Third Base Reset
Tue, Jul 25, 2006
by Geoff Young
A while back we looked at third basemen who might be coming to San Diego. Some of the names have changed, but it’s what we all want to talk about, so speculate and debate to your heart’s content. And buy a T-shirt. 
| Name | Team | Age | AB | BA | OBP | SLG | AB/HR | BB/PA | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rich Aurilia | Cin | 34 | 247 | .279 | .339 | .494 | 20.6 | .084 | Might be the best value available. |
| David Bell | Phi | 33 | 309 | .288 | .354 | .414 | 51.5 | .087 | Didn’t we used to call him Joe Randa? |
| Adrian Beltre | Sea | 27 | 384 | .263 | .326 | .417 | 48.0 | .071 | I’d rather bring back Sean Burroughs. |
| Wilson Betemit | Atl | 25 | 193 | .290 | .348 | .513 | 21.4 | .081 | Largely untested, but excellent upside. |
| Aaron Boone | Cle | 33 | 312 | .250 | .311 | .365 | 62.4 | .065 | I’d rather bring in Adrian Beltre. |
| Morgan Ensberg | Hou | 30 | 276 | .236 | .390 | .500 | 14.5 | .195 | If he’s healthy, this is the guy we want. |
| Bill Hall | Mil | 26 | 331 | .266 | .317 | .562 | 15.0 | .069 | Second coming of Jose Valentin? |
| Mike Lowell | Bos | 32 | 356 | .292 | .343 | .503 | 27.4 | .067 | The rumored asking price (Jake Peavy) is hilarious. |
| Melvin Mora | Bal | 34 | 400 | .283 | .348 | .408 | 36.4 | .065 | Not the worst idea, depending on the price. |
| Joe Randa | Pit | 36 | 135 | .296 | .336 | .415 | 67.5 | .053 | Been there, done that. |
| Ty Wigginton | TB | 28 | 331 | .260 | .309 | .456 | 20.7 | .064 | Low OBP is a deal-breaker. |
| Stats are through games of July 24, 2006, and are courtesy of ESPN. | |||||||||
Preferences? Others we’re missing?
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July 25, 2006 at 8:21 am
Okay I’ve got another question. Does anyone know anything about a guy named Ray Chang? It looks like he’s a SS for Portland. He only 22 but it looks like he got promoted from Ft. Wayne which I think is Low A right? I can’t remember ever hearing of a dude going from low A to AAA in the same season. So I was just curious and I’ve never heard anything about him. Is he any good or did Portland really need a 2nd SS? Anyways he’s like one of the youngest players on the team and I just thought it was interesting.
July 25, 2006 at 8:48 am
at this point id be willing to move linebrink for a 3B the NL west is starting to figure him out (see Aki last year) and with Brocail, and Williamson and the emergence of Adkins and Meredtih I think the pads may have a little flexibility.
July 25, 2006 at 8:49 am
Re: Chang
We did something like that with Billy Killian a couple of years ago. Portland needed a catcher for a week, so we promoted Killian from rookie ball rather than cascade changes through the AA and A teams.
Meaning no disrespect to Mr. Chang, that type of promotion is often a sign that the team sees him as an organization soldier, not a prospect. Somebody who can bounce up to fill a hole and bounce back down, and if he stays longer you’re not so worried about hurting his development.
July 25, 2006 at 8:54 am
I would move him too but I wouldn’t just do it for anyone. I think he is still pretty valuble to us even though he doesn’t look as good as he used to. I’m not sure that anyone that’s available out there to get would be worth as much as Linebrink is to our bullpen.
July 25, 2006 at 8:55 am
Cool thanks Waits.
July 25, 2006 at 8:55 am
What, no Marte on the 3B Reset?
Betemit is intriguing — he’d be able to play SS in a pinch, too.
Anyone hear the Maddux talk? There was something in the U-T today on the Pads’ interest in the Mad Dog. He’d probably do well in Petco.
