Author Topic: LaTroy Hawkins (Read 6436 times)

Mr. Happy · « **on:** June 10, 2009, 02:23:59 pm »

According to mlbtr.com, the Twins are actively pursuing him. In my opinion, trading Hawkins would be tantamount to waving a surrender flag for the season. I know that he's going to be a FA at seasons' end, but he's the best we've got in the bully right now.

Lurch · « **Reply #1 on:** June 10, 2009, 02:28:34 pm »

Footer says "no substance"

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #2 on:** June 10, 2009, 02:35:47 pm »

She wrote that it appears to have no substance. Query: whether Footer's being on the inside now will screw up her sources for information?

Limey · « **Reply #3 on:** June 10, 2009, 02:38:07 pm »

Quote from: Mr. Happy on June 10, 2009, 02:35:47 pm

She wrote that it appears to have no substance. Query: whether Footer's being on the inside now will screw up her sources for information?

She's stated that she will remain a trustworthy, truthful source. Until proven otherwise, I'll say she's on the up 'n' up.

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #4 on:** June 10, 2009, 02:39:48 pm »

Quote from: Limey on June 10, 2009, 02:38:07 pm

She's stated that she will remain a trustworthy, truthful source. Until proven otherwise, I'll say she's on the up 'n' up.

I agree. I just wonder whether her inside the club information will remain as reliable. Will the same people let her in on the skinny? That's my question.

GreatBagwellsBeard · « **Reply #5 on:** June 10, 2009, 03:20:30 pm »

I think the only difference will be that instead of calling Wade to get his refutation, she'll walk down the hall and knock on his door.

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #6 on:** June 10, 2009, 03:27:35 pm »

I agree that she's got an in-house advantage, but will the underlings who are often talking off of the record still feel comfortable doing so now that she's on the inside? I expect categorical denials during trade negotiations anyway.

BizidyDizidy · « **Reply #7 on:** June 10, 2009, 03:34:48 pm »

She's been duped before...

Matt · « **Reply #8 on:** June 10, 2009, 04:06:21 pm »

That might just mean not until Valverde gets back and is proven to be healthy.

Astroholic · « **Reply #9 on:** June 10, 2009, 04:08:56 pm »

Quote from: Matt on June 10, 2009, 04:06:21 pm

That might just mean not until Valverde gets back and is proven to be healthy.

What of the rumors of Valverde being on the blocks as well? I feel if you trade one commodity out of the pen, you might look into trading both for prospects. Once the rebuilding starts, why stop?

Mr. Happy · « **Reply #10 on:** June 10, 2009, 04:16:49 pm »

Quote from: Astroholic on June 10, 2009, 04:08:56 pm

What of the rumors of Valverde being on the blocks as well? I feel if you trade one commodity out of the pen, you might look into trading both for prospects. Once the rebuilding starts, why stop?

mlbtr.com recently mentioned him too as available, but didn't specify any possible suitors.

Matt · « **Reply #11 on:** June 10, 2009, 04:52:03 pm »

Quote from: Astroholic on June 10, 2009, 04:08:56 pm

What of the rumors of Valverde being on the blocks as well? I feel if you trade one commodity out of the pen, you might look into trading both for prospects. Once the rebuilding starts, why stop?

Not discounting that either but he has to be healthy and pitching well before you can ship him off.

Astroholic · « **Reply #12 on:** June 10, 2009, 05:07:30 pm »

Quote from: Matt on June 10, 2009, 04:52:03 pm

Not discounting that either but he has to be healthy and pitching well before you can ship him off.

Yep.

hostros7 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 10, 2009, 05:19:23 pm »

The ONE year the Mets finally go out and get a freaking closer in the offseason. Not that I'd be a proponent of particuarly doing anything to potentially get them to the postseason, but they have been the perennial logical trading partner for those with closers to deal at the deadline.

cc · « **Reply #14 on:** June 10, 2009, 05:33:41 pm »

Quote from: hostros7 on June 10, 2009, 05:19:23 pm

The ONE year the Mets finally go out and get a freaking closer in the offseason. Not that I'd be a proponent of particuarly doing anything to potentially get them to the postseason, but they have been the perennial logical trading partner for those with closers to deal at the deadline.

I'm getting the sense that over the next few weeks the Astros will have about 20 guys on their roster who will be deemed "touchable."

