| By Jason A. Churchill |  | By 07-21-2011 |
The Seattle Mariners have signed Venezuelan right-hander Victor Sanchez, reports Ben Badler, and many of you asked me to comment on the kid.
First of all, I haven't seen but 30 seconds of video on him, so nothing you read from here on out is my own opinion. Second, the scouts I did catch up to to ask about Sanchez wanted him badly, and may have undersold the kid's abilities. Sort of.
"He's as polished as you can expect a 16-year-old pitcher with that kind of stuff to be," said one scout whose club bowed out long before Sanchez the July 2 deadline due to bonus demands. "There's now-velocity that plays, the delivery is good and he's a good athlete, and that helps him stay consistent on the mound as well as field his position."
Another scout, whose club appears to have been in it until the dollars went above $3 million, calls Sanchez's slider "a good pitch that will get inexperienced bats out," but he mentioned that Sanchez drops his arm on the pitch, giving it away and sometimes leaving it up in the zone.
He also throws a changeup and brings pitching smarts to the mound. Badler reports that Sanchez also played right field and could hit a little, too, but was only a big prospect because he touched 94 mph from the hill.
"I've seen him 92-93," the first scout said. "At this age that's enough to get some attention. But I think he could pitch (in the states) right away, he handles himself very well out there."
Without having seen Sanchez and spoken to more people about him, I couldn't confidently place him in the Top 30. Perhaps in mid-August when the next update comes out I'll be able to do so.
The Mariners, in my opinion, are recommitting themselves to Chone Figgins in order to reestablish enough value and showcase his abilities to clubs that could have interest in acquiring him via trade.
He started in left field Thursday and Kyle Seager is no longer around to take away playing time at third base. I know clubs have mild interest in Figgins, so it is a possibility that he gets moved, either this summer before one of the two trade deadlines, or over the winter. But we need to get one thing straight: It's going to cost the M's a load of cash or a bad contract coming back, and the trade return is not going to be an impact talent no whether the club covers 70, 80 or 100 percent of the $20 million or so due to Figgins through 2013.
It's just a salary and roster spot dump, nothing more, and the chances it happens are still slim, just not impossible. General manager Jack Zduriencik and his assistants are terrific at this, however, so give them a chance.
Adam Kennedy isn't making tons of cash but he also brings very little to the table for a contending club and is not going to bring back an impact player, either. But Brandon League might, it's just not going to be Devin Mesoraco, or anything like that.
A year ago, the Washington Nationals received catcher Wilson Ramos in return for Matt Capps, a very similar pitcher to that of League, in that he was under club control through the ensuing season and had some experience closing, though wasn't considered an established elite 9th-inning arm.
League isn't going to the Reds in return for Yasmani Grandal, either, but he could net a very useful player, perhaps an everyday player or strong platoon bat.
The M's, however, may prefer to hang onto League with David Aardsma being out through the middle of next season or longer, but Josh Lueke is getting another shot to show whether or not he can help late in the game next year.
I'd put the percentage odds on League being traded at about 30 percent, partially due to the number of setup men and closers on the trade market this summer.
sanchez,-figgins,-league,-kennedy
Comments
The following 32 comment(s) for this article are shown below:
| 1. By: short on 07-21-2011 18:06:16 I don't think anyone in the M's blogosphere has spent nearly enough time gnashing their teeth over how much Bedard's injury is costing this team. If he'd stayed healthy and tossed two or three more decent games by this point, we could have gotten a similar return to what you hope we'll get for League. Bedard is likely to be untradable now, at least before the deadline. What are the odds of moving him after the July 31st deadline, before the August 31st deadline? I assume he's making a small enough amount of money that he'd just get claimed going through waivers, right? |
| 2. By: nater on 07-21-2011 18:16:37 I don't thinking people are gnashing their teeth over Bedard because they understand other teams do not place a high value on a pitcher who has pitched, what, a grand total of 7 post all-star break innings in the past 3 years? He's been great so far this year, but I don't think anyone is willing to gamble he'll be available in October. |
| 3. By: cusefan15 on 07-21-2011 18:30:55 Jason, Do you think that League is enough to pull in a player like JJ Reddick? Obviously it could only happen if the Redsox found a better answer in the outfield. Also, what is your opinion of Ryan Lavarnway? For a guy who has hit as well as he does, people sure don't give him much attention. Thanks, Jake |
