Michael's deal

by Joe. on Jan 27, 2006 10:48 AM EST Comment 10 comments

What is with Shapiro's reluctance to pull off the Michaels-Rhodes swap? Although I am one of the few people here who realizes that Rhodes was flat out dominant last year, it does not mean he can't be replaced. We have a bigger need at RF than our bullpen anyway. I have confidence that Fernando Cabrera could easily take over for Rhodes. The bullpen was fine when Rhodes left like last year for family reasons and I am sure it would be fine again without him this year. Plus, we have Andrew Brown ready to contribute and hopefully a healthy Matt Miller. I think no matter what happens with Crisp-Marte, we should still get Michaels to round out our outfield.

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Re: Michael's deal

It seemed to me that Rhodes really solidified the bullpen early on last year. At the end of the year the starters were pitching great, and there was no tommorrow for Howry (C'mon Bobby 4 days in a row isn't that bad). In 04, the bullpen started bad and it was downhill from there. I now truly believe that Mota's physical killed the deal, as Shapiro was worried about a reprise of 04.

by oxforddave on Jan 27, 2006 11:29 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Michael's deal

You hit it on the nose no Howry this year, I can not see how we get by with out Vet 8th inn guy.

Fan in Texas

by fanintexas on Jan 27, 2006 1:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Michael's deal

On the one hand, I'd like to say, what is there about being a veteran that helps in the 8th inning?

On the other hand, the front office kind of seems to agree with you ...

by Jay on Jan 27, 2006 1:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Michael's deal

Jay, I get the feeling that you and I are the only ones who think Rhodes is a big part of our bullpen. Based on his peripherals from last season, I see no reason why he can't have another sub-3 ERA season.

That being said, I think he's the logical choice for the swap. Assuming Riske goes to Boston, we have to choose between Betancourt, Miller, and Rhodes. Betancourt, IMO, may be our best or second best reliever, and Miller is under our control for four (?) more years. Rhodes is a free agent, and thinking of this in terms of marginal production, the difference between him and his replacement (Davis?) can't be more than one win. At worst, Michaels is probably worth one more win than Blake, and he's under our control through next season. So as much as I'd hate to see Rhodes go, I'd rather it be him than Betancourt or Miller.

Of course, if Riske doesn't go to Boston, then it's a toss up between him and Rhodes.

Kos

by Kos on Jan 27, 2006 1:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Michael's deal

It doesn't look like Riske has that much trade value I don't agree but that is the way it looks.

Fan in Texas

by fanintexas on Jan 27, 2006 2:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Michael's deal

Yeah, that's kind of baffling, isn't it?

by Jay on Jan 27, 2006 2:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Michael's deal

I agree. Betancourt and Miller seem to be very good relievers who can pitch for us for many years going forward. Interesting how all the "no downgrade for 2006" people aren't howling over losing Rhodes.

by Jay on Jan 27, 2006 2:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Michael's deal

I'm howling, but if we are trading Coco we need to fill his spot, and we do not have anybody ready on our roster, but we do have some real good prospects in RP Brown and Davis.

Fan in Texas

by fanintexas on Jan 27, 2006 2:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Michael's deal

I am howling, but I've kept it on the inside for now.

There have been all sorts of conspiracy theories on the web (I've propagated a few) on the failure of Mota's physical. But now I think it was real concerns. If both trades go through, there is a downgrade in LF, and a downgrade in the relief staff, which may be more significant. Also a downgrade in depth for the outfield and relievers. (Imagine if Sizemore goes down. it is awfully hard to win a pennant with an outfield of Blake, Hollandsworth, and Michaels.) Shapiro clearly wants to minimize this downgrade, and is rightfully concerned about Mota. Rhodes really stabilized the bullpen last year, and got it over the collapse of confidence from 04.

We had a Jason Michaels look alike in the system last year (John Rodriguez), and Shapiro dumped him. I have trust in Shapiro, but he is clearly not infallable.

by oxforddave on Jan 27, 2006 2:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs