| By Chris Crawford |  | By 12-02-2010 |
Per 710 ESPN Seattle, the M's have brought back Erik Bedard on a one-year, non guaranteed contract, and have traded Jose Lopez to Colorado for Chaz Roe.
This shouldn't shock anyone, the team knows what Bedard is capable of when healthy and Bedard knows what he can do in Safeco Field to re-establish value, and Lopez was going to be non-tendered.
Should we expect a single inning from Bedard? No, and even if he's able to come back who knows how effective he can be. But there's absolutely nothing wrong with bringing back a pitcher with his stuff when the cost is literally nothing.
Roe, a 6-foot-5 right-hander, was a sandwich round pick by the Rockies in 2005 -- he just turned 24 -- and offers a low-90s fastball that has touched 95 in years past, a curveball and a changeup. None of the three are thrown with command, but his control has improved since 2007.
He lives off fastball movement, some sink, thanks to good downward plane, some tailing action, and the flashing of a good overhand curveball that can be an out pitch at times.
He's had problems missing bats and has become more of an efficient starting pitcher, but it would be interesting to see how he fared in a relief role where he could sit in the 93-96 mph range and focus on one secondary pitch.
Wouldn't give up on him as a starter just yet, however.
Considering Lopez was going to be non-tendered anyway, this is a solid trade.
- Jason A. Churchill
m\'s-bring-back-bedard
Comments
The following 36 comment(s) for this article are shown below:
| 1. By: Kevin on 12-02-2010 21:23:00 Can't argue with an all upside, no downside signing like this. As Jason pointed out on Twitter, if he comes back and actually performs fairly well, he could bring us a draft pick next year when he signs somewhere else. Not to mention, I'd hate to see Bedard perform well for another team after 2 years of rehabbing with the M's. |
| 2. By: Chris Crawford on 12-02-2010 21:24:10 That's exactly right, Kevin. The M's weren't going to let someone else reap their hard work. Absolutely zero harm in this. With that being said, the chances of him being any good? Slim. Very very slim. |
| 3. By: Kevin on 12-02-2010 21:37:32 Here's a though (that I'm sure other people have had); Think he could end up in the bullpen for a while to save his arm a little? The lefties we've got to pitch in the bullpen aren't particularly awe-inspiring. Of course if he CAN start, he SHOULD start, but just a thought. |
| 4. By: StandinPat on 12-02-2010 21:47:46 Gotta love Jack for getting a non-pile of crap for guy we wanted to be rid of for a while now. |
| 5. By: Jason A. Churchill on 12-02-2010 21:51:02 Kevin, Another interesting aspect of that is where he'd rank having thrown, say, 75 innings out of the bullpen and being considered a reliever. Might be easier for him to get to Type B status. |
| 6. By: 200tang on 12-02-2010 21:53:37 If Bedard comes back and proves to be even a decent inning eater I'm sure there will be someone interested at the trade deadline making the type B sort of a moot point. Nice low risk/high reward pickup. |
| 7. By: Jason A. Churchill on 12-02-2010 21:59:21 Absolutely, 200tang. This community gets it. This is fun. |
| 8. By: Jackson on 12-02-2010 22:07:26 If Bedard does well enough to get Type B status, how much could he expect to make in arbitration and would it be worth offering it? |
| 9. By: Jason A. Churchill on 12-02-2010 22:08:26 If he pitches that well after making so little in 2011, accepting arby won't be in his future. |
| 10. By: Stormton on 12-02-2010 22:52:38 What's the skinny on Chaz Roe? |
| 11. By: Jason A. Churchill on 12-02-2010 23:21:54 Read the post above, Stormton. Sometimes that is where the answers are. |
| 12. By: Turtle on 12-03-2010 00:20:30 Thanks for the fast right up on Roe. Top notch as always fellas. |
| 13. By: sexymarinersfan on 12-03-2010 00:32:46 No risk. High reward. I have no problem with this deal. Glad to see Jose go. Frustrated because he did not pan out. But so far it definitely creates the whole for Ackley to make the jump. I'm pretty sure the M's will have a fall back plan or Plan A for that matter for the 2B job. I'm sure Wedge and Z have talked about where they're going to position Figgins and sort of take that approach to constructing the infield for next year. I wonder if an Aardsma deal were on the horizon? I could see the M's getting a really good 4th OF or some multi-position INF that can hit to come to the team. Hope to see more good moves like today. |
| 14. By: krob4mvp on 12-03-2010 00:38:07 Josh Fields a possible replacement for Lopez? Fe was non-tendered by the Royals today. He seems like a Jack type of guy (former 1st rounder, former success, good athlete, and low-risk). However, I don't know where is health is at or how his right-handed approach would translate to Safeco...just a thought! |
| 15. By: rjfrik on 12-03-2010 01:46:16 Fields would be an interesting reclamation project. I'm not sure if he can still handle 3b, but he could be a platoon partner with Saunders out in LF and could be an interesting bat off the bench. If they did go that route. He could play 3b while Figgens plays 2b until Ackley is ready then you could move Figgens over to 3b and when Ackley comes up. |
