Trade options to get an infielder?

[STLTiger69]

Folks;

What are the Tigers best options for a trade to get an infielder?

Lowrie, Altuve, Who?!?

...And what will it cost?!?

EDIT: Raburn might be non-tendered after this year and both Peralta and Santiago can be free agents after the 2013 season. If V-Mart leaves after 2014 and Cabrera either moves to DH/1B (Fielder may DH), then the Tigers will need a third baseman too....

[DaYooperASBDT]

Ted Williams. Cost will be Brandon Inge's body.

[Danjo]

I'm a fan of Lowrie. Our band played his wedding, so I'm somewhat biased, but he is having a great year. He has his off-season home out here in Phoenix - that's why we played his wedding.

[DaYooperASBDT]

But seriously, the clear need is at second base - although I could live with Worth against LHP.

So we need a second baseman with plus range who can rake RHP to a reasonable degree.
Robby Cano fits the bill !!

OK, how about Aaron Hill then? He is an everyday option.

[RandyMarsh]

I actually can live with a Santiago/Worth platoon. Obviously there not superstars or anything but as long as they don't completely suck I think you can get by with them because so few teams have great 2B to begin with. Now don't get me wrong, I would love to have a great 2B or even a really good one but I don't want us giving up a Turner and or Castellanos to upgrade there because short of a Robinson Cano or Ian Kinsler I don't think the upgrade would be worth it. If we could get a Altuve and not have to give up one of them 2 I'd probably be down, but if were gonna trade one of them 2, I'd prefer it to be for a stud OFer to replace Boesch or DY or a stud SP to pair with Fister and Verlander.

[catswithbats]

Kelly Johnson?

[DaYooperASBDT]

A second baseman that can both hit and field is a rare bird indeed. What's Whitaker up to?

Once Dirks is back, and assuming that Berry returns to a more mortal version, then we should look at our RF situation.
Boesch would be more useful as a DH, perhaps, until Victor returns from injury.

[Hart]

A second baseman that can both hit and field is a rare bird indeed. What's Whitaker up to?

Once Dirks is back, and assuming that Berry returns to a more mortal version, then we should look at our RF situation.
Boesch would be more useful as a DH, perhaps, until Victor returns from injury.

I agree the Tigers need a RF but I also think with Young, Boesch, Raburn, and Berry all likely sticking with the club this year, I would rather trade for an infielder or pitcher. Of course, that is just preference. In reality, we need to explore every possible option and if there is a good deal for a right fielder, I would make it in a heartbeat.

[Gehringer_2]

...

Once Dirks is back, .....

Last night the report was that he's now in a boot. Don't expect to see Andy soon.

[DaYooperASBDT]

Ugg. I know that tendinitis can last quite a while.

[pyrotigers]

Problem is the Tigers only have two prospects, one of those is hopefully untradable (Castellanos) and the other shouldn't be traded because his value is probably low until he proves he's healthy and can dominate in the minors (Turner).

Any trade they make is either going to be a piece of brilliance from Dave Dombrowski fleecing someone, or for a marginal player. A marginal player would be a nice upgrade for the Tigers at LF/RF/2B/DH though so that's not necessarily the end of the world.

[STLTiger69]

Problem is the Tigers only have two prospects, one of those is hopefully untradable (Castellanos) and the other shouldn't be traded because his value is probably low until he proves he's healthy and can dominate in the minors (Turner).

Any trade they make is either going to be a piece of brilliance from Dave Dombrowski fleecing someone, or for a marginal player. A marginal player would be a nice upgrade for the Tigers at LF/RF/2B/DH though so that's not necessarily the end of the world.

Let me play devils advocate on Castellanos. If everyone says he's not going to be a MLB third baseman, and he can't play 2B and that he's more likely to be an outfielder for the Tigers, why not trade him to get a good infielder (again, a cheap, cost friendly, team controlled infileder) and then sign a good free agent to play OF?

It seems like free agent outfielders are easy to find, good free agent infielders...not so much...

[Zack attack]

Baltimore is starting their Rule 5 pick in RF (Ryan Flaherty) and have really two 2B on their roster (Roberts and Andino). I would try and get one of them, either a deal of Strieby-Andino or package something up to get Roberts if they agree to take on part of the money he is owed.