Noe · « **Reply #15 on:** June 10, 2009, 05:38:39 pm »

I wouldn't be surprised if only one, maybe two guys are shipped. I think Tejada will get you back so much right now, especially from those teams who really want a bat (see: League, American) and don't mind defense that much. I'm looking at you Boston! Will the Astros clean house at the trading deadline? I doubt it, although if I had to venture a guess, Valverde would be the next logical player to go if he's healthy and pitching well. Beyond that, I doubt anybody else would get moved.

hostros7 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 10, 2009, 05:43:44 pm »

I would send Tejada and Ed Wade's left nut to Boston for one of their developed pitching prospects (Masterson or Buchholz), although there's probably 0% of that happening with the salary considerations, Tejada's age, etc.... just saying I'm personally not that attached to Tejada or Wade's balls, fortunately.

cc · « **Reply #17 on:** June 10, 2009, 05:49:44 pm »

Quote from: Noe in Austin on June 10, 2009, 05:38:39 pm

I wouldn't be surprised if only one, maybe two guys are shipped. I think Tejada will get you back so much right now, especially from those teams who really want a bat (see: League, American) and don't mind defense that much. I'm looking at you Boston! Will the Astros clean house at the trading deadline? I doubt it, although if I had to venture a guess, Valverde would be the next logical player to go if he's healthy and pitching well. Beyond that, I doubt anybody else would get moved.

I think that's probably how it plays out, but other than Roy, Lance, Lee, Pence, and maybe Wandy, I think they can all be had. Or at least that will be the word around the All-Star break. For the time being, though, I expect to hear something to the effect of "Hey, we're only 7 games out and there's a lot of season left."

Bench · « **Reply #18 on:** June 10, 2009, 05:57:00 pm »

Quote from: hostros7 on June 10, 2009, 05:19:23 pm

The ONE year the Mets finally go out and get a freaking closer in the offseason. Not that I'd be a proponent of particuarly doing anything to potentially get them to the postseason, but they have been the perennial logical trading partner for those with closers to deal at the deadline.

And don't forget that have J.J. Putz and Billy Wagner returning late in the season for the stretch run.

jaklewein · « **Reply #19 on:** June 10, 2009, 06:11:46 pm »

Quote from: hostros7 on June 10, 2009, 05:43:44 pm

I would send Tejada and Ed Wade's left nut to Boston for one of their developed pitching prospects (Masterson or Buchholz), although there's probably 0% of that happening with the salary considerations, Tejada's age, etc.... just saying I'm personally not that attached to Tejada or Wade's balls, fortunately.

I like Daniel Bard too if the SP's are off limits.

Bench · « **Reply #20 on:** June 10, 2009, 06:13:22 pm »

Quote from: hostros7 on June 10, 2009, 05:43:44 pm

I would send Tejada and Ed Wade's left nut to Boston for one of their developed pitching prospects (Masterson or Buchholz), although there's probably 0% of that happening with the salary considerations, Tejada's age, etc.... just saying I'm personally not that attached to Tejada or Wade's balls, fortunately.

Given that they reportedly wouldn't part give up any of those guys for Adam Dunn, I wouldn't hold out too much hope for Tejada and Ed Wade's left nut (or even Foghorn's) pulling it off (ouch).

Noe · « **Reply #21 on:** June 10, 2009, 06:14:05 pm »

Quote from: cc on June 10, 2009, 05:49:44 pm

I think that's probably how it plays out, but other than Roy, Lance, Lee, Pence, and maybe Wandy, I think they can all be had. Or at least that will be the word around the All-Star break. For the time being, though, I expect to hear something to the effect of "Hey, we're only 7 games out and there's a lot of season left."

You never want to be a team that is known to be holding a fire sale. People change attitudes about you when they hear the word "sale". Ever have a garage sale? My wife had me helping her do our very first one last year and trust me, I lost a lot of respect for human decency that day. A. Lot.

It is always better to let the word out that you're willing to listen to offers on Tejada because you think it might be a good fit for both clubs. But never because you're looking to unload not only Miggy but the whole lot of them.

Noe · « **Reply #22 on:** June 10, 2009, 06:15:18 pm »

Quote from: Bench on June 10, 2009, 06:13:22 pm

Given that they reportedly wouldn't part give up any of those guys for Adam Dunn, I wouldn't hold out too much hope for Tejada and Ed Wade's left nut (or even Foghorn's) pulling it off (ouch).

This was pre-David Ortiz slump or post-David Ortiz slump?

Bench · « **Reply #23 on:** June 10, 2009, 07:32:53 pm »

Quote from: Noe in Austin on June 10, 2009, 06:15:18 pm

This was pre-David Ortiz slump or post-David Ortiz slump?

Last week.

Noe · « **Reply #24 on:** June 10, 2009, 08:20:14 pm »

Quote from: Bench on June 10, 2009, 07:32:53 pm

Last week.

