Reyes Rumors: Proceed with Caution

by Matthew Callan on May 4, 2011 2:00 PM EDT

If you read my post on Jose Reyes last week, you can probably guess how I feel about the possibility of him leaving the team. Philosophically, I'm not opposed to trading him this year if it helps the Mets build for the future, and if it's somehow known that there is no way on earth the Mets can resign him. Sentimentally, I would find it crushing, as I'm sure would many Mets fans.

So I've found the chatter about the Giants trading for Reyes that have swirled in the last day or so a bit upsetting, if only for pure NO, HE'S MINE! reasons. Upon further reflection, they continue upset me for more rational reasons.

Most of the articles I've read on the topic thus far are extremely speculative, like John Harper's in today's Daily News. They merely point out that the Giants' lineup is in desperate need of a boost (though you wouldn't know it watching last night's game), and Reyes' health and production so far could provide such a boost. The only piece that has any legs at all is a post over at CSNBayArea.com, which cites "a major league source" ("New York-based", too) who says a trade for Reyes "has been discussed" between the two teams.

Speculation is totally fine. Who doesn't like to play 'what if'? That's one of the biggest appeals of fantasy baseball or video games like The Show: you get to assemble your own dream lineup. And if the two teams have indeed discussed a swap, it could be no more than the Mets front office pursuing due diligence. Slamming down the phone on any trade discussion is extremely unwise.

But I sincerely hope such a deal does not go down. Not because I don't want Reyes to go, but...well, yes, that is the main reason, to be honest. But secondarily, I don't see how the Giants would be good trade partners for the Mets.

Why would you trade Reyes ahead of free agency? To get young, major-league-ready players who can contribute immediately and who are years away from arbitration. Apart from Brandon Belt (a hot prospect Giants fans are screaming to see in the bigs, especially after Pablo Sandoval's injury), San Francisco does not have such commodities. Like, at all.

The Giants' farm system is just as bereft of talent as the Mets'. More so, in fact, according to Baseball America, who ranked San Francisco 23rd and New York 20th. A team with viable, major-league-ready prospects probably doesn't ask Mike Fontenot to bat third. San Francisco has hamstrung its minor league system much in the same ways and means that the Mets have: by signing way too many overpriced, A-level free agents to do jobs much cheaper players who wouldn't cost them draft picks could do. At this point, the Giants probably don't care all that much where their farm system stands, since they just won a World Series. But the Mets should.

The Mets are not in a position where they have to trade Reyes. First of all, no one knows for sure that they can't resign him. I realize this may just be me grasping for hope, but everything Reyes has said publicly to this point makes me think he'd prefer to stay in New York. Case in point: He's from the Dominican Republic and he chooses to spend most of his winter on Long Island. The guy went to an Islanders game in the off season, for crying out loud.

If they Mets can't resign him, gaining a draft pick for his loss is no small prize. So see what you can get for Reyes, of course. Hold out for something big. Don't deal him to the first team that kicks the tires, especially one that has little more than a sack of magic beans to give up for him.

Reyes makes perfect sense for the Giants. He makes perfect sense for any team that likes players who are good at baseball. (And yes, that includes the Sandy Alderson-led Mets. The contention that Alderson wouldn't want to resign the current major league WAR leader at shortstop because he doesn't walk enough is idiotic.) What the Giants could offer for him does not make sense for the Mets, unless the front office thinks they see gems where everyone else just sees coal.

Also, would it be too much to ask that we wait until June to talk about stuff like this? Nobody as big as Reyes gets traded in May, and this kind of speculation just makes us all fear a long, boring summer ahead. Well, it makes me fear that, anyway.

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Comments

Re: WAR leaders at shortstop

To be be fair, wins are fungible. So, if you can increase your overall team WAR by upgrading, say, CF even as you downgrade SS, and can do it for the same money, you still come out ahead. The fact is, payrolls are (usually) not limitless, and you can only afford so many high value hitters regardless of where they play, unless you can develop your own and play them when young.

by tmu on May 4, 2011 2:09 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

I understand your logic

but in the short term, upgrading your WAR in say CF while losing what Reyes brings at SS does not move nearly enough towards making this a competitive team.