[Hart]

Fans are always against trading top prospects but our recent history indicates we should not be so scared of given up top minor league talent. From the Gonzalez to Sheffield to Cabrera trades, none of our top prospects that we so dearly loved have really become stars. We may have been able to get Dan Haren if we had given up Rick Porcello plus some B prospects and that would have been a great trade...although very few wanted to do it at the time. I am glad we did not trade Turner for Jiminez or Shields (at least I think I am) last year because they have been too darn inconsistent throughout their careers. But maybe we could have gotten Hunter Pence or another player who is a proven commodity year after year and a very good player already.

And you know who we got for Travis Fryman. Top prospect Matt Drews...

It doesn't always work out this way (I am glad we did not trade Verlander) but overall, I think teams and fans are too guarded of their own top prospects.

[DaYooperASBDT]

Baltimore is starting their Rule 5 pick in RF (Ryan Flaherty) and have really two 2B on their roster (Roberts and Andino). I would try and get one of them, either a deal of Strieby-Andino or package something up to get Roberts if they agree to take on part of the money he is owed.

Zack, Strieby isn't even hitting his weight right now at Toledo - looks like the sun is setting on Ryan unfortunately.

[djhutch]

I'm not against giving up a top prospect, but I don't know that there's a 2B out there I would do it for. Robinson Cano, but that's not happening. Maybe a RF, but I with Jackson healthy and Berry being passable so far - I'm okay with leaving Boesch in RF for the rest of this season. 2B is the need, but I certainly wouldn't give up Castellanos or Turner for what's out there.

[JustinCylander]

There's just not an elite 2B out there that should see us give up a lot. I'd rather stick with the Santiago/Worth platoon and go get a solid corner outfielder that can provide some pop and consistent protection behind Prince.

My dream was the Reds wouldn't resign Phillips and look to trade him, he'd fit in perfectly in the 2 slot in the lineup, but alas it wasn't meant to be.

[Walt]

Let me play devils advocate on Castellanos. If everyone says he's not going to be a MLB third baseman, and he can't play 2B and that he's more likely to be an outfielder for the Tigers, why not trade him to get a good infielder (again, a cheap, cost friendly, team controlled infileder) and then sign a good free agent to play OF?

It seems like free agent outfielders are easy to find, good free agent infielders...not so much...

Everybody isn't saying this though.

Even if they were, He is more valuable on the trade market as a 3b.

[KleShreen]

I really really like Jose Altuve. If the Astros are even thinking about getting rid of him, which seems to be the case even though he's a legitimate all-star candidate, I would gladly give them Turner and any other prospect not named Castellanos.

[tiger337]

It seems like free agent outfielders are easy to find,

Not good ones though.

[Mr. Bigglesworth]

I really really like Jose Altuve. If the Astros are even thinking about getting rid of him, which seems to be the case even though he's a legitimate all-star candidate, I would gladly give them Turner and any other prospect not named Castellanos.

What possible motivation would the Astros have in dealing Altuve?

Honest question.

[Mr. Bigglesworth]

Not good ones though.

Well, I would say I'd expect it to be easier to find a good OF in free agency or trade than a good 2B.

[Yoda]

Aside from Magglio 7 years ago, who's the last good outfielder the Tigers signed? And not to a minor league contract. It just isn't that easy.

[Yoda]

What possible motivation would the Astros have in dealing Altuve?

Honest question.

Because they know the Tigers need him. That should be enough.

[Tim Mitchell]

Jose turned 22 years old 45 days ago.
Jose is a Shortstop and a major piece the Astros will need to build with.
What would lead anyone to think the Astros GM would move him?

[RatkoVarda]

Seager and Ackley are both better at 2b, than 3b or OF; maybe DD can pry one loose.
Not sure if we match up well with Ms as they have catching and pitching depth and need offense.
Problem is, everyone will ask for Castellanos.
Package built around Boesch?

[KleShreen]

What possible motivation would the Astros have in dealing Altuve?

Honest question.

