Where Are You?
Tue, Dec 20, 2005
by Geoff Young
So, I’ve been playing around with this Frappr! tool. Feel free to add yourself to the map so we can see how far the Ducksnorts empire stretches.
Other Stuff
- As mentioned the other day, I am working on Ducksnorts: Best of 2005. I’m compiling information now, then I’ll go back and add post facto commentary. So far I’ve gotten through September’s entries and we’re at 163 pages. Fun to relive the season.
- Nothing to do with baseball, but this is my new favorite podcast: Ricky Gervais Show. Gervais is the genius behind BBC’s hit show The Office. I have to warn you that there is some salty language in here; also be sure not to drink anything while listening, as it likely will come out your nose.
Okay, there you go. Add yourself to the Frappr! Ducksnorts map if you’re so inclined. Read 2005 in Review - Starting Pitchers, Part 1 if you haven’t already. Part 2, featuring Woody Williams and Adam Eaton, runs tomorrow.
Picking up where last year's version left off, the Ducksnorts 2008 Baseball Annual provides in-depth analysis of and commentary on the San Diego Padres. Get your copy today.
December 20, 2005 at 8:35 am
BP’s STAT OF THE DAY
Top 5 2005 NL Right Fielders, by Value Over Replacement Player (VORP)
Player, Team, EqA, Projected VORP, VORP
Brian Giles, SDN, .326, 45.6, 65.1
Bobby Abreu, PHI, .303, 54.8, 56.8
Geoff Jenkins, MIL, .300, 16.2, 49.8
Shawn Green, ARI, .282, 26.7, 38.0
Jose Guillen, WAS, .284, 25.0, 35.4
… in case you didn’t already know this
Merry Christmas … Happy New Year!
December 20, 2005 at 11:35 am
I like the Frappr. It’s fun being able to see who lives where.
December 20, 2005 at 11:56 am
Breaking news from ESPN:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=2266394
Eaton, Aki and prospect
for
Chris Young, Termel Sledge and Adrian Gonzalez
December 20, 2005 at 12:12 pm
Pads just traded Eaton and Aki to Rangers for Chris Young, Adrian Gonzales and Terrmel Sledge. Source: Dallas Morning News.
http://www.dallasnews.com/shar.....17d25.html
GREAT DEAL for the Pads, I think. Opinions?
December 20, 2005 at 12:16 pm
I agree with Jesse-pending more info on who the prospect is. This looks great for the Pad’s. Young is a solid replacement for Eaton in the rotation and getting Gonzalez back may move Klesko to the bench by May.
December 20, 2005 at 12:22 pm
I like the Flappr also … Geoff - you live in my primary stompin’ grounds … last time I lived down there was over in an apt on Beadnell … and now I visit/stay with friends (the ones who came to the Pizza Feed with me) over on Marlesta … any chance you’ve heard Grandview (http://www.purevolume.com/grandviewband)? I’d have thought many folks in that neighborhood would have heard them practice
December 20, 2005 at 12:33 pm
Wow! What a move. Looks good so far, but as others have said, we’ll have to wait to see who else we give up. Also, our bullpen concerns me with Aki being moved. Guess we have picked up quite a few arms who could plug in there though.
I really hope this means Roberts will also be moved now, or else Sledge will be used to trade onwards. We don’t need anyone else taking playing time from Ben.
December 20, 2005 at 12:39 pm
Great trade. The Padres weren’t going to resign Eaton or Otsuka beyond next year so getting something for them while their value was high is a good move. Young was good as a rookie in about as bad a pitching environment outside of Coors and he should be at least as good as Eaton last year. Getting Gonzalez to fill the firstbase hole is OK — he can’t be any worse than Klesko and is a much better fielder. Not really sure where Sledge fits in as he is at least as good as Roberts, maybe he is further trade bait to fill the 2nd base hole.
December 20, 2005 at 1:07 pm
Interesting tidbit from Jerry Crasnick:
The main motivation for the Padres to deal Eaton was because they were far apart in negotiations on a new multi-year contract, and Eaton will enter the final year of his current deal in ‘06, Crasnick reports.
December 20, 2005 at 1:14 pm
Young was 5th in the AL last year in K/9, hovering around 7.5. His K/BB was decent (hair above 3). All in all, I think he is more than a suitable replacement for Eaton. I think he’ll be better next year.
