Jarrod Saltalamacchia

[CMRivdog]

Interesting take at MLB Trade Rumors.com


http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/04/tigers_covet_sa.html


It looks like the Tigers may be interested in this catcher.....
Possibly a deal involving Nate Robertson ????


Back to the Tigers - I doubt Justin Verlander or Jeremy Bonderman can be had. Could Nate Robertson plus a good prospect be enough to snag Salty? The 29 year-old southpaw doesn't reach free agency until after 2009, and he's been a healthy 32 start guy.

[ToledoTigerFan]

If the Tigers do that, they will have the distinction of having the two weirdest-named catchers in the history of baseball. Jarrod Saltalamacchia and John Wockenfuss.

[jadefalcon]

Their pithing isn't deep enough to trade away Nate for someone who won't be contributing immediately. They better get more for Nate than just Salty, especially with the ways he's been pitching lately, and with rumors that he won't even stick at catcher. Also, are the rumors that Salty won't stick at catcher still true?

[LJK004]

If the Tigers do that, they will have the distinction of having the two weirdest-named catchers in the history of baseball. Jarrod Saltalamacchia and John Wockenfuss.

Not to mention the longest name ever on a baseball uniform. Fourteen letters. Salty is a popular guy over at the Uniwatch Blog for that.

As a side note, I think this could work out well for us if Saltalamacchia puts up numbers unlike last years and more like the start of this year.

[jadefalcon]

Salty would be great, but who would replace Nate in the rotation? Jurrjens? Miller? What kind of production offensively/defensively at the major league level is Salty capable of?

[zachcadillac]

I'd be hesitant to trade for Salty until he proves he can catch in the majors. And I'd be hesitant to trade Nate Robertson for anybody.

[monkeytargets37]

No

[IdahoBert]

No.

[AlaskanTigersFan]

Maroth maybe.... Right now, Robertson's value is too high.

[Yoda]

This is funny! Who are they kidding?

[One Man's Fool]

Nate stays. It's not even a question. Who thinks this stuff up?

[baseball3]

We should make this trade IMMEDIATELY!!

We'd be huge winners whether Salty stayed as a catcher or moved to 1B......

He's got tremendous #5 hitter upside potential......for about the next 12 years, every day player

[cullingsir]

It sucks, because it would definitely take Nate Robertson to get Salty from the Braves, and we simply can't afford to do that at this time. With a healthy Rogers and a more viable 5th starter option (despite Durbin's stellar outing the other night), it would cripple this team to part with Nate right now.

That said, I would love to solidify the catcher position for the next decade, as baseball3 noted above. I think Nate is legit, though, and I also think Schuerholz tends to get the best possible return out of almost every trade he makes. I wouldn't do it.

[djhutch]

Not straight up. But I think it depends a lot on when will Andrew Miller be ready. I don't see it happening during the season .. & certainly not before the trade deadline. Maybe after the season.

[keystone]

A proven left handed starting pitcher who gives you 200+ innings & is just hitting his prime years PLUS a prospect - for a ballplayer repeating AA coming off a lousy year but having a good 3 weeks in April.

Do you think Maybin or Miller would be a good enough sweetener for this deal or should we throw in both?

[LeFlorean]

Sean Casey and one bucket of chicken.

[Johnny Mac]

ummmmm, no

[84 Lives!!!]

I'm thinking we throw in the prospect for Saltalamacchia, or even two...

And forget to include Nate Robertson.

Clevlen plus 1 of Trahern, De La Cruz, or Virgil Vasquez.

Yeah, that works for me.

[baseball3]

The Braves will need a CF after this season for SURE, unless they're going to move Franceour there and then, Clevlen would be a nice fit in Right........with Trehern, De La Cruz, VV throwing well, there could be some attraction.

I'd go for this in a moment's notice as well !!

[chasfh]

I make this trade in a heartbeat. Saltalamacchia is a 22-year old who slugs .500+, has a good glove, and is no worse than the #2 catching prospect in all of baseball. Nate Robertson is a 29-year old lifetime #3.

