B.J. Upton

[jas33jas]

While pitching is a greater need heading into next season, CF remains a question mark as well. The Rays appear to be high on Desmond Jennings, who could take over for Upton in center. While his attitude has been questionable, his raw talent is just the opposite. He is coming off a poor season and I feel that he would be a good buy-low candidate with high upside. While he strikes out a lot, he gets on base (.386 in 2007, .383 in 2008, and .303 this year) at a good clip. He is only 25 and just two years removed from a .300/.386./.508/.894 season. He will be entering his first year of arbitration in 2010.

 

The link below is from a Phil Rogers article in the Chicago Tribune, so it may just be his opinion that either Upton or Crawford may be on the block. However, I think he could be available as he is not as well liked, nor as valuable, as Carl Crawford. Does anyone else feel that he would be a good option in CF next season? What would it take to acquire him?

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnistscs-phil-rogers,0,1373147.columnist

[nate82]

It would cost something the Brewers do not have that is for sure. Salome/Lucroy, Gamel, and a pitcher would probably be the starting point.

 

Also Crawford doesn't have more value than Upton does. Upton is younger and is cheaper while Crawford is older and costs a lot more than Upton does. Plus Upton has more upside left than Crawford does.

[sbrylski]

The Rays have Upton, the mentioned Desmond Jennings, and Fernando Perez. No doubt they should be willing to trade from their CF stock.

 

He's been hashed a time or two around here, but I'd target Fernando Perez - we might be able to afford him. Extremely small UZR/150 center field sample, just 161 major league innings, but at 51.7 it matches his raving scouting reports. Obviously that will come down, however.

 

His career minor league line of .288 / .374 / .401 / .775 was achieved being older at every level, but if he can produce something like .270 / .350 / .380 / .730 while playing 1-2 win defense, that's about equal to the value we can expect of Cameron. Considering some upside and six years of control, I think I'd rather pay the prospect to get Perez than the $8MM to keep Cameron, if the potential trade is fair.