Gonzalez is a nice pick-up as well. Don’t know as much about him, other than he’s a former 1st pick of the Marlins who got sent to the Rangers in the Urbina deal a few years back. He has very little MLB service time, but I’ve heard good things.
My question is why Termel Sledge is a piece here. Do we need a 7th outfielder?
I think this is a great trade…I’d much rather have Young and Gonzalez than David Wells, for example.
December 20, 2005 at 1:18 pm
ESPN says the minor leaguer is Billy Killian. I love this deal. When Sledge was traded to Texas, I thought he was a guy we should have gone after. Gonzalez and Young both have some upside. Sorry to see Aki go, but he really fell off late in the year.
December 20, 2005 at 1:19 pm
Given the age of the projected starting OF, Cameron’s injury, and Roberts’ lack of power, I expect Sledge to play quite a bit if they keep him.
December 20, 2005 at 1:24 pm
Glad to see so many folks enjoying Frappr. We’re pretty well represented on both coasts.
LM: The name “Grandview” sounds familiar, although I can’t say that I’ve actually heard them.
December 20, 2005 at 1:31 pm
I think this is the most exciting trade of the off season. As long as we don’t send Gonzalez to Boston for Wells. Young seems pretty good considering where he had to pitch, he’s a flyball pitcher and should be helped a lot by Petco.
December 20, 2005 at 1:48 pm
What a fantastic trade. Young is better than Eaton. Gonzalez is more valuable than Aki. Billy Killian is years from being a Major League player and Sledge can step in and produce right now.
December 20, 2005 at 1:59 pm
I hope the Padres are committed to Adrian Gonzalez at 1B in 2006. Get him his 500 ABs at big league level. Don’t mess with him like Nady. Gonzalez already has mastered Triple A pitching, there’s no reason to waste him time down in Portland.
Left field is such a log-jam! Klesko, DR., Ben Johnson, Sledge, McAnulty, Guzman are all going to be a part of the spring training competition.
Since I know the Padres aren’t going to pencil Adrian at 1B, Klesko and McAnulty also factor into that equation.
December 20, 2005 at 2:02 pm
Richard Wade
Plus, Killian is now #4 behind Kottaras, Hundley and Morton in the organizational catching ranks.
December 20, 2005 at 2:40 pm
I don’t see what’s not to like about this deal given the recent comments by Eaton about the ongoing contract talks and him seeking a 3/27 deal. So we turn two free agents-to-be and a low prospect into a cheap, solid starter with still some upside, a potential starting first baseman, and a solid 3rd-4th outfielder.
During the talks with Texas, the one guy I really wanted was Adrian Gonzalez. He was going nowhere with Texas, and with his performance in AAA last year, he looks to be ready. Add his above average defense into the equation, and I just can’t help but be excited about the prospect of him starting at first for the Pads. Now if I can only see my wish fulfilled of swapping Klesko for Wells…
The way I see it, this trade is a vast improvement over the initial Pads’/Rangers rumors. Instead of Nix, we get Sledge (improvement). Instead of Laird, we get Gonzalez (obviously I think AGon has more upside). Add a solid pitcher in return when we were originally getting leftovers like Astacio, that’s gravy. I can’t believe we got a solid arm coming back, even more so one that is as solid as Eaton and is under our control for several more seasons. Good day to be a Pads’ fan.
Now I just will go cross my fingers that rotoworld is smoking something by saying that AGon could be flipped for Wells…
December 20, 2005 at 2:50 pm
Yo Adrian!
He’s mastered AAA, huh? .960 OPS, extra base hit every 9 ABalmost 1:1 K/BB ratio, .338 BA…
I think he’s seasoned enough. Anyone wanna give odds that Gonzalez, Sledge, Klesko and Roberts are all in the Pads organization on opening day (let alone New Year’s Day)? I’ll start at 10:1.
December 20, 2005 at 2:54 pm
“Left field is such a log-jam! Klesko, DR., Ben Johnson, Sledge, McAnulty, Guzman are all going to be a part of the spring training competition.”
Klesko is supposed to move to first base. McAnulty can barely play first base. Guzman is a fourth outfielder at best. So is Sledge. Ben Johnson should be in right and Giles in left. DR is a more expensive, older Guzman, who is better at the plate. Hopefully he can be dealt.