Our biggest weakness is SP. If we’re not going to trade Reyes for SP or SP prospects, then what is the point? Where is that SP going to come from next year – especially with Mejia on the DL?

by MetsFan4Decades on May 4, 2011 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree

SP is the way to go. The point is only that you don’t need to replace Reyes with a shortstop who is equally productive. The whole point of WAR (or a major reason for its utility) is to allow you to compare the apples with the oranges — how much are these position players really worth? It of course has major, major shortcomings in how it measures and incorporates defense, but it’s a start.

by tmu on May 4, 2011 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions

To the same note

With the Mets current options they’d be likely to get 1 WAR from SS next year without Reyes. What player are they going to get in trade that allows them to gain the 4ish WAR difference between what Reyes is likely to provide.

I think the biggest reason not to trade Reyes is that the plays SS and there really is a dearth of production from that position currently.

by Balagast on May 4, 2011 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Players, plural.

by tmu on May 4, 2011 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions

OK

Then that would have to be a pretty epic package of players. In which case i would be in support of trading Reyes.

by Balagast on May 4, 2011 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions

It's both players obtained in trade and with money not given to Reyes.

The players will (we hope) be young enough not to require the cash saved not paying Reyes. We don’t replace him with the trade. It’s free agents or other salary contributions.

by tmu on May 4, 2011 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Sadly

FA has been rather suckfull of late, and promises to be even more so. I don’t see us being in the market for Prince, or Pujols. Further to the point, I am not sure Sandy would commit to a FA that requires him to throw down more the three years.

by Coolpapabell on May 4, 2011 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Excellent post

We shouldn’t give up on Reyes, but if we do trade him, it has to be for a hell of a lot more than some of the crappy packages I’ve heard rumored. There’s no reason to trade for a second tier prospect when the draft picks you receive back could potentially provide more value.

by dcmetsfan on May 4, 2011 2:13 PM EDT reply actions

I agree

I read a post on a Giants site where they seem to think Zach Wheeler will be enough to get Reyes. If The Mets do trade him, I better see some top 5 prospects, leaning heavily on pitching. So unless the Giants give up Linecum, Belt, and Posey, I say pass on the Giants.

by SFloridaMetsFan on May 4, 2011 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions

yeah

the dude whose highest level of pitching is high-A, is more of a last second throw in for Reyes than the person you build a deal around for reyes

I LIKE IKE!

by astromets on May 4, 2011 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Sure, that's fair

But if we’re 20 games out in July and Sabean comes back with a Wheeler, Belt and two B prospects offer, or Bumgarner-plus, you have to at least consider it. You can’t hold the line at Lincecum, Belt and Posey – I know that’s exaggeration, but let’s be serious here.

Amazin Avenue Offseason Plan Contest Winner - 2011 Mets

by MattT516 on May 4, 2011 2:26 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

according to sickels

the giants only have 3 B’s, and 4 B-’s.

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/11/14/1814238/san-francisco-giants-top-20-prospects-for-2011

thing is, why should we make a deal around a 1B when we already have Ike.

I LIKE IKE!

by astromets on May 4, 2011 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Keep in mind that Ike can also play right to some extent

I don’t know how viable an option the FO thinks he is there, but it’s worth keeping in mind if another top shelf 1st baseman were to emerge

by Stephen Schmidt on May 4, 2011 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions

I say no

Belt plays where Ike plays and Wheeler is Hi-A. If they want to do Bumgarner/Posey/Wheeler and a B prosect then I’d strongly consider it. If I’m trading Reyes I want at least 2 players that will be with the big club right away.

by SFloridaMetsFan on May 4, 2011 2:58 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Only should have posted it once.

Stoopid iphone

by SFloridaMetsFan on May 4, 2011 6:24 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Don't get me started.

by tmu on May 4, 2011 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Let's get real . . .

I am BOTH a long-time Mets fan (was at the first game ever!) and a Giants season ticket holder until last year when I moved out of state. This is a good match if the details can be worked out. For the Giants, it is simply this: no rental players! The Giants must be able to sign Reyes long term. For the Mets, they need to get some quality, long-range return.

I do not subscribe to the notion that the Giants don’t have quality in their minor league system. The Giants may not be uber deep but they have talent — especially pitching talent, which the Mets have been desperate for for many many years. Zach Wheeler is a stud. Whether Brian Sabean is willing to move him, I don’t know, but Mets fans should salivate. Not that Wheeler alone would be enough if Reyes is signed long term. But I can assure you Brandon Belt will NOT be in the package. (He will be at first base or left field in SF within the month.)

