2014 Offseason Thread

[User Name]

I don't understand why the Reds would trade Cueto for Cespedes, who is a free agent after 2015 too.

 

I didn't say Cueto specifically. I clearly said "one of his pitchers".

[BSN07]

Sweet Jesus now it's being reported it was a 30M signing bonus for Lester. Is that the biggest signing bonus ever for an athlete?

[Bellhorn04]

I didn't say Cueto specifically. I clearly said "one of his pitchers".

 

OK, and not trying to be difficult here, but my post which you replied to was only about Cueto.

[User Name]

OK, and not trying to be difficult here, but my post which you replied to was only about Cueto.

 

Yes, that's why i noted he was talking about "one of his pitchers". But if we focus on Cueto, and the Reds are desperately looking for an OF, wouldn't it make sense for Cespedes to be part of the package either way?

[Bellhorn04]

Yes, that's why i noted he was talking about "one of his pitchers". But if we focus on Cueto, and the Reds are desperately looking for an OF, wouldn't it make sense for Cespedes to be part of the package either way?

 

It would certainly make sense for us. I'm trying to see how it would make sense for them to acquire a guy with one year of control who is clearly looking for the big payday after 2015.

[Palodios]

Yes, that's why i noted he was talking about "one of his pitchers". But if we focus on Cueto, and the Reds are desperately looking for an OF, wouldn't it make sense for Cespedes to be part of the package either way?

 

The problem is that the Reds are also trying to trim payroll. Cespedes doesn't help much. What if the Red Sox traded Cespedes + pitching prospect for Cueto, and paid all of Cespedes's salary? That could help.

[BSN07]

Yes, that's why i noted he was talking about "one of his pitchers". But if we focus on Cueto, and the Reds are desperately looking for an OF, wouldn't it make sense for Cespedes to be part of the package either way?

 

Depends. If you can get a deal done without him with Cincy for Latos/Cueto, then spin Cespedes in another trade and get 2 SP, then you do that.

[Bellhorn04]

The problem is that the Reds are also trying to trim payroll. Cespedes doesn't help much. What if the Red Sox traded Cespedes + pitching prospect for Cueto, and paid all of Cespedes's salary? That could help.

 

Still doesn't make sense. You're cutting your payroll, so you trade away your ace, but you get back a guy who will be gone the next year unless you pay him a bundle.

[User Name]

Still doesn't make sense. You're cutting your payroll, so you trade away your ace, but you get back a guy who will be gone the next year unless you pay him a bundle.

 

Well the narrative is that they want to go for it, so they'll trade an SP for an OF, and deal with the consequences later. At least that's what i gather.

[BSN07]

Still doesn't make sense. You're cutting your payroll, so you trade away your ace, but you get back a guy who will be gone the next year unless you pay him a bundle.

 

He would be a 2015 filler and possible deadline chip. The fact they wouldn't have to pay him being next season is a plus for a team looking to cut down payroll.

[Bellhorn04]

I can see the Reds dealing a pitcher, sure. I just don't think they deal Cueto before the 2015 trade deadline unless it's a premium package coming back.

 

The All-Star Game is in Cincy this year too.

[User Name]

But in the interview, Jocketty said that they're looking to trim payroll so they can get a LF. So again, if they can get their LF paid for by moving a pitcher, they could address other areas. In that scenario, it makes sense.

 

The interview's up in mlb.con if anyone wants to take a gander.

[Bellhorn04]

He would be a 2015 filler and possible deadline chip. The fact they wouldn't have to pay him being next season is a plus for a team looking to cut down payroll.

 

Cueto would be a better deadline chip.

[User Name]

I can see the Reds dealing a pitcher, sure. I just don't think they deal Cueto before the 2015 trade deadline unless it's a premium package coming back.

 

The All-Star Game is in Cincy this year too.

 

I prefer Latos anyways, and him i think they'll deal.

[BSN07]

I prefer Latos anyways, and him i think they'll deal.

 

I think he is the more realistic option.

[Gringo]

They play in a hitters park, and probably think Cueto is an injury risk w/ his elbow. I'm sure they were as surprised as anyone by how well he came back from that. They may want to sell high while they can, and take their chances on resigning Cespedes.

[User Name]

They play in a hitters park, and probably think Cueto is an injury risk w/ his elbow. I'm sure they were as surprised as anyone by how well he came back from that. They may want to sell high while they can, and take their chances on resigning Cespedes.

 

This is an interesting idea which i hadn't thought about. Good points.

[iortiz]

Epic Fail, There's no way to sugarcoat it: The Red Sox blew it with Jon Lester when they completely misread his value and how he'd react to a lowball offer last spring.

 

Wonder who is the responsable on this "misread value". If this is on Ben, he must go. This thing, should't take it lightly IMO.

[jacksonianmarch]

Cueto is better than Hamels and doesn't come with a huge 5 yr deal attached. Also, the Reds plan to contend in 2015. Getting him in the offseason would require more than what the Phils want for Hamels

[iortiz]

Cueto is better than Hamels and doesn't come with a huge 5 yr deal attached. Also, the Reds plan to contend in 2015. Getting him in the offseason would require more than what the Phils want for Hamels

 

if we want either of them, we should be prepared to see XB or Betts go... Lester collaterals.

[SeanJohn93]

FO should be embarrassed

[iortiz]

At this point both Reds and Phillies have increased their negotiation power if any team wants to trade for Hamels or Cueto.

[iortiz]

FO should be embarrassed

 

I can see JH and Luchino saying to Ben... "Now that Lester's gone... what is your plan B Ben? Overpay Scherzer or Shields... or trade for Hamels/Cueto for a haul of prospects?."

Edited December 10, 2014 by iortiz

[MJantomaso]

FO should be embarrassed

 

for not giving a 30+ year old pitcher 25million a year? Its still early bro, dont nerd rage just yet!

[iortiz]

for not giving a 30+ year old pitcher 25million a year? Its still early bro, dont nerd rage just yet!

 

Nope... for completely misread his value at the time.

[Palodios]

Cueto is better than Hamels and doesn't come with a huge 5 yr deal attached. Also, the Reds plan to contend in 2015. Getting him in the offseason would require more than what the Phils want for Hamels

 

Cueto doesn't come with any guarantees for after 2015 either. The Reds were a 76-86 team last year and need to trim payroll. They may tell their fans that they plan to compete, but they have 4 starters hitting free agency next year, a tiny market, and a pathetic farm system. They need to start reloading, or they'll be the Astros of the next decade.

 

The big difference between the Reds and Phillies is that the Phillies don't need to trade Hamels in order to get value from him --he's an ace for them for years more. Cueto will only bring back value if traded because he's gone next year.

[mvp 78]

Wonder who is the responsable on this "misread value". If this is on Ben, he must go. This thing, should't take it lightly IMO.

 

Mega-contracts come down to what ownership wants to pay, not the GM.

 

Ben already has plans B-Z ready since he's already commented on looking into 20 other guys.

[mvp 78]

I can see JH and Luchino saying to Ben... "Now that Lester's gone... what is your plan B Ben? Overpay Scherzer or Shields... or trade for Hamels/Cueto for a haul of prospects?."

 

Must have been some sort of fever dream. Ben doesn't have access to JH's pocketbook.

[User Name]

What the hell is he even talking about?

[Palodios]

Ben has gone quiet today. I haven't heard reports on anything. They must dedicating a day to cool off instead of making rash decisions.