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MLB trade deadline chat: 07.31.19
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BucsFanMD
1:00
I support the idea of trading Vazquez for a combination of Lux, Ruiz, and Mays but I also have no confidence in the Pirates organization to develop these guys.  What would you say is the floor for each of these guys?
Greg
1:05
Do you think Felipe gets dealt?
Bill Brink
1:07
If I had to make a call, the answer is no, but there are very compelling reasons to do it. I spoke yesterday with some people from other teams; it seems as though Gavin Lux isn't going anywhere. Let's say they could pull off Keibert Ruiz or Dustin May; that would be a real jump-start to the near future of their farm system. And with the uncertainty around Jameson Taillon and how bad Chris Archer has been (it's to the point where declining his option has to have entered the conversation), how confident do they feel about contending next year?
nubyjas wilborn
1:09
I made a typo in my reply to BUCSMDFAN about Lux. Sorry, I meant to say highly-touted shortstop prospect.
Chris
1:11
If the Pirates are unwilling to participate in meaningful free agency, why are they so reluctant to do at least a small rebuild (Vazquez/Marte deals) at this point? The public seems to at least be open to the concept.
Jumpin Jack Flash
1:12
Perhaps thinking too much about it, but if the Pirates trade Vazquez so soon into his very team-friendly deal, would this impact other players from signing deals with the Pirates in the future?  I would think twice about signing that deal if it means the Pirates would still move me just 1.5 seasons after signing it.
Adam Bittner
1:12
The big incentive for players to sign deals like Vazquez's is to lock in that one, guaranteed pay day before injuries or struggles can derail it. Staying with a team for a long time is a possible perk, but it's not the purpose in agreeing to the extensions. So I'd be surprised if players who'd be inclined to take team-friendly deals change their mind because they're concerned they may be traded. It's about the money, first and foremost.
nubyjas wilborn
1:13
@chris I don't think the Pirates would be opposed to trading either guy if there was a return they felt comfortable with. Let's be real if the Pirates don't get great returns on either the narrative of Neal Huntington being a bad trader gets worse. If you trade either you better get a return. Otherwise, you hold them. Also, if you trade Marte, who plays centerfield?
Guest
1:14
Is it safe to assume that as long as NH and BN run the show, we're never winning a world series?
Bill Brink
1:16
Hi, Guest. No, it is not, and I say that because after a slow start in 2014 they might have been the best team in the league from like May onward, and if they'd found a way past Bumgarner who knows what would have happened. But I will agree with the premise of the question. The way Huntington must operate, given the resources he is given to work with, make it challenging to be competitive every year, let alone good enough to win a ring. You must hit more draft picks, signings and trades than not, and that hasn't been the case.
Tommy
1:18
Do the Phillies have any interest in Marte? If that happens could you resign Dickerson?
Adam Bittner
1:18
The Phillies-Marte talk has mostly been speculative to this point. Not much hard reporting to back it up, but it makes sense. There's an Andrew McCutchen-sized hole in that lineup and Marte would be a great candidate to fill it if the Pirates decide to make him available.
Mike
1:18
Assuming Taillon is back next year, the 2020 Pirates would add (some from AAA some from injuries): Taillon-SP, Keller-SP, Kela-RP, Santana-RP, Hayes-3B, Craig-RF? and Tucker-2B to a decent core.  That might be enough to win a NL Central that is up for the taking.  Quite an argument to hold on to Vazquez, Marte and Kela, but part ways with Dickerson, Caberera, Liriano etc.
nubyjas wilborn
1:21
It'd be a lot to assume Will Craig would be ready to play every day at RF and assuming Taillon will be back is tough considering the update we got from Todd Tomcyzk. The Pirates do feel good about their young players, but they also felt good about this year's team, so, we'll see. A lot of things will have to go right.
Ghost of AVS
1:21
Figures that the only power hitting prospect we have plays the same position as the only power hitting major leaguer we have. Should the pirates try to trade Will Myers for another teams top prospect who plays another position. A like for like trade. Does this ever happen with just prospects who may be blocked at the majors?
Bill Brink
1:24
I'll assume for the purposes of the chat that we're talking about Will Craig, who currently has 20 home runs and a .777 OPS, but 110 strikeouts in 419 plate appearances, for Class AA Altoona. The answer is probably yes because of the fact that it's first base. It's one thing to move someone out from behind the plate, or from up the middle to a corner, or TO first base, but once you're at first base there are only so many places to go. You could argue they should try to keep him because they need power, but where would he play?