| 16. By: sexymarinersfan on 12-03-2010 02:52:10 Krob and rjrik you are absolutely correct. He'd definitely be somebody I'd like to look at during Spring Training. At least send him out an invite. I really like the idea of him filling the hole at 3B until Ackley is ready. If there is no viable option for 2B, then Fields is definitely worth a look. |
| 17. By: Bionic_ben23 on 12-03-2010 04:03:28 I don't mind the Bedard re-signing, it's something that could end up being a positive. gmz seems to be about taking failures and making them positives or at least giving 2nd chances while [his] talent/draft picks have that time to grow in the system. Lopez, just wasn't meant to play in safeco. At least he'll be in the NL when he finally gets a clue and starts killing the pitching. Josh Wilson, Nice stop gap. JAC, is adam moore going to get into winter league ball like pedro suggested earlier tonight on the radio? And do Felix and Erik really have a good relationship going? |
| 18. By: EAG164 on 12-03-2010 05:13:09 JAC, Do you see the M's making a play for Edwin Encarn.? Seems to fit a need at third though he is a comparable to Lopez in a lot of ways. Figgins could play 2nd till Ackley is called up. At which point Encarn. could be used as part time 3b/of/dh. Also is there any interest in the Nationals SS which some reports are saying is available? Thanks |
| 19. By: acqb1424 on 12-03-2010 08:35:24 Looking over the list of guys that were just non-tendered, there were some intriguing names. Jason, what are your thoughts on Andrew Miller, Russell Martin, Fred Lewis and the aforementioned Fields? Would any of these guys be a fit? Also, do you see any chance that the M's bring RRS back? |
| 20. By: shortstop9 on 12-03-2010 09:03:27 Wow we got Josh Wilson back and maybe Fields this offense will be deadly.We need to start Figgens at 3RD and leave him there all year. |
| 21. By: Edman on 12-03-2010 10:47:20 Wow, shortstop, could you be any more snarky with your Wilson and Fields comment? I don't recall anyone stating that either would be keys to an offense. Just because you can't seem to end your belief that Bartlett should be a Mariner, doesn't mean you need to be so sarcastic. I guess you got tired facing the reality that the M's aren't going to spend $5 million foolishly, and give up prospects to fill your scenario. The M's aren't going to start throwing money while they're also trying to rebuild. |
| 22. By: Jerry on 12-03-2010 11:00:06 There are a ton of interesting players that got nontendered. Since the M's are facing a rebuilding year, they are well positioned to take a flier on some of these guys. If fact, I think they could bring in several of these guys and hope that one or two work out for them. I'd focus on upside guys. These are the names that interest me: C Dioner Navarro LHP Andrew Miller LHP J.P. Howell OF Lastings Millege RHP Manny DelCarmen DH Jack Cust Navarro would be a great pickup to add depth behind Moore. As a switch hitter who is only 27 next year, he would be a good addition to the club. Miller obviously is a mess, but lefties do well in Seattle, and who knows? Why not take a flier? Perhaps this is just me still thinking back to the disappointment of not drafting him. Sometimes guys like this just figure it out. Howell is injured and won't be ready to start the season, but he is a dominant lefty setup guy when healthy. The M's could pick him up and hope he helps the club down the stretch. If he works out, he could be a good trade chip at the deadline. Millege is an ex megaprospect. He's still young, and could develop into an above average player. But right now, he is a pretty good 4th outfielder. As a righty bat, he would be a good compliment to Saunders, and, last I heard, he could play all three OF positions and not embarrass himself. Manny Delcarmen would also be an interesting guy to bring in, as he would provide a bit of depth in the bullpen. He's got pretty good stuff, and could be due for a bounceback season after playing in Colorado last year. Finally, I think that Jack Cust could be a solid alternative to Branyan, providing almost exactly the same skill set. He just gives up a bit of power in exchange for more BBs (and K's). Cust could be a solid stop-gap for the M's for a year. If he plays the entire season, he could walk 100 times and give the M's a bit of a boost in HR and OBP. There are some interesting non-tenders. Given the M's situation, this is a perfect time to take a chance on guys who have seen their value drop, but still have some talent. I'd rather see the M's give guys like this a chance than to go out and sign guys like Hideki Matsui or Lance Berkman. Those two are probably better than a lot of the players I mentioned above, but don't give you any real upside. Most of the players I listed above could potentially help the team in 2012 or beyond. I think they should be looking for diamonds in the rough, not retreads. |
| 23. By: cusefan15 on 12-03-2010 11:08:34 Navarro- I agree, he makes great sense for us and I could see him coming cheaply. It will be interesting to see how much his walking away from the Drays last post-season hurts him in the eyes of our brass though. Miller makes perfect sense in Safeco. Worst case scenario, he can pitch from the pen. On Howell, there was a report that the the Rays are likely to resign him. Whether or not Milledge makes sense depends on the teams plans for Milton Bradley. Even if Bradley does go away though, I think there are other options out there that make sense. |