| 4. By: Jason A. Churchill on 07-21-2011 19:09:22 short, Bedard's recent injury hasn't done much at all, actually. I know of execs that just don't trust him, and were saying that in May and June before the knee thing. The Mariners were never in a position to get an impact young talent in return for Bedard. cusefan15, I think the Orlando Magic would want a basketball player or two in return for J.J. LOL. Josh, on the other hand ... don't believe the small sample size. The M's would be better off asking for Ryan Kalish, who is injured right now a but a better bet to hit long term. Lavarnway isn't a good catcher, that's why. |
| 5. By: Jon O on 07-21-2011 21:00:00 Any chance a Figgins for Jason Bay swap makes sense? I know he makes more $ than Figgins and also has 2 more years on his contract (just like our favorite Mariner). |
| 6. By: AntsInIn on 07-21-2011 21:56:26 The closer we come to July 31, the more convinced (and depressed) I am that the Mariners simply won't make any moves, because there aren't any to be had. |
| 7. By: rotoenquire on 07-21-2011 22:41:28 The M's have trade options. Figgins to the Reds if we eat some salary is not far fetched. Not a top 10 prospect in return tho. maybe you can to should have or long awaited maybe's. Say J. Francisco 3B and or C. Valaika 2B again M's would have to eat all but 4 million per year on his deal. League may stay, BUT the asking price on some of these relievers by teams is insane. You could still get value back for League by slightly under cutting what other teams are asking for. Kennedy is still trade bait. As for Bedard he was never being traded. He will be an M for awhile and a solid 3-4 starter... |
| 8. By: kjt0004 on 07-21-2011 23:08:01 Jason, I have heard rumors about the Mariners being interested in Jonathan Singleton from the Phillies. Whats the scoop on that? And being as that I know nothing about this kid, is he any good? Also I have been reading a lot about Vinny Catricala and him moving from 3rd base to Left Field, how does he project at that position? Thanks for the insight!!! |
| 9. By: Jason A. Churchill on 07-22-2011 00:22:14 rotoenquire, Not sure where you are getting any of that. It's as if you are Jack Zduriencik, throwing out specifics as facts. It's all B.S., of course, so... |
| 10. By: Jason A. Churchill on 07-22-2011 00:25:15 kjt0004, Where did you get that about Singleton? I'm wondering who is spreading lies. On Catricala, I reported several weeks ago that the M's still have some hope that he'll stick at third, but left field is the alternative, not first base. I haven't read anyone else saying that, so I will only speak from my conversations with the M's and scouts on Catricala's abilities. He has just enough arm and athleticism to believe he could stick there, but needs to get a lot of time out there. |
| 11. By: kjt0004 on 07-22-2011 01:33:03 That's good to hear. Is the pop in his bat a result of being in the High Desert to start the season or is it legitimate? As for Singleton, I read it on MLBTradeRumors it said the following: "The Phillies are open to dealing Jonathan Singleton, according to Newsday’s Ken Davidoff. Dave Cameron of U.S.S. Mariner says we should expect the Mariners to pursue Singleton if that’s the case . Seattle likes Singleton, according to Cameron." |
| 12. By: Jason A. Churchill on 07-22-2011 01:41:35 So they just LIKE Singleton. They haven't necessarily called Philly and said "we want him, how can we get him?" or anything like that. Teams like a lot of players -- hundreds, literally, it's what they do, they covet good players. The M's are as interested in Singleton as they are in hundreds of other good players. As for the Phillies "open to dealing" Singleton, sure, in return for an impact talent, because they aren't going to deal Cosart or Brown, or even Valle, for a rental of any kind. They MIGHT be willing to move Singleton for Beltran if they got Isringhausen, too, and they could deal him for Pence. As for the M's pursuing him, I guess I don't see it any further than they'd pursue any other good player that isn't completely off limits. The Phillies aren't shopping Singleton, that I know. |
| 13. By: eknpdx on 07-22-2011 11:22:21 Jason, based on your info and feedback from people you know, what is your best guess of Fister's value? |
| 14. By: Edman on 07-22-2011 11:25:50 I think some ask questions like #8 looking for hope that something that seems highly unlikely, really isn't. Other teams value their good prospects just as much as Seattle does. In a way, they are more valuable than trading veteran players, because of their low cost and them being under team control for several years. If a player like that is really good, it's going to take a lot to get them. Dave Cameron can't and doesn't speak for the Mariners, nor does Jason. They both have their sources, but in this particular case, Dave himself may expect the Mariners to pursue Singleton, but it doesn't mean they are, nor that they have the pieces to get a deal done. Also, be careful with what is posted on MLB Rumors. I have found that their comments about what various articals and posts say, are not fully accurate. I have found many times that their descriptions go farther than the intent or nature of what they reference. |