MeatMaster
1:24
Can injured players be traded? Like chisenhall or polonco?
Adam Bittner
1:25
Any players under contract *can* be traded. Considering we haven't seen Lonnie Chisenhall since late March, though, I wouldn't count on it.
Austin
1:26
Over under 2.5 trades for the pirates today?
Adam Bittner
1:27
These are my official predictions for the day. So, I'd have to say over.
Alan
1:27
This deadline has to be considered a failure if the only trade that occurs is sending Lyles out, correct? Even if the return is minimal for the likes of Cabrerra, Dickerson, etc. Clearly, Vazquez needs to be dealt for the right return, but should be aggressively shopped.
nubyjas wilborn
1:30
They'll try to trade the expiring contracts for the right return. I don't know if I would consider it a failure if they didn't feel they would get fair value and kept certain guys. The Pirates don't have to shop Vazquez, it's up to teams to present an offer the Pirates can feel good about.
Kris Benson
1:31
Is Archer beyond repair?  If so, what do the Pirates do with him?  Trade him, DFA him, etc.?
Bill Brink
1:34
He's pitched about a full season with the Pirates (29 starts) and has a 5.14 ERA with a 5.15 FIP. He's walked four batters per nine innings. Archer doesn't qualify for the ERA title, but if he did, his 5.58 ERA would be better than only Aaron Sanchez among qualified starters, and he has allowed the most home runs in the National League. I hate declaring players done or beyond repair, but it's not looking good. Can't trade him. Might have to let him try to pitch his way out of it/pitch better so as to trade him in the offseason, or decline the optoin.
nate
1:35
Just a hypothetical, do you think Tampa Bay would trade Shane Baz today straight up for Archer?
Adam Bittner
1:36
HitEmWithTheHein
1:37
what can I do to stop being so negative about this team and its front office without actually stopping watching them?
nubyjas wilborn
1:39
PNC Park in the summer is still a nice experience. I'd say enjoy the development of Bryan Reynolds. Kevin Newman and Colin Moran have become serviceable baseball players. Josh Bell has been fun to watch even as he's struggled. Watching Jalapeno Hannah loses in the pierogi race is also fun.
ManBearPig1971
1:39
Do any pirates have a no trade clause and what do you think the pirates biggest need is going into the 2020 season.?
Bill Brink
1:42
Good question, and no they do not. As I look at it, starting pitching and catching will be the biggest needs. Their rotation next year will have, for sure, Williams and Musgrove. If it contains Chris Archer, what can they expect from him? Will it have Taillon? Will Keller start the season in the majors? What about Chad Kuhl, coming off Tommy John, and if so how many innings can he give after missing a year and a half? Brault? Agrazal? They need starting pitching.
Mark
1:47
What is Cervelli's contract status?  If he is in the last year of a contract, do they try to sign him to a more team friendly deal?  Thanks.
Adam Bittner
1:47
Cervelli is in the last year of his deal. He'll be a free agent this winter, and I imagine he's going to have a hard time finding anywhere close to the $11.5 million he's making in 2019. The injury/concussion situation is just too much of a wild card, so he'll likely sign for a lot less. Will the Pirates be that team? Maybe, but it's hard to see an obvious spot for him in 2020 and beyond with two younger options in Elias Diaz and Jacob Stallings in the fold.
scott
1:48
They have to move archer and Kela and cut there lose don't they?  Archer is a hot mess and Kela admitted to throwing at Deitrich last night.  Package them to someone for a top tier prospect....
nubyjas wilborn
1:50
Scott, you can't expect teams to give you their best players for guys you don't want anymore. That said, I think the Pirates are likely best served to let Archer finish the season and hope he finds something. As far as Kela goes, when he's healthy he's a very good reliever. But his reputation has limited his market,
Ry
1:51
What is the latest on the rumblings of Vazquez to Dodgers? Any other teams interested?
PhillyJake
1:52
Vasquez and Hayes for May, Lux and Ruiz.  Who hangs up ?
Ry
1:52
Thoughts on getting a package of Pederson, May, and Ruiz from LAD for Vazquez?
Steve
1:52
Chances Vazquez gets traded 50 50 or what?
50 50 on Vasquez being traded?
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