Nationals Snatch Herrara Away from Royals (and Braves?)

[BeanieAntics]

Shouldn't pen problems be better fixed from within? Why not be careful with Gohara/Fried/Allard/Wright's innings during the second half and keep all of them rather than wasting prospects on a rental? You'd also have them all as rotation candidates down the stretch with a shift of McCarthy and Sanchez to the pen.

The later this gets (and after listening to that DOB podcast, it certainly doesn't sound like AA's in ANY hurry), the more I like waiting things out so long as no one has stepped up for Beltre. You can keep playing Camargo somewhat regularly to stay sharp and keep Beltre healthy and use him as a serious weapon off the bench on days he doesn't play and minimize the prospect cost even further than trading for Machado or Donaldson.

Always hard to translate GM-Speak correctly, but it sure sounds like he's high enough on Riley to expect him to be seriously considered above all other options for 2019 IF he finishes the season strong after he comes back.

The longer Strasburg's down and Harper struggles, the longer AA can wait, and at this point I'd like to hold onto everybody we can - if he wants to make an acquisition of anything bigger than Beltre, wait until this winter.

We are fortunate enough to have a winning team with some minor flaws that can be fixed cheaply. Acquiring a LOOGY like Claudio wouldn't cost us anything close to the names that you mentioned. We could probably acquire him for Wisler (or maybe even less than that). I don't think that puts a dent in our future at all and it helps us out right now. Its pretty clear that the bullpen would benefit a good bit from a lefty specialist. 3rd base might be a little more expensive to improve, but its also less concerning to me than patching up the bullpen. If we do decide to upgrade at 3rd, we are once again fortunate in the fact that it seems like it could end up being a buyer's market. There are numerous guys out there who fit both the rental/longer term mold pretty well. We have plenty of options to choose from. While I don't think its 100% necessary and I'm not sure we have enough money to do it anyway, but if the right deal for a 3rd base upgrade appeared we should definitely entertain the idea, even if the price is a tad higher than we would like.

[BeanieAntics]

I hadn't thought of Blevins. We did make a deal with the Mets a couple years ago (Uribe and Kelly Johnson for Gant and Whalen) when they were buyers and we were sellers. I think Blevins is a little less attractive that the other 3 guys (Avilan, Loup and Claudio). He's making a little more money than they are this year. Also he is having a very poor year. Could be a small sample thing. A third consideration is the last couple years he's been simply awful against righties. I know the main objective is to get someone who can get lefty hitters out. But lets say you have an inning where the other team has LRL coming up. Ideally, you have a pitcher you are ok facing all three. Avilan, Loup and Claudio seem to be a bit more serviceable in that kind of situation.

Its actually kind of funny with Blevins. Six of the nine earned runs he has surrendered this year have been against the Braves and Freddie Freeman (who I think has done most of the damage). If you take those appearances out of the equation, his year probably looks at least respectable lol.

[nsacpi]

Its actually kind of funny with Blevins. Six of the nine earned runs he has surrendered this year have been against the Braves and Freddie Freeman (who I think has done most of the damage). If you take those appearances out of the equation, his year probably looks at least respectable lol.

Yeah. But over his career he's a bit worse against righties than Avilan, Loup and Claudio. If you have to get one guy out that's not an issue. But ideally we can trade for someone who can be used in a slightly more flexible way.

[BeanieAntics]

First, I don't think we will will need to give up much for someone like Avilan, Loup or Claudio. Certainly not a prospect like Gohara, Fried, Allard or Wright. I think we can get them for Wisler, who will be out of options next year.

Second, if we are playing meaningful baseball in September and October, I want someone with some experience in the role we are giving them. So I'd rather have Avilan/Loup/Claudio as our situational lefty rather than a promising prospect who might have a better future but might not be used to that kind of situation: pitching on consecutive days, warming several times, etc.

McCarthy and Sanchez don't really figure into this conversation because we are discussing the fact that there is a need for a situational lefty for the pen.

Yep. This team need a left handed specialist who can throw strikes and keep walks to a minimum right now. If we can get that, I actually think we have a pretty decent bullpen. Claudio fits that mold perfectly. Avilan and Loup would also be fine additions as well, but I'm a little leary of Loup. He hasn't been great the past few seasons. He would definitely be 3rd on my list of candidates.

