Tuesday, July 31, 2012

2012 Trade Deadline Open Thread


We know you're scared.

We all are.

Let it all out here.

Update 9:00am - Yup. Tim Brown has Victorino coming back to LA for Lindblom and Ethan Martin.

Update 9:30am  - Hunter Pence to the Giants is still a strong possibility a done deal still a big maybe back on, per Jon Heyman's "sources" Andrew Baggarly Hank Schulman.

Update 1:10pm - Dempster goes to the Rangers, instead, per pretty much everyone on twitter.

161 comments:

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Let's trade Ronald Belisario for the Great Pumpkin.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Victorino for Linblom and Ethan Martin.

Le sigh.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

*Lindblom

Franklin Stubbs said...

I thought Pablo Sandoval was the great pumpkin.

Franklin Stubbs said...

Confirmed?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

According to Tim Brown of Yahoo! and Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I'd say this is good because it means less Juan Rivera, but he's the only right-handed 1B on the team.

Franklin Stubbs said...

That's going to take some serious getting used to. Plus, I'm not terribly optimistic about how his numbers will hold up now that he's not playing in a postage stamp.

Wicks said...

This is a horrible, horrible deal. He's clearly on the decline (and a FA) and we gave up a young RP and a top 10 prospect?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Vic the Brick's got a .989 OPS so far in the second half. Not bad, all things considered.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

This team has a massive plethora of pitching that exists solely to be traded. It's unfortunate, but it shouldn't be surprising to see a lot of young guys get dealt.

Jason said...

Well, if there is a Dodgers-Yankees World Series, there will be head hunting.

Franklin Stubbs said...

Gut instinct is that it's a bad trade. I would be extremely pleased to be wrong.

Franklin Stubbs said...

@Marla

It's not so much the prospects. Some moves always have to be made with an eye on the 40 man roster. It's that I don't really expect Victorino's numbers to hold up.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I'm not a fan of the trade either.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Dave Cameron at Fangraphs sort of echoes what I'm saying.

http://bit.ly/OjMAaj

Franklin Stubbs said...

Hunter Pence to the Giants; no clue who's going back to Philly.

MR.F said...

Maybe they traded Penny for Pence.

I'm sorry.

Franklin Stubbs said...

Well, at least they could get some return on investment in that case!

MR.F said...

Thanks for the fangraph link, Marla. I feel a little better about the Victorino deal.

Franklin Stubbs said...

Hmmmm, the Pence deal is looking less done than Heyman's initial claim.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

This possible Dempster deal is becoming something else.

Wicks said...

Perhaps I have over reacted. Just win baby!

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Dodgers announce deal. Throw in a PTBNL/$$$ with Josh and Ethan.

Pride of Dong said...

Same source that told me no on garza is now telling me dempster is a dodger. Announcement within the hour

spank said...

Is there a way we can throw beanballs at our own hitters?



(cries)

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I'm just hoping Webster isn't dealt. That would be a really, really sour note on everything.

Dusty Baker said...

Folks, I'm going to come out of the closet here. (cc: Tom Cruise)

As much as I've hated Shane Victorino as a rival, I've always liked him as a player - a gamer if you will, with all that is attached to that phrase - and thought that if he were a Dodger, we would probably like him a lot for his spirited play, competitiveness, etc. Yeah, there's some history and bad blood, and yeah, I've written a whole cycle of negative limericks about him, but all that baggage aside, he's been a solid player for many years who, with the proverbial change of scenery, has a great chance to make an impact on the club given existing and newly-acquired talent.

Thus, and I may be in the minority or all yall may just be grumpy this morning, I"m perfectly willing and able to jump on the Vitorino bandwagon and welcome him with open arms to the Dodger outfield. Let's give him a chance before tearing him and the deal that brought him here apart.

I agree with MLB Radio Network hosts this morning who said that they thought the Dodgers had made the three most impactful moves this trading season: HanRam, League, and Victorino.

Dusty Baker said...

@Marla

Everything I've heard has been that Webster isn't nor has ever been on the table.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Doesn't stop me from worrying.

spank said...

Our pitchers throw beanballs ,that is.

Nevermind.

Pride of Dong said...

Dusty is gonna buy tickets to Shaneywood section....

Dusty Baker said...

Wait, Hanleywood is already taken. We'll have to find a section and call it....Victorville?

spank said...

@ Dusty

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Franklin Stubbs said...

Yeah, I get the feeling a Dempster-dive is inevitable. Too bad the worst pitcher on our staff is one we can't get rid of (at least until whenever Lilly comes back)

Dusty Baker said...

Demspter deal is done.

Dusty Baker said...

I'll Dumpster over that pile of trash we trotted out last night!

Franklin Stubbs said...

Source?

Dusty Baker said...