[LeFlorean]

Jarrod Saltalamacchia is a fictional character in the James Bond film and novel The Man with the Golden Gun. In the novel, the character is nicknamed "Pistols" Saltalamacchia and is also called "Paco" (a Spanish diminutive of Jarrod). Saltalamacchia was played by English actor Christopher Lee, who is also Ian Fleming's cousin.

[eastside billee]

Nate for Salt - nada.

Maroth might be a different story. OR - how about Jonesy for Salt?

[FloridaTigers]

I wouldn't mind Salta, but to give up Nate? NO.

[chasfh]

Not to mention the longest name ever on a baseball uniform. Fourteen letters. Salty is a popular guy over at the Uniwatch Blog for that.

As a side note, I think this could work out well for us if Saltalamacchia puts up numbers unlike last years and more like the start of this year.

Well, if you include spaces -- and I think you should -- then John Van Benschoten (http://www.baseball-reference.com/v/vanbejo01.shtml) and William Van Landingham (http://www.baseball-reference.com/v/vanlawi01.shtml) tie him.

[Bondo]

Would be incredibly stupid to do this trade right now. Would I do if Rogers and a combo of Miller.Trahern or JJ were ready....in a heartbeat.

Although I'd like to see them throw in a mid level prospect as well. I think Nate is alot better than some on this board are approaching him. A 200 inning #3 is nothing to sneeze at at. One who pitches like a #2 more often and not a #4.

I really don't see this depth right now. Until Miller/JJ/Trahern show some staying power at the MLB level or near dominance at the minor level, I'm not trading ANY pitching.

[SpartanValor]

Nate for Salt - nada.

Maroth might be a different story. OR - how about Jonesy for Salt?

Come on, you gotta give up something to get something.

[monkeytargets37]

Are the Braves really hurting for pitching?

Hudson is 31
James is 25
Redman is 33
Smoltz is 39
Davies is 23
Soriano is 26
Villarreal is 25
and then in their farm system they have
Macay McBride
Anthony Lerew
Jake Stevens
Blaine Boyer



I guess I dont see what the point of adding Nate Robertson to the mix would be. I would think they'd be more interested in someone like Chris Shelton or Larish.

[tigerbomb13]

Nate for Salt - nada.

Maroth might be a different story. OR - how about Jonesy for Salt?

The Braves will be asking a lot more than this for Salty. It would be hard to give up Nate, but I think the Tigers would and should do it if they have the chance.

[MackAveKurt]

Only one lefty starter in the AL had more quality starts in 2006 than Robertson -- Johan Santana. I'd be rather hesitant to give a guy like that up, period.

[ssmoore]

Im not convinced Rogers will be back.. Nate is very underated in my opinion and giving him up right now would be tough.. Whats Nates contract like? Isnt he going to be a FA after this year? If so maybe we loose him anyways and might aswell get something now for him. But after all that I still say no, not until your sure they can replace him in the lineup..

[markmeista]

For Nate? I'd pass for now.

[Conner_Banks]

A big No for Nate.

I say let's give them Monroe and Casey. If they still don't like it we will throw in Perez.

No all Kidding aside, I think this is where Dombrowski has to decide now or the futrue domination. It just doesn't make sense to give up a key player in the rotation for a prospect. If Rogers was healthy maybe. Why not send Miner and another prospect.

[ssmoore]

check that above... I guess nate isnt a FA untill after 2009, atleast thats what it says in that article..

They are also talking about granderson in a few of those posts. Most of it negative.

[Tramfan]

Nate's becomming a stud, and this is coming from someone who wanted him used as trade bait or thought he'd be better used in the bullpen at different intervals in the past. I now think of him as someone I want in our rotation for years to come. And another thing, pitching, pitching, pitching .... you better bring it if you want to trade for it.

[monkeytargets37]

Why not send Miner and another prospect.

Miner came to us from the braves in the Kyle Farnsworth deal (along with Roman Colon). I doubt theyd take him back in exchange for a top catching prospect.