July 25, 2006 at 8:57 am
Did anyone read the article in the UT this morn about the pad’s wanting to aquire Madux and sending Clay to the pen? I have a feeling with all of this bullpen shifting the pads are getting ready to move Linebrink.
July 25, 2006 at 9:01 am
KRS1 - I agree not just for anyone but if they could get an every day 3B who will be on the team next year as well then I would trade him.
Nick - Marte is unavailable, with the braves aquiering Whickman I dont know if they would still make the Linebrnk for bediment trade.
July 25, 2006 at 9:15 am
I think I read on Olney’s blog the other day that the Wickman trade does not mean that the Braves are done looking for relief help. But, you’re right — it’s probably unlikely. They like Betemit too much.
I haven’t heard that Marte is unavailable. I will continue to fantasize about that one.
I’d definitely take Ensberg. Providing everything’s ok with that “shoulder contusion” he has, I think he’d look great in a Padre uniform.
I wouldn’t mind Mora, either. But now you’re getting into the “why should we trade for this guy?” tier. Others there are Boone, Aurilia, Bell, Wigginton and, of course, Randa.
July 25, 2006 at 9:20 am
Hensley would be fantastic in middle relief, in my opinion. The ability to add Maddux would be nice, especially for the fans, but again how much would it really add. At this rate, if we aren’t moving, I honestly think we should have kept Castilla on the roster. Everyone seemed to love him, he helped other hitters even if he sucked personally, and his leadership was great. We have tanked out and the team has definitely lacked heart overall since he left. Just look at the post-ASB record.
So if we are going to make a move and trade Linebrink, then let’s also throw in whatever else we need to really get an asset, not just some guy who will be our #7 hitter in a lineup already full of #7 hitters.
July 25, 2006 at 9:21 am
That list of 3b is DE-pressing. Aurilia feels like Joe Randa Part 2, and he may not even be available. The Reds are still fighting for the playoffs.
The Brewers keep hanging in the WC race despite being 4 games under .500. Might they be tempted to trade Koskie if we can set them up with some young pitching for next year?
July 25, 2006 at 9:22 am
Other names: Russell Branyan, Wes Helms, Jeff Cirillo, Tony Graffanino, Mark Teahen (if KC wants to go with Alex Gordon instead).
I really wouldn’t mind any of those players as long as they don’t cost much (Teahen could be expensive), at least over guys like Beltre and Boone.
July 25, 2006 at 9:24 am
I thought the Castilla move was a bit odd if there was no back up plan, EY should have got the Axe but then again her is another big club house guy.
July 25, 2006 at 9:24 am
Off the topic…
Minor League updates -
In Portland last night: George Kottaras 2-5 with a double, check out this line for Jack Cust 1-1, 5 BB. He now has 91 BB on the season (.290/.460/.519). John Knott hit another HR (23) and now has 85 RBI. PMac 3-5 (.326/.407/.549), played 3B. Brian Sweeney with the blown save, but Portland won anyway.
Mobile: Mike Ekstrom 7 IP 6H 2ER 1BB 5K
Lake Elsinore: Got pounded last night. Only managed 4 hits.
Ft. Wayne: 2006 draft pick David Freese 2-4, 2 doubles (.313/.380/.469) 2005 pick Will Venable 2-3 (.321/.407/.465) 57 RBI, 15 of 18 stolen bases - 46BB vs. 50K
Eugene: won last night. Most notable names (Antonelli, Cooper, etc. did not play) Faris started was cuffed around a bit.
AZL Padres: Cedric Hunter (my sleeper pick of the draft) 1-4 (.324/.429/.402) 19BB vs. 11K, 2006 1st round pick (2nd pick for Pads) Kyler Burke 1-4 (.218/.293/.299) 87AB 29K, Jefri Carvajal 0-4 3K (.192/.192/.231)…has only played 6 games.
July 25, 2006 at 9:25 am
Cerillo falls in the been there done that category
July 25, 2006 at 9:29 am
No Cirillo please.
