Phlavio's Corner: Rookie Predicitions

I like to look through the youth of baseball and make predictions on where I see them ending up. I've been right my fair share of the time (Kevin Youkilis/Nick Markakis) but I've also been wrong (George Kottaras). You can't pick every Greek player and win I guess.

Arizona Daimondbacks: Gerardo Parra - Parra snuck in due to Conor Jackson catching the plague and Eric Byrnes insisting on not earning any cent of his ridiculous contract. Parra has amassed some good (not great) numbers in a short time hitting 3 homers and knocking in 21. The simple truth is that Parra is my height and only 197 pounds and that doesn't project into a power hitter. Plus being 0-2 in stealing doesn't project to great speed. Parra may hang around but looks to me like a GOOD 4th outfielder.

Atlanta Braves: Tommy Hanson - Despite the fact that when I hear the name I don't think pitcher... I think girl-like pop group or perhaps Charleston Chief's enforcer, Hanson's name will likely be very known in baseball in the next few years. In 4 starts he has 3 wins and a good ERA and it would seem to project greatness right away. Hold your horses though. He still walks too many and isn't quite having Lincecum success out there. I would guess that he'll have 1 more year of growing pains before reaching a level where you could call him "Ace" and furthermore... I really see his stats and think Ace, but not a top 10 Ace. He could easily prove me wrong but I'm not sold yet.

Baltimore Orioles: Matt Wieters and Nolan Reimold - The messiah behind the plate has arrived with all the pomp of a Pope visiting Jerusalem, but thus far there are mixed reviews. He definitely didn't catch fire like Braun or Longoria, so was he all hype. Step back and look at 17 hits in 18 games and 2 HRs and you have to see what every scout in America saw. Thee fact is that every hitter cannot come up and hit his first 9 pitches out of the park. Wieters is starting to put up nice fantasy numbers and won't dissapoint folks for long. Yet Baltimore isn't just a town for catchers. Nolan Reimold has also emerged as a strong bat for the Orioles crowded outfield. Reimold is a big fella who is hitting big homers in that little ball-park. Reimold, Markakis, Jones, and Scott make up a very menacing OF/DH. PLUS... there's another power OF on the way. Reimold is probably this good, but shouldn't keep these numbers up for long this soon. He will settle into a .270 hitter with 30+ power but expect those consistent numbers by 2011.

Boston Red Sox: Daniel Bard and Justin Masterson - Boston seems to have more prospects that are ready for the majors then they can handle. Masterson broke last year but his numbers this year a re worthy of mentioning. He has gotten a better grip on his control and has had success as a starter and a reliever this year. He doesn't look like an Ace to me. He does look like an excellent #4 pitcher though. Daniel Bard has done some relief and I love what I've seen so far. I'm not sure when or if he has a place in Boston's future, but the kid has a heap-load of talent.

Chicago White Sox: Gordon Beckham - When Beckham was selected early in last years draft behind another (Beckham) I didn't think I'd see him for a few years. Then I saw him hit this spring and said, "Gee this kid is only 2 years away at most." THEN he kept hitting in the minors and forced his way up by hitting near .400 at every level. That combined with Josh "Failure" Fields has led to one of the quickiest minor-league careers I can remember. But wait! He's hitting .185 in the majors and looks a bit over matched. Who could blame the kid who barely saw the minors fly by? The good news is that Gordon is coming around and looks like he'll adjust to the majors in time. I predict a very respectable 2010 and maybe an All-Star in 2011.

Chicago Cubs: Jake Fox - Because the Cubs refuse to expose Vitters before Aramis is out of the way COMPLETELY, they have brought up Fox who isn't really a top prospect by any standards. The fact was Fox was destroying AAA and the Cubs offense has been anything but capable of destruction. So Fox has been brought up without anywhere to really play him. He's done admirably, but I can easily see that this guy is not a big time hitter. I think he's a setp below Micah Hoffpauir and that is not a fine endorsement.

Cincinnati Reds: Chris Dickerson - He's not Jay Bruce but he's not all too shabby. Dickerson has proven he's a major leaguer in his first year. The issue is he's not a middle of the order hitter, as he has little power and he's not a leadoff hitter, with minimal speed. He should be a very capable #2, 6, 7, or 8 hitter for the Reds who still have Votto and Bruce to power their offense. I really don't see Dickerson improving too much either. He already isn't bad he's just nothing SO very special.

Cleveland Indians: Matt LaPorta - LaPorta was traded for C.C. last season and was supposed to be a big hitter without a position (Who drafts these guys in Milwaukee and has someone told him they now play in the NL?) LaPorta came up for a while this year, but really doesn't strike me as being ready to hit in the majors for another year OR TWO. He is a big guy and has power, but he just isn't ready to face the level of pitching he saw. That doesn't mean he won't be good, but it does mean that Pronk, Garko, and Martinez are not overlapping too much yet.

Colorado Rockies: Dexter Fowler - Dexter Fowler stole a bunch of bases all at once and people went crazy. My advice is to calm down and look at this good but not phenominal lead-off hitter. NOW after 2009 he's going to see his value increase or decrease based on Eric Young Jr. but regardless he'll hit high in a powerful lineup and score runs. I don't think the Rockies are concerned about the outfield right now, although that guy at 3rd is looking mighty weak.

Detroit Tigers: Rick Porcello - I will say that Porcello has me as excited as Verlander did when he broke in. Be calm. Remember that Justin had growing pains and that Bonderman pitched well until he got his contract. Porcello is going to stick around and might be the Tigers #2 pitcher already. I see the Ace stuff, I see the top 10 potential but I worry about 2010 and maybe even 2011. He will be good eventually, but after this year is over... use caution as year two pains are on the horizon.