| 15. By: milksteak on 07-22-2011 11:34:09 What about a Bedard trade for a player to be named later based on how much/well he pitches post trade? |
| 16. By: maqman on 07-22-2011 13:02:33 I had that same idea about Bedard. His contract has incentive payments that could have gotten him close to $6MM. He has earned some of those payments already but this DL ride probably cost him over a million in lost earnings (and saved the M's that amount). If somebody claims him he could end up costing them $2-$3MM unless the M's agree to pay it. The M's could offer him on a results/return basis. He does well they get an A player back, he does average then they get a B prospect, he doesn't do good they only get a C prospect. He is not going to be a type A or B player so no draft picks are involved. |
| 17. By: nighthawk180 on 07-22-2011 13:26:57 Does anyone else think that the Bedard DL stint is anything but false? I mean thinking back on what Jason said the a some exec's didnt trust him back in may and june. The dude hasnt pitched in almost 2 full seasons. I think the DL stint was the mariners way of curbing his innings and giving Beaven a shot at the majors. It could be a real injury but they did the same thing with Fister even though one could argue that his arm was tired. If there was no market for him what could it hurt to give him some time to rest? Beaven hasnt been horrible in his starts. Just throwing that out there. |
| 18. By: CyFelix on 07-22-2011 13:38:21 Anyway we could pull Yasmani Grandal or Yonder Alonso from the Reds in a deal involving Figgins, cash and League? |
| 19. By: CyFelix on 07-22-2011 13:45:56 Guess I should re read it after reading it last night. My bad. |
| 20. By: Edman on 07-22-2011 13:58:12 nighthawk, really? You think that Bedard and the player's union would allow the Mariners to misuse the DL, especially with an incentives based contract. You think Bedard is that appreciative of the Mariners to loose hundreds of thousands of dollars, so they can get a look at Beavan? An arm being tired isn't enough to land a pitcher on the DL? You'd rather that they risk injury to Fister? There are no conspiracies going on. It would be to the Mariner's advantage to not put Bedard on the DL. If he's pitching well at the trading deadline, there's a chance that someone's willing to overpay for him. |
| 21. By: dawgncarolina on 07-22-2011 14:31:53 Nighthawk, step away from the bong |
| 22. By: nighthawk180 on 07-22-2011 15:33:54 Yeah that last hit was a doosy lol. Look guys I should have worded it differently. I didnt mean to say that it is completely false but does anyone think that it could have something to due with why he's been out more than 2 weeks? I mean their really isnt any market for him. You yourself Edman dont trade to trade its got to be beneficial. I get it, its really far out there but it was supposed to be a question. I should lay off the bong for a minute huh. They retro the injury the day of his last start. He seemed to be pitching fine and walking around very easily after the game and the next few days according to the video feeds. I have had knee sprains, meniscus tears, and knee surgery you walk with a slight limb at the least. Again just my observation but I think the injury may be legit but what the injury is could be something different. Where's my lighter? |
| 23. By: nighthawk180 on 07-22-2011 15:46:45 I will also say this Bedard has pitched 90 innings so far this year. So far in his mariner career that has been the most he's pitched for us ever. Beavan in his 3 starts has gone 20 ip. Say that bedard didnt go on the dl and posted similar ip during those 3 starts. That would put him around 110 ip. That would put him on pace to reach 180-200 innings by years end. The guy just had 2 shoulder surgeries in the past two years. Do you want the mariners to say that his arm hurts 3 weeks before the trade deadline or he sprained his knee. That would definitely affect his value more so then a knee injury. Thats the only reason I said what I said. I hope I'm completely wrong I dont wish injury on anyone especially a mariner. It does to me look suspicious. |
