Miguel Cabrera

[TheMino007]

Since I hope the Sox don't do what they did last season and focus only one one player, if the Sox can't find that they trade for Adrian Gonzalez, why not trade for Miguel Cabrera?

 

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/10374040/Trading-Cabrera-makes-financial-sense-for-Tigers

 

If the Tigers are willing to trade right-hander Edwin Jackson and center fielder Curtis Granderson to reduce payroll, why wouldn't they be willing to trade first baseman Miguel Cabrera, their highest-paid player?

Thinking out loud some more:

 

If the Red Sox were willing to offer first baseman Mark Teixeira $170 million for eight years last off-season, why wouldn't they be willing to absorb most or all of the $126 million that Cabrera is guaranteed over the next six years?

 

 

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I've even got a possible trade in mind — Cabrera for Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon, third baseman Mike Lowell and a prospect, either first baseman Lars Anderson or right-hander Stolmy Pimentel.

 

Lowell, who would need to move to first or become a DH, is not an ideal fit. But his salary would be part of the price of doing business, just as it was when the Red Sox acquired him along with pitcher Josh Beckett from the Marlins in Nov. 2005.

 

If one year of Lowell at $12 million didn't help the Tigers, two of Papelbon for $20-plus million in arbitration at least would give them one of the game's best closers short-term. Anderson could be the long-term answer at first if he rebounds from a disappointing 2009, while Pimentel is one of the Sox's top pitching prospects. And the financial relief — oh boy.

 

The Tigers' savings would amount to nearly $100 million — and they would gain nearly $60 million more in flexibility after next season, when the contracts of right fielder Magglio Ordonez, third baseman Brandon Inge and pitchers Jeremy Bonderman, Dontrelle Willis and Nate Robertson expire.

 

The Red Sox, subtracting the present and future salaries of Papelbon and Lowell, would get Cabrera for just over $16 million per season. They would need a short-term closer until Daniel Bard was ready to claim the role. But there are plenty of such pitchers available.

 

The proposal is just a thought; I'm not suggesting such a concept has been discussed, even internally. The Red Sox could include different prospects. The Tigers could pull in a third club to help address their needs at shortstop and catcher. But if I were Tigers general manager David Dombrowski or Red Sox G.M. Theo Epstein, I would at least give the idea some consideration.

 

The notion is not much of a leap for either club.

 

Two months ago, the Tigers never would have considered moving Cabrera. But then they narrowly missed the postseason, helping create their current financial predicament.

 

 

On the final weekend, with so much at stake, Cabrera came home drunk and got into a fight with his wife, according to police. It is not known whether he was driving, but he registered a 0.26 blood alcohol content, more than three times above Michigan's legal driving limit.

 

Cabrera apologized to his teammates before the Tigers' loss to the Twins in the tiebreaker before the AL Central title. Two days later, Dombrowski said, "I feel confident that he is going to address the issues he needs to address to take care of the problems that he has."

 

If that is the case, then Cabrera's transgression might prove a blessing, a turning point in his career. But I'm guessing the Tigers are still livid with Cabrera for being so irresponsible.

 

What a world.

 

The Tigers are talking about trading two of the game's best people, Granderson and Jackson, in part because their best and highest-paid player almost certainly was hung over for one of the biggest games of the season — a 5-1 loss to the White Sox in which Cabrera went 0-for-4 and stranded six runners.

 

If the Tigers unloaded Cabrera for Papelbon and Lowell, they could keep Granderson and Jackson and do plenty else with the money they would save, addressing any number of needs.

 

The Tigers could not replace Cabrera's production, but they could solve first base with little problem, signing someone like free-agent first baseman Nick Johnson for one season, possibly to share time with Lowell, as they await the developments of Anderson and/or power prospect Ryan Strieby.

 

Of course, there is one major flaw in my argument: If Cabrera is such a problem, if trading him is such a great idea, why would the Red Sox even want him?

 

Maybe they wouldn't after what happened at the end of last season. But the Red Sox keep trying to acquire a first baseman in his prime — Teixeira a year ago, the Padres' Adrian Gonzalez this off-season. Cabrera, 26, is three years younger than Teixeira and a year younger than Gonzalez.

 

Both Teixeira and Gonzalez are considered to have impeccable character, but perhaps Cabrera would benefit from a change, particularly if he is serious about addressing his off-field issues.

 

The scrutiny of fans and media in New England generally forces Red Sox players to be accountable (Manny Ramirez was a notable exception). The Tigers maintain a strong contingent of Cabrera's Venezuelan countrymen, including the highly respected Carlos Guillen. Cabrera still strayed, but the Red Sox's one Venezuelan player, catcher Victor Martinez, undoubtedly would be a positive influence, though he is under contract for only one more year.