Florida Marlins: Chris Coghlan - Dan Uggla was one of the greatest successes of the Rule 5 Draft EVER. Yet he's making more then minimum wage now so his time in Florida is running out. Enter Chris Coughlan. Chris is not a 30 HR 2B like Uggla but he'll hit a few. The thing he isn't is streaky like Uggla. The Marlins will have much more success over the long run because Coughlan won't swing so sharply cold 8-10 times a year. He also has the chops to be a .300+ hitter and steal some bases so maybe he and Maybe link up into a dynamic #1, #2 combo ahead of Mr. Hanley. A lineup starting off: Maybin, Coughlan, Ramirez is scary because each of them can steal on you and all of them have some pop on the bat.

Los Angeles Angels: Brandon Wood - In 2007 I picked up Brandon Wood for my bench because I was sure he'd be promoted to the bigs. In 2008 I missed him but someone held him for a full year. In 2009 he played a few game and hit a little before going back down to the minors. WHEN IS THIS KID GOING TO COME UP?!? He's been a top prospect since 2005 and he's perpetually on the cusp of stardom and yet the Angels can't seem to let him play. I like him a lot as he has power and plays good MI defense, but I am starting to worry that L.A. knows something we don't. His biggest flaw is his K-Rate so when he comes up don't be surprised if he fans once or twice per game, but he should have 20+ HR power and may be the AL SS in the All Star game as early as 2010 unless he's still in the minors.

Los Angeles Dodgers: James MacDonald - What did people see? No really. MacDonald got press last year as being a big trade chip but he has a so-so fastball and control issues so I guess I just don't get it. The Dodgers seem to be heavy with prospects people like without showing ME discernable value. Chin-Lung Hu is an example. I guess someone might like a new Asian Flavor Rey Ordonez, but not me. MacDonald could surprise me but I see a lifetime of mediocre middle-relief.

Milwaukee Brewers: Mat Gamel - Milwaukee loves those guys who can't catch. Think someone said something in 2007 when they had Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, Matt LaPorta, and Mat Gamel lined up that maybe they should stop drafting DHs? I don't know. Gamel has power and I see 2010 as being a good year for him. Here is the issue: He is not a high-average hitter. He is very much going to look like Ryan Howard with lots of Ks and a BA around .250. That is pretty darn nice but I wouldn't want Ryan Howard playing 3rd.

New York Yankees: Brett Gardner - Gardner is a good fielder and has a ton of speed, but I see the Yankees as being desperate to replace him. It's a shame because most teams would be thrilled to have a lead-off hitter like Brett, but he's not a great hitter and won't ever hit homers much and that doesn't cut the cheese in the Bronx. Austin Jackson is next in line for all the hopes and dreams of Yankee fandom but I think it's more likely the Yankees just trade for a CF.

New York Met: Omir Santos - Omir Santos is more of a young journeyman, but as a Met fan I don't care. He's a clutch hitting catcher that pitchers like and that is great. Catchers don't need to be Joe Mauer or Victor Martinez. It's nice when they are, but I will happily take a .275 hitting catcher with some power who is good in clutch spots at getting the needed hit. Omir has probably ended the Mets need for a catcher this offseason so the Mets can focus on John Lackey, Matt Holliday, and Adam LaRoche.

Oakland Athletics : Brett Anderson - Anderson is not ready for the majors if you expect a 3.50 ERA and good peripherals. The Athletics probably rushed him, but the good news is that I've seen enough good to say that he will round the corner and be a good (top of the rotation) pitcher some day. Anderson will probably see slow progress if Oakland is willing to give him enough rope. By 2011 I think you'll start to see Brett getting noticed and picked up early in fantasy drafts.

Philadelphia Phillies: Antonio Bastardo - I thought we asked for Carrasco? Oh well I guess Philly wants to keep us in suspense. Bastardo seems like he could have a future in the bigs as a starter, but I don't think he's an Ace in any equation. Bastardo has had mixed resluts thus far, but I think he's at a disadvantage playing for a team that will always rely on hitting because of their silly ball-park. Philadelphia will probably be unveiling Carrasco later this year and all I can do is wait.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Andrew McCutchen - Who gets him in 3 years? Seriously, can we take the Pirates seriously when they say they want to build a team around a guy? They trade Bay last season and get LaRoche who's finally starting to hit. They trade McLouth for a grab bag of Brave less-than impressives. I'd say McCutchen is next in line to be traded for prospects as the worst franchise in baseball continues to run itself farther into the ground. McCutchen is real. He will be streaky at times but expect good speed and 20-ish HR power with a .300 level BA. I'd guess the Pirates send him to Los Angeles.

San Diego Padres: Kyle Blanks - 6'6" and 285 Pounds of fun. Kyle Blanks is going to play... the outfield? Well when your teams best hitter is Adrian Gonzalez and your best prospect is Kyle Blanks (Makes Prince Fielder look normal sized), you have to. Blanks has a lot of power which you would expect, and he has an above-maturity patience which is nice to see. Blanks might stick with the team if he isn't awful in the field and that could be the best-case scenario for the Padres who are struggling to get Gonzo pitches to hit. Headley, A-Gon, Blanks would be a nice trio in a lineup.

San Francisco Giants: Jesus Guzman - Little guys have power? Well the Giants seem to think so. Guzman has hit the long-ball often this year. Guzman should come up and see if he can put some pop behind Pablo Sandoval and Bengie Molina's bats. I don't know if he will do it in the majors but his numbers in the minors are QUITE good. If he can hit half as well in the majors I'd think he'd be a guy to get in some deeper fantasy leagues.