[JonBenke]

I love how every team over values their own .. most of my friends that are Braves fans down here, as much as we all are of Tigers, would want Nate Robertson and two prosects, but would laugh off Mike Maroth as quick as you all can say it. It's going to cost allot for this kid, cause he can flat out hit.

It doesn't matter where he plays, yeah .. he'd be better as a catcher, but even as a 1B, he'll put up numbers there as well, so it's a win/win.

[Yoda]

I love how every team over values their own .. most of my friends that are Braves fans down here, as much as we all are of Tigers, would want Nate Robertson and two prosects, but would laugh off Mike Maroth as quick as you all can say it. It's going to cost allot for this kid, cause he can flat out hit.

It doesn't matter where he plays, yeah .. he'd be better as a catcher, but even as a 1B, he'll put up numbers there as well, so it's a win/win.

This is dumb because Nate was never overrated around here, and only became a fan favorite last year when he actually was pretty good. So no, he isn't overrated just because he's a Tiger.

They're overrating their own as well. It works both ways. You can't argue with how effective Nate was last year and there's no way I want to give that up for a AA catcher who really wasn't all that great last year. Especially when we still need out starting pitchers. There's no way we can make that deal right now.

[chasfh]

This is dumb because Nate was never overrated around here, and only became a fan favorite last year when he actually was pretty good. So no, he isn't overrated just because he's a Tiger.

They're overrating their own as well. It works both ways. You can't argue with how effective Nate was last year and there's no way I want to give that up for a AA catcher who really wasn't all that great last year. Especially when we still need out starting pitchers. There's no way we can make that deal right now.

He wasn't "all that great" last year because he had a hand injury early in the year that helped cause his slump. He hit .338/.474/.648 over the last two months as a 21-year old in AA. That's damn impressive. Plus, he is off to a .377/.472/.754 start in Mississippi this year (in a pitcher's park), and maybe he was probably called up to Richmond before I finished typing this sentence.

I think everyone here can relax, though -- there are a bunch of teams that would like to pick up Saltalamacchia, so it's going to take even more than Nate Robertson and a good prospect to do it.

[tigersfandm]

are there any decent catchers in this years draft?

[Tyrus]

I'd be hesitant to trade for Salty until he proves he can catch in the majors. And I'd be hesitant to trade Nate Robertson for anybody.


My sentiments exactly. We're talking about a lefty pitcher who, with even a tiny bit of luck, would have won 17-18 games last season. Those guys don't grow on trees.

[Buddha]

It would probably take Andrew Miller to get him.

I wouldn't give up Robertson in the regular season. Maybe in the offseason if the Braves were interested. But not now, the Tigers need Robertson this year.

[qsilvr2531]

That would actually be a pretty good trade for the Tigers (assuming we don't give up anything significant other than Robertson), but I tend to agree with Buddha that it doens't make sense during the season. In the offseason, when we can reasonably try to replace Robertson it might make sense, but we have no way of replacing Roberston in the rotation right now and this move would only hurt us at the moment.

[cullingsir]

Are the Braves really hurting for pitching?

Hudson is 31
James is 25
Redman is 33
Smoltz is 39
Davies is 23
Soriano is 26
Villarreal is 25
and then in their farm system they have
Macay McBride
Anthony Lerew
Jake Stevens
Blaine Boyer



I guess I dont see what the point of adding Nate Robertson to the mix would be. I would think they'd be more interested in someone like Chris Shelton or Larish.


Obviously there's a lot more to the quality of your pitching staff than age, and none of those prospects are top-tier pitching prospects by any stretch of the imagination. The Braves could definitely use Robertson.

[sportz4life]

Are the Braves really hurting for pitching?

Hudson is 31
James is 25
Redman is 33
Smoltz is 39
Davies is 23
Soriano is 26
Villarreal is 25
and then in their farm system they have
Macay McBride
Anthony Lerew
Jake Stevens
Blaine Boyer



I guess I dont see what the point of adding Nate Robertson to the mix would be. I would think they'd be more interested in someone like Chris Shelton or Larish.