Koskie would be kind of cool — solid player, excellent defensively, and he’s Canadian. Don’t see too many Canadians in the majors.
July 25, 2006 at 9:30 am
Im suprised there is no intrest in Pmac, he seems like he would make a great 1B somewhere.
July 25, 2006 at 9:34 am
From ESPN.com I can post the link but you have to be an “insider”
Relief in sight for Braves?
Jul 25 - As the Padres continue their search for a third baseman, the possibility that they may ship reliever Scott Linebrink to the Braves for Wilson Betemit remains alive.
Jayson Stark says the chances of the Padres acquiring Betemit is far more likely than the Astros’ Morgan Ensberg landing in San Diego.
“I’m still looking at third base,” Padres GM Kevin Towers told the San Diego Union-Tribune. “But it has to be somebody you think is a significant upgrade.”
July 25, 2006 at 9:38 am
PMac has been labeled a tweener by most in the baseball community, which is unfair. He’d be a better DH or 1b than a lot of teams are employing.
Even with Castilla gone, a player like Branyan would have to immediately star on the field and at the plate or we’d be back to a 3 man rotation.
Our record since the AS break suggests that releasing Castilla was the wrong move? He was still on the team when the Braves smoked us. The whole team was fine the day after the trade except for Trevor. We showed a lot of fight the last two days. Having a hard time figuring out how Castilla ripped our hearts out.
July 25, 2006 at 9:39 am
I argued yesterday in Geoff’s IGD that I think Linebrink 4 Betemit is the most likely scenario to go through… I’m a part-time Braves fan (when they’re not playing SD) I’ve watched Betemit since he was in the low minors. He’d be a nice get.
July 25, 2006 at 9:42 am
I am just so pumped at the thought that the Pads would pull a deal for a good 3b around the deadline. We get a competent 3b with some upside, and all of the sudden the infield is pretty solid. Coupled with good catching and a pretty good outfield, the Pads wouldn’t look too bad.
That would be pretty cool.
July 25, 2006 at 9:50 am
My point about releasing vinny was that there was no one to step in that can play 3B everyday. I cringe every time blum throws to first because it is never on target and belhorn is ok but I think he is better utilized off the bench.
I was all for releasing vinny if there was a legit 3B in the future, which there still might be.
July 25, 2006 at 9:56 am
Vinny was no more an everyday legit 3b than Blum or Bellhorn. Of the three Bellhorn has the most to offer. He’s as good as many of the available 3b. I’d rather not pay for a Rich Aurilia or Randa.
Someone had to go and Vinny was making the fewest positive contributions of anyone on the roster.
July 25, 2006 at 9:57 am
vinny can play D. Start Belhorn and replace him with vinny in the later innings when we are ahead instead of Blum.
July 25, 2006 at 9:59 am
Anybody thought about Eric Hinske from Toronto?
He’s only played 3B in 8 games this year but he was manning the corner from 2002-2004 for Toronto with his best fielding and worst hitting year in 2004.
He’s hitting very well this season and probably going to lose PT once Alex Rios is back from the DL.
I think I’ll gamble on him for 3 months.
July 25, 2006 at 10:02 am
So we use 1 of only 25 roster spots for a player who gives us 2 innings and no at-bats per night? And only then in 55% of the games when we have a lead late? Whose lack of bat speed, power, and plate discipline make him totally unsuitable as a pinch-hitter? No thanks.
Bellhorn’s been a better defensive 3b than Vinny this year.
Hinske would be fine if cheap, but he’s going to run into the Blum/Bellhorn wall if he stumbles.
July 25, 2006 at 10:06 am
Why so down on Beltre? He’s never going to go 48/120 again but if Seattle were to chip in a moderate amount of cash you’d be looking at 8-9 million/yr for a great defensive third baseman who you know is going to give you 270/25/90 for the next three years. He’s also incredibly durable. He’s also 27 as opposed to Mora who is 34.