Seattle Mariners: Mike Carp - Last year the Mets finally had a prospect 1B that seemed ready to hit in the majors, but Delgado decided he could still hit and Carp was left to rot in the minors. The Mets traded Carp to an AL team and that is probably for the best as Carp has pretty abysmal fielding skills, but I think you'll find he has the tools to hit for a high average with above average power. He's not a super-star, but I think he'll stick with the M's for the next year and maybe beyond as a mid-late order hitter with 25 HR power.

St. Louis Cardinals: Colby Rasmus - Not a rookie stop complaining. Rasmus was heralded in 2009 and I said pass. He was supposed to improve in 2010 and he has. Next question does he stay good or make the step up into elite. I think he has it within him to become elite, and he has the guy near him to learn from. Rasmus just needs to continue to find his place and swing. I ultimately project him as a guy who will see 1 or 2 All-Star games in a long career as a good OF.

Tampa Bay Rays: David Price - Before the season I predicted big things, but that hasn't happened yet. I have seen him pitch and can see him as a #1 pitcher not just on the Rays but in the league. His stuff is so very good that I'd compare him to seeing Lincecum, but maybe I'm just deluded. Price projects to stay for a long time with Shields, Kazmir, and Garza in the surprisingly good Tampa rotation. I just don't know when to tell you he's going to break out. I expect it to happen every time he gets the ball.

Texas Rangers: Darren O'Day/Elvis Andrus - O'Day saw some time before but he's never had a good long look. Frankly, Texas likes what they've seen. O'Day was scooped from the Mets when they had to let him go from their roster and I don't think the Rangers have been dissapointed. O'Day has B+ stuff but combining that with a good head for the game and you have a nice little pitcher on a team that badly needed one. On Mr. Andrus I'd tell you to hold onto him as a steady SS, but that he's no super-star and doesn't look like he'll be one. He's got some speed, good contact, and a little power, but nothing that makes me say wow. Texas loves him though and he'll continue to play.

Toronto Blue Jays: Travis Snider - I like Snider a lot. I had him on all of my fantasy teams and was glowing when he started the season so well. We saw what happened and he was demoted and now is injured but I'm telling you to keep the faith and that he'll be back. Snider looks to me like a more consistent Adam Lind and that could be a boon for the Blue Jays who have some VERY streaky players. Snider will poke his head back in the majors this year but is likely not going to play a major role again until 2010.

Washington Nationals: Jordan Zimmerman - Yes I'm okay with his 5.00 ERA. Everything else about J-Zimmz tells me to keep him and let him start for my fantasy team. Jordan Zimmerman is a very good pitcher for his age. He has a tremendous potential to turn in good K numbers and could post nice wins and a low ERA as he continues to mature. The best part about him is his very low walk rate. He's a strikeout pitcher who pounds the strike zone with good pitches and gets people to miss. Stephen Strasburg will be joining him eventually but right now all roads in Washington point to Zimmerman.

Phlavio's Corner: Local Draft Predictions

Since I'm in New Jersey and root for the Mets I am only going to make predictions for 6 teams picks: The Mets, Yankees, Phillies, Red Sox, Braves, and Rays. Now I shall peer into my crystal ball and see if I can identify the futures for these new names.

New York Mets:
#72 - Stephen Matz, after only a year in the Met system Matz is promoted to the Met Bullpen to replace the injured Pedro Feliciano. Interestingly enough all the names in the met pen will end in Z as Rodriguez will lead Putz, Kunz, Muniz, Ramirez, and now Matz. Matz will eventually become a setup man for the Mets and a closer for the Orioles where he plays his five best seasons.
#103 - Robert Shields, drafted as a SS Shields is converted into a pitcher because all players named Shields must be pitchers (ignore Tommy he wasn't even good.) Robert does impress at some levels of the minors but gets traded from the Met organization as part of a larger package and retires after Tommy John surgery.

New York Yankees:
#29 - Slade Heathcott, the Yankees attempt to catch lightning in a bottle by nabbing the silliest name still in the draft. Slade is traded after one mediocre minor-league season to Pittsburgh as part of a package for their best players. After 5 more seasons with the Pirates Slade emerges as a great hitter and the next season is traded to Atlanta for a package of minor leaguers.
#76 - J.R. Murphy, Murphy looks so great in the minors the Yankees bring him up before he's 28. Unfortunately catchers with initialed first names have a bad history of applying minor league numbers in the majors and he quickly becomes a never-was.

Philadelphia Phillies:
#75 - Kelly Dugan, Dugan actually turns into a great pick for the Phils and he plays with them for 10 seasons being an all-star 6 times. He demands a trade at 34 as he can't stand Philly fans booing him after all he's done for the franchise.
#106 - Kyrell Hudson, The highlight of Hudson's career is being listed in the top 10 prospects of the Phillies organization. He never makes the majors.

Boston Red Sox:
#28 - Reymond Fuentes, Rey ends up toiling in the upper reaches of AAA coming up as a 4th outfielder at 27. He never really makes a name for himself and retires at 33.
#77 - Alex Wilson, Wilson turns out to be a talented arm and he impresses at high A. The Red Sox are forced to trade him when presented an opportunity to snatch an Ace away from the Yankees.
#107 - David Renfroe, Renfroe does come up and become a major league regular but for the Kansas City Royals who trade for him in 2011.

Atlanta Braves:
#7 - Mike Minor, Minor is touted as the compliment the braves needed to Hanson in their rotation but he doesn't stick. After 2 iffy years as a starter the Braves convert Minor to their closer and he goes on to lead the N.L. in saves 3 years in a row.
#87 - David Hale, Hale does come up and have success in the Brave rotation, but he doesn't ever become an Ace or an All-Star. His best season 2016 he goes 15-8 with a 3.78 ERA.