Hudson-contract is expensive and expiring soon
James-potential
Redman-no explanation needed..new team EVERY YEAR
Smoltz-great but 39
Davies-has disappointed
Soriano-relief
Villareal-wild card
Larew,Stevens,Boyer-who ya kiddin. proved nothing yet

I count 2.5 reliable starters..they could use Nate..may be the best offer they get..my hunch is they would prefer somebody younger who had less service time and was potentially less expensive..Tought deal to do..I would still say YES..Salty could play 1B if we resigned Pudge..got to give value to get value..easier to for DD to develop a pitcher than a C..tough choice but yes..even up..

[monkeytargets37]

Hudson-contract is expensive and expiring soon
James-potential
Redman-no explanation needed..new team EVERY YEAR
Smoltz-great but 39
Davies-has disappointed
Soriano-relief
Villareal-wild card
Larew,Stevens,Boyer-who ya kiddin. proved nothing yet

I count 2.5 reliable starters..they could use Nate..may be the best offer they get..my hunch is they would prefer somebody younger who had less service time and was potentially less expensive..Tought deal to do..I would still say YES..Salty could play 1B if we resigned Pudge..got to give value to get value..easier to for DD to develop a pitcher than a C..tough choice but yes..even up..

Why would we bother to get Salty if we resign Pudge for several years? We already have Shelton and Larish in our system and first base is a pretty easy place to upgrade via the free agent market. One of our big weaknesses is at catcher in the minors. If we're just gonna toss Robertson away for a future first baseman, I'd rather go after a AAA or major league ready first base prospect (Loney, Votto, etc).

I'm not saying I wouldnt love Saltalamacchia, but trading Nate Robertson and not getting anything major league ready in return pretty much dooms our chances for winning the division this year--and maybe next year too.

[Microline133]

Where are these misguided views that Salty can't handle catcher, coming from? He's made enormous strides the last two years, and if it weren't for the presence of McCann, he'd be Atlanta's catcher of the future. There's little to suggest in his current state, that he won't be able to handle catcher for the forseeable future.

[chasfh]

Why would we bother to get Salty if we resign Pudge for several years?

You know Pudge is 36 next year, right? How many more years at catcher do you think he has?

[monkeytargets37]

You know Pudge is 36 next year, right? How many more years at catcher do you think he has?

I was under the impression that Pudge had made it fairly clear that

1.) He wants to finish his career as a Tiger
2.) He wants to finish his career as a catcher
3.) He wants to play several more years

Frankly, I'll take a 38 year old Pudge over most other catchers in the MLB. Salty is great, but for whatever reason people in this thread are talking about moving him to 1B...which I dont think is necessary. I dont know why he wouldnt be able to handle catching or where this idea that we'd need to move him to first comes from, but if we're going to acquire him he pretty much HAS to stay at catcher because that's what we need and thats why the price is going to be high for him.

[DrWho17]

Where are these misguided views that Salty can't handle catcher, coming from? He's made enormous strides the last two years, and if it weren't for the presence of McCann, he'd be Atlanta's catcher of the future. There's little to suggest in his current state, that he won't be able to handle catcher for the forseeable future.
From almost every scouting report you read on him? I think Victor Martinez comparisons come to mind (similar build), and he's much taller then your average catcher which might project a position move as well for health reasons.

[Tigercub33]

Where are these misguided views that Salty can't handle catcher, coming from? He's made enormous strides the last two years, and if it weren't for the presence of McCann, he'd be Atlanta's catcher of the future. There's little to suggest in his current state, that he won't be able to handle catcher for the forseeable future.

Benke brought it up last year I think.

I agree with Buddh and Yoda. I don't see how the Tigers can give up Robertson right now.

[CMRivdog]

I really don't see anything happening in the near future, at least as far as this kind of a trade with Atlanta. Maybe after the season is over....

I think the Tigers are looking for more immediate help for their bullpen, hence speculation about Will Ohman or C.J Wilson.