Beltre would be my first choice followed by Betemit and it’s really close because of the money difference. I don’t get why Houston would move Ensberg if he was actually healthy. They need offense more than they need Linebrink. None of the other guys do much for me except for Billy Hall who I doubt is available.
July 25, 2006 at 10:08 am
I disagree the Belhorn has played better D than Castilla this year and EY and blum are not doing any better at the plate then castilla was.
Belhorn is hitting .199 with .290 OBP
July 25, 2006 at 10:14 am
We apparently tried to get Josh Fields from the ChiSox, in exchange for Linebrink, but Chicago said, “No..”
“The Sox also asked about Padres pitcher Scott Linebrink, but they sought Triple-A All-Star third baseman Josh Fields.”
http://chicagosports.chicagotr.....-headlines
July 25, 2006 at 10:28 am
Justin -
I totally agree. Beltre, in my opinion, is the best possible player for us. Of course, given the Mariners recent surge, it looks like they may become buyers instead of sellers as the deadline approaches. They really don’t have a Josh Fields waiting in the wings like the Sox were they to trade Crede if they trade Beltre.
You’re right with Houston. The most likely reason they would trade him is that they see him as a declining player, which makes you wonder why we’re so interested. I am pretty sure his power numbers would dip significantly in Petco compared to Orange Juice Stadium or whatever (a la Joe Randa last year).
July 25, 2006 at 10:28 am
Well I guess if anything it’s nice to know KT is out there looking for young prospects like Fields and Marte. I think it’s a little weird KC wouldn’t be willing to deal Teahan or Gordon in return for Kottaras or Johnson or whatever we have. I know Gordon is the future all world 3rd baseman but Teahan is still like 23. It seems a little silly to keep 2 players basically the same age at the same position when your team has no talent and could get some young guys in return.
July 25, 2006 at 10:30 am
Bellhorn has a better Zone Rating, Fielding Percentage, and Rate than Castilla.
Young and Blum both offer some position flexibility. Young still has some speed and can hit LHP as bit. Blum has a 60 point advantage in OPS. They haven’t been very valuable, but they’ve been more valuable than Castilla.
Bellhorn has a 103 point advantage in OPS versus Castilla.
Outside of the catchers, our bench has not been a strength. Putting Castilla on it would have made it even weaker.
July 25, 2006 at 10:35 am
Why so down on Beltre? Because he looks very much like a 750 OPS career hitter being paid 8 or 9 million dollars. That’s less offensive production than we got from the two supposed “anchors” of Klesko and Nevin. His defense isn’t worth that much.
Do I know he’s going to hit 25 HR a year? He’s done it once, when he hit 48. He’s on pace to hit about 15 this year. I won’t get into his RBI, which are totally dependent on where he hits in the order.
July 25, 2006 at 10:39 am
KC may be thinking of playing Teahan in the OF. He may not have the pop for it, but then again, he may. They still have to try and draw some fans this year, too, I guess.
They could be looking at Gordon and Huber on the IF corners, with Teahan in LF and Butler at DH. It does seem strange that we couldn’t put together an attractive package (Johnson and Wells for Teahan and somebody), but the KC GM is new to the job, he may be feeling things out.
July 25, 2006 at 10:39 am
I never trust the zone rating’s its all subjective, he almost has the same fielding % .977 to .971 and castilla has many more attempts.
July 25, 2006 at 10:40 am
Yeah I know Beltre’s over paid but his career average is 20 hr’s and 80 rbi’s a year he’s good with the glove and he’s entering his baseball prime at 27. I’d be willing to pay extra for his potential but it’s not my money.
July 25, 2006 at 10:40 am
Castilla had the worst VORP of any everyday player in the major leagues. As a utility player, he would have been worse and even more miscast.
Young is nothing to brag about, but he is a better utility player than Castilla.
