Baseball Analysts recently presented a hypothetical situation where the Mets potentially would send David Wright to Boston:
Would the Mets consider a deal of Mike Lowell,
Buchholz, Masterson and Delcarmen for Wright? Maybe not, but the third
baseman seems to be under-appreciated in the Big Apple at times and New
York could use some young arms to help in the bullpen and back of the
rotation.
Keep in mind that the hypothetical trade proposal should be taken lightly. Even the writer was very unsure if the Mets would even do it.
The reason? David Wright is one of the absolute best players in the game. A 3B with a good glove, and a great bat. Even the “intangibles” are there, as Wright is the one that has dealt with the media on a daily basis right in the midst of the Mets collapsing.
Just imagine a lineup with Wright instead of Lowell. No offense to Lowell, but Wright is better, cheaper, and under a very reasonable contract for three more seasons, with a club option for a fourth year (an option that will almost definitely be exercised).
My initial stance, however, was actually against the hypothetical. Slightly against if I may add. For entertaining the idea of acquiring a player such as Wright is something that I can easily talk myself into.
But it’s definitely a lot to give up.
Clay Buchholz is currently tearing up the Minor leagues. 39 IP, 42 K’s, 12 BB’s. I know that many will point to his struggles at the Major League level in 2008. But I see what he is doing now, reflect on the fact that his “stuff” is great, and understand that he is still very young. Basically, I have confidence, still, that Clay Buchholz can be good in this league.
Justin Masterson has his flaws. But should either be a decent starter, or a very good reliever with the Boston Red Sox. And if Keith Law has his way, Masterson could be one of those “Old-School,” 120 inning relievers.
But again, that would be hypothetical too, and potentially unrealistic the way relievers are used nowadays.
There there is Manny Delcarmen. A much sought-after commodity just a few years back, Delcarmen seems like he is figuring it out. Although, his K’s are down, his BB’s are up, and players are hitting line drives more often than they have the past few years. But his BABIP doesn’t have much room to move, and Delcarmen has yet to allow a home run this year. So the signs point in both directions.
Finally, Mike Lowell. There is no comparison between Lowell and David Wright. Lowell is a solid all-around 3B, while Wright is spectacular. Lowell probably benefits from Fenway more than most RH hitters do. Wright will be great where ever he plays. Lowell is in his mid-thirties, Wright in his mid-twenties.
If you compare just the two players, Wright is superior in every aspect of his game.
But it isn’t just Lowell for Wright. It is Lowell, Masterson, Buchholz, and Delcarmen for Wright.
I could go either way on this, even though it is solely a hypothetical trade to begin with. But I seem enthralled with quality depth, and Buchholz in particular. I really do believe that Clay Buchholz will be a good pitcher in this league.
But the mere suggestion of such a trade was all in good fun by Patrick Sullivan of Baseball Analysts. And I thought exploring it on a Red Sox site would rouse some good discussion.
So what are your thoughts?
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Love to have Wright, but would be unwilling to pay that kind of price to fix a position that needs no fixing. Mike is terrific, and I sincerely hope he is left alone to work his magic at 3b, at the plate, and in the clubhouse through 2011.
Now, if Wright could play SS, that would be different. I am again losing confidence in Julio and don’t know if the Sox or RSN can survive two more months of this until Lowrie returns.
And the chance of Omar surviving the trade of Wright would be about the same as for Theo trading Pedroia for a second baseman. There would be riots.
Lugo is hitting well enough it seems. And I am actually fine with Lugo until Lowrie gets back. If Lugo continues to hit like this, lets just say, it could be much worse…
How about subbing Hagadone for masterson or delcarmen
Way too much talent to give up for one player. This kind of trade almost always backfires on the team giving up a package of talent for a star.
On the other side, the trade would clearly help the Mets, but I don’t see Minaya parting with Wright. He’s the type who would be on the other side of a deal like that — packaging prospects for a single player.
JVWalt,
I don’t know that I could do it either. Good, young, cheap talent isn’t easy to develop, and then it is all gone. I would love to have Wright though.
The Red Sox make that deal in a second. I don’t think the Mets can PR wise or baseball wise. The Mets plan on winning this season, not tearing apart in rebuilding. I don’t see it as even plausible.
I think the Sox will package a couple of the pitchers to someone, at some point. But, my guess is it will be someone who needs to dump payroll (i.e. Tigers w/Miguel Cabrera)
Bad trade for us. I like Wright, but he don’t worth that kind of package. I think is much more wise to look for a trade for a young guy like Matt LaPorta. Buster Olney has mentioned the possibility. And, like Evan said yesterday, the Indians are gonna have a glut of OF next years. They can acquire a young pitcher with ace potential (Buchholz) and more.
And LaPorta makes a lot of sense for Boston. He can be the DH of the future, but he can play OF and 1B too, so he offer us some flexibility.
So, I think this is at least an idea worth exploring…
On the other hand, I’m a big fan of Miguel Cabrera. If the Tigers really want to get rid of him at some point I will be more than happy to trade for him. He is a beast, and still very young.
The Mets wouldn’t make that trade. Wright is the main guy they are building their team around. And right now offense is a bigger issue for them than pitching.
Ty,
Yes, the Mets would definitely take a PR hit.
MAG,
I am kind of with you on that. Too much. Although Wright would be awesome to have…
TJ,
Reyes will do, just a little less of a package than what Wright would take.
I would love to have wright, but something Gerry suggested yesterday really struck me. If the Padres are going to blow everything up, Adrian Gonzales would be a great pickup for the Sox. I’d be interested to see them pursue him especially given the good relationship between Theo and San Diego Management
I too would like Adrian. Just last night I watched him belt a homer to the opposite field. He is a great player just beginning his prime. But again, how much would it take?
I think it would take 1 of the AAA pitchers, Josh Reddick and maybe 1 of the lower level pitchers maybe Pimentel
Gonzalez should be even more expensive than Wright. He is a better player…
Maybe, at the same time he’s much lower profile