[kajoreh]

i think this is more about the braves in feeling out the value of salty...

they have mccann and aren't moving him...

so salt moves to first or gets traded...

they will get something big for him...good young catchers are mighty rare...

the question is how big?...

asking for a starting rotation guy from a top contender (plus a prospect?) is their opening bid right now...

i think they are just trying to set a market value by picking a "nate robertson"...

but that is an opening bid based on where salt is right now...

if he tears up the minors this year it will probably rise...

if he doesn't it will fall...

and it also depends on thorman cutting it at first...and who else the braves mght play there...

i don't think they or the tigers have any intention of making a trade right now...this is just setting the table for the offseason...

[Ron Burgandy]

I agree this is a deal that would make more sense in the off-season. However, I suspect that with McCann locked in for the long-term, the Braves will move Salty at the trade deadline. He'll probably be the best bargaining chip on the market.

[Ron Burgandy]

I guess (from the Tigers' perspective) I could see a mid-season deal of Robertson for Salty, if 1) Rogers comes back in early-July and looks good, and 2) Durbin, Miller, Jurrjens, or Trahern have established himself as competent 5th starter.

[Thrilla in Vanilla]

I make this trade in a heartbeat. Saltalamacchia is a 22-year old who slugs .500+, has a good glove, and is no worse than the #2 catching prospect in all of baseball. Nate Robertson is a 29-year old lifetime #3.
Agreed, dont get me wrong nates a great player, but we are looking good with starting pitching in the organization, and once pudge hangs it up........we are in deep deep trouble in terms of catching. to be honest i think it would be crazy for ATL to make a move like this but i prey that they would consider it.

[cullingsir]

I guess (from the Tigers' perspective) I could see a mid-season deal of Robertson for Salty, if 1) Rogers comes back in early-July and looks good, and 2) Durbin, Miller, Jurrjens, or Trahern have established himself as competent 5th starter.

Or if the Tigers fall out of contention.

[chasfh]

I was under the impression that Pudge had made it fairly clear that

1.) He wants to finish his career as a Tiger
2.) He wants to finish his career as a catcher
3.) He wants to play several more years

Frankly, I'll take a 38 year old Pudge over most other catchers in the MLB. Salty is great, but for whatever reason people in this thread are talking about moving him to 1B...which I dont think is necessary. I dont know why he wouldnt be able to handle catching or where this idea that we'd need to move him to first comes from, but if we're going to acquire him he pretty much HAS to stay at catcher because that's what we need and thats why the price is going to be high for him.

Regardless of what Pudge wants, we have know idea when he is going to hit his wall. You say you'll take a 38-year old Pudge, but you have no idea what a 38-year old Pudge will be like. No one does. And personally, I wouldn't want to gamble three or more years to find that out.

[tigerbomb13]

In referrence to Salty's defense, here's what the Baseball America handbook has to say.

Considered somewhat suspect defensively coming out of high school, Saltamacchia has worked very hard to get better. He spent the spring picking veteran Todd Pratt's brain to upgrade his game-calling ability, and he continues to be more comfortable working with pitchers. He has a strong arm and a release that has quickened considerably, enabling him to throw out 36 percent of base stealers in 2006.

He may never be Pudge behind the plate, but I think he'll be certainly better than Victor Martinez.

[cruzer1]

.230 average, .380 slugging in the Southern League last year? Yeah, give up Maybin while you're at it!

[Franks151]

If Salty continues to rake in AA for the remainder of the season Atlanta could consider doing something unorthodox like having McCann and Salty split time evenly between 1B and catcher (maximizing their at bats and keeping them healthy). Send Thorman to the bench. If they do dangle Salty as trade bait I'd definitely trade Robertson straight up for him. He's the best catching prospect in the minors and the Tigers don't have a decent catching prospect in their system.

