bit to start the year, but it hasn’t been of late.
Red Reporter or follow on Twitter: @redreporter. Buy The Wire-to-Wire Reds today!
I have said that before?
Huh, I think I got it from Mark Grace.
And stop piling on, jerk.
by Brian B on Jul 29, 2010 8:50 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
there is a mlb radar gun conspiracy
all that data is full of static…
"Yahan Sentona's strikeouts are way down this year" Jake Liscow
Actually, now that I look at it, I do see loss in velocity
The higher velocity games are fewer and fewer each year. But average pitch speed isn’t a good indicator. He used to rely on his fastball as an out pitch and throw it by hitters He doesn’t do that anymore, and I gather it’s because he can’t. Maybe that’s not alarming, because it happens to everyone. But if that’s who who think you’re trading for, then you’re wrong He’s not that kind of pitcher anymore.
by Brian B on Jul 29, 2010 8:55 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I like his 15 win seasons better than an Arroyo 15 win season
by Highlifeman21 on Jul 29, 2010 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions
wins are overrated dude
no hip blogger is gonna admit to liking wins!
"Yahan Sentona's strikeouts are way down this year" Jake Liscow
I just said I like Haren's wins better than Arroyo's wins
I never said I like wins in general
Seesh….
by Highlifeman21 on Aug 1, 2010 9:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Josh Willingham has been crushing the ball with a .391 wOBA.
I think he would be a pretty clear upgrade. His defense isn’t atrocious either. His UZR reads:
2007: -8.9
2008: 8.1
2009: -5.6
2010: -1.0
These numbers aren’t great but I think he would certainly be a defensive upgrade over Jonny Gomes.
I agree with you
I think that a lot of people really like Gomes and I can’t stand him, so I try to restrain my negativity at Red Reporter.
by Grahamophone on Jul 27, 2010 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
He is likable, I suppose
but overrated as well. Dunn was probably not worse defensively, and FAR superior offensively, and he caught major flak all the time. It’s a strange dynamic of why certain players are liked and others seem to inspire loathing in fans.
Who is overrating Jonny Gomes?
Or who’s rating him at alI? He done just about exactly what he showed he could do last year. It’s not his fault tHom masturbates vocally every time Gomes steps to the plate.
by Brian B on Jul 27, 2010 7:13 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
many people
whoever says he has been much better than replacement level. Granted, if people are skeptical of the magnitude of his defensive shortcomings, I can understand that, but he’s also been only a slightly above average hitter, mainly on the back of an above-average BABIP. I don’t think we’d lose a thing if Dickerson, Heisey, and if you believe the defensive numbers, even Nix (or Wladdy?) had been taking all of Gomes’ playing time. I seriously doubt many people would agree with that view, which means they are probably overrating Gomes.
Or you are seriously overrating Dickerson and Nix.
And so I disagree. Strange how Gomes’ stock has fallen around here. We used to complain that he isn’t being given a chance, and now he’s finally reaching his potential and we call him overrated. I don’t get it.
A couple other things . . . I don’t think it’s fair to compare him to Adam Dunn. Again it seems like you’re targeting those people who think Jonny Gomes is an MVP and at the same time think Dunn is Rob Deer. Those people are morons and should be ignored. Gomes is what he is. He’s been solid and he has stepped up when needed. I don’t know what else you can ask of him. Second, I’ll take an inflated BABIP if he can keep it up all year. Nothing wrong with that.
by Brian B on Jul 29, 2010 9:24 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
you say "he's been solid"
im not sure “solid” is the word i’d use to characterize him. he had one great month and 3 awful ones. here’s his OPS by month: April – .620 May – 1.056 June – .704 and so far in July – .704. his overall total is .784, which is below average for a LF, especially one as challenged as him. i love Jonny and i really pull for him, but there is no mistaking that he has mostly been a weak link in the lineup.
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jul 29, 2010 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Depends on what your definition of "solid" is.