The Giants have some other players who can help the Mets who are at the major league level, if the Giants are willing to eat some, maybe a lot, of salary. (Injuries currently play a role in all of this.)

And let’s not forget that Reyes, himself, has been injury prone. There are worries all around, as there usually are.

Because I can’t see the Mets regularly, I’d like to hear what Mets fans think they need most.

Don't believe everything you think.

by wcovington on May 4, 2011 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions

We need young starting pitching.

And lots of it.

A young catcher would be nice too, but I’m sure Posey would be off limits (and for good reason). Beyond that, some offensive help with a young OFer or a middle infielder would be nice but all in all, SP is this team’s main problem.

Chamption of the R.A. Dickey Face contest and "Cromulent Photoshopper Extraordinaire" of Amazin' Avenue!

by Steve Schreiber on May 4, 2011 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes, Posey is off limits . . .

but as I said, Wheeler, Thomas Neel (of), Ehire Adrianza (ss), Charlie Culberson (2b) and a second tier pitching prospect would be a fine package for Reyes, although it might be too much from Brian Sabean’s POV. I could see the Giants pulling Culberson and adding DeRosa (and eating part of his salary although it’s not that high). See today’s Jim Bowden blog on ESPN.com.

Don't believe everything you think.

by wcovington on May 5, 2011 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions

that is exaggerating, as wheeler is a top 5 giants prospect

but i personally would not give up reyes for a high-A pitching prospect. the guy i want coming back is much more of a sure thing

I LIKE IKE!

by astromets on May 4, 2011 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions

If we want elite pitching prospects who are 2-3 years from the majors

we can just go over-slot with a vengeance in the upcoming draft. No need to trade Reyes for prospects.

__________________________________________________
"He who gets the best players usually wins" - Bobby Bowden

by Russ on May 4, 2011 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions

exactly

if he walks, thats what we will end up w anyway. for reyes, my starting line is Bumgarner and either Brown, Neal or Casilla and then some more

I LIKE IKE!

by astromets on May 4, 2011 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions

We want elite pitching prospects to contribute now, not 2-3 years from now?

by Bieser's Balk on May 4, 2011 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Sure, but you won't get that for Reyes

__________________________________________________
"He who gets the best players usually wins" - Bobby Bowden

by Russ on May 4, 2011 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Was just Burkhardt-ing

by Bieser's Balk on May 4, 2011 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions

We all love Reyes

and it’s kind of pointless to do a Reyes-love pissing contest, seeing who can propose the most ridiculous deal. If he’s going to walk at the end of the season, and Bumgarner is thrown in with, say, Wheeler, you wouldn’t think about it?

Re: Posey, if I didn’t value continuity, I’d be tempted to toss in Wright along with Reyes. the guy is a flat out stud and locked in at a reasonably low salary.

by tmu on May 4, 2011 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd definitely taking Bumgarner and Wheeler combo package

Hey, wait! I'm having one of those things. You know? A headache with pictures?

by KeithsMoustache on May 4, 2011 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah this.

A good, young ML lefty starter and a 20 year old starter at High A who’s pretty well regarded? I’d definitely have to entertain that.

Chamption of the R.A. Dickey Face contest and "Cromulent Photoshopper Extraordinaire" of Amazin' Avenue!

by Steve Schreiber on May 4, 2011 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions

yeah if we just get Wheeler i'd be furious

Hey, wait! I'm having one of those things. You know? A headache with pictures?

by KeithsMoustache on May 4, 2011 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions

How about

Wheeler, Belt and two throw-ins (an IF like Noonan or Crawford, especially), and then make Belt a work in progress in a corner outfield spot?

Amazin Avenue Offseason Plan Contest Winner - 2011 Mets

by MattT516 on May 4, 2011 3:09 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

We don't need another outfielder

We need starting pitching and a catcher

__________________________________________________
"He who gets the best players usually wins" - Bobby Bowden

by Russ on May 4, 2011 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Umm, who is playing right field in 2012?

Do you expect Captain Kirk to take the next step? Duda? Evans? Have you even looked at the outfield free agents? They’re horrible.

Also, I guess we’re giving up on Thole already?