December 20, 2005 at 2:58 pm
Hopefully we have traded DR and cut Klesko by then, Jesse.
December 20, 2005 at 3:06 pm
-Richard-
Cutting Klesko is not really even that far fetched (well, maybe a little). The point is, This deal saved a quite a bit of money (kind of wish we could have kept Loretta around, given the cash this deal afforded). That money could also help make the deal for Wells happen, as we could potentially eat more of his salary than before. Props to KT (or Sandy) for some pretty creative cash growth over the past couple weeks (Oxspring, for instance.).
December 20, 2005 at 3:25 pm
I can’t believe how much negativity there is out there about this trade. This seems reminiscent to me of a trade KT made in his first year as GM involving guys named Finley and Caminiti. Stupid Pads fans (present company not included) HATED that deal at the time. Am I crazy or is getting rid of aging and soon to be expensive pitchers for some really promising younger, cheaper, position players AND pitchers not a good deal? If you want some levity, check out what Rangers blogs are saying about this deal. They are not happy campers and Jon Daniels is not a popular man right now. Win now philosophies are how GMs become ex-GMs (that’s why KT’s been around so long :).
December 20, 2005 at 3:27 pm
As at least one of you noted, the prospect is reportedly Billy Killian…
Chris Young: 4.26 ERA, 1.26 WHIP… 26 years old.
Adam Eaton: 4.27 ERA, 1.43 WHIP… 28 years old.
How will Texas’ park effect Eaton, and how will Petco help Young?
AMAZING DEAL!
Sledge is a throw-in, but a usefull one…
I LOVE IT!
December 20, 2005 at 3:32 pm
Chris Young is a strike out pitcher. He was 5th in the AL in K/9IP. I am most excited about Gonzalez. His numbers at AAA Oklahoma were stunning. He hit .338 with 18 hrs and 65 RBI in 84 games his ops was well over .900. Plus he is only 23 so it is not as if he was just an older player feasting on young pitching.
December 20, 2005 at 3:38 pm
I read in Jamey Newberg’s comments that Jon Daniels is being ridiculed by other GMs as being tough to work with… The other guys are disappointed they can’t fleece the new GM…
KT/Sandy fleeced Daniels!
December 20, 2005 at 3:51 pm
It will be interesting to see if Young continues to get even better. Sometimes tall pitchers have a longer growth curve, see Randy Johnson. Peter is right we totally fleeced Daniels. Young is better and cheaper than Eaton and locked up for 4 years. A. Gonzalez for Aki is a good deal as well. And then Sledge for a catcher who is number 4 in our minor league organization. WOW!
December 20, 2005 at 4:08 pm
Seanez to Boston:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....BHeadlines
“…one-year contract that guarantees him $2.1 million and could be worth up to $5.3 million over two years…”
December 20, 2005 at 4:30 pm
Even happier about the trade after looking over Adrian Gonzalez’ AAA numbers. With numbers even approaching those and better defense than Klesko, I hope that he is the Opening Day 1B. Also, as I remember he had an amazing spring training last year. Let’s hope he has another to force Klesko out.
Not too broken-hearted about Senez leaving, despite the great performance last year. You just can’t guurantee a 37 year old guy with his injury history that much money…
December 20, 2005 at 4:47 pm
It will be interesting who is in the starting rotation next year. By the end of the season you could have a very young rotation of Peavy, Young, Carrillo, Hensley, and Brazleton (assuming they can turn him around, a big if)or Stauffer or Etherton.
We could also be looking at a very young infield that consists of Gonzalez, Barfield, Greene, and maybe Headley depending upon how he progresses next season in the minors.
December 20, 2005 at 4:53 pm
Paul R: Totally agree about Seanez. Just another data point on how out of whack the market for relievers is this winter. Also, Hammond has signed with the Reds:
http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/.....;fext=.jsp
“…one-year deal worth $800,000 with a $2 million mutual option for 2007″
December 20, 2005 at 4:57 pm
Did we offer Hammond arbi?
December 20, 2005 at 4:58 pm
Is that any more out of whack than $1MM for Doug Brocail?
December 20, 2005 at 5:38 pm
Peter: No arbi for Hammond.
Brian G.: Probably not. The whole market stinks.
