Would you trade LaPorta for Clement?

[twobrewers]

Seattle just signed Johjima to a contract extension through 2011. If they plan on playing Clement at DH or 1B, LaPorta would likely be better at either position.

 

Clement would give us a catcher for the next 5 years.

 

I think I would rather have LaPorta - but with our glut of OF and shortage of top flight catchers, it certainly seems to make some sense for both clubs.

[TooLiveBrew]

It's an interesting question, but I don't think signing Johjima indicates anything about Seattle's plans with Clement. They'd likely have zero trouble shipping Kenji off to a team that needed a C.

 

 

EDIT: Ok, so I add something aside from 'no', I think I'd very much do a LaPorta-Clement swap -- with no disrespect to Matt. If he's good enough to land Clement, I'd take that as a compliment.

[paul253]

I think I'd rather have Clement. All things being equal, LaPorta is probably better, but we havent had a good catcher in years, and with about 4 or 5 minor leaguers that could be in the outfield in 3 years, we don't really need him. I can see him moving to first though to replace fielder when he bolts for anaheim or new york.

[splitterpfj]

I have to ask, if Clement's future is indeed at catcher, why did Seattle just block him like that?

[endaround]

Because its Seattle. They have Vidro as their DH.

[PeaveyFury]

Yeah, I think you trade the top prospect that can hit but doesn't really have a position for a top prospect that can also hit and plays catcher for sure.

 

Also doesn't hurt that I was beating the Clement drum pretty heavily on draft day a couple years ago, so I might be biased. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

[twobrewers]

I have to ask, if Clement's future is indeed at catcher, why did Seattle just block him like that?

I guess if you have a talented player that wants to sign a long term contract at a reasonable rate - you sign him.

 

But you are right, Seattle did have some concern about Clement's future as a catcher. But well, V. Martinez isn't much of a "catcher" either, but when you hit that much it doesn't matter.

[shelmark]

I would trade(in July) LaPorta to the Twins along with something(Escobar, Gamel) for Joe Nathan, Wilson Ramos, and Glenn Perkins.

[splitterpfj]

Since the Twins just signed Nathan to a new deal, that idea is dead.

 

I would not trade LaPorta for Clement. If the Brewers do trade LaPorta, I want them to get a hot young arm in return. Both Salome and Lucroy are performing well in the minors right now, the Brewers' need for a young catcher may not be as strong as it had been.

[jwill535]

Since the Twins just signed Nathan to a new deal, that idea is dead.

 

I would not trade LaPorta for Clement. If the Brewers do trade LaPorta, I want them to get a hot young arm in return. Both Salome and Lucroy are performing well in the minors right now, the Brewers' need for a young catcher may not be as strong as it had been.

not to mention you have Vinnie who might be able to bridge a year or two till those guys are ready

 

[rousieboy]

How about Gamel headliner package for Clement instead of LaPorta...

 

They both have huge upsides and LaPorta seems to be tagged as a RF meaning he is about a year away the way he is mashing and fielding...Gamel might not play third and may have to play 1B/DH which is fine in Seattle but not so good here, now.

[twobrewers]

I am obviously Pro-Gamel (See Avatar), but if Gamel can stick at 3B he is incredibly valuable. He still has a year and half to prove he can be a MLB 3B.

 

I would much rather replace Hall with Gamel than Hart with LaPorta.

[rousieboy]

twobrewers...

i was working under the assumption that LaPorta will move CHart to CF and Cameron's extension will not be picked up...having Braun/Fielder/LaPorta at 3/4/5 is something I am really looking forward to...

 

Gamel may indeed be the 3B of the future and I would LOVE for his production to continue in Miller Park...but all I was doing was making a case for Gamel + to SEA for Clement as a catcher and keeping LaPorta in MLW.

[Gopher74]

Since the Twins just signed Nathan to a new deal, that idea is dead.

It's really not. Some have speculated that the deal was signed simply so that he'd be easier to deal. So that a team wasn't getting a 4 month rental. Instead they're getting a player for 3 and a half years....if they end up dealing him.

 

[Tbadder]

If Clement is a catcher, a real catcher, how could you not trade LaPorta for him.

[JoeHova]

Since the Twins just signed Nathan to a new deal, that idea is dead.

It's really not. Some have speculated that the deal was signed simply so that he'd be easier to deal. So that a team wasn't getting a 4 month rental. Instead they're getting a player for 3 and a half years....if they end up dealing him.

 

 

 

but the problem with that is that Nathan is signed for a huge amount of money. If the Brewers are going to pay a huge amount of money for a closer, I'd rather they just sign one rather than have to give up talent and still pay a large salary.

 

If they are going to trade LaPorta or Gamel for a closer (a move I would be wholeheartedly against, btw), it should be for a young one who still has a few (relatively) cheap years left.

[Weirdos19]

I am obviously Pro-Gamel (See Avatar), but if Gamel can stick at 3B he is incredibly valuable. He still has a year and half to prove he can be a MLB 3B.

 

I would much rather replace Hall with Gamel than Hart with LaPorta.

I think you would be replacing Cameron with LaPorta. Then your outfield would be LaPorta (LF), Hart (CF), Braun (RF).

 

[mothershipconnection]

but the problem with that is that Nathan is signed for a huge amount of money.

 

Looking for a free agent comparison, his contract is very similar to Cordero's ($1MM more total value, and a marginally more expensive option or buyout). You obviously take him over Coco, but how much talent do you need to give up? You have to figure that if Cordero is worth the money on the open market, Nathan is worth the money plus a ton of talent.

 

In the end, it may look more attractive to make a Cordero signing than pick up Nathan (of course, you can't make the signing until after the season).

[nate82]

If we are going to trade away Laporta or Gamel for a closer I would rather have Houston Street.