Tampa Bay Rays:
#30 - Levon Washington, Levon turns out to be a 5-tool outfielder who breaks into the league with two great seasons before injuries diminish his speed and the Rays are forced to DH him.
#78 - Kenny Diekroeger, Diekroeger drafted as a SS eventually plays for the Rays as a 3B when Longoria is moved to 1B. Diekroeger never truly latches onto his power potential and despite hitting for a good average is replaced after 2 seasons.
#108 - Todd Glaesmann, Todd is lost as a rule-5 pick to the Marlins but fails to make it in the majors. After 5 years of bouncing from team to team he retires. He returns as a coach for Toronto and becomes manager of the Jays in 2038.

Phlavio's Corner: Gap Fillers

20 Names that might be moving for pieces or players that will be shopped by teams no longer in contention. I'll predict where they might move and for who.

Barry Zito: Perpetually on the block because of a ludicrous contract and lack of talent, Barry Zito is a man that has actually redeemed himself slightly. He's in no way a great arm or anything near what he was when that Cy Young was won, but there may be teams in the market if the Giants cover the majority of the money. If he was going to be moved I might predict Detroit who is light in prospects and strapped for cash. I good prospect would be more then enough to get the Giants ready to talk. (Tigers)

Brad Penny: The idea of Tim Wakefield leaving Boston makes me as a marginal BoSox fan bleat my disapproval. Tim is a fixture of the team and has 32 good knuckleballing years ahead of him. That is why Penny makes sense. The dilema is that Boston needs an impact middle infielder and would not want to move their higher ceiling players. Penny is just pushed out of the rotation by the pressure of Buccholz pounding on the ceiling from below and Smoltz returning from the grave Boston will have at least one MLB trade chip. (Phillies)

Jeff Niemann: The Rays are stacked with pitchers now that Price is up, so once Kazmir is back they'll be able to trade, but what will they need? The only answer I can see is a catcher as Dioner has been poor. Their relief core is among the better ones in the league and Bartlett is playing like an MVP so in the end I see the Rays sitting on all their young/ready pitchers unless they drop out of the hunt. (Phillies)

Jose Valverde: MANY teams will be looking for relief and closers and Valverde seems a likely guy to move. As far as destinations there are a few that come to mind. I think one of the more possible ones is the Dodgers who would love the strong bridge to Broxton as their offense is set once Manny returns. Other spots could be Philadelphia (Lidge hardly perfect) and the Yankees who are lost other then Mariano. (Dodgers)

J.J. Putz: What a nice/unlikely situation for Omar Minaya. Sitting on a surplus of bullpen talent before the trade deadline. In the end, Stokes and Parnell have pitched well enough to be awarded 8th inning duty and Putz still has enough value to make some teams in contention considder a swap. The move that makes the easiest sense to me is Putz for Nady as the Mets get a righty power bat for the OF and 1B and the Yankees get someone else for the beleagered pen. (Yankees)

Erick Aybar: As the only true middle infielder on the list there are a lot of options. The fact that he's young, cheap, and useful is also helpful. The team that has the most need is off the list as the Red Socks are likely playoff rivals, so the question is where could the Angels go? My answer is that the Florida Marlins would love to ass the versatile contact hitter and could be willing to part with big bopping 2B Dan Uggla. Uggla would likely be moved to 1B or DH over time, but in the meantime he could seriously boost the power in Los Angeles. (Marlins)

Mark DeRosa: Everybody could use DeRosa, but he isn't the impressive hitter that makes teams go crazy. DeRosa plays multiple positions well and will draw interest from any team who is shopping. The issue the Indians have is that they have another guy who may or may not be available getting far more interest from teams. DeRosa is intriguing, but not so good that I have an idea of who will pay for him. (Cardinals)

Ryan Church: The Mets have finally promoted "The Kid" and that spells the end for Church's time in New York. Church will likely come back and split time with Sheffield, but expect it to be more about showing other clubs he's still got something left to give them. Teams in search of outfield talent are not all around but a team like Oakland or San Diego might look favorably on getting some major league talent in the expectedly prospect heavy trades. (Oakland)

Aubrey Huff: Aubrey isn't just a pretty face, he's a slugger who has dispelled some people who thought him rather worthless in terms of production. Aubrey is simply the elder statesman on a team ready to get younger. Markakis, Jones, and Reimold are ready to hold the outfield. Scott looks ready to handle full-time DH duty and Mora is too old to trade for anything. I'd try my best to get a workable SS or some pitching prospects, but unless they can get Aybar from the Angels or Niese from New York I'm not so sure they get what they'd want. (Angels)

Nick Johnson: He's finally healthy and that is great, but as a Met fan I want no part of Johnson who is hitting like it's easy to do. Johnson has some power and GREAT contact and plate discipline. He makes sense for teams like Boston and New York (NL) but the issues of health are troubling. If I had to make a bet, I'd say that Boston trades some prospects we haven't heard a TON about for Johnson and make him DH/1B. It gives Boston flexability having Johnson to play 1st, Youkilis to blay 1B/3B, and might give Lowell time to DH as well. (Red Socks)

Matt Cain: So why in the world would the Giants trade a young front of the roatation starter? Well they still might not, but when you considder the fact that Burmgardner and Alderson are tearing the minors a new butt-hole and the fact the Lincecum is entrenched as the new Ace of the staff makes Cain potential trade bait. NOW... to get Cain you'd need to give up top prospects or a very talented positional player who is young, but I can see the Giants looking around and seeing what is out there. (Cardinals)

