tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11805401.post233325399345532855..comments2024-03-16T08:21:16.037-04:00Comments on The DiaTribe: Rotational Symmetry – 2009 Part IIPaul Cousineauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03490622970961409253noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11805401.post-27548544510574065192008-10-10T09:56:00.000-04:002008-10-10T09:56:00.000-04:00On the flip-side, there are two other options that...On the flip-side, there are two other options that don't include as many prospects or as much money that could help solidify the rotation without as much pain to the organization.<BR/><BR/>OPTION 1: Zack Grienke, RHP, Royals. Greinke is reportedly on the block in the right deal, now whether that deal is much less than the Peavy deal is questionable, but he's a nice option. He has been somewhat of an enigma, but has seemingly turned the corner this season, posting a 13-10 record and an ERA of 3.47. Still only 24, Greinke could be on the verge of the stardom that was predicted for him at the dawn of his career. Why the Royals? John Buck is their catcher, and he hits like Andy Marte. As much as Shapiro may not want to deal within the division, the need is there on both ends of this deal, and it's probably more realistic than Peavy. I'd guess Shoppach, one starter and one of Francisco or Gutierrez might do it. Who knows? They may ask for the moon.<BR/><BR/>Option 2: Jon Garland, RHP, Angels. Garland is available as a free agent. What you get is a guy who'll win 12-15 games with an ERA of over 4.00 with a questionable K/BB ratio. Did I mention he made $12 million last year? With so many teams looking for starting pitching he might get the same in a deal. Paying Garland over $60 million dollars over four or five years doesn't really have much appeal, so unless he's really cheap, I'm not seeing that one.Halifaxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16712626480683595819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11805401.post-75969441489030022432008-10-10T09:32:00.000-04:002008-10-10T09:32:00.000-04:00You know, Paul, I'm not that familiar with some of...You know, Paul, I'm not that familiar with some of the young pitchers you mentioned on your target trade list, but I'm glad you mentioned Jake Peavy.<BR/><BR/>If we can get beyond the money for a second (signed through 2013 for 8/16/17/18/22 million per), Peavy brings a great resume to the table. The fact is, he WILL be expensive, both in players and cash, but looking at the Indians' rotation, it may be a risk the Tribe could be, and SHOULD be, willing to invest in.<BR/><BR/>Peavy, working in a weaker-hitting NL and a pitcher's park, has been a steady starter providing around 200 innings and sub-3.00 ERA's for half a decade at the top of the Padres' rotation. He is still only 27, entering his prime and is locked in for five years, which, at the end of the deal may not look so expensive. But the Padres and Indians are a good fit on a number of planes -- the Padres need a catcher (Shoppach), they are an old team overall that needs an infusion of youthful talent, and they are in payroll-slashing mode.<BR/><BR/>Looking at the great need of the Indians for a good pitcher and their supply of young MLB-ready talent, it could be a good fit. Shoppach will never have higher value, catchers who hit 20+ homers and are decent receivers are hard to come by. But who would the Padres want along with him?<BR/><BR/>You could probably say good-bye to Matt LaPorta, along with Jeremy Sowers and another pitching prospect such as Adam Miller or Scott Lewis. Sowers has more value pitching under the scenario that SD brings (big park, NL) than in the AL. LaPorta would be a high price to pay, but if you would've said 3 months of CC could help get Jake Peavy for 5 years would you have done it? Plus, Beau Mills and Nick Weglarz are coming as well as Carlos Santana, which makes Victor's tenure as a catcher on a much shorter leash.<BR/><BR/>Can the Indians afford the high price to pay in both players and guaranteed money to get a durable front-line starter?<BR/><BR/>Can they afford not to?Halifaxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16712626480683595819noreply@blogger.com