Horsehide Harry
<B>Mr. Free Trade</B>
You don't trade Teheran because a) he has shown that he can be a very good pitcher (at least a strong 2) b) he's signed to a great contract through 2020 (in 2020, where the Braves have a $1M buyout, he'll make $12M which is about what a decent #3 will make then). c) his value relative to return is low right now.
You also have to keep in mind that the goal is to be good when the new ballpark opens which is 2017. The stated goal is to compete until then, but you don't keep your fans by openly admitting that you are tanking the next two years in hopes of building a team that will be consistently good for years starting in 2017.
If you are going to trade SP, and I really think it should be on the table for the RIGHT return, then it needs to be Miller and Wood. Miller's value is as high as it's ever been. If he continues as he's going, then he's one of the top pitchers in baseball in 2017, just in time for him to hit the market as a FA. Now, there is nothing that says that the Braves won't or can't resign or extend him. But, I think we can all agree that if he continues as is, he will be one of the most expensive players in baseball in terms of cost per year and years.
When I say value for Miller, I think you look for top end (I mean top) coming back in return because you are giving up excellence and control. I am thinking something along the likes of a Miller for Seager or Correa straight up or a trade for multiple high end guys. Both LA and Houston could have the need and both could spare the talent, although Houston is less likely IMO. Maybe a Glasgow, Meadows trade with Pittsburgh.
As for Wood, I think you look for the same type return with the understanding that his value will be less than Miller at this point. Maybe a Walker/Marte/Hultzen trade with Seattle for Wood and Grilli since Walker is struggling and Hultzen is a big unknown due to his past surgery.
I am not saying that you trade either for the sake of trading them. But, if you get the right return, I think you do it.
Even if both were traded, you still have the makings of a decent rotation with Teheran, Folty, Perez, Wisler, Manban, etc. plus whoever you get as part of the return. Plus you have a ton of cash free to go spend for a FA pitcher or two in the offseason of which there are many.
You also have to keep in mind that the goal is to be good when the new ballpark opens which is 2017. The stated goal is to compete until then, but you don't keep your fans by openly admitting that you are tanking the next two years in hopes of building a team that will be consistently good for years starting in 2017.
If you are going to trade SP, and I really think it should be on the table for the RIGHT return, then it needs to be Miller and Wood. Miller's value is as high as it's ever been. If he continues as he's going, then he's one of the top pitchers in baseball in 2017, just in time for him to hit the market as a FA. Now, there is nothing that says that the Braves won't or can't resign or extend him. But, I think we can all agree that if he continues as is, he will be one of the most expensive players in baseball in terms of cost per year and years.
When I say value for Miller, I think you look for top end (I mean top) coming back in return because you are giving up excellence and control. I am thinking something along the likes of a Miller for Seager or Correa straight up or a trade for multiple high end guys. Both LA and Houston could have the need and both could spare the talent, although Houston is less likely IMO. Maybe a Glasgow, Meadows trade with Pittsburgh.
As for Wood, I think you look for the same type return with the understanding that his value will be less than Miller at this point. Maybe a Walker/Marte/Hultzen trade with Seattle for Wood and Grilli since Walker is struggling and Hultzen is a big unknown due to his past surgery.
I am not saying that you trade either for the sake of trading them. But, if you get the right return, I think you do it.
Even if both were traded, you still have the makings of a decent rotation with Teheran, Folty, Perez, Wisler, Manban, etc. plus whoever you get as part of the return. Plus you have a ton of cash free to go spend for a FA pitcher or two in the offseason of which there are many.