[nsacpi]

We are fortunate enough to have a winning team with some minor flaws that can be fixed cheaply. Acquiring a LOOGY like Claudio wouldn't cost us anything close to the names that you mentioned. We could probably acquire him for Wisler (or maybe even less than that). I don't think that puts a dent in our future at all and it helps us out right now. Its pretty clear that the bullpen would benefit a good bit from a lefty specialist. 3rd base might be a little more expensive to improve, but its also less concerning to me than patching up the bullpen. If we do decide to upgrade at 3rd, we are once again fortunate in the fact that it seems like it could end up being a buyer's market. There are numerous guys out there who fit both the rental/longer term mold pretty well. We have plenty of options to choose from. While I don't think its 100% necessary and I'm not sure we have enough money to do it anyway, but if the right deal for a 3rd base upgrade appeared we should definitely entertain the idea, even if the price is a tad higher than we would like.

It seems to me the priority (and sequencing) should lean toward the situational lefty. That kind of player will be cheaper (in both $$ and prospects) than a third baseman. I would make this move relatively soon. Among other things, making this move sooner rather than later will reduce the risks of overusing Sam Freeman.

With respect to third, I think we can wait until much closer to the deadline. One reason for this is sometimes you get an injury just before the deadline that changes the priorities. AA should keep some of his powder dry in case this happens.

[nsacpi]

Assuming we could get any of the guys we are discussing at a good price, I would rank them as follows:

1. Avilan
2. Claudio
3. Loup
4. Blevins

On a sentimental note I have fond memories of the double play Avilan turned against the Dodgers last time we were in the playoffs. He has some big-game experience, which should not be completely discounted.

[BeanieAntics]

Assuming we could get any of the guys we are discussing at a good price, I would rank them as follows:

1. Avilan
2. Claudio
3. Loup
4. Blevins

On a sentimental note I have fond memories of the double play Avilan turned against the Dodgers last time we were in the playoffs. He has some big-game experience, which should not be completely discounted.

Yeah I think I would switch Claudio and Avilan, but that would be my list as well.

Lets assume that we are looking to upgrade on offense for a minute. Who would make some sense? Obviously we would be looking for a guy that wouldn't break the bank money wise and prospect wise. I think it would make sense to look for a guy that can play the type of role that Camargo was billed to play. A super utility guy that can move around the diamond, give guys days off, start for a while in case of injury, and still provide above average offense. The one player I can think of that hits all of those marks is Yangervis Solarte. He is having a very solid year at the plate, he is under contract through 2020 for only 13.5 million after this year, and he can play virtually anywhere on the diamond if you need him to except CF, P, and C. I think having a guy like that could be quite valuable for a team like ours. I think a guy like this, rather than a guy who is stuck at 3rd, might make the most sense for us. It would buy us some insurance in case guys get hurt or struggle and it would allow us to extend our bench and get pretty creative when constructing lineups. It also doesn't hurt that he is a switch hitter that has relatively balanced splits. The more I look at him, the more he starts to make sense if we do intend on getting an offensive upgrade. What would he likely cost us in terms of prospects? It couldn't be TOO much could it?

[Southcack77]

If you are saying, with a straight face, that you think Camargo is going to turn out really well in a playoff series, I don't see why you would be too worried about the experience level or talent of anyone the Braves might promote to be a LOOGY.

[nsacpi]

If you are saying, with a straight face, that you think Camargo is going to turn out really well in a playoff series, I don't see why you would be too worried about the experience level or talent of anyone the Braves might promote to be a LOOGY.

Camargo might fall on his face in the playoffs. But it won't be because he hasn't seen thousands of grounders hit at him.

Otoh, if say Fried falls on his face in the playoffs, it might well be due to lack of experience dealing with pitching consecutive days, warming up multiple times in a game, or having to come in with the bases loaded and one out to get just one left-handed hitter.

[nsacpi]

Yeah I think I would switch Claudio and Avilan, but that would be my list as well.

Lets assume that we are looking to upgrade on offense for a minute. Who would make some sense? Obviously we would be looking for a guy that wouldn't break the bank money wise and prospect wise. I think it would make sense to look for a guy that can play the type of role that Camargo was billed to play. A super utility guy that can move around the diamond, give guys days off, start for a while in case of injury, and still provide above average offense. The one player I can think of that hits all of those marks is Yangervis Solarte. He is having a very solid year at the plate, he is under contract through 2020 for only 13.5 million after this year, and he can play virtually anywhere on the diamond if you need him to except CF, P, and C. I think having a guy like that could be quite valuable for a team like ours. I think a guy like this, rather than a guy who is stuck at 3rd, might make the most sense for us. It would buy us some insurance in case guys get hurt or struggle and it would allow us to extend our bench and get pretty creative when constructing lineups. It also doesn't hurt that he is a switch hitter that has relatively balanced splits. The more I look at him, the more he starts to make sense if we do intend on getting an offensive upgrade. What would he likely cost us in terms of prospects? It couldn't be TOO much could it?

