Luis Castillo for 2B?

[southsider17]

I think the Sox make a deal like Marte for Castillo in a nanosecond. If KW thinks Iguchi is an "impact player", Castillo is Ty Cobb. The biggest question is would he be available? They're trying to get a public stadium deal [remember--chicks dig the long ball], and what better way than get a big time slugger who also happens to be a native of a country just off the coast of FLA. With a Delgado signing, CAstillo would most definitely be available.

 

The salary relief, near $4 mill. a yr, makes a big difference to a team that counts pennies like the M's. The marlins have Pierre at the top of their lineup [who does many of the same things Castillo does]. LoDuca can hit #2, and Easley can take over 2B, which a Marlins insider had suggested to the Miami Herald--this wasn't me suggesting it [Willie Harris would likely be dealt w/ marte, and can platoon w/ him--this is my suggestion, as Harris makes the minimum and can fit w/ the Marlins, maybe learn a few things from his fellow southerner Pierre]

 

The reason the post-2004 Marte would be available? He has shown he's not closer. And the Sox have two other guys ahead of him as possible closers should Shingo get hurt or be ineffective. No way would the Sox have done something like this going into 2004 with the questions surrounding the bullpen. The sox now have vets filling key spots and guys like Munoz, Adkins and Diaz can battle for the last spot vacated by Marte. It weakens the bullpen a little. But IMO, the overall team is improved, with a guy like Castillo playing everyday.

 

The sox could absorb the loss of Marte, esp with Vizcaino on the team. He's great against LH hitters [like a .160 BAA] and situational LHP's like Cotts and Munoz on the team [who also can pitch more than 1 inning at a time].

 

 

Thanks.

 

All the pieces seem to be fitting in for the Marlins getting Delgado. They are supposedly close to getting a new stadium deal. What better way of "thanking" FLA fans than by signing a big time slugger. Coming off a Delgado "high", the marlins could deal Castillo quick for salary relief and top bullpen help. Fans won't go crazy, saying goodbye to Luis. Esp. as the big bat is needed more than a tablesetter [FLa was near the bottom of the NL in most power categories, like 12th in SLG]. Delgado + MArte >>> Castillo and the FLA bullpen as is.

 

I just think a deal like this sounds too reasonable--for both FLA and the Sox. Then both teams would be ready for ST. With the questions surrounding POdsednik [will he hit .275 even?]and Harris, the Sox would be more than willing to "overpay" should Castillo be on the block. There's the backup leadoff man/ tablesetter/ #2 hitter the Sox need. Both FLA and the Sox make "win-win" deals, operating under the concept that you have to give up something in order to get something.

 

 

Wow! Nicely done and very convincing. I'm sold!

[beck72]

I know I'm beating a dead horse, and we'll all see how things pan out. [i do like KW hinting about something coming up that could improve the club'. Yet I was looking at why FLA might trade Castillo a little closer. Stemming from the fish insider who said Easley was re-signed to possibly trade Castillo, it's the power stupid.

 

The fish were near the bottom of the NL in most power categories:

12th in SLG; 14th in XBH; 11th in OPS. Getting LoDuca at the end of last yr and if they get Delgado, this will help. Yet trading Castillo, and putting Easely in the everyday lineup, could also help their offense.

 

Castillo lacks power [hr and XBH]. He hit only 21 xbh in 564 ab's while Easley hit 30 in 223 ab's. Also, Luis only hit 12 2B's, and 3 Hr's. Easley hit 20-2b's and 9 hr's. Castillo's .348 SLG to Easley's .457 SLG says it all.

 

Castillo is an extreme singles hitter [196 TB's with 164 Hits] who makes contact and gets on base a lot [75 BBs and 68 k's]. He'd be fine for them if they needed a leadoff hitter. But seeing as they have Pierre [who had a .407 SLG with 37 XBH] Castillo's bat is something they could do w/o. Esp. if they can get salary relief for Delgado

 

Sorry to beat the horse again, but the #2 hole with Uribe in the lineup just seems odd to me. And something the sox would like to improve on if the opportunity comes up.

[beck72]

Looks like the fish are the most advanced team negotiating w/ Delgado. Delgado reportedly made a counter offer to the fish and their 3 yr $35 mill offer. The Mets only paid a social call to Delgado, and will talk in the future. Get it done soon, Fish!

**************************************************

From the NY post:

 

FISH HEAT UP RACE FOR DELGADO

 

By MARK HALE

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

January 16, 2005 --

Consider the Marlins squarely in the Carlos Delgado sweepstakes.

 

Delgado, the latest free-agent slugger to be chased by the Mets, sat down with the Marlins yesterday, and the Mets' NL East rivals made their pitch.

 

In an impressive effort, the Marlins hosted Delgado for more than five hours, greeted him with nine club representatives and took him to lunch at one of Miami's tastiest restaurants.