July 25, 2006 at 10:43 am
No fielding stat is perfect, but I’m pretty sure the definition of “subjective” is “I trust my eyes.” ZR and Rate try to take the subjectivity out of fielding stats. It’ll be interesting to see what the Fielding Bible says about our 3b after the season.
July 25, 2006 at 10:44 am
Right. The point of Zone Rating is that it is not subjective, it is the complete oppostive of subjective.
July 25, 2006 at 10:47 am
You know what guys I think Philly Billy solved the problem yesterday when he suggested trading for A-Rod.
July 25, 2006 at 10:47 am
Jul. 22
News: Beltre, the subject of trade rumors to San Diego, has not been discussed in trade talks with the Padres, the Seattle Times reports.
I’m glad to see the Padres have not talked about Beltre. Safeco is comparable to Petco, and slugged less than .420 since going there. He’s not a good player, and he’s an expensive player. I don’t see what is there to like.
July 25, 2006 at 10:49 am
I’m not so much against Beltre as really, really scared by the potential for mediocrity. A lot of people who have been complaining about the burdens of the Klesko/Nevin/Park contracts seem strangely willing to commit another 30-some million dollars.
July 25, 2006 at 10:49 am
well regardless any of the three will not help the pads make a playoff run.
July 25, 2006 at 10:51 am
Kevin
KT mentioned yesterday on 1090 that he had discussed Beltre with the Mariners but they told him that they thought they were still in the hunt and did not want to move him.
July 25, 2006 at 10:52 am
Arod would be an ideal solution, but I don’t see him approving a trade even if we could work something out - like a three-way with the Phillies. He’s proud. He wants to show that he can overcome the NY fans. Because apparently an MVP season isn’t enough for them.
July 25, 2006 at 10:54 am
OK, but I’m still glad it’s not happening. But thanks for the knowledge.
July 25, 2006 at 10:54 am
KRS1
I can see the headlines now “Padres trade for A-Rod”, right next to “It’s Offical Hell Has Frozen Over.”
I think the devil will give free sled rides before Moores pays a player $25 mil
July 25, 2006 at 11:00 am
It’s just dreaming, but Arod isn’t being paid 25 million by any one team. When he went to the Yankees, the Rangers agreed to pay 67M of the 179M left. Basically they’re covering 1/3 of his contract, and the Yankees would probably have to kick in a little too. But Cashman’s smart, he knows how good Arod is.
July 25, 2006 at 11:16 am
Well I guess if Satan is handing out free sled rides… Klesko and Chan Ho would look pretty good in Yankee pinstripes!
July 25, 2006 at 11:24 am
Meh chan ho is doing ok this year, not $16 mil wotrth but i would rather have him over nevin.
I wonder if the pads cant move Klesko if they will make room for him on the roster or just release him?
July 25, 2006 at 11:24 am
I would give Peavy for A-Rod, assuming the money became SD-sized.
We’ll see what happens this season, but I continue to cheer every LA loss. I still think they are the best team in the division, but are slipping. Colorado and San Francisco do not worry me; just Arizona and LA. Given this miserable run they are on, it may knock them too far down. Arizona is really the one lurking that bothers me.
July 25, 2006 at 11:28 am
Hopefully not beating a dead horse here, but Beltre is not worth pursuing. I dont’ know where the .270/25/90 numbers came from, but they sure aren’t supported by his career production. Other than his walk year, which got him the ridiculous contract with Seattle, he hasn’t hit .270 since 2000, and his Free Agent year is the only year he ever hit more than 25 HR and drove in over 90 (although as Tom pointed out, RBI are really not anything worth looking at).
The more relevant stats are not impressive either: OBP is very poor, SLG not impressive for a corner IF, WARP1 and EQA mediocre to poor, OPS+ below average, and RC is poor as well. Throw in an 11.5 million salary for 2007, 12 million in 2008 and 2009, and you have one of the most overpaid and underperforming players in baseball.
You basically have a guy living off of a couple of good seasons at a very young age and one big contract year. He seems like a guy with great tools and no character. Not someone I’d be interested in for this club.