Source: the box score from last night

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I just realized that, barring another move, the Dodgers have six outfielders on the 25-man.

Franklin Stubbs said...

Kemp, Ethier, Victorino, Abreu, Gwynn, but do we still count Rivera? It seems like he's pretty established in a 1B platoon with Loney, now.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

He's still going to be on the outfield depth chart.

Franklin Stubbs said...

You could conceivably include Hairston, as well (though he is undoubtedly the super-sub)

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

He did play left yesterday.

Pride of Dong said...

and watched a few HR go over his head

Dusty Baker said...

@ Stubbsy

Proper punctuation is preferred. I meant to type a question mark on the above Dempster comment re a deal, hence following up on Eugenio's Streak's comment.

Pride of Dong said...

my assistant at work is best friends with Garza, they have been texting like mad right now. Normally I would tell him to take personal texts outside, but this is Dodger related.

Wicks said...

The giants fans on twitter are freaking out about the willingness of our new owners to spend money. This is a good thing!

Dusty Baker said...

Having mad hot text - perfectly acceptable office decorum.

Dusty Baker said...

Anyone willing to dive into the depths of McCovey Chronicles and see what's being said?

MR.F said...

Jon Heyman ‏@JonHeymanCBS
hear pence will be 3 for 1. fine young catcher tommy joseph & OF nate schierholtz r in deal. a pitcher may go to philly 2

Pride of Dong said...

A. As a boss, my goal is first aim for micheal scott, then pull it back a little.

B. He did offer me tickets for when they come this weekend, but I would have to sit with the garza family and friends and they would not like all the blue I wear....

Dusty Baker said...

You just can't get this kind of analysis on a Dodger blog:

"Hunter Pence is reportedly on the Giants. The trade is reportedly done. Reportedly. According to a report. One of our favorite players to pick on, one of the most amusing players in baseball, is now reportedly on the Giants. This will be entertaining, at least. Are you not reportedly entertained?

Tommy Joseph, he of the light-tower power, is reportedly going the other way, pending physicals, according to a report. In a perfect world, Joseph would stick around. A thin farm system just got thinner. It's not a lopsided trade by any means. Pence really isn't as good as some people think, but he has value. He's even around for next year, albeit at market prices. Still, that gives the Giants some leverage in the Melky extension talks. They don't have to panic and sign him for seven years, or some such.

The analysis will follow. For now, know there's a storm cloud brewing. There are going to be people with lobster hats cheering for Pence. They'll pick up on the fact that Pence is vaguely creepy, vaguely invertebratey, and they will attempt to get on camera the entire time they're at a game.

But there will also be people wearing underwear on their heads. They'll have signs, "HUNTER PENCE'S UNDER PANTSES!" And they'll attempt to get on camera the entire time they're at a game.

Slowly, like clouds of gas moving across the vacuum of space, these two groups will meet. It will be a bloodbath. There will be carnage. And Hunter Pence will laugh and laugh and laugh …"

--Grant Brisbee, McCovey Chronicles

Dusty Baker said...

You should take him up on it, Streak. I've sat in friends/family before as either a neutral or rival. One just aims for Michael Scott, then pulls it back a lot. No worries.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

You'd think someone spit in the LFP's cereal and said there's no Santa Claus.

Dusty Baker said...

@Mr F

Which offending post?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

*spat

Dusty Baker said...

Dodgers have designated LHP Michael Antonini for assignment.

Yawn.

MR.F said...

The MCC one =/.

Dusty Baker's Toothpick said...

I am on board with the Victorino pick up. He beefs up our LF situation and gives us an improved lead off guy. I know his OBP isn't as good as in years past, but still a major upgrade.

I suspect his counting stats will improve batting in front of our 3-5 hitters. He didn't have that kind of lineup support in Philly this year.

Dusty Baker said...

Got it, Mr F. There are so many offensive things here, I needed to make sure I knew which you you were referring to.

Dusty Baker said...

ALright, then. The Dust Brothers are on board.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Grant Bisbee is a great writer. His post after the 10-0 whoopin' was hilarious.

The commenters on MCC are asshats though.

MR.F said...

Andrew Baggarly ‏@CSNBaggs
Giants expect to announce Pence deal shortly. Physical passed.

MR.F said...

And now, courtesy of the meat industry, free tripe!

Dusty Baker said...

The Phiwwies sure broke up the band quickly after their mini-dynasty, didn't they?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

When I grow up, I'm going to Bovine University!

Pistol Pete Reiser said...

Giants fans are tripping balls. That alone should be enough to squelch most apprehension, but, I don't like giving the Phils so much for a rental. Wait and see.

Please don't move Vic to center, I like Beast Mode roaming there.

Extra point for using "squelch".

Franklin Stubbs said...

