Kazmir & Aybar

[fleehaw]

I haven't seen Kazmir's name come up much in possible trade targets. He signed a very reasonable 3 yr contract this year with an option for 2012. If I had first choice of pitchers from the Rays, it'd be Price and Shields, but I would have to imagine it would take Fielder plus a top prospect just for the Rays to listen to offers for them. For some reason, I feel like Kazmir would be more attainable given his salary (roughly $10M/yr thru 2012) and a replacement ready to go (Price). I've heard they might rather deal Jackson, but to get someone of Fielder's status, I'd say it would have to be one of Kazmir, Price, Shields, and perhaps, Garza.

 

I don't know what offensive prospects the Rays have besides Brignac. They have a load of pitching talent, so trading from a strength isn't a bad thing. I'd imagine they could have some interest of Fielder. Is 3 guaranteed years of Fielder worth Kazmir or vice versa?

 

Also, could Aybar be the solution for the Brewers at 3B? He's looked decent in the little that I've seen him. IIRC, he had a few problems and is finally getting a chance. What kind of ceiling does Aybar have and how is he defensively at 3B?

 

Would a Kazmir and Aybar for Fielder and either 1 prospect outside of Gamel, Escobar, or Jeffress, or 2 lesser prospects in the 12-30 range be worthwhile?

 

It would leave a hole at 1B. As others has posted, Nick Johnson might be a nice addition if the price is right and he's healthy. Thoughts?

[nate82]

I would rather have Shields over Kazmir and I would trade Hart, Fielder, and Periard for Shields, Crawford, and Niemann/Jackson. I would prefer Niemann over Jackson though. I still believe there is value in Niemann.

 

Hart and Crawford would be an equal swap. Both have the same potential though Hart is younger and is cheaper than Crawford. Fielder for Shields and Niemann would be a steal for the Rays but I don't see the Rays really needing a DH or a 1B. Plus the Rays would be losing a #1/2 type of a pitcher who is signed rather cheaply for them.

 

Both Shields and Kazmir will be cheap compared to what they would get on the market. Kazmir's salary for the next four seasons: 09:$6M, 10:$8M, 11:$12M, 12:$13.5M club option ($2.5M buyout)

Shield's Contract for the next six seasons: 09:$1.5M, 10:$2.5M, 11:$4.25M, 12:$7M club option ($2M buyout), 13:$9M club option ($1.5M buyout), 14:$12M club option ($1M buyout)

 

I would believe that the Rays are not looking to deal any of their pitching unless they are named Jackson, Sonnanstine, and Niemann. The untouchables are Kazmir, Shields, and Price. All three of them are locked up for a long time and at a cheap price compared to what they could get in free agency.

 

The Brewers and the Rays match up rather nicely as trading partners but I don't think the timing is correct.

[dadofandrew]

Trade young arms you have signed to friendly long-term deals? Nope. \

 

Jackson would be the guy to go after.

[Ennder]

Only Jackson probably isn't even worth Hart much less Fielder, bleh.

[colbyjack]

As already noted, Kazmir isn't going anywhere, but I do like Aybar as a 3B or all-around utility option.

 

Fielder for Shields and Niemann would be a steal for the Rays but I don't see the Rays really needing a DH or a 1B.

 

I'm not too sure about that, as I do think they could use an upgrade at the DH position. Can you imagine a 3-4-5 of Pena, Longoria and Fielder for that team next year, with pieces like Iwamura, Upton and Crawford sprinkled in either ahead or behind them? Given all of the talk about how their offense is slumping in the World Series, they may be tempted to move some pitching to improve their offense. Their farm system is loaded with arms, but really is devoid of impact bats.

 

Jackson's WHIP scares me. Niemann, Aybar and something else for Fielder? The Rays have enough pieces to make a trade for someone like Fielder while virtually leaving the rest of their 2008 team intact.

 

Not related to a trade proposal, but I would really like to see the Brewers pursue Cliff Floyd (a FA) as a lefty bat for their bench.

[fleehaw]

So, the consensus is that Kazmir is worth more than 3 years of Fielder?

 

Anyone have some information on Aybar? How his defense is and what kind of ceiling does he have?

[twobrewers]

Kazmir and Parra are just to similar for me.

[fleehaw]

Kazmir and Parra are just to similar for me.

I hope you're right.

[DHonks]

Jackson's velocity and "stuff" appear back at full strength. I was impressed.

[valpocrewsader]

Anyone else think "...Go to White Castle" when they read the thread title?