Just going by what Ken Rosenthal said: Astros Rumors: Should Houston Trade Jose Altuve? - MLB Daily Dish

And by what MLBTR has: Jose Altuve Rumors: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

[KleShreen]

Jose turned 22 years old 45 days ago.
Jose is a Shortstop and a major piece the Astros will need to build with.
What would lead anyone to think the Astros GM would move him?

I'm pretty sure Altuve hasn't played a single out at shortstop in the majors.

[Mr. Bigglesworth]

Just going by what Ken Rosenthal said: Astros Rumors: Should Houston Trade Jose Altuve? - MLB Daily Dish

And by what MLBTR has: Jose Altuve Rumors: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

Both those links use a claim from the same source, Ken Rosenthal. So basically it is just Ken Rosenthal floating the idea.

His idea that that the Astros would move Altuve to make room for Jimmy Paredes, a guy who is hitting worse in AAA than Jose is hitting in MLB now, and has the added benefit of being older. I don't see it. If anything, Altuve makes Paredes expendible, not the other way round. I also struggle with the notion of a team trading young assets to get young. It doesn't make much sense.

Besides, they can always move Altuve later when he gets closer to free agency.

[tiger337]

Well, I would say I'd expect it to be easier to find a good OF in free agency or trade than a good 2B.

It probably is, but the Tigers have had a hard time finding one the last few years. It's hard to acquire any good players through free agency without paying a fortune.

[Mr. Bigglesworth]

I should add this - the only way I would trade Altuve, if I were the GM of the Astros, were if I suspected Jose were playing way over his head, and I try to sell high. I think I said the same thing about trading Austin Jackson. The only way I would even consider trading him was if I were convinced, for whatever reason, he was going to crash to earth, so I need to sell high.

As such, if I were the GM of another team, and Altuve were made available to me, I'd be worried there was something I didn't know (injury, drug problem, personality conflicts, fundamental flaw(s) in his approach to the game, etc.).

[STLTiger69]

It probably is, but the Tigers have had a hard time finding one the last few years. It's hard to acquire any good players through free agency without paying a fortune.

Free agent outfielders for the 2013 season;

(for next year alone, the possiblites include)

Josh Hamilton
Melky Cabrera
Michael Bourn
Cody Ross
B.J. Upton
Carlos Quentin
Ichiro Suzuki
Nick Swisher

Any free agent outfielders that you like there?

Last year the Tigers passed on David DeJesus (2yrs/$10M total +$1.5M option/buyout), Josh Willingham (3yrs /$21M total), Cody Ross (1 year, $3M), Yoenis Cespedes (4yrs /$36M total), Carlos Beltran (2yrs/ $26M total).


Infielders;

Wanna see the complete list for 2013? -The players age in 2013 is in ()

Second basemen
Jeff Baker (32)
Robinson Cano (30) - $15MM club option with a $2MM buyout
Mike Fontenot (33)
Orlando Hudson (35) - $8MM club option with a $2MM buyout
Maicer Izturis (32)
Kelly Johnson (31)
Adam Kennedy (37)
Jeff Keppinger (33)
Jose Lopez (29)
Aaron Miles (36)
Freddy Sanchez (35)
Ryan Theriot (33)

Shortstops
Jason Bartlett (33) - $5.5MM club option with a $1.5MM buyout; vests with 432 PAs in 2012
Yuniesky Betancourt (31)
Geoff Blum (39)
Ronny Cedeno (30)
Stephen Drew (30) - $10MM mutual option with a $1.35MM buyout
Alex Gonzalez (35) - vesting option
Cesar Izturis (33)
Jhonny Peralta (31) - $6MM club option with a $500K buyout
Marco Scutaro (37)
Miguel Tejada (39)
Ryan Theriot (33)
Omar Vizquel (46)
Jack Wilson (35)

Third basemen
Geoff Blum (39)
Miguel Cairo (39)
Eric Chavez (35)
Mark DeRosa (38)
Brandon Inge (36)
Maicer Izturis (32)
Jose Lopez (29)
Placido Polanco (37) - $5.5MM mutual option with a $1MM buyout
Mark Reynolds (29) - $11MM club option with a $500K buyout
Scott Rolen (38)
Mark Teahen (31)
Miguel Tejada (39)
Ty Wigginton (35) - $4MM club option with a $500K buyout
David Wright (30) - $16MM club option with a $1MM buyout
Kevin Youkilis (34) - $13MM club option with a $1MM buyout