[PuNk42AE]

Depending on what it is I have to think it'd be a 50-50 thing. Yes we all know Robertson is doing great the last two years. He is hitting his prime and helps the tigers alot. But then we also have a relative showing of pitchers who could be starters in the next few years. (Ledezma, Miller...) Salty would help out at the C spot since we really haven't had a "real" prospect there for years. He has been hitting great for a while now and the Braves have their C in Mccann and 1B between Salty/Thorman. I just don't know overall which way would be the winner for 3-5 seasons.

[Surfer Joe]

He wasn't "all that great" last year because he had a hand injury early in the year that helped cause his slump. He hit .338/.474/.648 over the last two months as a 21-year old in AA. That's damn impressive. Plus, he is off to a .377/.472/.754 start in Mississippi this year (in a pitcher's park), and maybe he was probably called up to Richmond before I finished typing this sentence.

I think everyone here can relax, though -- there are a bunch of teams that would like to pick up Saltalamacchia, so it's going to take even more than Nate Robertson and a good prospect to do it.

Forgive me if anyone said this already but this is pretty much only my second time researching stats to make a point instead of just stating my opinion.

chas, Chris Shelton started off the first month last season batting .326 .404 .783 1.187. You wouldn't want to trade Nate for Shelton eh? Then again, you used a two month window in describing 'Salty'.

Bottom line for me is, I don't want to get rid of Nate.

[djhutch]

I wonder how much Sleeth's health plays into this decision. If both he & Miller are ready next year, then trading Nate for Salty may make sense. I still don't know that we'll see it happen during this season.

[chasfh]

Forgive me if anyone said this already but this is pretty much only my second time researching stats to make a point instead of just stating my opinion.

chas, Chris Shelton started off the first month last season batting .326 .404 .783 1.187. You wouldn't want to trade Nate for Shelton eh? Then again, you used a two month window in describing 'Salty'.

Bottom line for me is, I don't want to get rid of Nate.

Chris Shelton is a 27-year old Rule 5 pick DH-sometime-1B who's a known quantity: he starts out each major league stint burning hot, then flames out.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia is a 22-year old top 50 prospect with a future at catching who has hit above his age at every level, except for half a season when he had a hurt hand.

They are not even remotely comparable.

I understand the attraction of keeping Nate Robertson on the staff. He's a very solid #3 in our rotation, and could be a #2 on many others or even an ace for a bad team. So don't get me wrong here -- it's not like I'd would give him away for a bag of balls.

But for Jarrod Saltalamacchia? Ten times out of ten, flinching only out of incredulity at being made the offer in the first place.

[Surfer Joe]

Chris Shelton is a 27-year old Rule 5 pick DH-sometime-1B who's a known quantity: he starts out each major league stint burning hot, then flames out.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia is a 22-year old top 50 prospect with a future at catching who has hit above his age at every level, except for half a season when he had a hurt hand.

They are not even remotely comparable.

I understand the attraction of keeping Nate Robertson on the staff. He's a very solid #3 in our rotation, and could be a #2 on many others or even an ace for a bad team. So don't get me wrong here -- it's not like I'd would give him away for a bag of balls.

But for Jarrod Saltalamacchia? Ten times out of ten, flinching only out of incredulity at being made the offer in the first place.

I apologize. I was just trying to make a point. I see what you're saying though.

[AlaskanTigersFan]

http://www.nj.com/columns/ledger/graziano/index.ssf?/base/columns-0/1177821751238410.xml&coll=1&thispage=4

Newark Star-Ledger (scroll down) (registration required): "That the Tigers, who hold a $13 million contract option on Ivan Rodriguez for 2008, have been looking around for catching prospects in case they need or decide to replace him. They have their eye on Atlanta's Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who's extremely well regarded but blocked by the presence of stud catcher Brian McCann on the big-league club."

[JonBenke]

I have seen him play a few games now .. and if you don't think this kid is the real deal - CATCHING PROSPECT - well, you just don't get it :paranoid:

I would love to acquire this kid .. and this might be an off season move, but I have a feeling that Atlanta will use this kid to get whatever it is they need.