Amazin Avenue Offseason Plan Contest Winner - 2011 Mets

by MattT516 on May 4, 2011 3:14 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

We have a better chance at getting good production from an in house solution in RF

than we do getting help at catcher or the starting rotation.

And yeah, I’ve given up on Thole. He’s a crappy catcher

__________________________________________________
"He who gets the best players usually wins" - Bobby Bowden

by Russ on May 4, 2011 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions

And we can forget Belt

Conflicting reports on his ability to play corner OF, and I’m not sure he has more power than Davis. In fact, I’m pretty sure he doesn’t. And the Giants won’t give him up for a rental. There is no match here, and the speculation was quite idle. Move along, nothing to see here, etc.

by tmu on May 4, 2011 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Although having Belt wouldn't be a bad thing

If, say, Ike could play RF? From what little I’ve read/heard on Belt, he can hit.

"Lopez wants it away, and it's hit deep to left center, Andruw Jones on the run, this one has a chance... home run!, Mike Piazza!, and the Mets lead 3 to 2!"

by metsman07 on May 4, 2011 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Ike doesn't have the range for Citi Field's right field

__________________________________________________
"He who gets the best players usually wins" - Bobby Bowden

by Russ on May 4, 2011 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Brace for the

bat-stuffing argument, e.g., get Pujols to play second because he hits so well, etc.

by tmu on May 4, 2011 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Wheeler I'm ok with as part of the deal

but I’d rather we upgrade pitching as much as we can instead of picking up essentially a professional hitter.

Hey, wait! I'm having one of those things. You know? A headache with pictures?

by KeithsMoustache on May 4, 2011 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Well I guess it's just a bad fit, then

Because I don’t think the Giants would trade Bumgarner in a trade for Reyes. It almost makes no sense for them to do so.

I do like getting Belt in a deal, because from what I heard he’s going to be a big-time hitter. However, people are right that it’s a bad fit considering we have Ike and we’d have to fit him into a corner outfield spot. The reason why guys like LaPorta and Smoak were traded was because they were blocked and those teams had voids there. Not the case here…

Amazin Avenue Offseason Plan Contest Winner - 2011 Mets

by MattT516 on May 4, 2011 4:38 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

i'd agree, the giants probably are a bad fit for our needs

Hey, wait! I'm having one of those things. You know? A headache with pictures?

by KeithsMoustache on May 4, 2011 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't know about all three

But I think Belt and Posey, or just Lincecum would be a fair return

Squeezed to Song and Bendtner and Song and Nasri oh lovely lovely lovely!
-Peter Drury, the one time his commentating has ever been acceptable.

by Aidan Gibson on May 4, 2011 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Lincecum and Posey would do it for me

We would probably also have to ask for Bumgarner so that we have a shot at causing Sabean to have some kind of seizure where he says, “yes.”

__________________________________________________
"He who gets the best players usually wins" - Bobby Bowden

by Russ on May 4, 2011 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I think you'd better rethink value for value . . .

This ain’t ever gonna happen. The Giants aren’t trading Posey, period — and certainly not for Reyes, even up. And Belt is going to be a significant major league hitter. Lincecum! You must be smoking something really fine.

Don't believe everything you think.

by wcovington on May 5, 2011 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Just a thought, but

I find it weird that we’re all (myself included) freaking out about this Reyes situation. Meanwhile, St. Louis is at risk of losing the best player in baseball with absolutely no chance of getting something out of it. It’s all or nothing with them, and this is with a guy who led them to a World Series title and several playoff berths. At least with us, we could trade Reyes to a desperate team at the deadline and make something out of this if Sandy is dead-set on not paying him.

Amazin Avenue Offseason Plan Contest Winner - 2011 Mets

by MattT516 on May 4, 2011 2:23 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Meh

general consensus is that Pujols will go back to St. Louis. Besides, there’s not that much room for him on the other high payroll teams; Yanks, Red Sox, Phillies all recently signed big money 1B. Mets won’t be involved. White Sox recently resigned Konerko and have Dunn DH’ing. Angels have a young stud in Kendrys Morales, who assuming he comes back from his foot injury will continue to play great. Dodgers have major financial issues. The only other top payroll team who could possibly pry Pujols away is the Cubs, but I don’t see it. All signs point to him going back to the Cardinals.

