Comments on: RAYS 4, A’s 0: Took me long enough to post this, eh?

By: A.J.

A.J. — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:02:59 +0000

Joyce has a bright future, but he’s a lefty hitter, and we have plenty of those. I don’t think we match up with the Tigers unless they want to part with Sheffield and take a little bit off his contract. Nady would be great, but the Pirates want an arm and a leg for him, and I don’t think he’s worth giving up what they want from us. Blake is really more reliable anyways, if you look at career numbers. Blake is very steady in his numbers, while Nady tends to tire out at the end of every year he’s played. Also, Blake has postseason experience, which can definitely come in handy.

By: BillG

BillG — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:09:41 +0000

I am liking Nady and…what about Matt Joyce of the Motown Tiggers? Good young player who has always been athletic in the field and has a good bat. Tigs need bullpen help….Hammell, Ruggiano and a player to be named later?

By: A.J.

A.J. — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:31:54 +0000

A side note on Casey Blake- He’s batting .403 with RISP this year. Not too bad at all. Might have to definitely give up Ruggiano for him, in that chase.

By: A.J.

A.J. — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:24:07 +0000

I am ready for what could be my final proposal for trades this July. With Evan being on absolute fire, we don’t need the high-power bat as much necessarily for the long-run. I am content with setting our sights on Casey Blake to be the righty RF bat, and he can spell Evan at 3B every now and again. Blake is already used to a platoon role, and is a steady performer. He’s not as streaky as some guys are out there. So, I like the idea of sending over Jason Hammel and Wade Townsend to the Tribe for Blake. Townsend has been a disappointment in our system, and maybe he’d be better off with a change of scenery. We could sweeten the pot, and offer Ruggiano instead of Townsend. I’d only do that if we were willing to give Blake an extension. Anyhow, we get a RF platoon player who does awfully well against lefties (.916 OPS), and can play against righties when needed without hurting the team (.803 OPS). Gomes is done, and we all know it. No need to beat a dead horse.
The other trade I would like us to look into is Arthur Rhodes from Seattle. He wouldn’t cost us a lot in a trade either. Maybe just someone like Brian Henderson (Montgomery LHP reliever) could bring him in. Rhodes has playoff experience, and has been throwing the ball well all year.
The great things about these trades are that we get what we need, and don’t give up a ton on young talent in the process. Blake is a FA after this year, but could sign an extension with us and fit right in for a couple more years. He’s always been a steady performer on the field, and has no problem playing a few different positions. Rhodes would also be a FA, I believe, and gives us another lefty to rely on for the playoff run. What do you guys think?