@PPR

I respect a man who is willing to call his own vocabulary shot.

Franklin Stubbs said...

Pence to Giants is back to "imminent"

Dusty Baker said...

@PPR

Would Vic be a full-on rental, or would as I've heard some explain Dodgers have first crack at him this offseason?

Dusty Baker said...

My wasting time and not working is still imminent, too.

Franklin Stubbs said...

Shit, wasting time is in full effect. Imminent would imply at least some level of uncertainly

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Is it 1:00 yet?

Pride of Dong said...

I purposely put myself as listed "in meetings" all day and my office phone is Do Not Distrub...

Franklin Stubbs said...

Time is an illusion.

Dusty Baker said...

The Do Not Disturb sign is in effect, to quote NWA.

Dusty Baker said...

I'm going to start making up some shit if I don't hear anything on the trade front soon.

Franklin Stubbs said...

It's all "trade chicken" from here on in.

Hideo Nomo said...

I'm going to assume the front office throws money at all the rental guys.

Fred's Brim said...

replace Hanley with Victorino

Dusty Baker said...

It's all trade chicken and puppy shaking, when one gets right down to it.

Pride of Dong said...

is that the sequel to the marky mark movie?

Franklin Stubbs said...

Seems like the Dempster-to-Yanks rumors might be just theater for our benefit, care of the Cubbies.

Pistol Pete Reiser said...

@ Dusty

No idea reg: the issue of keeping Vic on contract past this year, seems to be getting a little long in the tooth. Bear in mind, my admittedley feeble thoughts were based solely on the amount of ball-tripping anxiety the standard-issue Giants fan is feeling right now.

Even the Yankme fans around me now here in NY are feeling a subtle change of the usual dynamic.

And Hunter Pence sucks balls.

Dusty Baker said...

Your last point really rings true, PPR.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

Joel Sherman of the NY Post points out how odd it is that the Yankee, with two guys who would know Dempster very well, were not even mentioned until just an hour ago.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

*Yankees

spank said...

Yankee's

Dusty Baker said...

Yank me.

Dusty Baker said...

Marla just gave birth to Bartolo Colon on Twitter.

Hideo Nomo said...

One of our vendors in Chicago just offered to call Theo for us.

Dusty Baker said...

Don't know why I'm caring about this Dumspter deal. Not all that excited about it for many reasons discussed over the last few days. But...can't quit staring at it.

Dusty Baker said...

Cards get Mujica from Marlins for former Razorback standout Zach Cox.

Hideo Nomo said...

Mujica was just crying about possibly being traded in the last Franchise episode.

Franklin Stubbs said...

I think it's just the unfinished sentence factor. Clearly, acquiring starting pitching has been in the works for weeks, so SOMETHING has to happen.

Dusty Baker said...

He was crying and refused to face the Mujica.

Dusty Baker said...

Less than an hour, party people.

Dusty Baker's Toothpick said...

Is this the Final Countdown?

Dusty Baker said...

Pirates closing in on Gaby Sanchez.

Usually Marlins win a championship then part with everyone.

Hideo Nomo said...

"Marlins still have hopes of moving Carlos Lee by 4 p.m."

Are there cliffs in Miami?

Franklin Stubbs said...

Well, they got their stadium built, maybe this is just the only kind of celebration Loria knows.

Dusty Baker's Toothpick said...

They outta put a merman outfit on Carlos Lee and dump him in the fish tank.

Dusty Baker said...

Heh...PPR on a roll.

Jason said...

Heh, Scott Podsednik to the D'Backs. I didn't even realize he was still in baseball.

Franklin Stubbs said...

Have to grab some lunch. Don't ruin everything while I'm gone.

Pistol Pete Reiser said...

I'm on fire!!!

Hunter _____ sucks _____.

Dusty Baker said...

@Jason

He's only technically in baseball, like Stubbs is technically working on a project today.

Dusty Baker said...

It cracks me up to see teams going after Broxton.

MR.F said...

I have Greg Holland on my fantasy team in case Broxton gets traded.

Dusty Baker said...

Giants also trying to snag Broxton, reportedly. In which case he would turn into Mariano Rivera and cost us the NL West.

Dusty Baker said...

That's forward thinking, Mr F!

Orel said...

I don't get giving up Ethan Martin for a partial-year rental of Victorino.

Pistol Pete Reiser said...

If the Giants sign Brox, we should sign Matt Stairs.

Dusty Baker said...

I'm not convinced that Ethan Martin is the next Carlos Santana, trade-wise.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1279524-ethan-martin-full-scouting-report-on-prospect-dealt-for-shane-victorino

Dusty Baker said...

@PPR

And Jimmy Rollins! Then we'd have Vic, Stairs, and J Roll to take on Brox.

Hideo Nomo said...