| 24. By: TroyD on 07-22-2011 22:50:26 Jason/other commenters- Since the Reds need a SP, RP, and a leadoff/utility guy why not trade Figgins (eating all or almost all the money owed which Ill explain my ideolgy in the next paragraph) League, and Vargas/Fister (whomever they prefer). For Alosno (blocked thus lowering his value a little because GM's know it) Frazier, etc. The reason why you can eat all the money owed is that you are diversifying his contract for 2-3 hitters that would cost you more to fill than Figgins contract via Free Agency. Vargas and League would allow you to justify asking for the hitters you want especially with tose guys I listed being blocked positionally. From the Reds P.O.V. it fill s their needs to make a run and allows them to risk Figgin w.out costing them a thing. They give us guys that are blocked by ML players already there. Also, all the guys we give them are not rentals which ups the value of acquiring them by knowing they can use them going forward for future contention. From the M's perspective its getting something of value for the money owed to Figgins and Vargas can be replaced by the up and coming pitchers and we dont need an expensive closer while rebuilding. In conclusion, I think it works out good for both teams. The Reds get a solid SP, an above average reliever especially in the NL, and a leadoff guy at no risk other than the prospects they give up which are most likely blocked anyways. The Mariners get something of value in prospective hitters who at worst make certain positions comepetitive which allows the cream to rise to the top in the long run. I know it sounds perfect on paper and probably wont happen but I think it would be a good thing for both teams. Thoughts people? |
| 25. By: slick on 07-22-2011 23:39:49 If we were to trade with Cincy I think I would want Boxberger coming back so I wouldn't feel all that bad about the bullpen going into next year. |
| 26. By: TroyD on 07-22-2011 23:43:59 Slick would be nice but I would focus on hitters. Bullpen can be fixed internally. Maybe we dont have a closer of the future but they can be found/had. |
| 27. By: slick on 07-23-2011 00:23:49 Yeah i was thinking a deal centered around Alonso, boxberger as the second guy. Hamilton is a burner, but i am not sure if anybody is sold on his bat. |
| 28. By: TroyD on 07-23-2011 00:46:29 Personally I like Alonso, Frazier, and Fransisco if we could pull it off it be great IMO. I doubt they'd give that much but Id be excited. Maybe Alonso, Grandal, and somebody???? |
| 29. By: dawgncarolina on 07-23-2011 01:08:30 It would be a miracle to get Alonso and Grandal for that package. I'd be thrilled, but I don't see it happening. |
| 30. By: rocketdawg31 on 07-23-2011 01:11:15 Rocketdawg31's $.02 on the current subject: *Established stars are dropping like flies all over the bigs. *This is the quietest I've seen July 22nd on the trade front in quite a while. *We probably need to temper hopes/expectations. *Adrian Beltre's injury looks pretty blasted bad, which also means a player I personally would want (3B Mike Olt) is off the table completely in Texas. And finally.... There's reports that the Reds scouted Fister and Vargas in Toronto (source: MLBTradeRumors). That in itself is no big deal. Scouts are all over this time of year. But if the Reds made a move for one of our SP, I'd bet my bottom dollar plus the wallet that it's Fister. Vargas would get summarily slain at Great American Ballpark, and he's more valuable to us than what he could be anywhere else with maybe the exception of San Diego. And IMHO? We don't stand a chance of getting Alonso AND Grandal without throwing in a Nick Franklin on top of just about every current ML-piece (League,Wright,Fister, Figgins) they reasonably ask for. Our pieces are interesting, and potentially valuable to a division-clinching club. But they're also second-tier when it comes to what GMs want. They're valuable, but just not that good. And another thing to consider is that Walt Jocketty does NOT have a rep for surrendering young talent willy-nilly for just any old veteran ballplayers that happen to fit his need. Grandal is the guy who I'd covet the most in their org (because we're just not getting Mesoraco). He would fit a screaming need in our org, and don't think the Reds don't know it. But it'll take sublime creativity and sacrifice (and if Figgins is involved, beaucoup cash) to even nab a Grandal. Talents like Boxberger and Frazier are far more likely to come back to us, if anything. |
| 31. By: aerichner on 07-23-2011 01:18:07 TroyD, Alonso (and the others) might be blocked but that doesnt decrease their trade value. They're not just going to deal them just for that reason. There's a ton of RP help available so League's value is somewhat down. Figgins sucks even if we eat 80% of the contract and Vargas (IMO) is only valuable to Seattle because he throws strikes, is cheap, left handed and obviously Safeco is a factor there too. If we get ONE of the players you mentioned, I'd be happy. We'll see how it goes in the next few days. 100% trust in Jack, if nothing gets done (other than a Kennedy/Jack WIlson move) then he didnt get a good enough offer for them and it wasnt worth making a the deal but I wouldnt say it was for lack of effort. Love him (and his staff), hope he gets an extension. |
| 32. By: maqman on 07-23-2011 13:06:43 I'm hoping Z gets an extension too. Nobody can be expected to get them all right but he's got a plan and I believe in it. If Cashman does bail on the Yankees I would not be surprised if they asked to interview Jack. |
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