December 20, 2005 at 6:02 pm
This doesn’t make up for the Loretta trade; in fact, we saved enough in this deal that the whole financial justification for getting Mirabelli falls apart.
But on its own, this is a HELL of a trade. We got younger, cheaper, and better.
December 20, 2005 at 6:04 pm
TW: Agreed on all counts. Very positive move for the Pads.
I’ll have more to say on this a little later tonight, as well as an updated chart on comings-and-goings.
December 20, 2005 at 6:07 pm
I just got off the phone w/ Paul R. - I am SOO stoked about the direction of this team!
I don’t think anyone can look at this team and say it is worse than the one we had last year (remember, while the ‘05 club did win only 82 games, it did win the West) AND as Paul R. pointed out, we haven’t blocked anyone who is a long-term solution for us: Headley, Barfield, Carillo, Kottaras…
PLUS, we have some financial flexiblity for the “second” season (room to make changes at the trade deadline)…
Guys this is a fun time to be a Padres fan!
December 20, 2005 at 7:34 pm
I like Adam Eaton … and will still be rooting for him to the All-Star that I think he can … I’m assuming KT, representing the Padres’ scouting department, doesn’t think that an All-Star game is in Eaton’s future … fair enough … they sure know better than I, just a fan. Similarly, they are saying that Aki has shot his wad and is at peak trade value relative to expected future performance … again, fair enough. I’m just feeling hesitant about a trade where we give up 2 proven major league pitchers … that’s valuable here & now … and I think that “value” is the primary root cause of what many are describing as “the out of whack market for relievers” … I think the “success” of the Padres last year is a tribute to the value of relievers.
December 20, 2005 at 7:46 pm
We still need someone from Mobile to check in on Frappr … then we’ll have the whole farm system covered … well, I s’pose we could have someone from Phx to cover the AZL club too …
Roy - I assume you get out to Wizards games? Which of the pitchers who went thru there last season did you like?
December 20, 2005 at 11:11 pm
Lynch,
As to the success owed to our bullpen from last year, keep in mind we’ve added a 2-pitch (MLB average fastball - plus-plus change - gosh that sounds familiar - failed starter) guy in Brazelton, a wicked slider guy (also sounds familiar) in Rule 5 guy Andrade, plus we still have Linebrink and Hoffy. And if Hensley doesn’t get a starting slot, he’ll be in the ‘pen… Our ‘pen still looks damn-effective.
December 21, 2005 at 4:37 am
Padres cut ties with Olivo:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/.....notes.html
So, they’re going into the season with Mirabelli and LaForest?
December 21, 2005 at 8:02 am
Try Mirabelli & Ross…
December 21, 2005 at 8:47 am
i guess with Damen going to ny, the Red socks might need a leadoff hitter like Roberts. Would the Padres be able to trade Roberts for Wells.
December 21, 2005 at 8:48 am
Does that make any sense to anyone? What happened to all this talk of giving Olivo a chance, that he made a big leap forward? I guess now we know the thinking behind the Mirabelli trade but neither Mirabelli or Ross are acceptable as an everyday catcher.
December 21, 2005 at 9:07 am
From Towers’ quotes in the article, letting Olivo go was all about the Benjamins — he wanted guaranteed $$$.
So now, they’re possibly looking at Todd Greene.
December 21, 2005 at 9:19 am
PF - Brazelton’s not in the fold yet …
per this snip from the link provided by NickG …
They also declined to offer pitchers Dewon Brazelton and Craig Breslow contracts, although Towers said he believed both would sign with the Padres as free agents.
By not offering Brazelton a contract, the Padres risked showing nothing in return for former first-round draft pick Sean Burroughs.
“All the reports are positive,” said Towers. “I think we can get something done with Dewon quickly. We want to re-sign both Brazelton and Breslow.”
December 21, 2005 at 9:23 am
LM: I’ve heard at least one source (don’t remember who) indicate that Steve Andrade was a bigger part of the Burroughs deal than was Brazelton.
On another note, Boston dropped Chad Bradford at the same time they picked up Seanez. Anyone think Bradford might make a good addition?
http://www.baseball-reference......ch01.shtml
December 21, 2005 at 9:31 am
Full list of non-tenders:
http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/.....;fext=.jsp
December 21, 2005 at 9:40 am
If I were the Pads, I would jump on Bradford. He’s not a strikeout guy, but he’s definitely servicable. He’d probably do well in the NL. His WHIP last year was not so hot, but in the years before, he was fine.