Is this the same Bleacher Report that said we could put a package together for Mike Trout?

Dusty Baker's Toothpick said...

Broxton is too clean shaven to join the Bearded Ladies

Dusty Baker said...

Rosenthal reporting Brox to Reds. Fat commie.

Dusty Baker said...

@Nomo

That article, despite its source, is reflective of many similar opinions I've read and heard on Martin yesterday and today.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

@Nomo - I think they deleted that post after Dylan's tweet.

MR.F said...

I'm very much afraid that Broxton to Giants would turn him into Mariano Rivera x2 (literally). So, I hope he goes to the Reds.

Dusty Baker said...

Most outlets now reporting Broxton to Reds is done. So you can mostly relax, F.

Jason said...

Skyline Chili rejoices in the latest Reds pickup.

Dusty Baker said...

@Jason

As does the local plumbing company.

Dusty Baker said...

Ten minutes...fire in the hole!

Dusty Baker said...

Tim Brown and D Hernandez reporting thru sources that Dodgers are out on Dumpster.

Dusty Baker said...

D Hernandez also reports team saying they are done for the day.

Orel said...

OR ARE THEY?

spank said...

Final stretch

Dusty Baker said...

I feel like shaking a puppy.

Pistol Pete Reiser said...

puppy-shaker

spank said...

poopy shaker

Dusty Baker said...

Sounding like Dumspter to RANGERS. Fuck the Yankmes!

Jason said...

I still expect a 12:59 announcement that the Dodgers acquire Jason Vargas for Scott Van Slyke and Ivan Dejesus.

Dusty Baker said...

Yea! We still have Zach Lee, Allen Webster, and a great foundation for a stretch run. And we picked up HanRam, Choate, League, and Victorino along the way to help.

Can't hate that too much.

Dusty Baker said...

(puts no. 2 pencil down)

Fred's Brim said...

this is Ned's best failure yet!

Pistol Pete Reiser said...

he said "#2"

Fred's Brim said...

not getting Dempster I mean

DodgersKingsoftheGalaxy said...

Welcome to the Blue Flyiiin Hawaiiiiann! lol, we must not confuse clemanating with actual hate, cause after all what's wrong with somebody who actually hates a baseball player? I already forgot about League........i told my cousin "if they get one more bat the NL West is ours!" so git er done! The only guy i hated was Bills for not throwing at the Phils actually....

MR.F said...

Totes Agree, Dusty.

Franklin Stubbs said...

Dempster to the Rangers for what seems like a bag of chips.

Dusty Baker said...

I wish I had a bag of chips right now.

spank said...

Apparently we lost the NL West because we did not acquire Dempster.

I did not know he was such a difference maker.

Fred's Brim said...

I hope we can stack up our minor league reserves again in the next few years. I feel like we were handcuffed a little but with not having much under Lee, Webster and Reed

Franklin Stubbs said...

Who knew?

Fred's Brim said...

And crazy stupid props to MLB Trade Rumors for making the last few days fun

Dusty Baker said...

@Spank

Exactly. He's not.

Franklin Stubbs said...

If there was a pitcher demonstrably better than Harang out there that could be acquired at a reasonable price, I would've been for that deal. Otherwise, we don't really need to make a move for the sake of making a move.

Dusty Baker said...

And outside of Pence coming to SF, our main rivals in the NL West didn't do nearly as good as we did in getting better. 45 on that.

Hideo Nomo said...

Pence vs. Dodgers this year:

7 for 29, with 2 walks and 5 RBI. 0 XBH.

DodgersKingsoftheGalaxy said...

What a load, i heard Demps Fip and Siera or whatevers was actually around 4, the guy just happens to have a 2 ERA so everyone is all over his balls. Fact is with Lilly and Ruby and now Fife the Dodgers have plenty of pitching, it will just come down to Bills, Kershaw, Cap in the postseason, which even the Phils with Lee, Halladay and Hamels have flopped in..

Fred's Brim said...

@Dusty well said. I think Victorino with a little motivation and dudes hitting behind him could be better than Pence.

And the Vagiants seemed to the ones in on League the whole time so it almost feels like a 2-player swing.
I hope he's better than Lindblom.

Franklin Stubbs said...

Well, even if he's a wash, he's not with the Giants.

Dusty Baker said...

Plus Pence is ugly and lanky and has a stupid stance.

My two cents.

Dusty Baker said...

ps - I have a bag of chips now.

Dusty Baker said...

Pence will look really goofy in his orange knickers now that I'm thinking this through.

Dusty Baker said...

"Stay tuned to @MLBNetwork for a phone interview with the @Dodgers newest member, @ShaneVictorino on @IntentionalTalk"

spank said...

@ Dusty @Cryin'Hawaiin'

Get a room