by Jerlins » Tue Feb 09, 2010 1:30 pm
With the new cards due to come out, I'll be interested in opening up talks for some of my players I'll have available. These include:
Gordon Beckham- 3rd base eligible this year, the Sox move him over to 2nd for the 2010 season. Great opportunity for someone who could use a 3rd baseman for 2010, but need a long term 2nd baseman for beyond.
Casey Blake- Short term solution for 3rd, should have one of the better cards in that position for 2010.
Carlos Ruiz- Surely not even one of the top 10 catchers for 2010, but there are a few teams out there with worse, so I may as well toss him out there.
Derek Lee- Another short term solution for someone who thinks they are 1 player away from a ring. I'll most likely wait on him, as he's my platoon mate for a wretched vs LH card I expect Ryan Howard to have. But he's available nonetheless in the right deal.
Ian Kinsler/Aaron Hill- Available, but most likely only in a blockbuster trade scenario.
Brett Wallace- Feeling lucky?
Of course, no one is indispensable, but most everyone else is either:
A: Coming off a bad year and I value them more than what I can get (Dice K, Sizemore)
B: Part of my base lineup unless I can get a similar position player at their position via a trade of one of the above to upgrade
C: One year wonders, or a year or two from actually contributing
D: Totally suck, so no need to try to sugar coat them
Though I've mentioned it in previous threads, I'll remind you all again:
1. Needs are basically RF, Closer (long term type closer)
2. Lefthanded hitting (preferred, not essential)
3. Upgrading any position on my team in a 2 for 1 scenario
Though I have excess (in my opinion) at 3rd, catcher, and 2nd, I have no desire to "give away" anyone at these positions. A player such as Kinsler, Lee, Longoria, or McCann serves me better platooning (my initial plans for all 4 of them this coming year), than it would having to oppose them in a game, or their long term value over the next few years.
I'll listen to any offers, respond to all. While negotiations beginning from a low ball offer can be fun, I prefer to "cut to the chase" and get right down to the actual offer.
Happy shopping :D :D