 

Bottom line? The Mets have some very real company in the Delgado derby.

 

"A month ago, the Marlins were perceived by us as being very much a longshot," Delgado's agent, David Sloane, said last night. "After the meeting today, I would say they are significantly much less of a longshot."

 

Said Marlins GM Larry Beinfest, "I think the way we ended it, it ended positive. We came away mutually impressed. I can't speak for Carlos, but I know we are."

 

Asked about the Marlins' chances of signing Delgado, Beinfest replied that "it would just be pure speculation." But the Marlins certainly presented Delgado with their finest recruiting effort yesterday.

 

Delgado and Sloane met a nine-person Marlins contingent that included Beinfest, owner Jeffrey Loria, president David Samson, assistant GM Michael Hill, manager Jack McKeon, hitting coach Bill Robinson, special assistant Tony Perez, fellow special assistant Andre Dawson and former Met Al Leiter.

 

After starting off at Dolphins Stadium, the contingent headed to the renowned Joe's Stone Crab for lunch. The two sides discussed business — the Marlins had initially offered Delgado a three-year pact for approximately $35 million, and Sloane submitted his counterproposal yesterday. The sides plan to continue discussions soon.

 

Where does this leave the Mets? Still in the hunt along with the Marlins, Orioles and Rangers.

 

The Mets visited Delgado in Puerto Rico this past Thursday, but that meeting was largely social in nature. They will likely set up a follow-up business meeting for sometime this coming week, and Sloane figures to stay in regular communication with GM Omar Minaya.

 

He told me to plan on he and I talking on a daily basis," Sloane said. "And I welcome that opportunity."

 

Delgado and Sloane were particularly struck yesterday by the Marlins' commitment to winning. Said Sloane, "What impressed us the most about the meeting today was the entire Marlins organization from the owner to the team president to the general manager to the field personnel, it was very easy to get a sense how committed they are to fielding a winning team.

 

"And when you couple that with the realization of they just won a World Series a few years ago, they obviously have the capability of backing up what they say."

[AngelasDaddy0427]

Beck I agree with everything you said. The most important aspect of this trade is that it gives us a legitimate guy who can step into the leadoff spot should Pods have another 2004 like season. This team looks a hell of alot better with Pods in the 9 hole and Castillo in the 2 hole. I think Munoz could easily step in and be a decent lefty specialist (kind of like Kelly). Would he be as good as Marte? No way! But we have to do this deal...

[DBAHO]

Beck I agree with everything you said. The most important aspect of this trade is that it gives us a legitimate guy who can step into the leadoff spot should Pods have another 2004 like season. This team looks a hell of alot better with Pods in the 9 hole and Castillo in the 2 hole. I think Munoz could easily step in and be a decent lefty specialist (kind of like Kelly). Would he be as good as Marte? No way! But we have to do this deal...

Don't tell Quickman that about Munoz.

 

The Sox can go three ways at the moment, by either signing Iguchi, trading for a Castillo or Durham, or standing pat with Willie Harris and Wilson Valdez. KW needs to ask himself what will be more important to the team, a second baseman who can bat 2nd in the order, hit for a high average with a good OBP and get some steals, or one of the best lefty relievers in the game who could get back to his 2002-2003 form and post a sub 2.00 ERA. I'd be for signing Iguchi and keeping Marte, and I would have even signed Cairo instead if he was still available, but we may yet see Marte dealt. But I don't think Munoz or Cotts will step up in 2005 and post great numbers that can replace Marte's output, not this season anyway.

[beck72]

Beck I agree with everything you said. The most important aspect of this trade is that it gives us a legitimate guy who can step into the leadoff spot should Pods have another 2004 like season. This team looks a hell of alot better with Pods in the 9 hole and Castillo in the 2 hole. I think Munoz could easily step in and be a decent lefty specialist (kind of like Kelly). Would he be as good as Marte? No way! But we have to do this deal...

 

I could see Castillo leading vs LHP w/ Pods hitting 9th.

 

I think KW got the sense from fans yesterday he's on the right track. A deal for a .300 hitter would be icing on the cake, the final offseason move. Even at the expense of MArte. Let's face it, .300 hitters don't grow on trees. LHP's are easier to find then those type guys.

 

BTW, FA p/u Kevin walker also has to fit in somewhere. Interesting....

[beck72]

The Sox can go three ways at the moment, by either signing Iguchi, trading for a Castillo or Durham, or standing pat with Willie Harris and Wilson Valdez. KW needs to ask himself what will be more important to the team, a second baseman who can bat 2nd in the order, hit for a high average with a good OBP and get some steals, or one of the best lefty relievers in the game who could get back to his 2002-2003 form and post a sub 2.00 ERA. I'd be for signing Iguchi and keeping Marte, and I would have even signed Cairo instead if he was still available, but we may yet see Marte dealt. But I don't think Munoz or Cotts will step up in 2005 and post great numbers that can replace Marte's output, not this season anyway.