Erik Bedard: Bedard is pitching well again, and he's in a contract year on a team that is in sell mode so I predict he WILL get traded. I'd expect the Phillies to be all over this one and they actually match up well as a trade partner. The buyer beware note for Philly is that I don't know how well Erik will pitch in Citizen's Bank. Camden isn't exactly Petco, but Safeco is a friendlier confine and it's always a concern. (Phillies)

Roy Oswalt: Now the astros are once again going to shop Oswalt who is as loyal as any guy I've ever seen. He'll cost a lot and I'd bet the 'Stros would want pitching prospects as they have one of the worst rotations in the majors. The obvious partners are Texas and the Dodgers and the Dodgers match up the best, but I see Oswalt heading to the Rangers who might finally have a staff Ace. Imagine that. (Rangers)

Roy Halladay: Doc is not someone I expect to see moved, but the chance is out there if someone is willing to part with enough talent. I just don't see the teams with the need for an Ace having the free cash and prospects to dive in on Halladay, but there is a definite chance. Dodgers would love to make Chad Billingsley a #2 again, the Mets would love to have someone behind Johan, the Tigers could use someone to help Porcello and Verlander, but I say the cost will be too high for everyone. (Blue Jays)

Jake Peavy: Peavy would fit best on the Dodgers, but I don't see him going there so much. I see Peavy getting traded to a big market team in the NL East and that team bordering on New Jersey. Both the Phillies and the Mets make sense as partners if Peavy didn't have such a severe West Coast bias. I think Omar should have already put a package together and sent it out to San Diego, but I know he hasn't. (Mets)

Adrian Beltre: I'll say that the Mariners are on the right track but they have terrible timing. They should have traded Beltre to the Twins before they got Crede. Now they sit lurking and waiting for an injury on a contending club that may never come. I think Seattle ends up holding onto Adrien and getting the draft picks for him next year. (Mariners)

Matt Holliday: Well... I think it's clear that Holliday got help from Coors and that being said it's the perfect bone-head move for the Mets. They'll trade Beene too much and get a good but not PHENOMINAL outfielder back. More likelay though, the Mets wait for the off-season to pick up Matt who would hit only fewer home runs in the power void nexus that is Citi Field. (Mets)

Jermaine Dye: The Braves are laying low and crying poverty, but they are too close to the race not to make a move. This would not only be smart, I think it would be doable with the pieces both teams have. The Sox would get some hitters not named Heyward and a pitcher like Jo-Jo Reyes and the Braves would get a middle-of-the-order hitter to compliment Chipper. (Braves)

Victor Martinez: Now despite Sabathia's meaningless comments, Martinez will remain in discussion as long as the Indians have Shoppach, Garko, LaPorta and Pronk. Martniez makes sense for the Mets and the Red Socks because of the hitting he provides and the position(s) he plays. Victor Martinez will be expensive if he's traded at all, and if he is, expect the Yankees and Phillies in the mix but if he is available I'd see Omar actually doing the smart thing and nabbing a new corner-stone catcher for the franchise. (Mets)

Adrian Gonzalez: Another guy who "isn't" available. Well let's look at the facts. he's the only offensive blip on the team, he's got a great glove, and he's cheap as all heck. Why would the Padres trade him? Well because the Socks could offer Lars Anderson and Clay Buccholz, how's that? I see him getting traded only if San Diego were blown away and I likewise see Boston blowing them away. (Red Socks)

Phlavio's Corner: Jewish MVP

זה מכאן

(It's Outta Here!)

The current MVP race is already under way with some typical (and not so typical) names being bandied about: Albert Pujols, Justin Morneau, Jason Bay, Raul Ibanez, Adrian Gonzalez, Torii Hunter, Mark Teixeira, Carl Crawford, Evan Longoria, Ian Kinsler, Prince Fielder, Joe Mauer, Kevin Youkilis, Ryan Howard, Victor Martinez, Miguel Cabrera, Carlos Beltran, Adam Jones, Brian Roberts and Ryan Braun making up the top 20. Several of those names you'll notice belong to a distinct baseball minority. There is a relatively excellent chance that we could see a Jewish MVP win the race this season, let's break it down.

Ian Kinsler: Ian is producing terrifically in this young season driving in runs, scoring runs, stealing bases, and hitting the big fly. I suppose the do-it all second baseman is the best rounded Hebrew player since Rod Carew (except Rod converted after his career was over). Kinsler has shown a tendancy to decline as the year drags on, but if he can be a 30/30 guy and keeps on his pace for over 100 Runs and RBIs he'll be in most voters minds when decision time rolls around.

Kevin Youkilis: Big Youk has become the new Big Papi in Boston. Maybe we should call him the Abah Gadol (אבא גדול) instead. Kevin has always started his seasons well but in 2008 he turned a corner (career-wise) finishing his season out the way it began. Youk is hitting well above .300 and is driving in runs while playing good defense on a definite contender. He's probably the best chance the Hebrew nation has of an MVP award this year.

Ryan Braun: The "New Hebrew Hammer" is the biggest power threat of the trio who might make up their own All-Star lineup. While he is lagging behind Kinsler, he's also the slowest starter of the three. Braun should finish the year with 40+ homers and an average at or above .300. With all of this and a likely 120 RBIs he's a contender for an MVP crown all his own. His dilema is probably the presence of a Prince on his team, as Fielder has the potential to steal much of Braun's thunder.

