Expect The Unexpected
June 2, 2008Worth a Look?
June 2, 2008While the Indians dropped two-of-three in Kansas City, the talks regarding now-injured Matt Holliday are being thrown back into the mix. This time, from Denver’s own Woody Paige:
Holliday would be a significant addition for Cleveland, and the Rockies also could send best friend Garrett Atkins or Brad Hawpe.
In exchange, the Rockies could seek starting pitcher Cliff Lee (8-1, 1.88 ERA and four superb pitches), a middle reliever and an outfield prospect. The Rox, depending on the second player in the deal, play Ian Stewart at third or in left, and Ryan Spilborghs becomes a full-time starting outfielder who could be the next Holliday.
Or, consider: The Rockies acquire Cleveland pitcher C.C. Sabathia, who got off to a terrible start before settling. It would be 2007 Cy Young winner for MVP runner-up.
Sabathia will be a free agent at the conclusion of the season. But it would make sense for dollars to the proven 27-year-old left-hander — probably close to $100 million over five years. He would be precious for years for the Rockies’ pitching staff. The Monforts have to get over the Hampton/Neagle debacle. There is a humidor at the ballpark, and the Rockies always need a (No. 1) starter.
I’m not sure which of these options I would prefer more. If it were possible, I’d take Garrett Atkins by himself, saving us from having to worry about Holliday’s contract at the end of next season. However, it would also depend on what “outfield prospect” they would need. Has Woody seen our team? Outfield isn’t exactly our strong spot. But in the same, I’m not sure I’d deal Lee given the way he’s tossed over the first two months – especially considering we have him until 2010 for a third of the price of what Sabathia will make. But you can’t get something for nothing…unless you’re the Lakers.
It really does pain me to think that we may have to come down to this.
Time for Monforts to cash in biggest chip [Denver Post]
6 Comments
I say make the deal. Which deal, you ask? I don’t care. Just make the deal. They want Lee? Ok, they can have him. They want Sabathia? Take him. I’m so miserably sick of this lineup that at this point I’ll take whatever the Tribe can get.
deal lee. his stock has greatly decreased over his past few outings. i think hes turning back into the cliff lee we know of old. if we get this deal done quick, it may be a steal.
As much as I love watching him play, unless Holliday ditches Boras like ARod, I don’t see how the Rockies can afford to keep him unless they get rid of some of the other players eating up payroll whose production they can easily replace like Taveras, Fuentes and Atkins. The Rockies have Spilborghs and Stewart waiting to take over full time roles, and since pitching really doesn’t matter anymore since this year is over anyways they will probably shop Fuentes instead of signing him longterm. I don’t however see them trading for any pitchers who are overrated (Lee, C.C.) and will want just as big a contract as Matt deserves.
I can’t see Lee demanding big numbers – but if he puts up a 20-win season, he may ask for another extension (as he was given one in 2006).
I forgot about Stewart. He probably cannot wait for Atkins to be shipped off….
Without addressing what a dillweed Paige is (CC for Holliday? Is that a joke? their going to deal a Holliday contract problem for a CC contract problem?), if you can get Atkins or Holliday (or both) for Lee as the major chip going away from the Tribe, do it yesterday. From the Rox perspective, Lee has a VERY club-friendly contract, and maybe he is really filthy. He’s always had good stuff
Alright, a little bit on Paige being a halfwit…he goes on in the article to suggest the Rox could pry Tim Lincecum from the Giants for Holliday? I don’t even know where to start ridiculing him on that one.
Pull the trigger on Holiday
We need a shot in the hitting arm
Let Sabbathia go, he’s gone at the end of the year anyway
and throw in one of our many outfielders