 

I think the sox fill the biggest question mark. That is, getting a .300 type hitter for the top of the lineup. Even if it meant making the bullpen less strong [which it would still be strong even w/o marte].

 

While I like the additions of Pods and Dye, and think Uribe and Rowand will have similar 2005 like their 2004, few guys are locks to be .300 hitters. If the sox have the chance to add one, like Castillo, they prob. would and should do it.

 

Adding a guy like Iguchi, would be another question mark. Ray would be decent. But for the money, Castillo is younger, better in the field, and a better type bat that the sox need and could use

[ChWRoCk2]

I could see Castillo leading vs LHP w/ Pods hitting 9th.

 

I think KW got the sense from fans yesterday he's on the right track. A deal for a .300 hitter would be icing on the cake, the final offseason move. Even at the expense of MArte. Let's face it, .300 hitters don't grow on trees. LHP's are easier to find then those type guys.

 

BTW, FA p/u Kevin walker also has to fit in somewhere. Interesting....

we could send borchard down to make room for walker

[DBAHO]

I think the sox fill the biggest question mark. That is, getting a .300 type hitter for the top of the lineup. Even if it meant making the bullpen less strong [which it would still be strong even w/o marte].

 

While I like the additions of Pods and Dye, and think Uribe and Rowand will have similar 2005 like their 2004, few guys are locks to be .300 hitters. If the sox have the chance to add one, like Castillo, they prob. would and should do it.

 

Adding a guy like Iguchi, would be another question mark. Ray would be decent. But for the money, Castillo is younger, better in the field, and a better type bat that the sox need and could use

I'd still be a little worried about our bullpen though if we traded Marte. Hermanson hasn't had ERA lower than 4 for the past few years as a reliever, and he's moving from SBC Park to the Cell, while Vizcaino has been a little wild in previous seasons, although he is excellent against lefties. I suppose it depends on how much Ozzie is going to use the bullpen as well, that certainly comes into consideration, as we have upgraded our starting rotation, and our pen was quite underworked compared to other teams last season.

 

I'm probably biased on the subject because Marte is one of my favorite players, and I'd love to see him get back to the form he showed a few years back, when he was throwing 98 MPH heaters and absolutely dominating hitters. That's why I'd like to see them sign Iguchi instead, but unless his agents decide to take the Sox's offer of 2 years @ 2 mill per, that's unlikely to happen. Maybe if we went after Durham instead, then the Sox may not have to give up Marte, KW should certainly look into other options, and I've got no doubts he's done that.

[DBAHO]

we could send borchard down to make room for walker

Walker's already on the 40 man along with Borch. I doubt either of them will be released from it, but at least Walker's contract is structured in a way that he won't hurt us if he's pitching down at Charlotte.

[AngelasDaddy0427]

QUOTE(chi-guy2 @ Jan 16, 2005 -> 08:59 AM)

we could send borchard down to make room for walker

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Borchard has about as a chance to make this team out of Spring Training as I do. Lets fact it we are already all filled up on OF's. The only way Borch makes it is if one of Timo, Dye, Rowand, Pods, Gload get hurt.

[AngelasDaddy0427]

IMO The ideal scenario here would be:

Marte, Harris for Castillo

 

Then use the extra space on the 40 man to bring back Burke!

[AnthraxFan93]

Then use the extra space on the 40 man to bring back Burke!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Why? We don't need him here now with the signing of AJ and Davis our C situation is fine. I didn't see any other team knocking down his door when he was released to sign him.

[YASNY]

As much as I'd like to see Castillo on the Sox. In order for that to happen, there could be some things occur that most Sox fans would find, uh, distasteful.

 

1. The Sox getting Castiilo is basically contingent on the Fish signing Delgado.

2. If the Fish sign him, the Mets don't.

3. The Mets could then step up and trade for Sosa.

4. With part of Sosa's payroll of the books, the Cubs sign Ordonez.

 

Still, if acquiring Castillo leads to all that, so be it. It doesn't really matter what happens across town.

[AnthraxFan93]

3. The Mets could then step up and trade for Sosa.

 

I don't see it esp with the new riods policy, I think they OF is set

 

RF Cameron

CF Beltran

LF Floyd

 

And if the Mets sign, Delgado where does Piazza play? I thought they wanted to convert him to a 1b.

[YASNY]

I don't see it esp with the new riods policy, I think they OF is set

 

RF Cameron

CF Beltran

LF Floyd

 

And if the Mets sign, Delgado where does Piazza play? I thought they wanted to convert him to a 1b.

