So now that Ichiro is gone and we have all talked about it and blogged about it, we can move on to more interesting things. Like more trade rumors! Wooo!!! I love speculation and guessing!
An update on Jason Vargas. It seems like the Braves are attempting to acquire Ryan Dempster from the Cubs but have to outbid the Dodgers. I have heard the Dodgers are close to a deal but the Braves could still make a move. And since Jack Z has shown no hesitation in getting more pitching for the farm system, anyone of either teams prospects could be acquired. I remain high on first baseman Joe Terdoslavich and am hoping a package deal of Vargas and Wilhelmsen is enough to pry him away from Atlanta. From the Dodgers system, which is worse than Atlanta’s, I like Tim Federowicz, a catcher with excellent defense and a below average bat. Too bad there’s this guy Mike Zunino around hitting home runs all over the place. Outfielder Alfredo Silverio is a nice bat and he is hitting over .300 in AA right now. If the Dodgers don’t move him, Joc Pederson is another option in the outfield.
I will give you two players here to help understand the trade value of Jason Vargas.
Player A: 7-9, 6.13 K/9, 2.2 BB/9, 3.79 ERA, 29.9% flyballs and 0.90 HR/9
Player B: 10-7, 5.93 K/9, 2.48 BB/9, 3.91 ERA, 40.6% flyballs and 1.63 HR/9
The Pittsburgh Pirates recently acquired Player A for three of their top 15 prospects. While that sounds like a good thing, the Pirates system isn’t very good somehow and the three have been projected as an average outfielder, a potential #5 starter and a groundballing reliever. Not the best take for a trade deadline acquisition of a veteran lefty starter. Player A is Wandy Rodriguez and player B is Jason Vargas. If the Astros only got an average hitter, a back end starter and a reliever and I like Wandy more than Jason. They have very similar number but for Vargas’ home run problem and that he pitches in Safeco. With Ryan Dempster being linked to the Dodgers, it seems like the Braves are leading the way as suitors for Vargas.
I am still confused about the lack of buzz about Tom Wilhelmsen. He is cheap, he has very low mileage on his arm, he has started throwing a changeup and has an awesome curve. Oh right and he also throws 95. The third pitch addition is nice, especially when it makes Hideki Matsui look ridiculous. Some are thinking about Wilhemsen converting to a starter. It could work out, like Chris Sale. Or blow up like Daniel Bard. Getting back on track, Wilhelmsen isn’t getting too much attention and he should be. Young, cheap and good closers that could become starters are few and far between.
Kevin Millwood rumors do not exist. I wish they did, but for some reason, no team wants an old, injury prone below average pitcher. I can’t imagine why. So in lieu of informing you about the non-existent rumors, I will make up my own. The Minnesota Twins have been linked to Millwood and have offered a batch of warm brownies and a glass of cold milk. The offer of a free back rub from Ozzie Guillen from the Marlins is still on the table. The offer I like the most is from the Orioles who offered us a monopoly get out of jail free card and an old file cabinet. Whoever Jack Z sees as the best suitor, it seems like he will pull the trigger soon. Millwood is only taking up space and unlike a file cabinet, he cannot store papers inside of him.
I do enjoy reading MLB trade rumors; the ridiculous hypothetical trades I see can be really tantalizing but can also be really dumb. For instance, the Mariners have been linked to Hanley Ramirez. Really? I cannot see that happening at all. Why would he want to come to the opposite side of the country, to a better league and a park that kills offense? And why would we want him when we have Brad Miller in AA and Nick Franklin in AAA and would have to give up one of the big three pitchers. And right on cue Ramirez is traded to the LA Dodgers. Something to look at here is that he will block Dee Gordon in LA who now may be available for a trade. Gordon isn’t the best contact hitter but he has wheels and is young. Could be an interesting guy to at least look at.
Not much has happened besides that one thing that happened, and hopefully Jack Z needs a get out of jail free card this week when he plays monopoly with his kids. Jason Vargas and Tom Wilhelmsen will hopefully be moved and go to a place that is sunnier or more humid. Preferably more humid and with more Coca-Cola and CNN. Go M’s.
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