July 25, 2006 at 11:29 am
It will be intresting if any other NL west teams make a big move at the deadline, I think SF is a few releavers and an OF away from making a run (I know thats alot).
Rember Sabian loves to make big moves out of no where at the deadline.
July 25, 2006 at 11:38 am
Wow, you guys are active today! I didn’t mention Marte because a) he’s the kind of player Cleveland should be hanging onto and b) he is unproven at the big-league level, which means that although he may be a terrific long-term property, it’s not a given that he solves the immediate problem. He might, but there’s risk short-term.
I didn’t mention Branyan because the Padres could’ve had him for almost nothing this off-season. I’m assuming there’s no interest.
As for Teahen, I’ve heard KC isn’t anxious to move him despite the presence of Gordon. The guess here is that they’re going to do everything they can to justify trading Carlos Beltran for him.
I have no interest in Beltre. If you look at his career outside of 2004 he’s basically David Bell with a fatter contract.
To me the best fits look to be Betemit or Ensberg. I’d love to see either of them come to SD.
July 25, 2006 at 11:47 am
The Royals new GM wasn’t part of the Beltran trade, so he may not care so much about saving face. They’re still trying to put fannies in the seats and Teahan has an 805 OPs, over 1.000 in July.
July 25, 2006 at 12:00 pm
TW,
KC is thinking of leaving Teahan at 3B (which is Teahan’s best position and where he is solid) and moving the athletically superior Gordon to RF where his bat will still play.
Geoff,
As Paul pointed out, don’t forget the 3B that Cleveland has in AA. Indians’ brass may be higher on him than on Marte… So Marte could be available.
Kevin Kouzmanoff:
.396/.451/.672 w/ 15 HR & 18 2B and a 21/33 BB/SO ratio in 235 AB
July 25, 2006 at 12:18 pm
How about Peavy and Giles for A-Rod? Absurd, I know. I’m just curious as to how many of you would do this trade, or not.
July 25, 2006 at 12:20 pm
Pat recieving a huge contract that overpays you for what you are does not mean that you have “no character”. I’m skeptical about Beltre too for that money but dude killed the NL the last time he played in it. All I’m saying is he interests me more than anyone else who’s name has been mentioned outside of Marte and Fields and maybe Betimet.
July 25, 2006 at 12:24 pm
Peavy and Giles for A-Rod would be done in a second!
I guess another question would be that if hell ever did freeze over would you have to move Khalil to 3rd and have A-Rod play SS?
July 25, 2006 at 12:31 pm
Quick question? How is it that a guy with these numbers over parts of 8 minor league seasons: .278/.339/.425, 1 HR every 45 AB, 2.42 K to BB ratio, and has only once stolen greater than 8 bases is the answer for our 3B job? Betemit is great simply because he is around .300 despite not playing a full major league season yet? You know, Wiki Gonzalez had a pretty good half season for the Pads a while back and won himself the starting job the next year, too.
Is it me or is there really no real winning scenario here? Ensburg is not 100%, Betemit is unproven (and will likely be acquired only at the expense of our bullpen), Beltre is inconsistent and very expensive, Randa/Bell/Aurilia/Boone/Wigginton are all cast-offs.
If we can get Ensburg for just Linebrink - straight up - I do that. I’m not sure Linebrink will win us postseason series, and in fact, he may lose one (a la Brad Lidge). We can use people like Kottaras and Wells to get ourselves a 3B or to replace Linebrink in the offseason if we have to. Bellhorn and Blum, who knows, they may surprise us (that’s a scary thought).
July 25, 2006 at 1:11 pm
I’d do Ensberg for Linebrink trade.
Not crazy for any other options over 30 years of age. Not excited about Beltre. Let the Mariners worry about his productions vs. the rest of his contract.
Marte is unproven, so is Betemit (though he has faced ML pitching). I’d rather try Marcus Giles at 3B.