So let me get this straight. The Washington Nationals signed Adam Dunn this offseason as their big FA acquire and now they're willing to trade him? Only two months into the season? This is the same team that just drafted Satan Boras' client Strassburg? Wow, what a joke of an organization if true.

Noe · « **Reply #25 on:** June 10, 2009, 08:37:23 pm »

From Boston.com:

Quote

The Red Sox have left no stone unturned in looking at or discussing deals for shortstops. Whether they actually pull the trigger on something is up for debate internally as the team patiently awaits the return of Jed Lowrie, who has a great chance to fend off this shortstop talk if he'd accelerate his return to the Sox lineup. Among those on the list: Omar Vizquel, Jack Wilson, J.J. Hardy, Orlando Cabrera, Bobby Crosby, Jason Donald, Miguel Tejada. The Sox have also discussed a shortstop with the Atlanta Braves. After watching Vizquel, 42, this weekend, it's obvious he can still play. It appears the Sox will have to make a tough decision on Julio Lugo on whether to eat the contract when Lowrie is finally ready. The Mets revealed that Jose Reyes has a hamstring injury, which means Alex Cora starts at shortstop for the Mets for a while. Do I spot a need for Lugo?

Who knows what will come of this, but I think Miggy has a market if he keeps hitting. What will they pull back? I dunno, but you don't have to trade him. The more you say that to everyone, the better the return. Especially if you tell them you'll take some of the contract to boot (depending on the prospect return)

austro · « **Reply #26 on:** June 10, 2009, 08:50:31 pm »

If Wilson is available (of course he is; it's the Pirates), I think he'd be a better get for Boston. They need to think back to how their fortunes improved in '04 when they dumped Garciaparra in favor of a much-better-defensively-and-adequate-offensively Orlando Cabrera.

Noe · « **Reply #27 on:** June 10, 2009, 09:59:31 pm »

Quote from: austro on June 10, 2009, 08:50:31 pm

If Wilson is available (of course he is; it's the Pirates), I think he'd be a better get for Boston. They need to think back to how their fortunes improved in '04 when they dumped Garciaparra in favor of a much-better-defensively-and-adequate-offensively Orlando Cabrera.

True, but they had Big Papi and Manny back then too. With Manny gone, Big Papi struggling, the bat aspect may be more a need than the glove. Just saying.

Bench · « **Reply #28 on:** June 10, 2009, 10:03:26 pm »

Quote from: Noe in Austin on June 10, 2009, 08:20:14 pm

So let me get this straight. The Washington Nationals signed Adam Dunn this offseason as their big FA acquire and now they're willing to trade him? Only two months into the season? This is the same team that just drafted Satan Boras' client Strassburg? Wow, what a joke of an organization if true.

As we know, mediot rumors are probably nothing.

Noe · « **Reply #29 on:** June 10, 2009, 10:11:35 pm »

Quote from: Bench on June 10, 2009, 10:03:26 pm

As we know, mediot rumors are probably nothing.

I read up on those rumors tonight. I got to the name Jon Heyman and said to self "ooooohhhhh... now I know. nevermind!"

VirtualBob · « **Reply #30 on:** June 10, 2009, 10:22:50 pm »

Quote from: cc on June 10, 2009, 05:33:41 pm

I'm getting the sense that over the next few weeks the Astros will have about 20 guys on their roster who will be deemed "touchable."

I guess in the big leagues that isn't a felony anymore.

toddthebod · « **Reply #31 on:** June 11, 2009, 09:45:32 am »

The way that Chris Sampson has been pitching, the Astros might be thinking that he could slot into Hawkins' role (whatever that is -- closer or 8th inning guy when Valverde gets back). I'd trade Hawkins (and Valverde) to get back some decent starting pitcher prospects.

JimR · « **Reply #32 on:** June 11, 2009, 10:01:22 am »

Quote from: toddthebod on June 11, 2009, 09:45:32 am

The way that Chris Sampson has been pitching, the Astros might be thinking that he could slot into Hawkins' role (whatever that is -- closer or 8th inning guy when Valverde gets back). I'd trade Hawkins (and Valverde) to get back some decent starting pitcher prospects.

no way should Sampson ever be a closer, imo.

Reuben · « **Reply #33 on:** June 11, 2009, 10:07:14 am »

Quote from: JimR on June 11, 2009, 10:01:22 am

no way should Sampson ever be a closer, imo.

I'd agree with that. If the Astros did end up trading both Valverde and Hawkins, I'm guessing they'd probably try Arias or Fulchino, maybe even call up Bud Norris to learn to close.

austro · « **Reply #34 on:** June 11, 2009, 10:18:46 am »

Quote from: Reuben on June 11, 2009, 10:07:14 am

I'd agree with that. If the Astros did end up trading both Valverde and Hawkins, I'm guessing they'd probably try Arias or Fulchino, maybe even call up Bud Norris to learn to close.