All-Time Jewish Lineup:

1. Rod Carew, CF
2. Ian Kinsler, 2B
3. Ryan Braun, LF
4. Hank Greenberg, DH
5. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
6. Al Rosen, 3B
7. Shawn Green, RF
8. Lou Boudreau, SS
9. Mike Lieberthal, C

Phlavio's Corner: Peavy's NL Contender

After rejecting a trade to Chicago, Peavy has clearly indicated he wishes to stay in the NL and go to a contender... but who? The list of NL teams that are in races and could afford him aren't pittiful, but cutting out the AL greatly hurts the value that the Padres can recieve in returm. Landing zones include: Mets, Phillies, Cubs, Brewers, and the Dodgers. Let us see who makes the most sense.

New York Mets, The Mets have the money and the park to make Peavy happy. Going into 2010, the Mets have around 40 Mil in cleared cap space (32 if they retain Putz). Peavy could expect to get big money in New York pitching as the #2 for the first time in about 6 years. To make things better PEavy would be immediately on a team vying for the World Series and in a ball park that will keep his stellar pitching #s stellar. What can the Mets offer? The Padres want pitching and that is something the Mets COULD offer, but not necessarily at the right level.

Jonathan Niese (#3 Prospect) - Only a year away from being 100% ready to start in the bigs, Jonathan is a good pitcher who projects as a #3 or 4 starter in a good rotation. He doesn't have lights out stuff, but he is good.

Brad Holt (#4 Prospect) - Holt has that lights out stuff, but unlike Niese is probably 2 years from making a big-league impact. Holt is that guy that Omar would fight tooth and nail to keep out of a deal, but for Peavy he has to be on the table.

Robert Parnell (#5 Prospect) - Parnell is the new Heath Bell, the Mets will trade him and he'll turn into a dominant closer. A 98 MPH fastball and some breaking pitch skills translate well for Robbie who will need to give up those dreams of starting.

After that the Mets would probably need to offer bats and the two big ones, Flores and Martinez are going to be tops on San Diego's list.

Fernando Martinez (#1 Prospect) - The kid is ready to make a major league impact. His power will catch up with him over time, but his other tools are there. In a trade just for Peavy (I know... JUST) I don't see Omar including Fernando.

Wilmer Flores (#2 Prospect) - Wilmer will probably be up in 2010 as a call up when Castillo needs a rest or gets hurt. Flores could even un-seat Reyes he has so much potential, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. For this reason, I see the Padres very much in on Wilmer as SS is a hole in their offense.

Trade:

Mets Trade, Wilmer Flores, Jonathan Niese, Robert Parnell, and Nick Evans

Padres Trade, Jake Peavy and Adrian Gonzalez

Met's gain the upper hand in the MLB arms race and fill the void left by Carlos at 1B. The Padres clear 1B for their own top prospect and gain two useful arms while nabbing their future SS.

Philadelphia Phillies, The Mets are not alone in wanting to put a big arm behind their Cy Young lefty. Philly would love to nab Peavy as he brings a fearful force into an already stacked team. HOWEVER the trip from Petco to Citizen's Bank is not one that Jake is going to enjoy. The Phillies primary advantage is having a front-of-the-rotation pitching prospect at a near MLB level available. The issues come when the names behind that pitcher fall short of the mark.

Carlos Carrasco (#2 Prospect) - Carlos is almost ready to make his move into the Philly rotation, but that doesn't mean the Phillies wouldn't pass on the still young Ace, Jake Peavy. Carrasco would likely immediately slot into the Padre rotation.

J.A. Happ (#9 Prospect) - Happ is already major league serviceable. He's not a sparkling trade piece, but he's another guy who can pitch right away.

After that the pitching in Philly drops to either to far off or not serviceable.

Jason Donald (#4 Prospect) - Could be added to a deal that would make San Diego more willing to over-look a lack of pitchers.

Trade:

Phillies Trade, Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald, and J.A. Happ

Padres Trade, Jake Peavy

Phillies get a very hard to beat front of the rotation tandem and don't hurt their longesvity too much by skimming off only the very top of the farm.
Chicago Cubs, The Cubs have two Aces that under-perform frequently and would love to add Peavy as a Rotation leader. Having Peavy leading Zambrano and Harden will remind people of the Athletics of the late 90s early 2000s. The glaring issue is a lack of farm talent left in the Chicago system.

Jeff Samardzija (#2 Prospect) - If Chicago wants t be in the discussion then Jeff needs to be included as he's the only name that has front-of-the-rotation stuff. Jeff could probably start this season, ESPECIALLY in Petco.

Andrew Caschner (#3 Prospect) - Their #1 pick from 2008 is also likely to be included as the depth of this farm has been destroyed by recent years of trading. Caschner has a lot of talent, but is 2-3 years away.

After Caschner you could look at position players, but beyond Vitters, who I doubt would be available, I don't see who to include.

Trade:

Cubs Trade, Jeff Samardzija, Andrew Caschner, Mike Fontenot, and PTBNL

Padres Trade, Jake Peavy

Cubs would have a tremendous rotation, but still fall short because of voodoo.

Milwaukee Brewers, The Brewers lost two Aces in the off-season, but are enjoying a healthy Yovani Gallardo. They would very-much like to add another top pitcher but as they have a farm with few top pitchers this deal becomes a REAL challenge. The only way they could make a deal is if they traded position talent to San Diego, making the Padres relevant.

J.J. Hardy - Hardy was a surprise a couple seasons back but has remained a top 10 SS since. He has power and hits for a reasonable average and in Padre-land would hit 2nd or 3rd.

Angel Salome (#5 Prospect) - Who can turn down a hitting catcher near the majors? Well Angel looks like the real deal and could be, but who knows.

Corey Hart - Despite having a bad year thus far, Hart still remains a highly regarded outfielder who can hit for average, power, and is also someone who runs well.