July 25, 2006 at 1:15 pm
Ensberg is my first choice too FriarFan, but I’m not sure Houston wants to sell him. They have plenty of starting pitching, but very little in terms of bullpen help and they also need more offense. So trading away a guy whose BA is poor but other numbers are strong would hurt the O more but Linebrink would help the bully only so much… Is that a “win” situation for Houston? Furthermore Houston brass has said that Ensberg isn’t available (though never believe too much GMs say in July - he could just be driving up Ensberg’s price tag).
Betemit doesn’t look like the BEST option, but he looks like a doable option that meets the requirements (young - or at least not too old, “owning” team holds rights beyond this year, plays solid D, decent on-base skills, serviceable or better power). It’s also the option that I think WILL get done.
July 25, 2006 at 1:17 pm
p.s. I don’t think Linebrink-Esnberg gets done straight up. We’d have throw more in: Hundley or Kottaras + Sweeny or something like that.
July 25, 2006 at 1:22 pm
Peter: Kouzmanoff is intriguing; the only downside is that he’s 24 years old and not the long-term prospect that Marte is. That doesn’t mean that Cleveland couldn’t prefer him to Marte and deem the latter expendable — I hope they do — but I wouldn’t count on it.
FF: Betemit isn’t great, but he’s a good young ballplayer who can play multiple positions. (Yes, I know we need a third baseman, but it never hurts to keep your options open.) If the price for Ensberg proves to be too high, I wouldn’t mind seeing Betemit come here at all.
July 25, 2006 at 1:38 pm
Agreed, GY and PF.
I guess I am just worried because I hear people talking about Betemit like he’s Cammy reincarnte, where I just don’t see it. If that deal gets done, I hope it’s not too costly and I hope Betemit fits what we need most, namely defense approaching Castilla’s and offense on the level of…what…Barfield with a little more pop? It is pretty sweet that he’s a switch hitter, though, and 25 (allegedly).
July 25, 2006 at 1:39 pm
reincarnte - latin for reincarnate
July 25, 2006 at 1:43 pm
Well, Caminiti wasn’t Caminiti when we got him, if you know what I’m saying.
You know who we should use at 3b? That college kid from Florida we drafted in 2004, the one all our scouts said was the best prospect available.
July 25, 2006 at 1:43 pm
I probably did give Beltre a little too much credit. 270 20 and 80 is probably more what you would expect. That being said he is only 27, he is very durable and he does have a fantastic glove.
No one is trading you Scott Rolen for Scott Linebrink so you have to accept whoever comes here is going to have warts (expensive and inconsistent or cheap and unproven or worse expensive and old and terrible).
July 25, 2006 at 1:48 pm
TW, who are you talking about?
July 25, 2006 at 2:04 pm
He’s talking about Stephen Drew. Some people just can’t get over the past.
July 25, 2006 at 2:04 pm
Good point Justin!
July 25, 2006 at 2:06 pm
What is past is prologue, TF.
July 25, 2006 at 2:10 pm
Let me dream for a moment…
Pads trade Linebrink, Green, Koterras, Carrillo for Alex Rodriguez and cash….
Ahh, that felt nice…Probably almost as good as having Stephen Drew or Jared Weaver…
July 25, 2006 at 2:14 pm
If you trade Greene then who plays on the left side with A-Rod?
July 25, 2006 at 2:20 pm
Where is Sean Burroughs now? I wish he really had learnt to pull the ball more.
I read that the Royals got Mark Teahan to pull the ball more and he’s hitting much better since his sent down a few weeks back.
Can the Padres get Teahan? No reason for the Royals to switch Alex Gordon to the OF since they got plenty of OF and 1B already.
I still think Teahan can be had for some pitching.
July 25, 2006 at 2:22 pm
STEVE!!!! If you have A-Rod all your problems just melt away like bad dreams! Come on dude you didn’t know that?
Just ask the Rangers!