I haven't been paying very close attention: how has Paronto been doing?

Astroholic · « **Reply #35 on:** June 11, 2009, 10:48:29 am »

Quote from: toddthebod on June 11, 2009, 09:45:32 am

The way that Chris Sampson has been pitching, the Astros might be thinking that he could slot into Hawkins' role (whatever that is -- closer or 8th inning guy when Valverde gets back). I'd trade Hawkins (and Valverde) to get back some decent starting pitcher prospects.

Maybe Sampson has pitched his way into a trade?

Bench · « **Reply #36 on:** June 11, 2009, 11:00:54 am »

Quote from: JimR on June 11, 2009, 10:01:22 am

no way should Sampson ever be a closer, imo.

Why not?

S.P. Rodriguez · « **Reply #37 on:** June 11, 2009, 11:08:26 am »

Quote from: Bench on June 11, 2009, 11:00:54 am

Why not?

I'm not Jim but I've seen him in a pink watermelon hat. From what I've seen, he doesn't have "shut down" stuff. He's still effective and I wouldn't trade him unless another team seriously over-values him and is willing to pay up. Now, if that's of any value to you, PM me and I'll give you an address where you can mail the check.

Reuben · « **Reply #38 on:** June 11, 2009, 11:18:36 am »

Quote from: S.P. Rodriguez on June 11, 2009, 11:08:26 am

I'm not Jim but I've seen him in a pink watermelon hat. From what I've seen, he doesn't have "shut down" stuff. He's still effective and I wouldn't trade him unless another team seriously over-values him and is willing to pay up. Now, if that's of any value to you, PM me and I'll give you an address where you can mail the check.

Right, two reasons you'd probably trade Valverde or Hawkins but not Sampson,
1. Most teams probably consider Chris more "lucky" than great because he's a middle reliever without amazing stuff, so you're unlikely to get a whole lot for him
B. He's under control after this season (2 or 3 more years?), whereas the other two are FAs after this year

Noe · « **Reply #39 on:** June 11, 2009, 11:24:18 am »

Quote from: Reuben on June 11, 2009, 11:18:36 am

Right, two reasons you'd probably trade Valverde or Hawkins but not Sampson,
1. Most teams probably consider Chris more "lucky" than great because he's a middle reliever without amazing stuff, so you're unlikely to get a whole lot for him
B. He's under control after this season (2 or 3 more years?), whereas the other two are FAs after this year

Sampson would be the next Joe Borowski type closer. A guy that does not throw hard or has nasty stuff, but somehow gets you out. That's the name of the game for a closer, but eventually, if they figure you out, without the nasty stuff, you're going to get killed. I think the only thing that can be said as a negative for Sampson is that he doesn't have nasty stuff and that is more than insurance for a closer spot. But for a season or two? I don't think it would be a bad idea until you figure out where you're going as an organization.

Andyzipp · « **Reply #40 on:** June 11, 2009, 11:56:02 am »

Quote from: Noe in Austin on June 11, 2009, 11:24:18 am

A guy that does not throw hard or has nasty stuff, but somehow gets you out. That's the name of the game for a closer, but eventually, if they figure you out, without the nasty stuff, you're going to get killed.

Doug Jones begs to differ...

Noe · « **Reply #41 on:** June 11, 2009, 01:53:56 pm »

Quote from: Andyzipp on June 11, 2009, 11:56:02 am

Doug Jones begs to differ...

As does Dave Smith (may he rest in peace)

juliogotay · « **Reply #42 on:** June 11, 2009, 03:30:11 pm »

Quote from: Noe in Austin on June 11, 2009, 01:53:56 pm

As does Dave Smith (may he rest in peace)

I had forgotten how hard Smitty threw when he was young. Watching that replay the other day of the '80 NL series he was probably hitting low 90s on his FB's. He mixed it up good though. He had really good stuff in '80.

geezerdonk · « **Reply #43 on:** June 15, 2009, 08:43:23 am »

The Rangers are having delusions of grandeur. Their closer's health is in doubt. They are loaded with prospects. Given these conditions, it would seem to be a strong possibility that they would overpay for Hawkins (or Valverde). Maybe now is the time for the Astros to make that move before reality sets in.

Astroholic · « **Reply #44 on:** June 15, 2009, 09:18:27 am »

[/quote Drayton] What do you mean sell? We are only 4 games out of first place. What have you done today to be a champion? [/quote]