The Cubs would prefer to 'center the deal around' Javier Baez/Starlin Castro, per Crasnick.
Markakis and Miller plus a prospect for Baez and Soler... think that's what I would prefer
Soler's young and all, but I can't figure out why folks are getting sticky pants over him. Horrid K rate. Below average BB rate. Bad defensive stats. For all his warts, Olivera's OPS was only 0.008 lower than Soler's. I get the age difference (and sample size comparison), but I want more than Soler for Miller.
Bold prediction: Markakis won't be a Brave in 2016. I wouldn't be surprised if he were moved at the Winter Meetings.
clvclv (12-03-2015)
The key on Miller's future performance depends on: (1) maintaining the improvement he made in 2015 on his GB/FB ratio and (2) developing a reliable "out" pitch. (2) is obviously more difficult than (1), but if he were to accomplish both, he'd be a top-drawer pitcher. Right now, he goes into too many deep counts, which leads to too many pitches and an "iffy" walk rate.
Last edited by 50PoundHead; 12-03-2015 at 01:03 PM.
This article suggests he is quite possibly doing exactly that. http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/shelb...eudo-prospect/
It also notes that he lead the league in getting screwed out of strike calls with 59. Since most of that is attributed to how poor AJP is at pitch framing, it might be wise for the Braves to go grab the excellent pitch framer, and recently non-tendered, Tyler Flowers.
Having Miller throw to Flowers 30+ times next year might get him 60+ extra strike calls, and could possibly improve his performance enough to make him even more valuable in next year's very thin FA market.
I like Markakis enough as a player, but I don't know that he's necessarily an essential piece on this team -- as it is comprised now, at least -- and I also harbor some concerns about his contract becoming a nag in the final years. Arguments have been made about him being a positive role model for the younger talents and that's not something that should be discounted either. Castro intrigues me because he's still young and reasonably cost controlled and could ostensibly play SS or 2B. Obviously, he's not a major get in a deal that sees the Braves coughing up Teheran or Miller, but if Markakis could somehow be offloaded in the process I think it would represent several net positives for the team.
It galls me that people want simply evaulate Markakis for his full season of 2015. The first two months, he was quietly (not making waves) getting his strength back from a very invasive neck surgery that could have easily ended his career or stunted his season. But he played 156 games, had over 40 extra base hits, nearly 180 hits and reached base over 250 times. I want that in my lineup moving forward.
clvclv (12-03-2015), Hudson2 (12-03-2015), TomahawkCult (12-03-2015)