"I only wanted a few things out of life -- a wife, children, to play baseball and to hunt deer." - Turk Wendell

by Rey-O on May 4, 2011 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Okay, that's fine

Even though I’m sure gloves will be off for a lot of teams if he ever hit the market. The bottom line is, that’s a real “all or nothing” situation. He IS that franchise. With Reyes, some good can come out of this if the cards are played right by Sandy.

Amazin Avenue Offseason Plan Contest Winner - 2011 Mets

by MattT516 on May 4, 2011 2:55 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

The original story

What I read from the CSN Bay Area “story” wasn’t even that the two teams had discussions, but that the Giants had internal discussions about acquiring Reyes. I could be wrong, though.

That makes this a complete non-story. I’d say pretty much every time has “internal discussions” about every good player in baseball. I have internal discussions about dating Jessica Alba. Doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.

by Bieser's Balk on May 4, 2011 2:30 PM EDT reply actions

* every team

by Bieser's Balk on May 4, 2011 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions

wait a sec

you mean we shouldn't take Whiteside and Zito for Reyes?

http://mixedmartialartsblogger.wordpress.com/

by Cory Braiterman on May 4, 2011 2:44 PM EDT reply actions

Well

yes we should

by SFloridaMetsFan on May 4, 2011 2:53 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Unsurprisingly this is all complete bullshit

link

One Giants person said, “There’s nothing to it,” regarding the recent Jose Reyes speculation. Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News explained today that “If any conversations have happened at all, it’s nothing more than tire kicking.”

by joma16 on May 4, 2011 3:10 PM EDT reply actions

I swear

If Reyes did more of that, he just might convince GM Sandy Alderson, who values on-base percentage to an extreme, to start selling the Wilpons on paying the man

This motherfucker doesn’t know what the hell he’s talking about. And more importantly, what the hell does “valuing on-base percentage to an extreme” even mean?

What's that about?

by Brian. on May 4, 2011 3:45 PM EDT reply actions

sandy loves good baseball players TO THE MAX!

Hey, wait! I'm having one of those things. You know? A headache with pictures?

by KeithsMoustache on May 4, 2011 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions

It means he'll can rid of a solid "run producer"

(i.e., slugger) if he doesn’t walk enough. In some circles, I guess that’s extreme. It’s not an unfair statement really, to be read by fans who aren’t saber acolytes and think about RBIs and the like. to them, it probably is extreme. And let them (and, we hope, some GMs) keep thinking that, because it means we can get good players cheaper.

by tmu on May 4, 2011 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions

"get rid"

More of my Cerroning.

by tmu on May 4, 2011 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Ugh

Off topic but Beato to the DL.

by MetsFan4Decades on May 4, 2011 3:55 PM EDT reply actions

wtf

you are kidding right?

by Balagast on May 4, 2011 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Happy reading

http://www.amazinavenue.com/2011/5/4/2153836/pedro-beato-to-dl

__________________________________________________
"He who gets the best players usually wins" - Bobby Bowden

by Russ on May 4, 2011 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions

WTF?

Serenity now. Perhaps 3 innings was a little much to ask from him TC, you old piece of shit.

by David G on May 4, 2011 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Clearest sign to me that Reyes is probably going nowhere before the trade deadline...

Promotional/Giveaway Schedule 2011:

Aug. 5: Jose Reyes Banner and Fiesta Latina

by djletz on May 4, 2011 5:41 PM EDT reply actions

SIGN JOSE

Can someone please start a petition for Sandy to SIGN JOSE??

by almagu on May 4, 2011 6:21 PM EDT reply actions

You can!

by tmu on May 4, 2011 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions

jose reyes

He deserves a big contract as one of the most exciting players in baseball. If the Mets cant afford him then lets get rid of the Wilpons as they are not conducting the team in the best interests of baseball. NY is not a small market team and should not act as one. I wonder if Alderson would act so cheap if the Wilpons did not have so much financial difficulty. If Reyes goes so do I as a fan since 1962.

by lepsma on May 4, 2011 7:07 PM EDT reply actions

Can't believe this isnt getting more play re: Reyes

But I can’t see why he wouldnt just walk over to the Yanks this year. They have a glaring hole at shortstop with Old Man Jeter, and of course tons of cash to pay Reyes. Its not like Jose would have to uproot his family or anything, either. Besides, what exactly is keeping him in a Mets uniform other than Mets’ fans hopes and dreams?