According to baseball-reference, he made $1.4 million last year. I wonder what he’s looking for.
December 21, 2005 at 9:44 am
Bryan at Baseball Analysts is scratching his head over the Padres’ moves this winter:
http://baseballanalysts.com/ar....._a_bus.php
He also has thoughts on the aforementioned Bradford.
December 21, 2005 at 10:38 am
Woohoo.
What a great trade for the Padres.
Looks like DR is on his way out.
I’m not too crazy about Tremel Sledge but he’ll complement Ben Johnson nicely.
Scratching my head about how much money Olivo wanted for his career numbers and his 2 months with the Padres that a contract wasn’t done. Mirabelli to start with Ross and LaForest? I’m even more confused than ever regarding the Loretta trade. At best, Mirabelli would be a better Gary Bennett. Urgh!
Chris Young over Eaton is a wow deal. I’d definitely be interested in Bradford if I were the Padres for not so high a price. Then again, with the crazy reliever market this time (Brocail for $1 million?), Bradford probably will get at least that from some other teams.
Nice Flappr, Geoff.
December 21, 2005 at 11:33 am
We’re seemingly not done… I still expect us to go get Wells (don’t be surprised if we try talk Klesko into going to Boston with us eating most of his contract - he won’t rejuvinate his career here, he could in Boston), we need to do something about catcher, and we need to put the finishing touches on the bullpen & rotation.
December 21, 2005 at 11:57 am
It would be great if RK went to Boston. I could see him doing well in the park.
Do you think the guys in the Sox clubhouse would sign surfboards for him?
December 21, 2005 at 12:44 pm
I really don’t see them trading DR. What are our leadoff options after DR, Khalil, Cameron? Nah. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Klesko moved, but it will be hard. I really think Sledge was traded to Texas from Wash. with the intention of forwarding him on to Boston in a deal that broke down. Boston is in love with Sledge and that’s probably why we picked him up. Maybe a Wells/Shoppach for Klesko/Sledge/Pitching prospect type thing.
December 21, 2005 at 2:12 pm
That wouldn’t be a bad trade. Didn’t know the Sox were that obsessed with Sledge.
December 21, 2005 at 2:26 pm
Klesko could bat lead off. He’s a better OBA guy than DR…
December 21, 2005 at 3:23 pm
Klesko leading off, eh? Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. I can see it now…Klesko has a lead, he takes off, pulls his hammy, he’s out for the year. Maybe this is a good idea after all.
December 21, 2005 at 4:31 pm
I’d love to see Klesko in Boston, it’s a perfect fit for him. A lefty with good OBP skills and line drive power will do well there. They are desperate for a 1B and I’m sure they’d be willing to take a chance on him. But would he waive his no-trade clause? Does he like surfing too much to go to a place like that, even if it could turn around his career? Perhaps if KT made it clear that Gonzalez was the first baseman and Klesko was going to a pinch hitter.
December 21, 2005 at 5:08 pm
Klesko maybe in Anaheim?
Angels just traded Steve Finley to SF for Edgardo Alfonso. That may be something KT would take for Klesko.
December 21, 2005 at 6:43 pm
I really think it’s up to Klesko. The only hope I think the Padres have is to tell him he won’t play for us; he either accepts a trade or he rides the pine. If he has any desire to play and to sign another contract beyond 2006, the only hope he has is to accept the trade and re-establish himself. I don’t think he can afford to sit for a year and let his skills erode further, but if he’s ready to retire, he’ll call our bluff. Here’s hoping.
December 22, 2005 at 5:48 pm
I love that new Ricky Gervais Show.
Geoff do you know where we got these guys? Over at Gaslamp we aren’t too sure. Part of a trade? Free Agents? Slavery ring?
Seth Etherton
Steve Andrade
Kenny Baugh
Justin Leone
Jack Cust
December 22, 2005 at 6:03 pm
nevermind I got your search working for me and I got all the answers. You are on top of things, they all slipped by me.
December 23, 2005 at 7:18 am
Sweet, glad you found those. And Ricky Gervais rocks.