Monday, May 11, 2015

Transparent Transactions: July – August 2054

I’m a little surprised that I got him for just $1M. For one, it’s Mike and two, I would’ve paid a little more. Though this is not a recipe for that future holdover purchases will net more money. Not transparent will be the specifics to why I thought he was worth more, but I felt the overall situation revolving around Stidston made worth $2M, maybe a little more.

If I couldn’t trade Lyman, the intention was to re-sign him for 1 year and then try for Type B compensation after 2055. Here, I get a 2B that I like offensively, but obviously have some concerns defensively. I do have a little comfort in the fact that Mogul gives him an 82 rating at 2B, so his speed might help make up for his lack of quality range. Judging by previous peak drops, he should have 2 more years after 2054 to develop, so there’s time yet for his range to get to a respectable level.

I’m not as high on Baron as I would think a lot are. He’s borderline in the group where his control is too high for his movement. I see him being like Carleton Casali. Granted better, but that’s still a pitcher that’s going to get beat around. I can’t say I’m head over heels for James either, but he could have another jump in him and could make for a nice holdover who might have some trade value later on.

I’m kind of surprised jhc released Bjork to be honest. I felt like he had some value being stashed in the minors or a little trade value, in the least. He definitely could be a platoon partner vs LHP and will help during the rebuild.

I wanted to get more for Andrews. I think once he gets his feet wet, he’ll be a very productive bat. However, he’s pretty much just a DH and he’s had a slight drop. So, before Mogul’s talent distribution decides to totally screw him over, I’ll trade him for a relief prospect (Smith) that I really liked in the draft. His low HRs are a thing of beauty. I’m not too big on Selkin, but his vitals are above his overall, so throwing in some cash is worth it to see how he develops.

I did this solely because I wanted to give Audley a chance to improve his counting numbers for the Hall. If he’s let go into Free Agency, he likely retires. It’s possible Vender never makes it out of Spring Training next year. However, if he proves worthy enough for a pen spot in 2055, this deal will give me 2 fan favorites to help attendance.

Stickles has very nice splits vs RHP. I’ll be able to use him as a nice holdover for the next 3 years, during the rebuild.

As I said in the Poblano trade, I’m not enamored with Garcia and would easily flip him for a pre-arb holdover. Well, Meaux isn’t pre-arb, but he can play a few different positions (I possibly might try him at SS) and I may even be able to trade him for something next year.

With picking up Stickles, Lyon is no longer of use. Oh, how I remember when I thought you were a can’t miss prospect. With getting Meaux, Monson is no longer needed as well.

Honestly, I’m not sure why WP claimed Elardo. I guess he plans on re-signing him. At any rate, I get a decent, underrated older prospect to see if he can become ML quality. He should wind up with 80+ contact and possibly an 80+ eye to go along with solid defense.

McClurg is a guy Jason and I tabbed and trade fodder when I accepted the bid to co-GM with him. I still feel that way about him, but I wasn’t going to retain Angelo, so why not take a chance? It looks like McClurg will get his movement to 80+, so if he can get his control to 70+, he can be a ‘pen piece.

These 2 are the kind of deals that I preach with waivers. It’s about having realistic expectations. Sometimes you might have valuable players on waivers and can still get a good haul for them, but that’s not the case here. Neither of these guys were going to be with me in 2055, so get something for them. Will either prospect make the majors? I don’t know. But they aren’t taking playing time from a more promising prospect, so why not take that chance? They could surprise and become a nice role player for all I know.

Aiktin was a guy that I had interest while with CHC. Jason and I preferred Brandon Hertz, who we got, so Aiktin wasn’t needed. Here in Cleveland, he’ll be a nice platoon option vs LHP during the next 3 seasons, where basically I’m paying him $1.167M per season. Now I could go out and get this type of guy for 1M/1 Year in Free Agency, but I like knowing that I don’t have to play the waiting game and know that I’m not going to be outbid at the last minute. Plus there’s a chance that Aitkin could net me a 6th round type prospect in future.

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