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TRADEABLE COMMODITIES, part 1 by Jason Martinez sdpadrefan.com posted 5/13/08 I'm not close to being ready to give up on this season. As much as I try to tell myself that this season is over, I frequently find myself visualizing a long Padre winning streak that's going to put them right back in the thick of things. I like Jody Gerut at the top of the lineup. I still like the potential of the bullpen, especially with the way that Cla Meredith is pitching and the development of Wil Ledezma. I think Chase Headley will be here before long, which will strengthen the middle of the batting order. I even like the bench much more now, with the additions of Luke Carlin and Edgar Gonzalez. Obviously, this team still needs to improve. Is there any trade out there that will make the team better right now? I doubt it. If they are out of the race in July, they could make some moves geared towards 2009, though. I'd like to discuss a few of the potential 'tradable commodities' currently on the Padres, a team that will likely have question marks at all three outfield spots going into 2009. They will also have to replace the 3-4-5 spots in the rotation, and add more depth to the bullpen, possibly an 8th inning set-up man if Heath Bell takes over as the closer. A few guys who I feel are 'untouchable' (Adrian Gonzalez, Bell, Jake Peavy) are not included on this list. Here's my top three: 1. Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B: With Chase Headley's move to left field, it was clear that the Padres were happy with Kouzmanoff as their third baseman of the present and of the future. But don't forget why the Padres were able to obtain Kouz. They traded second Josh Barfield because they felt that second base was an easier position to fill via free agency, which is true. Do they feel the same about left field? Look at these names: Terrmel Sledge, Jose Cruz, Jr., Scott Hairston, Paul McAnulty, Justin Huber. I seriously doubt they feel that way after the guys they've run out there the last two years, with the exception of Milton Bradley. Regardless, if they really want to bring in a young and talented center fielder, they're going to have to move someone with some value. Based on his impressive rookie season, Kouz does have value, and Headley, the Padres' top prospect just happens to be a third baseman that could step right into his place. I'd trade him straight up for a team's top outfield or pitching prospect. How about Kouz to the Pirates for Nate McLouth? That's not happening anytime soon, as McLouth is playing at an all-star level but they have a need at third base and Kouz would put up huge numbers playing in the NL Central. 2. Khalil Greene, SS: Greene's market value is probably at an all-time low, due to his terrible start, so don't expect anything in the near future. However, he will start hitting eventually. Once he does, he'll become a hot commodity, especially if a team is desperate for a power-hitting, gold glove caliber shortstop. Who wouldn't want that? I wouldn't trade him, though, unless they get an up-and-coming young shortstop in return to go with a good young arm to go behind Peavy and Chris Young in the rotation or a young outfielder who is capable of hitting 25 homers with solid defense. Greene to the Cubs for Felix Pie and Ronnie Cedeno is not going to get it done for me. Greene to the Angels for Erick Aybar and Nick Adenhart, maybe? Or maybe they can send him back close to home in Florida? What about swapping him for Tampa Bay's Reid Brignac, one of the top shortstop prospects in baseball? 3. Chris Young, RHP: Here's another guy that could have brought back two or three of a team's top prospects at the all-star break last season in a trade. Of course, why would you want to trade someone with the lowest ERA in the majors? This season is a different story. Young hasn't been as consistent as he was last season before his injury. If they were to trade Young (I doubt that they will but he's on this list because he has trade value), they better be sure they're getting back a legitimate #2 starter in return. Going into 2009, the starting rotation looks like this: Peavy, Young, and a bunch of rookies that are projected as #4 and #5 starters. Get the point. Not very deep in the starting pitching department once Greg Maddux and Randy Wolf leave as free agents. What about Chris Young to the Yankees for Phillip Hughes and minor league center fielder Austin Jackson, the Yankees' #2 prospect, according to Baseball America. The Yankees are not going to offer those two guys for Young right now but if the Yankees' starting rotation is still struggling around the trade deadline, they could get desperate. |