If you are wondering about infield options for the Tigers for last year, here's part of what was available and what it went for....,

John McDonald (2yrs/$3M total)
Mark Ellis (2yrs/$8.75M total)
Kelly Johnson (accepted arbitration, is making $6.38M for this year)
Clint Barmes (2 yrs/ $10.5M total)


My point here is, don't pay Marco Scutaro $6M to play a so-so 2B when the Tigers can trade to get a young cost controlled talent and then put that $6M into another corner outfield spot if you want. With Delmon Young gone ($6.75M savings) Ryan Raburn being non-tendered for next year (saving at least $2.1M) there is some money to spend just in losing these two players.... My question is how do you want to fill 2B and OF?

[Alex]

I like Altuve...

Maybe they can look at a younger player like Billy Hamilton of the Reds. IF he has a good glove he could split time with Santiago (or Worth). The Reds have signed BPhillips to a long term deal already this year. We do not have to have power at every position. We seem to be waiting for too players to hit with consistent power as it is (I do NOT mean Miggy or Prince). Besides it looks like we will get some power from CF with AJ as he grows.

Billy Hamilton Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlights | MiLB.com Stats | The Official Site of Minor League Baseball

[Hart]

The Astros have no reason to trade Altuve...unless they get a deal that they think helps them more in the future than Altuve would. The Tigers would have to start with Castellanos to make a deal happen. Castellanos has more upside IMO than Altuve but Altuve is a proven commodity at the big league level and Castellanos is not. To be honest, I don't really think we have the depth in our farm system to even make it happen.

[STLTiger69]

I like Altuve...

Maybe they can look at a younger player like Billy Hamilton of the Reds. IF he has a good glove he could split time with Santiago (or Worth). The Reds have signed BPhillips to a long term deal already this year. We do not have to have power at every position. We seem to be waiting for too players to hit with consistent power as it is (I do NOT mean Miggy or Prince). Besides it looks like we will get some power from CF with AJ as he grows.

Billy Hamilton Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlights | MiLB.com Stats | The Official Site of Minor League Baseball

I think that would be a good idea too, trade for other teams minor infield prospects might be a more cost effective way to potentially help out the Tigers infield over the long term. I really like Hamilton a lot too, but he's in A+ league now and I'm not sure how to put a value on someone who might be two, three or more years away from being in the majors (or even if at all...). If the Tigers go for a minor leaguer from another organization I would hope that they could start helping the MLB team this year or next but adding some depth wouldn't be a bad idea either. But getting 2B figured out for the next few years at the major league level should sort of high on the to do list.

[Dino]

I like Altuve...

Maybe they can look at a younger player like Billy Hamilton of the Reds. IF he has a good glove he could split time with Santiago (or Worth). The Reds have signed BPhillips to a long term deal already this year. We do not have to have power at every position. We seem to be waiting for too players to hit with consistent power as it is (I do NOT mean Miggy or Prince). Besides it looks like we will get some power from CF with AJ as he grows.

Billy Hamilton Stats, Bio, Photos, Highlights | MiLB.com Stats | The Official Site of Minor League Baseball

80 stolen bases in less than half a season?? That has to be a miss-print.

Edit: Nope

[STLTiger69]

80 stolen bases in less than half a season?? That has to be a miss-print.

Edit: Nope

Here's the best part of Hamilton, he's stolen 80 bases.... in only 66 games....


lol, one reason why I like him....

[Stanley68]

Houston is actually pretty deep in middle infielders in their system. Jonathan Villar (SS) and Delino Deshields (2B) are very good prospects with higher ceilings than Altulve, plus they just drafted Correa, a SS, #1 overall. And they have Lowrie who probably profiles best at 2B long term.

If Houston is thinking long term I think they would move him for a highly rated young pitcher like Turner. Their system is light on good starting pitching prospects. That would be a tough sell to their fans though.

