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@ Bloom
No, the Padres would not be interested in trading a 5.1 WAR, GG caliber SS for a “starter”(notice the quotations) that can’t even make the Red Sox rotation. Thanks for the offer.
I don’t think Mr. Bloom or anyone on his staff would ever considered that trade.
But a lot of the kids that post hate for Mr. Bloom in here think actions like that one are possible, and they get upset when he doesn’t make them.
Or not everyone agrees Kim is as valuable across baseball as some people on here are making him sound. His bat is not good currently (even though that might improve), and his defense isn’t enough to make up for that (despite what WAR says). Even though I agree that Houck wouldn’t thrill me as trade return, regardless of his upside.
No one has said he “can’t make the Red Sox rotation” (its January, its not like its already set in stone) its just the reality that he is probably the best trade chip the Sox have on the MLB roster not named Casas or Whitlock.
The Padres could certainly be interested, especially if they are looking for some financial relief. I would hope the Sox could maybe get Campusano in the deal as well rather than just Houck for one year of Kim
The Red Sox had the 6th worst rotation in MLB last year. Despite that Houck wasn’t good enough to be a part of it? Houck is a risky #6 starter at this point. The Padres aren’t trading their starting SS from 2022 and a top C prospect who hasn’t gotten a chance yet for the Red Sox #6 starter. 🙂
There seems to be a fair bit of Jonathan Paplebon in Houck. Maybe his future is as a closer rather than a starter.
Java – On what planet do you think Houck was moved to the pen because he “wasn’t good enough”?
In 20 career starts he has a 3.22 ERA, 1.116 WHIP, .217 BAA, 10.4 K/9 and that’s while pitching in the toughest division in MLB.
He was moved into relief because the bullpen Bloom assembled was in shambles, and Bloom didn’t want to give up talent for a short term closer rental in a season that nobody including the owner expected them to contend.
I wouldn’t want to make that Houck trade, and over the next few years you’ll see why.
The Brian Anderson signing by the Brewers seems like trying to catch lightening in a bottle.
The Brewers have 2-4 young OF’s that should be up this year.
This move makes as much sense as bringing in Jesse Winker to play some 1B and DH along with Rowdy Tellez – both LH hitters…..although they could also play Winker in LF along with Yelich….another LH hitter At least Anderson’s a RH hitter.
My guess is the coaching staff will be working with all of them, and that the Brewers will be making a lot of in-season trades in 2023….which will include some of their pitchers as well. Its’s confusing because keeping Burnes and Woodruff one would think they’re contending (and I did); but a team doesn’t block their future players to play guys like this.
I would expect Yelich to get lots of DH AB’s to try to keep him in the lineup. Anderson likely gets most of his playing time in the OF corners and probably occasionally at 1B
I don’t think it will, but I’m interested to see if the Cubs Novocain approach will workout for them. Line up full of hitters who are slightly better than league average, rotation full of slightly better than league average pitchers…
I’m thinking the Cubs, based on their moves, are expecting to be deadline sellers again with tallion stepping in place of Stroman and Smyly in for Hendricks. They are not a strong playoff contender right now and the following are potential free agents:
Bellinger
Happ
Hendricks
Stroman
Mancini
Boxberger
Hosmer
Gomes
Barnhart
Hosmer could affordably be retained by the club for ’24 and ’25, if they choose to keep him on the 40.
Are you sure? I know when you sign a free agent who is still technically under their rookie contract, you retain their rights until they gather enough service time but it’s my understanding the Cubs basically signed Hosmer to a one year deal, does that give them the rights over the next couple years or is Hosmer a “free agent” again after this years World Series?
I really cannot recall a case where a guy was DFA with multiple years on his deal, signed with a team and stuck. I’m sure it’s happened before but Tulu is the only guy I remember being DFA with multiple years left on his deal.
You know what, no, I’m not sure. I have no idea what the Cubs did or said regarding his tenure on the Northside. I really only know that Hosmer is being paid by the Pads (roughly) 37m over the next 3 years, the life of his contract. I am reasonably sure the Cubs are able to retain him (again, not knowing the specific stipulations they may have given him) for that time period, but he would require a spot on the offseason 40. This is all assuming he plays well enough to be considered a present and future piece to the team, which I think he has a good chance to do. Being paid League Minimum by the Cubbies, I see no reason why Hos won’t play above his pay scale. Good point about Tulo; I suppose we’ll find out more about Hos’ situation as the year carries on.
Still not a single question accepted on the best FA available, Trevor Bauer.
I’m sure no one asked a single question about persona non grata. /s
Collusion on all fronts, even these such platforms, sad. From not allowing any comments on a single thread concerning he who shall remain nameless, to refusing to entertain any BASEBALL questions about his possible destination. Seriously, do better.
Eh, maybe they don’t want to talk about it Ms. Luba. Are you accusing the League of collusion and do you have any proof? As much as I want my team to sign him, I also understand why they won’t entertain the notion. I am curious to see where he ends up, though. Cheerio
The team that doesn’t care about team chemistry will sign him.. question is, who is that? Half the teams have publically stated they’re not interested.
@Gwynning – Who IS this guy? Although I have to give him credit where due – he managed to spell collusion correctly, given the caliber and integrity of his thought process. Maybe he has an editor…
I was under every impression that it was Rachel Luba’s acct… perhaps it makes too much sense to be true!
There may be interest but its most likely coming from Mexico, Korea, or maybe Japan. I just can’t quite see any team here wanting that media circus at the beginning of spring training
I don’t necessarily know why, but I’m going to disagree with ya Rsox. I’m not sure who or when, but I think a MLB team brings him aboard this year. As I stated above, I am quite curious where he ends up… and you could be right!
I imagine the attendance at the Pirates spring training would spike with a Bauer signing.
The recent Steve Admas chat did have a Bauer question answered.
Mr. commentator, how could you possibly believe Gary Sanchez would make a better back up catcher than Higgy? He is the worldwide leader in passed balls. He is a noted bad framer at home plate. He does not hustle. He strikes out a ton to kill rallies. The Yankees decided to emphasize defense at the catching position to reinforce the stellar pitching staff they have. With Sanchez behind the plate, the pitchers often had to deal with 4 out innings. They will likely go with the same tandem until Austin Wells is ready to graduate to MLB and brings his LH bat to the lineup. Gary had SO many chances in NY, but never brought his defense up to where it needs to be.
beb – He had the best defensive year of his career in 2022.
I know, it was hard for me to believe as well. But it’s true.
Don’t sleep on the A’s rotation. Waldichuk, Fujinami and Sears all rookie of the year candidates. That is if Fuji is eligible
Re: the suggestion that a team load up on >.360 OBP guys. If you take a look at Houston you have:
Alvarez .406
Altuve .387
Abreu .378
Brantley .370
Bregman .366
and a few OK like Tucker at .330 and McCormick at .332
Also, consistent with the value, NOT ONE of the bottom 10 teams in OBP made the playoffs!!