July 25, 2006 at 2:27 pm
KRS1
Thats true i forgot about all the rings the rangers won :o).
July 25, 2006 at 2:27 pm
We need to petition Drayton Moore to just give us Teahan.
July 25, 2006 at 2:39 pm
I don’t think that it makes sense to trade Linebrink for only Morgan Ensberg. First of all, Ensberg is damaged goods and just lost his job in Houston to Aubrey Huff so the Astros have less leverage. Secondly, if a crappy reliever like Gary Majewski gets you Austin Kearns and Felipe Lopez, then you would like to trade Linebrink for only Morgan Ensberg? That’s crazy talk. I’m not opposed to trading Linebrink, especially considering what they got him for (nothing). It just seems that the going rate for middle relief is pretty high so the Pads should try to get as much as possible.
July 25, 2006 at 2:59 pm
The Reds-Nationals trade is a very specific case of one GM being batshXXX crazy.
Ensberg had a great 2005 and was off to a great start this year before getting hurt. He’s not a free agent. Nobody thinks Huff can play 3b for the long-term. Don’t see how the Astros lost leverage, they have no burning need to move him.
July 25, 2006 at 3:00 pm
“recieving a huge contract that overpays you for what you are does not mean that you have “no character”. ”
It’s not being overpaid, it’s the fact that the only time he’s played to his potential was in his walk or Free Agent year. Instead of being the sort of player who has the desire to excel every year, he only put out a high level of effort in order to earn the fat contract, and then let his performance regress to the same mediocre level it was from 2001 to 2003. I do not believe he has the desire or mental/emotional makeup (character) to be anywhere near the player he would have to be to earn the salary Seattle gave him. I also don’t think it would be beneficial for the Padres to acquire such a player; ymmv.
July 25, 2006 at 3:11 pm
How about Colorado’s Ian Stewart or Garrett Atkins? They’re both slated to play 3B, but only one of them can play there long-term.
July 25, 2006 at 3:14 pm
Instead of being the sort of player who has the desire to excel every year, he only put out a high level of effort in order to earn the fat contract
His poor performance doesn’t mean he lacks desire, it means he’s lacked performance. It’s a mistake to assume that a player is lazy based purely on his stats. Many players have had one great season and a lot of mediocre ones. Beltre is supposedly a class-act by all accounts. His contract sucks, though, and his performance just isn’t good enough to make him a viable option considering his contract.
July 25, 2006 at 3:15 pm
“How about Colorado’s Ian Stewart or Garrett Atkins? They’re both slated to play 3B, but only one of them can play there long-term.” Yeah, Ian isn’t that talented - not what you meant, but Ian may be a bust.
July 25, 2006 at 3:16 pm
Colorado will not try and make te padres better
July 25, 2006 at 3:23 pm
Didi, this was posted in an ESPN Insider article: “Kansas City will not be trading third baseman Mark Teahen any time soon. San Diego is in the market for a third baseman. But the Padres fear that Teahen’s marginal power won’t translate well to Petco Park, and that he’ll turn into the second coming of Sean Burroughs.”
I checked the upcoming 3b free agents for this year and the list is essentially full of Padres — Castilla, Blum, Bellhorn or ex-pads — Cirillo, Aurelia. Nobody exciting on the market. I think we’re best finding a young AAA guy and adding him to our mix of young infielders. With nobody ready in our system, we need to go outside to get someone young, who is blocked elsewhere or a one of two year guy to stretch to a new batch of free agents or until one of our own 3rd basemen matures enough to get here.
July 25, 2006 at 3:26 pm
OT-The chargers have signed their first round draft pick Antonio Cromartie to a 5 year deal.
July 25, 2006 at 3:31 pm
Seriously? Have you ever heard anyone talk bad about Beltre? That he mails it in or that he’s a sand bagger or something? If you don’t think that at 25 he might have started coming into his own in the National League I think you are probably kidding yourself at least a little. I think he made a huge mistake thinking he could g