Manny Parra - Rounding into a potential #2 pitcher, Parra is the best option for the Padres who are starving for pitching.

Trade:

Brewers Trade, J.J. Hardy, Corey Hart, Manny Parra, Angel Salome and PTBNL

Padres Trade, Jake Peavy, Brian Giles and Edgar Gonzalez

Padres gain a good starting short stop a good young replacement to Giles, a starter, and a catcher of the near-ish future. The Brewers can move Escobar to the majors, have Gonzalez start until Weeks returns and get Giles for the rest of the year.

Los Angeles Dodgers, It is probably impossible to imagine a scenario where San Diego gives their ace to a division rival like LA, but LA does lineup well to make an offer. Considdering they have a MLB-Ready SS, and a good number of suitable pitchers San Diego could be blown away by an offer and ink a deal.

Scott Elbert (#5 Prospect) Scott is the #5 prospect but the #1 SP prospect. He has top-flight stuff and is a lefty so he could have even more value. You'd expect him to be front and center in any deal.

James MacDonald (#2 Prospect) It's not often that a pitcher with B+ stuff is this highly regarded but James has control and off-speed stuff that make him a good thought. He probably projects as an A+ setup man though.

I could list more pitching prospects but I won't because LA would need to be more daring then others to get a deal.

Andrew Lambo (#1 Prospect) With Manny for another year and some other prospects the Dodgers could ship off this contact-minded OF (think Ethier clone) in a deal.

Trade:

Dodgers Trade, Clayton Kershaw, Soctt Elbert, Chin-Lung Hu and Andrew Lambo

Padres Trade, Jake Peavy and Brian Giles

Dodgers get someone who can actually slot ahead of Chad Billingsley, which is tough, and a guy to fill in for Manny while Manny is away. Padres get a pitcher who is ready to move to the front end of their rotation, a top prospect, a starting SS and an OF prospect who could probably replace Giles right away.

Phlavio's Corner: Injury Solutions

Three teams are really feeling the injury bug and that is a bad thing being that they are all in the thick of their divisional races. I'll just be going over some of the names that have been talked about and what those solutions would ACTUALLY mean for the lineups.

New York Mets: 1st Base

Without Delgado the Mets have turned to Murphy's ethereal (I mean this in a bad way) glove. The experiment worked on day 1 and that confidence is a good thing for the player who fields like a deer in the head-lights, but big Murph is not hitting and that is not something the Mets can afford as they begin their post-streak slump.

Daniel Murphy - Slots in as a #2 hitter which is fine if the Mets had a power guy to hit 4th or 5th, but Church and Murphy don't protect Wright who has been getting walked more and more. So while Murphy might work out fielding-wise the Mets need to think about the heart of their order. Fernando Martinez should get a look in LF immediately as the kids power is present and could boost the big club.

Mark DeRosa - The guy's glove is not in question, but I do question his bat's impact. He is more of a power threat then Murphy or Church, but is not really that much of a threat in general. While he greatly improves our depth and fielding I'm not ready to go after the over-priced vet just yet.

Nick Johnson -My stomach lerched when I read this. Johnson is a fine hitter but filling an injury problem with an injury problem is only going to lead to more problems. Johnson could slot in nicely as a #5 hitter and has hit well when healthy. He's not overly powerful, but offers more protection then Murphy or DeRosa.

Aubrey Huff - Huff has power and like DeRosa can play (not that well) multiple positions (3B, 1B, OF). He also has more power then DeRosa, Murphy, and Johnson so that speaks well, but going from a HR friendly park in Camden to a disasterously bad HR park in Citi Field would not work out swell.

Victor Martinez - The Indians have Shoppach to catch and Garko for 1st and LaPorta for DH so it's not like they NEED him, but this guy would cost the Mets Jonathan Niese + Fernando Martinez + Omar Minayas youngest grandkid. Martinez is the jewel that fits the Met's setting. He can catch when Delgado comes back and he gives the Mets options in the off-season for where they need FAs. The fact he has power and is a switch hitter is also a plus.

Best Case: (Once Injuries Clear)
1. Jose Reyes SS
2. Luis Castillo 2B
3. Carlos Beltran CF
4. David Wright 3B
5. Victor Martinez C
6. Carlos Delgado 1B
7. Daniel Murphy LF
8. Ryan Church RF
9.

Milwaukee Brewers: 2nd Base

With Weeks down and likely out the Brewers have to find a solution to 2B and quick. I don't think it is desperate, but I think it's likely that they'll need to be creative to get this solved well. Let's remember they have no leadoff hitter so let's see what we can offer.

Alcedes Escobar - Escobar is technically a SS but you can bring him up and start readying the eventual shift of Hardy to 3B or 2B. Escobar doesn't quite seem ready, but Rickie Weeks never quite seemed ready either.

Bill Hall - Hear me out, Hall has played CF and 3B, maybe he can do it all. He's played admirably in 2009, but Mat Gamel is dying to do his Ryan Braun impersination so we could move Hall to second and hope for the best. This doesn't hurt an already good lineup but it makes Hardy an awkward leadoff man and probably insures 40 additional errors.

Mark Grudzelanek - I don't blame Milwaukee for ignoring Ray and Damian, but Grudz could help. He's got leadoff ability and good defense. I'm not sure how ready he is to play, but he would be a low cost solution to many problems.

Erick Aybar - It seems Aybar might be on his way out of LA for Wood, so Erick seems like a candidate to mention. Not sure who the Brewers would offer though. Erick Aybar is merely a useful young player with some speed and pretty good contact so he would cost a TON, but at the same time there are cheaper options.