The half empty stadium? The constant second-guessing of Reyes’ work-ethic or his professionalism? The team’s finances are murky at best, the farm is below average, and the team doesn’t look to be improving drastically anytime soon. If you were working at some struggling company like NBC or something and you had the opportunity to switch to a better company, like HBO or something, wouldn’t you do it?

So as much as it pains me, I’d have to think that either via trade or free agency, this is the last year for us to enjoy Reyes in a Mets uniform.

by chakrabs on May 4, 2011 8:59 PM EDT reply actions

I would disown him as a fan if Jose did that.

I’m serious; he would be dead to me. And he’s definitely well aware of the rivalry, and the enmity such a move would engender. Not to mention that the Yankees really don’t have anywhere for him. They’ve got nowhere to move Jeter, and if Jeter wouldn’t change positions for Rodriguez, he’s not doing so for Reyes.

"And that's why anybody who invested with Lenny Dykstra should really call that number. Lawyers are standing by."

by BobbyV_Incognito on May 4, 2011 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions

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* Bryce Dugar

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Thursday, May 5, 2011 10:51 AM
I’m a Giants fan (and, actually, a Mets fan too; I grew up in New Jersey), so some of the stuff that’s being suggested here is just nuts to me.

1. Jose Reyes is a very good player. He’s also an injury risk and possibly a rental, especially given the Giants’ payroll obligations for next year, which may preclude them from re-signing him and therefore drives down his value to the Giants.

2. The Mets “need” to trade Reyes; given the shortstop shortage pretty much everywhere, contending teams will be after him if he hits free agency. Extension is a possibility, but given Alderson’s history in Oakland and the Mets’ numerous problems at the major league level, there’s a good chance Reyes isn’t a part of the next great Mets team. Even if he is, it’s probably as a declining mid-thirties player. The Mets need prospects, and trading Reyes is the best way to get them; Beltran’s salary is going to limit the number of suitors, Wright and Davis shouldn’t be going anywhere, but Reyes is an impending free agent. The Mets also maximize their return by trading him, since Reyes is worth two picks+a few months of play, so the acquiring team will have to pay for those few months in addition to compensating the Mets for the draft picks they will lose by trading Reyes.

3. None of Lincecum, Posey, Bumgarner, and Belt are going anywhere. This is ridiculous. Lincecum’s one of the best pitchers in the game. Posey’s the reigning ROY with six years of team control left. Bumgarner’s a 21 year old lefty who’s already had great success at the ML level and also has six years of team control left. Belt’s a stud 1B prospect who’s on the cusp of the majors. Each of these players BY THEMSELVES is worth more than Reyes; they’re younger, in the case of Lincecum and Posey probably better right now, and outside of Lincecum very cheap for the next few seasons. Trading any of them straight up for Reyes would either be a negligible or negative trade off right now, and a terrible deal for the future. The Giants can’t win without Lincecum, Posey, and Bumgarner, and may well need Belt too.

4. The Giants are almost certainly the best fit for the Mets if they trade Reyes. Other contenders already have shortstops (Red Sox, Yankees, Rays, White Sox, Indians, Rangers, A’s, Angels, Rockies, Dodgers, Braves, Phillies, Marlins) and/or don’t need the offensive upgrade Reyes provides (Brewers, Cardinals, Reds) and/or have mediocre farm systems (several of the teams listed). The Giants both need offense and have a hole at short. Other teams will certainly be involved in the bidding, but there’s a strong likelihood that the Giants will outbid other teams – assuming the price stays reasonable – just because they need Reyes more. And if the Giants have the best offer, which will most likely consist of a package built around Wheeler, the Mets should probably take it, because all anyone has to do is provide value over a late first round pick and a supplemental pick to make trading Reyes a superior option to keeping him and letting him hit free agency.

Of course, none of this matters if you keep him, though I discussed that in (2). But some of the suggestions I’ve seen in this thread (Lincecum and Posey might not be enough…) are absolutely ridiculous.

Seth Rosin can hit the side of a barn with a baseball. From space.
Giants baseball: We're stupid enough to WIN that (TM)

by quincy0191 on May 5, 2011 2:15 PM EDT reply actions