Simulation League Trade Advice

[MoneyballMan]

Looking to all of the experts out here - what are your opinions of Kendry Morales and Scott Baker? I have the opportunity to acquire (for what I believe is reasonable return) both in a simulation league and would like to hear whatever opinions you care to offer.

[trwi7]

It helps us if you tell us who you would have to give up to acquire them.

[TooLiveBrew]

Guess you'll have to keep waiting for experts, but from a quick glance...

 

Morales displayed modest to average power in the PCL, known as a hitter-friendly league. I think his 2007 MLB stats reflect what you could expect quite well. Be careful, as his OBP is tied very closely to his BA - but fortunately he doesn't K much.

 

Baker alone would be a great pickup. If you view the deal as primarily for Baker with Morales as a nice throw-in, pull the trigger. It appears the Twins have done a nice job keeping the innings off his young arm. He looks poised for a breakout 2008.

 

Again, I'm no expert.

[pitchleague]

yes, depending on what you are getting rid of and what your sim league is like (as well as the rest of your team's infield). I know both of those guys are supposed to be the real deal. Of course, Joey Meyer was, too. Is this a keeper sim league? What are you using for the league? Do you have a salary cap and issues with this--perhaps the reason you are looking to acquire them?

[MoneyballMan]

I appreciate the advice thus far. More details:

 

- It is a keeper league and it actually includes ALL minor league levels, so I control the franchise from top to bottom.

- We have a $95M salary cap currently and I'm going to be close to bumping up against it in 2008.

- I'd be giving up 1B/OF Steven Pearce and a 2008 2nd round draft pick (#5). But remember, this isn't fantasy baseball - after the first 20 picks of the first round, you're really not talking about front-line players available. Example, last year Dave Roberts was chosen with the #5 pick in the 2nd round.

- My starting infield is currently 3B Chone Figgins, SS Derek Jeter, 2B Dan Uggla, 1B Adrian Gonzalez. OF is Matt Holliday, Chris B. Young, Vladimir Guerrero. C is Ronny Paulino. I have Pearce penciled in to be the backup 1B and 4th or 5th OF, yet I'm very much right-handed heavy. Morales (switch-hitter) would give me more options and the Angels have tried to make him available to play the corner OF positions.

- So it really comes down to Baker for that second round pick, which I think is worth it. My current rotation consists of C.C. Sabathia, Tom Gorzelanny, Chien-Ming Wang, Mike Mussina and Chad Billingsley. Next in line would be Chad Gaudin, Edgar Gonzalez and Troy Patton. So, Baker would give me a little more depth (and possibly allow me to trade Mussina for something and remove his salary).

- I am the defending world series winner, so everyone's gunning for me! Seriously, it has made everyone more cautious about trading with me, so this may be as balanced of a trade as I'll find.

[pitchleague]

I guess then it comes down to what you honestly think you can get with that 2nd round draft pick. Will that player be equal to or better, long-term, than Scott Baker, who still has many question marks.

 

BTW, I'll have to amend my original post as I was thinking of JEFF Baker instead of Scott when I made it.

[TooLiveBrew]

Baker would fit in perfectly with your current SP situation imo. As long as you're good with the swap, it looks like a decent deal.

[Brewtacular]

watched/listened to Baker a few times including his near perfect/no-hitter. I think he could be pretty solid for the twins. Radke/Erickson esque.