I had commented prior to having all the details about the trade. I am so glad I deleted that comment.
So, here we go..........
You all know me well enough to know that I think the Indians would be better served with new ownership. The one thing that I didn't previously wrap my head around was no matter who owns the team management will still be hamstrung by the small market size. So maximizing value of your current assets is top priority.
I also detest the fact that we just traded a front of the rotation starting pitcher while we are still trying to chase down the Twins. You just don't do that.
However, the one inescapable fact is that Bauer was outta here after the 2020 season, with NOTHING back to the Indians. As much as we like to think that everyone in the clubhouse can hold hands and sing "Kuymbaya" - 2B Jason Kipnis' comments this morning paint quite a different story. Bauer had the ability to rub people the wrong way.
Let's review the 5 players the Tribe scored in this deal.
OF Yasiel Puig - some say he is the centerpiece of the deal. Me? Not so much. He definitely is gifted with God given power at the plate and a bazooka on his right shoulder from the outfield. He is the "Big Thumper" that will hit clean up the remainder of the season and be a big help this year. But he is a hothead, and a free agent in 2020. Probably elsewhere in 2020.
OF Franmil Reyes - this is MY centerpiece of the deal. He is just 24 years old - and yet has bopped 27 taters already this year. His defense needs work, but that's what you have coaches for - and his bat in the lineup is a major plus.
LHP Logan Allen - On the Padres 40 man roster, he is probably ticketed for Columbus to further develop. He is just 22 years old, and a starter. Let's see what happens on this one.
LHP Scott Moss - A bit older at 24 - but he took the collegiate route, playing at the University of Florida as a starter as well. High school kids can be such a crapshoot, maturity wise. I generally prefer someone with a bit more life experience. Scott was selected #38 by the Rockies in 2013 - he is 6-5 with a 3.44 ERA this year for Chattanooga Lookouts. (AA) Yet to make his ML debut.
3B/LF Victor Nova - Just 19, a Dominican kid. He hit .188 last year in his first season of pro ball, but has improved to .330 in the Arizona Rookie League this year.
Overall, that's a hell of a haul for someone who was bound and determined to walk away and leave us high and dry. The business of baseball.
Yasiel Puig from CIN to CLE
https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1156386660835373061
I had commented prior to having all the details about the trade. I am so glad I deleted that comment.
So, here we go..........
You all know me well enough to know that I think the Indians would be better served with new ownership. The one thing that I didn't previously wrap my head around was no matter who owns the team management will still be hamstrung by the small market size. So maximizing value of your current assets is top priority.
I also detest the fact that we just traded a front of the rotation starting pitcher while we are still trying to chase down the Twins. You just don't do that.
However, the one inescapable fact is that Bauer was outta here after the 2020 season, with NOTHING back to the Indians. As much as we like to think that everyone in the clubhouse can hold hands and sing "Kuymbaya" - 2B Jason Kipnis' comments this morning paint quite a different story. Bauer had the ability to rub people the wrong way.
Let's review the 5 players the Tribe scored in this deal.
OF Yasiel Puig - some say he is the centerpiece of the deal. Me? Not so much. He definitely is gifted with God given power at the plate and a bazooka on his right shoulder from the outfield. He is the "Big Thumper" that will hit clean up the remainder of the season and be a big help this year. But he is a hothead, and a free agent in 2020. Probably elsewhere in 2020.
OF Franmil Reyes - this is MY centerpiece of the deal. He is just 24 years old - and yet has bopped 27 taters already this year. His defense needs work, but that's what you have coaches for - and his bat in the lineup is a major plus.
https://www.wkyc.com/article/sports/mlb/indians/who-is-franmil-reyes-meet-the-cleveland-indians-new-slugger/95-27022c46-6b8b-4fb8-8713-6a46374804d6
LHP Logan Allen - On the Padres 40 man roster, he is probably ticketed for Columbus to further develop. He is just 22 years old, and a starter. Let's see what happens on this one.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logan_Allen
LHP Scott Moss - A bit older at 24 - but he took the collegiate route, playing at the University of Florida as a starter as well. High school kids can be such a crapshoot, maturity wise. I generally prefer someone with a bit more life experience. Scott was selected #38 by the Rockies in 2013 - he is 6-5 with a 3.44 ERA this year for Chattanooga Lookouts. (AA) Yet to make his ML debut.
3B/LF Victor Nova - Just 19, a Dominican kid. He hit .188 last year in his first season of pro ball, but has improved to .330 in the Arizona Rookie League this year.
Overall, that's a hell of a haul for someone who was bound and determined to walk away and leave us high and dry. The business of baseball.