 

Cabera for Papelbon, Lowell and a prospect.

 

 

It makes sense because the Tigers are trying to shed payroll. But Papelbon, Lowell, and a prospect will get it done. They are trying to cut payroll and get younger, not take on an expensive closer and an aging 3rd baseman. Could The Sox can swing Lars Anderson, Kelly, Bowden, Bard, for him? Would you do that?

[BSN07]

This has been discussed in the " Hot stove" and " thread".

[TheMino007]

I just figured it would be better to make its own thread instead of having it buried in the zillion pages that is the Hot stove thread. Anyway, I guess there are some downsides to Miguel Cabrera, the fact that he might be a clubhouse cancer, his weight, hell he might even be an alcoholic, but I'll take him. He could be the next Manny Rameriz and the Sox will have him locked up in the prime of his career till he is 31.

[jacksonianmarch]

I will tell you what, Theo and Co. hated having Manny around, even if he was directly responsible for 2 world championships. I dont see Theo going down that road. He doesnt like divas.

[Dipre]

I will tell you what' date=' Theo and Co. hated having Manny around, even if he was directly responsible for 2 world championships. I dont see Theo going down that road. He doesnt like divas.[/quote']

 

As much as i like Cabrera as a ballplayer, i tend to agree with this.

 

He behaves like a horny 15-year old who just got a fake id.

[SCM33]

As much as i like Cabrera as a ballplayer, i tend to agree with this.

 

He behaves like a horny 15-year old who just got a fake id.

 

Also agree. The redsox didnt want to deal with Lowe and his off field antics, Orlando Cabrera and his off the field antics and rid themselves of Manny Ramirez....possibly the greatest hitter of this ERA. Miggy is too immature for this type of a city and the media would eat up his off the field escapades.

[BSN07]

I like Miggy as a player and wouldn't mind him on the Sox. I'm not sure he is the FO "cup of tea" though. But I guess anything is possible if they get desperate.

[TheKilo]

He should be trade target #1.

[Dojji]

I kind of agree with Kilo. If we put up with Manny we can put up with this guy -- as long as he produces at the plate.

[Dipre]

Everyone would want Cabrera hitting 4th here.

 

The question is, would it get done?

[Dojji]

That's kind of up to the Tigers isn't it? We'd have to offer some talent, no price for a talent like Miggy Cabrera could ever really be considered "cheap," but I don't think that the Tigers are in a position to hold out for Buchholz. Unless Theo's being incredibly anal about the value of his prospects, if the Tigers DO shop Miggy, the price should be one he's willing to pay.

[Dipre]

That's kind of up to the Tigers isn't it? We'd have to offer some talent' date=' no price for a talent like Miggy Cabrera could ever really be considered "cheap," but I don't think that the Tigers are in a position to hold out for Buchholz. Unless Theo's being incredibly anal about the value of his prospects, if the Tigers DO shop Miggy, the price should be one he's willing to pay.[/quote']

 

I think the one condition you'd have to meet for the Tigers to even consider it is taking on one of their bad contracts.

 

God knows there's a list to choose from.

[BSN07]

He should be trade target #1.

 

I can see an argument for that. Given his current contract he might very well cost less in prospects then say AG or Felix.

 

It's really up to Detroits finances though. Do they need to cut payroll now?Or can it wait until the end of next season when some big contracts are due to come off the books? Do they need to cut back a little? Or are we talking fire sale! Everything must go!

 

They could just buy out Maggs (cots has it at 3M buyout). They save 15M right there. That and if they move Granderson like it's being reported they trying to do(I think the Yankees are #1 for that trade IMO, but that's another topic), they might not have to move Miggy to save money. And if that's the case they will need to be blown away to trade him, so not sure if it would happen then.

 

One thing is for sure though. They better earmark dome coin to sign up Verlander long term. if he hits the open market, there looking at CC type money.

 

Detroit has some interesting decisions this off season really.

[Dojji]

I wouldn't mind getting in on Granderson. Not exactly a conventional Fenway left fielder, but if there was ever a way great defense could make up for lesser offense...

[Dipre]

I wouldn't mind getting in on Granderson. Not exactly a conventional Fenway left fielder' date=' but if there was ever a way great defense could make up for lesser offense...[/quote']

 

Pass on Granderson from my side.

 

His platoon splits are downright pathetic.

 

.183/245//239. vs lefties in 180 ABs.

 

.484 OPS.

 

Lower SLG than OBP. Wow.

[example1]

I don't see why Detroit wouldn't be all over Felix Hernandez. I would think if Seattle is open to offers and already looking at both Granderson and Edwin Jackson that would be better than anything the Sox would be able to offer right now.