Best Case: (Once Injuries Clear)
1. J.J. Hardy SS
2. Bill Hall 2B
3. Ryan Braun LF
4. Prince Fielder 1B
5. Corey Hart RF
6. Mat Gamel 3B
7. Mike Cameron CF
8. Jason Kendall
9.

St. Louis Cardinals: 3rd Base

Glaus is out for a while, Greene is tanking and Pujols cannot go it alone. While the good news is Ryan Ludwick is around the corner, the bad news remains that the team is not deep enough to survive this way for long.

Mark DeRosa - He makes a lot of sense being that they have multiple holes popping up that he could help out with, but at the same time they don't want to give up much for a rental that won't produce that much.

Adrian Beltre - This would be a big splash but would also negate the benefit of Glaus returning. Look for St. Louis to find a low-key move to employ.

Best Case: (Once Injuries Clear)

1. Brendan Ryan SS
2. Skip Schumaker 2B
3. Albert Pujols 1B
4. Ryan Ludwick RF
5. Mark DeRosa LF
6. Troy Glaus 3B
7. Rick Ankiel CF
8. Yadier Molina C
9.

Phlavio's Corner: Filling the Void

I was never a huge Delgado supporter. I like having the guy in our lineup and all, but I wanted someone with a more consistent bat as I value average over sheer power. Now with an extended injury the Mets who already had a vacancy looming must look to the future. There are a number of internal options out there as well as a smattering of external thoughts, I'll go over a few.

Internal:

Daniel Murphy - Murphy has a steady bat with a little pop but has not disappointed when hitting. He also plays defense TERRIBLY which might have meant a move to 1st anyway. The issue is that first base is involved in a lot of plays and Murph has not been properly prepared to field the position. A week in AAA maybe and the Mets could go with the experiment, but it's not the easiest thing to simply do.

Fernando Tatis - Tatis is not an unthinkable option he hits fairly well and has played the position. The issue is he's already shown that he's not defensively sound at the position and that leads me to believe that the Mets will avoid putting Tatis there in favor of someone with more upside at the very least.

Gary Sheffield - He's played the position and would be getting the chance to play every day without the fear of getting hurt. I sorta like the idea as it puts Murphy back in the daily lineup (JERRY, haven't you noticed the absence) and gives us Shef's power in the middle of the order. Again there are defensive concerns but it's worth trying at least once.

Nick Evans - Kid almost made the team and actually plays the position. Evans has power even if he hasn't quite figured out how to use it. Evans probably deserves to play the outfield being that he can out-field Murphy, but his knowledge of 1st gives him an edge that few internal options still have.

Fernando Martinez - At some points in his minor league career people have hinted that 1st might be his landing spot anyway. He still lacks the muscle that he's going to supposedly add to his frame but Fernando COULD be a reasonable thought as he's playing well this season in the minors. It's another case of playing someone out of their primary position, but if my memory serves Fernando has at least been given a taste from time to time.

Ike Davis - Ike is hitting very well in the minors but is more then a year away from the majors... I think. Perhaps the Mets will need to rush him as they could at least try a promotion to AA and see how he does.

External Options:

Adrian Gonzalez - Adrian is the ONLY offensive piece in San Diego, but Gonzalez cannot do it alone. That is why a deal where the Padres got multiple top level prospects... say Jonathan Niese and Fernando Martinez and more... might get the job done. Gonzalez has already proven this year that he can hit the long ball and he's fairly young as well. He'd not be helped by the switch from Petco to Citi, but he's one of the only power hitters who would not also be hurt. While he would clearly cost the most, could the Padres even think about moving him? Well... they have no shot in 2009 and their top prospect can only play 1B. If they got a #3 pitcher, a star replacement for the aging Giles and more then it is at least concievable.

Victor Martinez - Cleveland has many issues, and one is their excessive depth. With Martinez, Hafner, Shoppach, LaPorta and Garko, there is a log jam at 1B/C/DH and they need help elsewhere. Mets would need a similarly awesome crop of players to net the switch hitting slugger who can also catch. Martinez fits great into the Met lineup and into a team that will also be without a catcher in 2010. I'm just not sure the Mets will be willing to pay enough, or if the Indians will be willing to lose their offensive leader.

Aubrey Huff - Much more reasonable, Huff has learned to hit the ball in Baltimore and with Markakis, Jones, and Roberts has made them relevant. HOWEVER, the Orioles would not pass on the opportunity to get some prime pitching for a position of depth in their organization. Huff's biggest flaw is that he's a power hitter who'd be enterring a much more unfriendly park and that translates into a lower average, and much reduced production.

Nick Johnson - Johnson is very much on the cheap side of things. HOWEVER you get the value of what you give. Johnson has limited power and is so often injured it's remarkable what he's done this season. Johnson hits for high average, but doesn't exactly strike a ton of fear in pitchers making things all the more hard for players like Beltran and Wright.

Hank Blalock - Hank has had his share of injuries too. He is more of the type of hitter that might succeed though. Blalock has a mix of contact and power that could shine if he ever kept his back from dissintegrating. Another team that is hungry for pitching, so the Mets would not have to trade their prized outfielder.

Derek Lee - Lee may have turned a corner in his recovery, but the Cubs might be ready to move on anyway. Micah Hoffpauir is an offensive beast and could replace Derek at 1st while adding a versatile bat like Murphy, Evans or Church to Chicago could get their offense over the hump. It's simply a case of seeing a slumping player and seeing if his team is ready to move on.

Prince Fielder - Prince and Milwaukee aren't good friends. Fielder has worn out his welcome with ownership who would love to net a slew of high-level prospects for Prince. The Brewers are a little too in the hunt for this to be possible, but if Gamel can hit right away the case could be made that Prince is not needed in Cheese-town.