5/1
FLA 13 PHX 10 McDowell 5-6 3 R SB Quiller 2-3 2 BB 4 R 2 RBI Barranco 3-3 4 RBI (.420-5-22) Medina 3 run HR in the 9th
GAME NOTES: Down 10-8 entering the 9th. GO, 2B, Jimmy Owen PH 2B, GO, 1B, 1B, 3 R HR
GM NOTES: I float names almost daily to other GM's looking for any angle into a deal that helps us. Today I got a call from Minnesota GM Paul Herman. He's been interested in Closer Juan Pedemonte since the day I signed him. Juans' is the one name I am reluctant to shop but one I know will always draw interest. Paul got back to me and we went back and forth before he decided to sit for a day on my last offer. Pedemonte, RP Rogelio Cordenas (0-2 6.38) AAA 2B Micah Gilliard (27-year-old hitting .259/.355/.444) and starter Guoncallo Bzios. Yes, the guy with 44% of our wins to date. Here's the thing. He's tossed 29 IP given up 37 hits walked 21 to the tune of a 5.90 ERA and a 2.00 WHIP. His BABIP is .356 and he's had exactly one season, at any level, where that number has been below .300. That was 2 years ago in AA. There's also this:
2000 Kidney stones (4 days)
2001 Sprained Elbow (3-4 weeks)
2002 Forearm soreness (5 days)
2003 shoulder tendonitis (6 days)
2004 mild calf strain (6 days) and finally
2004 back tightness (1-2 weeks).
Nothing there overly concerning other than it appears he'll hit the DL at least once a season. I've learned that sort of thing doesn't decline in its consistency as you get older.
Yes, he's just 24. Physically? He's 6' 180. I'm not expecting a top end 235 innings guy by any stretch.
He's been released 2 times already. 2005 was sort of big year in that it was the first season he's appeared on a top prospect list anywhere (ranked #95 on the ABA list this year). I don't think trading him in this deal makes us better today.
However, the return package starts with Minnesota's 4th rounder (92nd overall, also makes up for 8th rounder we dealt this winter) and includes 23 year old 6'7” lefty Brad Turner. Brad was their 1st rounder in 2003 (25th overall) out of Texas Tech. He routinely hits triple digits with a curveball every scout I've spoken with believes will end up as one of the games best. He's a pure reliever who made the jump from AA last year to the big leagues this year. He is a legit candidate to close for a winner inside of the next 3 years.
24-year-old RH bookend Mike Allen stands 6'7” as well. Another high 90's arm he's setting up in Minnesota right now. A ++ fastball to go with a strikeout slider. A 3rd round pick in 2001 out of Texas he's been a picture of health through today and like Turner he jumped from AA to the big leagues in 2004. Last year he was 1-6 4 SV 4.86 ERA over 92.2 innings. Punched out 83 to 37 walks (a number I'd like to see lowered) and gave up 97 hits. This year he's 0-1 3.00 through 9 innings with 10 punchouts and just 2 walks. These two guys immediately move into my pen and possibly resolve relieving needs for the next decade at the back end of the bullpen.
There is definitely short-term pain losing Bzios but I'm comfortable in the thought he won't be a top end arm in the future. Pedemonte is 29 which to me means he's on the backside if he's even still pitching when I feel I can be ready to make a run. I'm not concerned with the pen in all this anyway. Other than the return solves some longer-term issues down there.
To sum it up. My "#1 starter", Big league reliever, AAA IF for 2 6'7"23-year-old flamethrowing relievers and the 92nd pick in the draft. I am thinking along the lines of "sell high" when thinking about including Bzios in this deal because I cannot see him being thought of as more valuable, and if he get's hurt (which is likely to happen if history is any indicator) it could be 4 months instead of 4 days. I don't deal thinking OMG! This guy could get hurt, but it is a factor.
WEEK 5 SUMMARY
AL POTW- Luo-Lang Koo (MEM) 9-15 5 HR 6 RBI (.325-8-17)
NL POTW- Eric Rew (JAX) 9-19 5 HR 7 RBI
POWER RANKINGS
1. Los Angeles 158
2. Chicago 119.9
3. Las Vegas 118.7
…......
23. Florida 66.3