 

Granderson has a lot more curb appeal than he does actual value, IMO. He's speedy, he's been a centerpiece of a key lineup and he plays CF. I like him as a person and a player, I just don't see him being worth what some teams will undoubtedly give up for him. Good moves by the Tigers to see what's available for him.

[SCM33]

I kind of agree with Kilo. If we put up with Manny we can put up with this guy -- as long as he produces at the plate.

 

I love him as a player. Manny produced at the plate, almost better than anyone...and they couldnt wait to get rid of the guy. I dont think Miggy is a fit with the FO, regardless of what he produces. Does it limit them as to what they acquire? Yes, but the FO is willing to deal with that as they have already shown.

[TheMino007]

Over a .300 career batting average, over 200 HR's and only 26? I'd take that in a heart beat. According to Bill James he is projected to put up 318 /.394/.569 next year, and his offensive numbers would get only better by playing in Fenway 91 games a year. Guys he is 26, not 36. He's locked up till he is 31, his weight shouldn't be that much of an issue. Could it be easier for the Sox to get Miggy if the took on Magglio Ordonez too? I know he is due 18 mill next year, but its only for one year, and he could be a nice stop gap solution in LF if we don't land Bay or Holliday. James thinks he'll put up 311/.376/.476.

Or he is completely done...

[BSN07]

Miggy's weight isn't the concern right now(maybe down the road), it's his attitude. yes it would probably make the deal easier if the Sox took on Magglio's deal, but like I stated earlier, they can but it out for 3M if they get really desperate.

 

 

 

exp1, I agree Granderson and Jackson is a nice start to a package for Felix. Way more ML ready talent then the Sox can muster. But i think Grnaderson is fools gold, the Yankees will over pay for him, and he will put up decent numbers @ Coors East. He K's way too much for a lead off hitter, I don't care if he does hit 30 HR a season.

[Dipre]

Over a .300 career batting average, over 200 HR's and only 26? I'd take that in a heart beat. According to Bill James he is projected to put up 318 /.394/.569 next year, and his offensive numbers would get only better by playing in Fenway 91 games a year. Guys he is 26, not 36. He's locked up till he is 31, his weight shouldn't be that much of an issue. Could it be easier for the Sox to get Miggy if the took on Magglio Ordonez too? I know he is due 18 mill next year, but its only for one year, and he could be a nice stop gap solution in LF if we don't land Bay or Holliday. James thinks he'll put up 311/.376/.476.

Or he is completely done...

 

A) No one has mentioned his age as a problem. His weight is a problem now and will likely continue to be so.

 

B ) No one has said they wouldn't want Cabrera on the team, but the fact is this FO dislikes divas, and Miguel Cabrera is a diva. One would hope they come to the conclusion that since he's so young, they might still be able to get him to behave like a model citizen and decide to bring him to the Sox.

[jacksonianmarch]

Also, you cannot buyout Magglio. The option vested, meaning he is on a 1yr $18 mil deal.

[BSN07]

Also' date=' you cannot buyout Magglio. The option vested, meaning he is on a 1yr $18 mil deal.[/quote']

 

Ok, I was just saw a 3M buy out caption next to his 2010 figure. Still Magglio in LF for one season isn't too bad IMO.

[Dojji]

I could be mistaken, but I also believe Magglio has 10/5 rights.

[jacksonianmarch]

Nope you arent mistaken, once the season ended, he got 10/5 rights.

[BoSox21]

I could be mistaken' date=' but I also believe Magglio has 10/5 rights.[/quote']

 

yea, he does. I didn't think he'd already been with Detroit for 5 years but he has.

[BSN07]

Nope you arent mistaken' date=' once the season ended, he got 10/5 rights.[/quote']

 

Maybe he rather be traded as part of the fire sale, instead of being part of what's left behind :dunno:

 

Maybe he would want his 2011 15M option picked up?

[TheMino007]

well this is kind of buzz kill for Cabrera talks

 

Sox may call up the Tigers to see what it takes to pull off a blockbuster for Miguel Cabrera. (One American League source said that the Tigers likely would require a young and proven talent in the order of Jon Lester [stats] plus other blue-chip names.)

 

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/baseball/red_sox/view/20091118wait_and_see_again_for_mike_lowell/

 

The Tigers are nuts if they think that is a good starting point for talks

[TheKilo]

Cabrera's weight wa san issue but I'm pretty sure he slimmed down before last season.

[Dipre]

Cabrera's weight wa san issue but I'm pretty sure he slimmed down before last season.

 

This is true.

 

Good point, that means with some pressure he could probably hit any FO's intended weight for him.

[BSN07]

well this is kind of buzz kill for Cabrera talks

 

 

 

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/baseball/red_sox/view/20091118wait_and_see_again_for_mike_lowell/

 

The Tigers are nuts if they think that is a good starting point for talks

 

And "click", Theo hangs up the phone and moves on...