| 24. By: Chris Crawford on 12-03-2010 11:22:01 All good stuff guys, but please be careful on length. Again, not a content thing, a site workability thing. |
| 25. By: Chris Crawford on 12-03-2010 11:22:11 All good stuff guys, but please be careful on length. Again, not a content thing, a site workability thing. |
| 26. By: Jerry on 12-03-2010 11:22:38 I don't see Fields as a legit option either. The M's need to play Figgins, and moving him back to 3B makes a ton of sense. Figgins is a good player. I think he's the best bet on the team to have a substantial rebound. And he's a plus defender at that position. The M's are stuck with him, and he can't get any worse. Why not give him another year to live up to his contract? If he doesn't, we can always deal with that problem mid-season or for 2012. If Figgins puts up another bad season, he'll become a way overpriced but useful utility player, and the M's can look elsewhere. |
| 27. By: shortstop9 on 12-03-2010 11:56:49 Snarky-nice word Edman! I am not just pushing Bartlett-I just want the offense to improve because if it is worse or the same as last year they will see a huge drop in attendance and that will be a negative for 2012. |
| 28. By: burn31226 on 12-03-2010 12:22:22 What about acquiring Pablo Sandoval. I like the Giants still want to acquire a ss or 3b even with tejada signed. I think he would be a fit for the dh and in a pinch can play 1b or 3b if we need him in an emergency. |
| 29. By: STEVEV on 12-03-2010 12:23:18 How cheap might Navarro come? I have no doubt Jack will do what he thinks best, but based on his (Jack's) past history my guess is that he will back up Adam Moore with another Josh Bard type catcher. Someone who will not get paid over $1 million. I'd like to have Dionier on the bench too, but I don't see it as a typical Jack Z move. Unless, of course, he sees a possible long-term solution at catcher. I'm not sure Navarro is that player. |
| 30. By: Edman on 12-03-2010 12:24:47 shortstop, and you really believe Bartlett is going to push up attendance? They going to suddenly improve because of his presence in the lineup? Yeah, I read your comments about him being a team leader. Same thing was said about Griffey and we saw how that worked out. Bloomquist brought that same kind of enthusiasm, and he didn't make the Royals any better. They have too many holes in the offense. If you could get Bartlett for $3 million, great. But, as Jason has explained, that is not at all likely to happen. The chances of them struggling like they did this year are remote, simply by the odds of almost everyone putting up below personal bests this year. |
| 31. By: Edman on 12-03-2010 12:28:59 Sorry shortstop, I misread your post. Yes, we all want the offense to improve. We all want attendance to improve. But, it's not fair to criticize moves that provide insurance and a look at players that have unrealized potential. Nobody's saying they're going to pan out. But, sometimes you can find a gem that way. |
| 32. By: shortstop9 on 12-03-2010 12:55:04 I think the only way to push up attendance is to win games.Bartlett for example would make them alot better at that position and he is available.I would rather they tried to get Densmore now.Any idea on what type of pitching it would take to get him? |
| 33. By: StandinPat on 12-03-2010 13:09:11 I'd basically take a flyer on just about every non-tendered Ray. Navarro and Howell would both be interesting and good fits, and Willy Aybar is a guy I've been clamoring for for years. Aybar would fill the 2B, then Utility when Ackley is ready role very well. He can play 2B/3B/1B decently, walks a bit and gets to the gaps as a switch hitter. |
| 34. By: maqman on 12-03-2010 13:49:32 I like all of the moves except resigning Josh Wilson, there must be better players available at a reasonable price. I'm also in favor of taking a look at Cust for the DH slot. I for one think Bedard can come back and pitch well again. |
| 35. By: Madison Mariner on 12-03-2010 13:49:46 "I think the only way to push up attendance is to win games.Bartlett for example would make them alot better at that position and he is available." Well, he's available in a trade, yes, but not as a free agent since the Rays tendered him a contract. And since they did that, he'll likely make $5-$7 million, and cost the M's a player or two in return to obtain, and he'll want to start, which is a problem since we have Jack Wilson already. So, as already pointed out, it's probably not going to happen. ;) |
| 36. By: rocketdawg31 on 12-04-2010 14:54:31 The absence of Jose Lopez has automatically made a rising wave of my chances of putting my maximum entertainment dollars into this team. God, it'll be so good to see someone else wear #4, it'll mean he's really gone for good. I'm liking the Bedard pick-up. We may even catch lightning in a bottle and have him be able to pitch. No harm in this move at all. |
Haven't created a Prospect Insider account yet? Sign up!
|
|
 |
|
|
| Copyright 2010 Prospect Insider | Created by AQ Central Prospect Insider is optimized for Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome |