Alex Rios- Now definitely in play

[splitterpfj]

Rios is rumored to be available for a starting pitcher once Vernon Wells has signed with Toronto.

 

This is why I would welcome a 4-year with Suppan. If a thing like this happens two years from now, we could move Suppan in a deal for a less expensive, young player like this. Maybe not straight up, but a deal could be worked around the two players.

 

Could Toronto be where Brad Penny lands?

[trwi7]

Hell if we sign Suppan trade Vargas and Hardy for him. I'm down with that, they're not though. Gives me something to do when I play my dynasty next time though.http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif

[JohnBriggs12]

If Rios were indeed available (which I question), it would take Capuano and Jenkins and I'm not sure they wouldn't hold out for something else.

[splitterpfj]

I don't see Rios coming here either, I mentioned him because Fox Sports claimed he would be available for pitching if the Jays do get Wells signed.

 

It seems as though Wells is going to take their deal, so I mentioned Penny. I don't know if the Dodgers are after Rios, but there might be something there.

[JoeH33]

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If Rios were indeed available (which I question), it would take Capuano and Jenkins and I'm not sure they wouldn't hold out for something else.

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I don't know about that, Rios has been awful his entire career except for the first half of last season. Toronto would be delusional, IMO, if they thought they could get Capuano for him.

[splitterpfj]

I can't post the article, because it's from ESPN Insider, but Buster Olney says several execs have told him the Jays are pushing hard to deal Rios for a starting pitcher now that Vernon Wells has signed.

 

The two names most often mentioned have been Brad Penny and Joe Blanton, though the A's reportedly turned that idea down. The Phillies want in, using Lieber and...but so far they can't agree on what would come with him.

 

The Mets want Rios, but the Jays aren't sold on Heilman as a starter...that could wind up being a multi-player deal.

[Rickie23Weeks]

trade hardy and mench and jackson to toronto...look at this:

 

2B Weeks R

CF Rios R

1B Fielder L

SS Hall R

RF Jenkins L

LF Hart R

C Estrada S

3B Koskie/Graffanino L/R

 

pretty decent

[MNBrew]

I like the 2 LFs and no SS in that lineup. Interesting concept.

[dadofandrew]

Rios sure is getting a lot of play for a 26 y/o with a good half-year.

[endaround]

If he can play CF he is worth the play. I'm not sure he actually can do that though.

 

And to say he had only a good half season is foolish. He had a bad spot coming back from injury.OPS by month

April 1.096

May 1.009

June .816

July .429 (14 Abs)

August .527

September .977

[PKBadger]

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I like the 2 LFs and no SS in that lineup. Interesting concept.

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Yes, it would be a terrible idea to let Bill Hall play SS. It's not like he's proven himself capable of it or anything.

[valpocrewsader]

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Yes, it would be a terrible idea to let Bill Hall play SS. It's not like he's proven himself capable of it or anything.

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I'm guessing he actually did have two LFs listed in the original lineup and then edited it to correct it. I don't think the comment about two left fielders was motivated by an attitude that Hall is a left fielder and not a shortstop.

[deeswan]

I love the idea of Rios in CF, but if the Jays are talking about Penny, I don't think Mil. can compete. Unless the Dodgers just say no. I'm wondering if the possibility of J.D. Drew going back on the market could make the market cool for Rios for a bit.

[bsglorydays]

If he can play CF he is worth the play. I'm not sure he actually can do that though.

 

Rios can definitely handle CF, IMO. He has plenty of speed and range, and he has a true RF arm (cannon). He has played CF on occassion in Toronto each of the past few years. Without Vernon Wells in Toronto, Rios would probably be the CF there. He's a better RF, but perfectly capable in CF.

 

While its true that Rios has had only one really good half-season, he probably would have had a monster year last year if not for the staph infection around the all star break. That completely derailed his season. We'll never know for sure. Still, its not like he came out of nowhere. He was once the Jays top prospect, and his 6'6" frame projects well for power to develop (his HR totals have gone up each year).

 

The guy is a rising star, IMO. But, like others have posted, the Jays should be able to get a starting pitcher for him, and that wouldn't bode well for the Brewers.

[skoneybones]

Drew is very damaged goods -- a Rolen-type should injury is the word; at least one season lost if not totally then by way of greatly diminished production. Way to go with the opt-out on the Dodgers deal, J.D.

 

Rios was the #6 prospect in all of baseball in 2004 per Baseball America (between Rickie Weeks and Kaz Matsui) and drew comparisions to Dave Winfield.

 

He was a high school draftee and was viewed as a toolsy but raw player in the minors. I can't see any reason to be cynical about his progress or say that he won't continue to perform or even grow into a cornerstone player.

[RockCoCougars]

What is the difference between Rios and Cookie Crisp? They look like about the same player to me.

[reillymcshane]

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What is the difference between Rios and Cookie Crisp? They look like about the same player to me

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Rios is a bigger guy - 6'5". Coco is six foot, much more slight. I believe scouts feel that Rios will develop more power. I also believe he's considered superior defensively. Rios is also 2 years younger.

[billyhallfan]

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and jackson to toronto

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Why would the Blue Jays want Jackson back?

 

You would have to give them Carlos, nd I don't want to do that.

[Never Outhustled]

Rios is the perfect trade target for the Brewers. He would do what the team has failed to do this offseason, raise the teams OPS. Rios was outstanding until getting his appendix removed, and was outstanding again for the final month after he recovered. I doubt he'll have to have his appendix removed again http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif

 

Rios is similar to what Bill Hall was last year. A toolsy player with little past production, and some doubted he could repeat his 1st good year. Hall built on it, and I think Rios will too. I see Rios as a perenial 900+ OPS performer (maybe even a 1.000+ OPS), and could easily be an asset defensively in CF at Miller Park.

[dadofandrew]

I sure don't see Rios as a 900-1000 OPS guy. He could be, of course, but his first half last year looks like the outlier. If he were 22-23, I'd agree, but at 26, I don't.

[Never Outhustled]

I sure don't see Rios as a 900-1000 OPS guy. He could be, of course, but his first half last year looks like the outlier. If he were 22-23, I'd agree, but at 26, I don't.

 

Rios had a 865 OPS last season (including a 977 OPS in Sept.) in 450 ABs as a 25year old. You think think thats the outlier? Your saying he was maxxed out as a 24 year old.

 

Al, I'm suprised by your stance on this, as its not consistent with your opinion of Bill Hall at the same age.

[dadofandrew]

Again, you can't just ignore his previous efforts. 865 in a partial season isn't enough for me to anoint him a future star.

[JohnBriggs12]

Rios is a year older than Corey Hart, who the Brewers are counting on as a middle of the order hitter.

 

He's already made an All Star team in the superior league.

 

I'd say that makes him a present star. As has been noted, his power has been developing but he's never been a huge strikeout guy like Hall.

 

He's listed at 6'5" 195. Still plenty of filling out possible.

 

He also has 26 assists in the OF. To quote Jerry Stiller: "He's got a rocket for an arm".

[danzig6767]

Rios is the kind of guy i'd like the Brewers to target,even with the involved risk that he only has one great half year to look at.

 

Rolling the dice on a youngish player that has potential very high reward can be the type of moves that help a small market team steal a star.

 

Granted i don't know what the Jays would want in return though and that's really the biggest key.

[TooLiveBrew]

Lotta talk on the Blue Jays' fan forums about dealing Rios. It's for a SP, almost every time. If Suppan can be signed, it may give the club the flexibility to trade Vargas & Jenkins* for Rios, I'd be perhaps surprised, but happy nonetheless. That may not be enough.

 

 

* Another big fan proposal on the fan boards was trading for corner OF (Halladay - Matt Holiday deals were mentioned on each site). Toronto may actually be a team that would have a use for both the other half of Menchkins, as they currently only carry 4 OFs. Mench, as a backup for around $3 million (correct me if that's an inaccurate estimate for his arbitration) in 2007 might not sound that bad anymore.