I don’t know how you want me to respond to or defend these numbers. This is a dialogue about whether he is overrated. I say I haven’t seen people rating Jonny Gomes that highly to begin with. I think he has held his own despite his ups and downs. That’s why I say he is what he is.
by Brian B on Jul 29, 2010 12:30 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
right
sorry, i kinda jumped into the middle of a conversation i wasnt totally privy to.
but to answer your question directly, i think the “overrated” label comes from the likes of tHom, primarily and the general fanbase. i think he is a pretty popular player on this team, due largely to this huge May (which fueled a huge month for the team), his haircut, and his persona. i dont think he’s wildly overrated, but i think most Reds fans see him as a good middle-of-the-order bat (RBIs!) and i dont think he is.
by Charlie Scrabbles on Jul 29, 2010 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't even find him likeable
His goofy haircut and lovable tough-guy shtick gets old when he isn’t producing.
by Grahamophone on Jul 28, 2010 1:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Agreed.
A Pete Rose by any other name would still smell of cheap hookers and pinetar.
by Pops Daniels on Jul 28, 2010 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions
but you hated Walt J after the Rolen trade
until you repent for that transgression your comments are forever tainted to me
"Yahan Sentona's strikeouts are way down this year" Jake Liscow
I think his act gets tired even when he is producing
He’s kinda cartoon character-ish a little bit to me, but he’s a Red so I love him nonetheless.
I really hope we have a major bench-clearing brawl and he whips some serious ass, and soon.
by Highlifeman21 on Jul 29, 2010 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions
He looks a lot like Popeye when he's batting.
I’d post this in the doppelganger thread if I could find a decent picture of Jonny Gomes at bat.
by the finest muffins on Jul 29, 2010 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions
maybe that should be Gomes's new walk-up music
the music that happens when Popeye cracks open a can of spinach and his forearms get even bigger
by Highlifeman21 on Jul 30, 2010 6:50 AM EDT up reply actions
quite simple, really.
It’s the sombrero.
"The USA despite its flaws and corruption and overall messiness is still a great and powerful instrument of freedom and hope for the entire world." - Madville
completely agree
The outfield will halt us from getting to the playoffs.
I love Gomes, but his defense is awful and his hitting isnt THAT great to say ‘eh, we’ll live.’
Stubbs is the opposite; love his defense but can’t hit worth shit unless its a day where he smacks 2 out of the park. Honestly, I really think he needs to spend some time in Louisville, and I wouldn’t have minded giving Gary Matthews Jr. an audition (a very watchful audition). It was last night’s broadcast that really opened my eyes with Stubbs. 104 Ks in 334 ABs. Currently, 8 players have 100+ K’s, Stubbs is one. Dunn is ahead of him, but at least he hits .281 and has 22 HRs. Only 2 of the 8 players have lower averages than Stubbs, the rest hit above .260 and have over 15 HRs.
He looks like he’s lost all confidence up there at the plate. Watch him tonight after he gets out, he’ll look like he’s about to kill himself. We need to get him fixed. SO many times I see Rolen, Gomes and Bruce get on base to see Stubbs come up and strike out. I’m all in favor of putting Stubbs 9th in the lineup. Why not? It would be like leading off for the lead off hitter. Do something if you won’t send him down to Louisville.
sorry, just had to rant about Stubbs there…
Bruce is struggling. But they’ll ride him out no matter what it seems
Nix, Heisey, great guys off the bench. Would love to see Heisey get some more starts.
I like Scott, but by some means we get him, he needs to be our everyday LF
How much longer til Dusty's gone?
by in_Votto_We_Trust on Jul 27, 2010 11:01 AM EDT reply actions
we could send an overrated prospect arm to the Yankees
and get back Granderson and $$$, and platoon him in LF with Jonny.
Who knows, if he gets his junk together, he might be able to lead off again.
Set the gearshift to the high gear of your soul.
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jul 28, 2010 4:04 PM EDT reply actions
insert “not sure if serious” GIF
"Before I write I let my mind go blind and let the Lord do His thing. " -Tupac Shakur
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it looks like work." -Thomas Edison
that was grasping at best, i know
I was just scrolling through buy-low LH outfield bats and came across him. I know the yanks have been shopping around, with Dunn on their list, so he might have been available. He’s heating up, and I don’t think he’s nearly as bad as he has been.
With the way austin jackson has been hitting, I’m sure they’ll hang onto him to try to get something out of that trade.
Set the gearshift to the high gear of your soul.
by Kevin Mitchell is Batman on Jul 29, 2010 10:29 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
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