According to mlbtraderumors.com (via Paul Hoynse):
The Tribe had spoken to the A's about not only Dan Haren, but Joe Blanton as well. Many are comparing it to a few years back when the A's shipped both Mulder and Hudson to the National League. Of course, last week, the Haren was moved to the Diamondbacks, and one has to wonder a couple things:
1) Is the Tribe really interested in Blanton?
Hoynse speculated that the Tribe was looking for 'another ace' to pair with C.C.. While Haren certainly has the potential to fit that description, the same does not necessarily hold true for Blanton. While he is an innings eater (2nd in the AL in 2007--3rd in complete games), his stuff is more prototypical of a 2-3 guy.
2) Did the Haren deal reveal the cost for Blanton?
That is certainly not to say that it would be the same. Rather, instead of having to give up at least one major league ready player (A.Cabrera?), would the deal be possible with only prospects? Perhaps? But, and this is a big but (no pun intended), would A.Miller still have to be one of those prospects? I think that most Tribe fans would agree that A.Miller is a piece we are willing to move for a proven stud. M.Cabrera, J.Santana, D.Haren, C.Crawford, A.Rios, and E.Bedard come to mind. But for Joe Blanton? Personally, I'd hope not. And quite frankly, this may be why there has been little news on this possibility since last week.
3) So what would the Tribe consider giving up for Blanton?
Sowers, Lofgren, and Shoppach?
or
Lee, Sowers, and Crowe?
or
Sowers, Ricky G. and Snyder?
I don't know. Obviously, Oakland's needs also play a part in this answer. History tells us that they would be looking for starting pitching and then some.
4) So is Joe Blanton still appealing?
Let's take a look at his profile:
2007: 14-10, 3.95 ERA, 140K, 40BB, 1.22 WHIP
Career: 42-34, 4.11 ERA, 2.21 K/BB, Averaged 208 IP over last 3 years.
Salary: $380,000 in 2007.
Age: Turned 27 on Dec. 11th
Summary: A prototypical "workhorse" #3 starter who is young, cheap, and has potential to be a #2. Reminds me of Livan Hernandez with the potential to be Brad Penny.
Overall: So do we go after him? Similar to Bay, I wouldn't mind him in a Tribe uniform at all, but of course, it is all about the price. If the price includes A.Miller or A.Cabrera, then NO. If you are able to package some of our youngsters with either Franklin, Kelly, or Lofgren, then I can live with it.
And of course, do not forget, there STILL has been zero movement on the C.C. contract situation, which is most likely the dominant reason why The Station Agent, Hog Dogs with Masa, The Tigers, and Roids are all we have to really talk about.
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Goooooooooooooooooooo Tribe!
Cheers!
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2 comments:
Agree with your Adam Miller point. I wouldn't trade him for anyone except a stud pitcher or a stud Corner OF. Bedard, Rios, Crawford are the only "remaining" names that would make me warm and fuzzy about giving up Miller. If not those guys then Miller has to be insurance for losing CC.
Absolutely. Luckily, I think Shapiro feels the same.
I most certainly would love to have Rios or Bedard in a Tribe uniform however, and hopefully this is still an option.
However, as the procrastination continues on the C.C. front, the chances of someone else swooping in before us continues to grow.
Thanks for the comments...keep em coming.
Cheers!
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