If you are giving a certain amount of weight to versatility, and I would, then Asdrubal Cabrera and Jed Lowrie should be given some bonus points along with Solarte.

If you are thinking platoon partner for Camargo, then I think Moose is the logical candidate.

If you are thinking which guy would fit in best within our lineup as our regular third baseman, then Beltre or Donaldson is your man.

So no clear answer. Or alternatively, the answer depends on how you think Camargo should be used if the team is playing meaningful games in September and October.

[Enscheff]

Assuming we could get any of the guys we are discussing at a good price, I would rank them as follows:

1. Avilan
2. Claudio
3. Loup
4. Blevins

On a sentimental note I have fond memories of the double play Avilan turned against the Dodgers last time we were in the playoffs. He has some big-game experience, which should not be completely discounted.

I would probably flip Claudio with Avilan, but it should be noted that Claudio will be the most expensive arm on that list to acquire. I'm not completely sold on spending more prospect capital for a controllable BP arm, depending on what the cost ends up being.

I do agree with the sentiment about getting this BP arm sooner rather than later. Camargo needs more time at 3b, so that acquisition can wait another 3-4 weeks.

[clvclv]

We are fortunate enough to have a winning team with some minor flaws that can be fixed cheaply. Acquiring a LOOGY like Claudio wouldn't cost us anything close to the names that you mentioned. We could probably acquire him for Wisler (or maybe even less than that). I don't think that puts a dent in our future at all and it helps us out right now. Its pretty clear that the bullpen would benefit a good bit from a lefty specialist. 3rd base might be a little more expensive to improve, but its also less concerning to me than patching up the bullpen. If we do decide to upgrade at 3rd, we are once again fortunate in the fact that it seems like it could end up being a buyer's market. There are numerous guys out there who fit both the rental/longer term mold pretty well. We have plenty of options to choose from. While I don't think its 100% necessary and I'm not sure we have enough money to do it anyway, but if the right deal for a 3rd base upgrade appeared we should definitely entertain the idea, even if the price is a tad higher than we would like.

Afraid you misunderstood - I was mentioning Gohara/Fried/Allard as pen options only down the stretch. I get the concerns about them not being adept at getting up multiple times, etc. right now, but I do think you can acclimate them in late August or September. I'd rather try that than spend more prospect capital than Wisler or Sims.

Assuming AA could get one of the names you guys have been discussing for Wisler (or even Sims), I'd be perfectly fine with that - I'm just not convinced they'll be quite that cheap. Hopefully I'll be pleasantly surprised.

[Enscheff]

Afraid you misunderstood - I was mentioning Gohara/Fried/Allard as pen options only down the stretch. I get the concerns about them not being adept at getting up multiple times, etc. right now, but I do think you can acclimate them in late August or September. I'd rather try that than spend more prospect capital than Wisler or Sims.

Assuming AA could get one of the names you guys have been discussing for Wisler (or even Sims), I'd be perfectly fine with that - I'm just not convinced they'll be quite that cheap. Hopefully I'll be pleasantly surprised.

If Jenkins can get Sale, Wisler or Sims should get any BP arm on the market.

AMIRIGHT?!

[msstate7]

If Jenkins can get Sale, Wisler or Sims should get any BP arm on the market.

AMIRIGHT?!

Wisler should get Blevins fo sho. Wisler has looked like a stud vs them

[PurpleBrave]

Not reading through 4 pages, but I’m sure it’s been noted that the royals made a dumb move. This deal would have been there in July. The three prospects are organizational depth. Unless they were worried about herrera getting hurt, it was a poor deal for them

[nsacpi]

Not reading through 4 pages, but I’m sure it’s been noted that the royals made a dumb move. This deal would have been there in July. The three prospects are organizational depth. Unless they were worried about herrera getting hurt, it was a poor deal for them

Dayton

[Southcack77]

Not reading through 4 pages, but I’m sure it’s been noted that the royals made a dumb move. This deal would have been there in July. The three prospects are organizational depth. Unless they were worried about herrera getting hurt, it was a poor deal for them

If they just wanted to cut payroll, making the trade in July would not have been as effective for their purpose.