[baseball3]

It appears with Salty's positive debut in Atlanta and his impressive showing behind the plate, that his price certaintly will go way up in trade considerations. Long term, he'd be worth a ton to pay. You'd have to know his leadership/clubhouse skills as well as his baseball talent to realize how valuable this kid will truely be for an organization.

He's VERY special !!

On the field, in the clubhouse and off the field........CLASS ACT, great individual.........................

[Yoda]

Not to be negative, but one week won't fluctuate a player's trade value. If he's still hitting well at the trade deadline, then his stock will be way up. If he hits .150 the rest of the way it will have dropped quite a bit. We'll see.

[baseball3]

I agree a week has nothing to do with trade value, but, the entire process since last Tuesday night that continues every day shows that not only is he going to be a very good every day player (and ready NOW), but, a class act, hard worker and producer along the way. In fact, many scouts tell me that the way he handled last year's disappointing season, with his injury and battling through discouraging times on the field, shows them that he can handle the ups and downs of major league life far beyond his current age.

He'll be an amazing player for years to come!

[Surfer Joe]

It appears with Salty's positive debut in Atlanta and his impressive showing behind the plate, that his price certaintly will go way up in trade considerations. Long term, he'd be worth a ton to pay. You'd have to know his leadership/clubhouse skills as well as his baseball talent to realize how valuable this kid will truely be for an organization.

He's VERY special !!

On the field, in the clubhouse and off the field........CLASS ACT, great individual.........................

Sort of a...."nice" guy eh? :nervous:

[Kyler81]

I say we give up INGE, Casey and a 6-pack of Bud diesal. NO WAY we make this deal Robertson is a stud!

[chasfh]

http://www.nj.com/columns/ledger/graziano/index.ssf?/base/columns-0/1177821751238410.xml&coll=1&thispage=4

Newark Star-Ledger (scroll down) (registration required): "That the Tigers, who hold a $13 million contract option on Ivan Rodriguez for 2008, have been looking around for catching prospects in case they need or decide to replace him. They have their eye on Atlanta's Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who's extremely well regarded but blocked by the presence of stud catcher Brian McCann on the big-league club."

My god, I'm salivating at the ... ahem ... prospect.

[Kyler81]

I wish another major transaction would happen just to get F'in Clemens and the Yankees out of the news!

[deej9900]

Well, if you include spaces -- and I think you should -- then John Van Benschoten (http://www.baseball-reference.com/v/vanbejo01.shtml) and William Van Landingham (http://www.baseball-reference.com/v/vanlawi01.shtml) tie him.

I remember watching a game between the Mets and the Giants when Van Landingham started against Jason Isringhausen- Of course, the stat nerds went into the vault to determine that this was the most letters in the last names of two opposing starters in history.

On the thread topic, as much as I love Robertson, this is a trade that they should consider. Nate will probably not be an All-Star many times- this kid has the tools to become a perennial one. We build our system with pitchers because everybody always wants pitching- that way, when we have a need at another position, we have pitching available to give up in order to get it. Would trading Nate and a good prospect be overpaying for Salt? Probably- but somebody is going to ante up that price, so if we want to be in the game for the top catching prospect in the majors, that's where we need to be.

That all being said- we are in a bit of a shortage of major league ready starters this year (as is well documented in this thread), and in this case the short term goals may win out over addressing our long-term needs. And I'm cool with that too... If overpaying for this guy winds up costing us multiple blue-chippers from the minors (Jurrgens and De La Cruz?) but allows us to keep the core of the major league team intact, maybe that's the way to serve both masters- but when names like Zambrano are being tossed around (albeit in rumor form), the Braves wouldn't come close to taking a deal like that...

[TheCouga]

I wonder how much Sleeth's health plays into this decision. If both he & Miller are ready next year, then trading Nate for Salty may make sense. I still don't know that we'll see it happen during this season.

Sleeth has been absolutely horrible this year outside of spring training. I'd give him a 10% chance of ever reaching the majors.