 

 

Piazza is going to catch, from what I understand. Cameron apparently has decided he doesn't want to play RF, hence their discussions with Oakland of a Cameron for Eric Byrnes deal. The Mets have been also looking to dump Floyd's salary. Minaya and Sosa have a history. I could very well see this happening.

[DBAHO]

Why? We don't need him here now with the signing of AJ and Davis our C situation is fine.  I didn't see any other team knocking down his door when he was released to sign him.

On another post might have been one of the SoxFest ones, Burke was told he was going to play a lot more 3B, 1B and RF than he normally would catching. His versatility will come in handy for him, and will probably get him a bench spot with a good spring training.

[DBAHO]

Piazza is going to catch, from what I understand. Cameron apparently has decided he doesn't want to play RF, hence their discussions with Oakland of a Cameron for Eric Byrnes deal.  The Mets have been also looking to dump Floyd's salary.  Minaya and Sosa have a history.  I could very well see this happening.

That's unless the D-Backs get Byrnes for Jose Valverde first, which I couldn't believe Billy Beane would actually agree to. But a team like Houston could have interest in Cameron, and then the Mets could sign an outfielder like Maggs to replace him. And then there's the Sosa and Floyd rumors that you have mentioned, unless the Nationals or Orioles decide they need him as a "name" player.

[AnthraxFan93]

Piazza is going to catch, from what I understand. Cameron apparently has decided he doesn't want to play RF, hence their discussions with Oakland of a Cameron for Eric Byrnes deal.  The Mets have been also looking to dump Floyd's salary.  Minaya and Sosa have a history.  I could very well see this happening.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

WOW, now that the first I heard of any of that..IMO should look to deal Piazza first a 36 year old C.. who was never able to throw runners out when he was younger. This IMO is a bad Idea..

 

The Mets still have not leanred from their msitakes have they? They are still paying for Vaughn salary and now they want to take on Sosa.. that is just plain stupid IMO.

[DBAHO]

WOW, now that the first I heard of any of that..IMO should look to deal Piazza first a 36 year old C.. who was never able to throw runners out when he was younger.  This IMO is a bad Idea..

 

The Mets still have not leanred from their msitakes have they? They are still paying for Vaughn salary and now they want to take on Sosa.. that is just plain stupid IMO.

The Angels still could possibly be interested in Piazza, they were rumored to be a month or 2 ago, but I don't know how much money Arte Moreno will be willing to add to the payroll, but he could for a big - time crowd puller like Mike.

 

Fred Wilpon and Omar Minaya are pulling out all the stops for the opening of the Mets Network in 2006. And you can thank them for the inflated pitching market we saw in free agency too.

[Mr. Showtime]

As far as Cameron is concerned he had an operation maybe a month or two ago, he's not expected to be ready for the start of the season. I believe it was on his wrist, so I'm not sure how many teams would be willing to deal for him at this point.

[JUGGERNAUT]

I don't think Castillo is signable after 2005. It's just my opinion but I think you're basically giving up Marte & Harris for a rent a player. The money in that swap is basically the same but your trading for Cas with the intention he's going to have a good year for you. Assuming that happens he's going to be cost-prohibitive for the CWS.

 

Marte is signed for 2 yrs so in my opinion that's too high a price to pay.

Durham I feel will cost much less in talent but more in $ for 2005. The CWS seem to be serious about 2005 so I think he's worth the added $ cost.

[santo=dorf]

QUOTE(JUGGERNAUT @ Jan 16, 2005 -> 01:54 PM)

I don't think Castillo is signable after 2005.  It's just my opinion but I think you're basically giving up Marte & Harris for a rent a player.  The money in that swap is basically the same but your trading for Cas with the intention he's going to have a good year for you.  Assuming that happens he's going to be cost-prohibitive for the CWS.

 

Marte is signed for 2 yrs so in my opinion that's too high a price to pay.

Durham I feel will cost much less in talent but more in $ for 2005.  The CWS seem to be serious about 2005 so I think he's worth the added $ cost.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

What are you talking about?

 

Castillo is signed through 2006 and has an option at 5.25 million for 2007.

 

Why in the world do some want to see or wouldn't mind seeing Damaso being traded?

[YASNY]

WOW, now that the first I heard of any of that..IMO should look to deal Piazza first a 36 year old C.. who was never able to throw runners out when he was younger.  This IMO is a bad Idea..

 

The Mets still have not leanred from their msitakes have they? They are still paying for Vaughn salary and now they want to take on Sosa.. that is just plain stupid IMO.

 

I'll agree. Any team that takes on Sosa is nucking futs. As for Piazza, the Mets are stuck with him unless someone will take him as a DH.

[YASNY]

As far as Cameron is concerned he had an operation maybe a month or two ago, he's not expected to be ready for the start of the season. I believe it was on his wrist, so I'm not sure how many teams would be willing to deal for him at this point.

 

 

Correct. Cameron might not bge ready to start the season.