[Stanley68]

I think that would be a good idea too, trade for other teams minor infield prospects might be a more cost effective way to potentially help out the Tigers infield over the long term. I really like Hamilton a lot too, but he's in A+ league now and I'm not sure how to put a value on someone who might be two, three or more years away from being in the majors (or even if at all...). If the Tigers go for a minor leaguer from another organization I would hope that they could start helping the MLB team this year or next but adding some depth wouldn't be a bad idea either. But getting 2B figured out for the next few years at the major league level should sort of high on the to do list.

Maybe if they allocated some of their draft picks they seem to have reserved for relief pitchers towards middle infielders they could they could develope one their own. And when they do pick one find a guy who has some upside unlike the Danny Worths and Brandon Loys of the world.

[Nastradamus]

Free agent outfielders for the 2013 season;

(for next year alone, the possiblites include)

Josh Hamilton
Melky Cabrera
Michael Bourn
Cody Ross
B.J. Upton
Carlos Quentin
Ichiro Suzuki
Nick Swisher

Any free agent outfielders that you like there?

Last year the Tigers passed on David DeJesus (2yrs/$10M total +$1.5M option/buyout), Josh Willingham (3yrs /$21M total), Cody Ross (1 year, $3M), Yoenis Cespedes (4yrs /$36M total), Carlos Beltran (2yrs/ $26M total).


Infielders;

Wanna see the complete list for 2013? -The players age in 2013 is in ()

Second basemen
Jeff Baker (32)
Robinson Cano (30) - $15MM club option with a $2MM buyout
Mike Fontenot (33)
Orlando Hudson (35) - $8MM club option with a $2MM buyout
Maicer Izturis (32)
Kelly Johnson (31)
Adam Kennedy (37)
Jeff Keppinger (33)
Jose Lopez (29)
Aaron Miles (36)
Freddy Sanchez (35)
Ryan Theriot (33)

Shortstops
Jason Bartlett (33) - $5.5MM club option with a $1.5MM buyout; vests with 432 PAs in 2012
Yuniesky Betancourt (31)
Geoff Blum (39)
Ronny Cedeno (30)
Stephen Drew (30) - $10MM mutual option with a $1.35MM buyout
Alex Gonzalez (35) - vesting option
Cesar Izturis (33)
Jhonny Peralta (31) - $6MM club option with a $500K buyout
Marco Scutaro (37)
Miguel Tejada (39)
Ryan Theriot (33)
Omar Vizquel (46)
Jack Wilson (35)

Third basemen
Geoff Blum (39)
Miguel Cairo (39)
Eric Chavez (35)
Mark DeRosa (38)
Brandon Inge (36)
Maicer Izturis (32)
Jose Lopez (29)
Placido Polanco (37) - $5.5MM mutual option with a $1MM buyout
Mark Reynolds (29) - $11MM club option with a $500K buyout
Scott Rolen (38)
Mark Teahen (31)
Miguel Tejada (39)
Ty Wigginton (35) - $4MM club option with a $500K buyout
David Wright (30) - $16MM club option with a $1MM buyout
Kevin Youkilis (34) - $13MM club option with a $1MM buyout

If you are wondering about infield options for the Tigers for last year, here's part of what was available and what it went for....,

John McDonald (2yrs/$3M total)
Mark Ellis (2yrs/$8.75M total)
Kelly Johnson (accepted arbitration, is making $6.38M for this year)
Clint Barmes (2 yrs/ $10.5M total)


My point here is, don't pay Marco Scutaro $6M to play a so-so 2B when the Tigers can trade to get a young cost controlled talent and then put that $6M into another corner outfield spot if you want. With Delmon Young gone ($6.75M savings) Ryan Raburn being non-tendered for next year (saving at least $2.1M) there is some money to spend just in losing these two players.... My question is how do you want to fill 2B and OF?

Good post. I agree that OFs can be found much easier. The Tigers just haven't looked for one in a while. I desperately wanted Willingham/Dejesus while non tendering Delmon and I also was one of the biggest advocates of going all in on Cespedes(850 OPS, in Oakland).