[TheCouga]

I make this trade in a heartbeat. Saltalamacchia is a 22-year old who slugs .500+, has a good glove, and is no worse than the #2 catching prospect in all of baseball. Nate Robertson is a 29-year old lifetime #3.

While I agree that overall Salty is likely to be better than Nate, the Tigers are in win now mode. Salty will reach his prime in 4 or 5 years. Nate is in his prime now, and helping us win. The Tigers have a 3-4 year window during which they can still keep their young all-star pitching staff, and their free-agent hitters will all still be signed. They need players that help them win now (as in this season) and in the next three.

Salty would be an awesome pickup, but I would much rather trade Anderw Miller for him than Nate Robertson. Miller looks like he is going to need more seasoning in the minors than we all expected, and won't be able to help this team this year, or maybe even next. What happens if we make it to the World Series again this year, and lose because we only have two strong starters?

[Surfer Joe]

Nate is hardly a career number 3 pitcher.

[chasfh]

Nate is hardly a career number 3 pitcher.

Based on?

[Surfer Joe]

Based on?

Numbers and the fact that he could be a number 1 or 2 on many other teams.

Have you seen him pitch?

[Surfer Joe]

Now, as for Nate being a career number 3 I have to ask, "based on?".

[keystone]

Hmm. The back end of the Braves rotation is hurting bad while ours seems to healing up nicely. Will they trade before they start to fall out of contention?
Big series with the Mets may tell the future.

May 22, 2007: The Braves cut struggling LHP Mark Redman before the game. Redman, an All-Star with Kansas City in 2006, signed with Atlanta during spring training after Mike Hampton was injured. In six appearances, including five starts, Redman went 0-4 with an 11.63 ERA and gave up 38 hits in 21 2-3 innings. ... Former No. 1 pick Joey Devine was called up from Double-A Mississippi, where he was 2-2 with 10 saves and a 1.61 ERA. ... Devine might be up only until Saturday, when the Braves will need a fifth starter. The two leading candidates are RHPs Trey Hodges or Buddy Carlyle, both off to strong starts at Triple-A Richmond. Hodges was 2-2 with a 2.06 ERA in seven starts, while Carlyle was 5-1 with a 2.22 ERA in eight starts, including a complete game. ...

[baseball3]

Devine blows...................saves!!

He will not be the answer !

Wonder if they would trade Z for Salty?

[zachcadillac]

The Tigers will not trade a key piece of their current team during the season for a guy who won't contribute this year. It will look like surrender. And the Tigers can hardly afford to give up Zumaya is there's a reasonable chance he'll be effective when he returns.

[Yoda]

I'd be in favor of it if we weren't contending. But a team can't make a move like that when they're trying to return to the World Series.

[DaYooperASBDT]

Maroth/Jurrgens/Larish ??

[witz57]

If Atlanta would do it: sure. But I don't think they would.

[TigerPride8301]

I'm pretty sure the Tigers are looking to get catching depth in the minor leagues, but I think that it will be through this years draft. The catching depth in this years draft is better than it has been in years...or so I've read on Baseball America.
As far as a deal for Salty, I think the Braves would be asking for Maybin. Andruw Jones is a free agent after this year and will be asking top dollar on the market. And with that request from the Braves, I'd hang up the phone! :cheeky:

[keystone]

I'm pretty sure the Tigers are looking to get catching depth in the minor leagues, but I think that it will be through this years draft. The catching depth in this years draft is better than it has been in years...or so I've read on Baseball America.
:

Yes but can the Tigers afford to wait 4 more years to develop a catcher? Probably not which is why our next catcher is somewhere already in pro ball.

[baseball3]

Salty's stock continues to improve as he goes 2-4 tonight (now hitting .320). His days of playing some 1B may soon come to fruition as Woodward was 0-4 with 3 K's...............the Salty for Maybin trade may be the ONLY thing that could put Salty in a Tiger uniform at the moment..............DD will NEVER go for that, even though I think he should !

[markmeista]

Redman, an All-Star with Kansas City in 2006 ...

This still makes me laugh.