Trade possibility?

by jbertram on Jan 21, 2008 12:26 PM CST

Over at MLBTR they list the Cubbies as being a possible trade partner for the Fathers if they try to move Khalil Greene. Given the obvious availability of Cedeno, if the Byrd deal happens with something like Byrd and a prospect for Murton, would it be enough to flip that prospect (or another depending on what the Pads want) + Cedeno for Greene? It would give the Cubs the right handed platoon in CF they are already discussing, and a upgrade at short. Essentially it would be Murton/Cedeno for Byrd/Greene in a round a bout way, any thoughts?

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Don't think that will happen...

Them dealing their starting shortstop, who hits well away from home, for a mediocre one at best doesn't sound right. Although if he could boost his OBP I would like to see him in a Cub uniform.

Elbow above the shoulder. Below is a no no.

by number1cubfan on Jan 21, 2008 12:31 PM CST reply actions

Just going off what they were saying...

Greene is signed for two more years, and has refuesed to talk long term with the Pads. They have no replacement on the farm, which is why the Cedeno idea came up. Maybe it would take two prospects, obviously I don't know, just an interesting thought, agreed his OBP would have to go up, but that extra power would be nice.

by jbertram on Jan 21, 2008 12:37 PM CST reply actions

Typing too fast

*refused.

by jbertram on Jan 21, 2008 12:38 PM CST reply actions

Totally bogus rumor made up at NSBB

Not so much that they made it up, but it was thrown out there to discuss there and per usual, MLBTR picked it up since it's a slow news day.

Greene is under contract for 2 more years I believe, so why would the Padres concern themselves by trading him now and creating a big hole on their team? Cedeno won't cut it either.It makes no sense whatsoever and should be dismissed.

I reject your reality and substitute my own. ` Adam Savage Mythbusters

by lemon20pie on Jan 21, 2008 12:51 PM CST reply actions

The initial speculation...

...that Greene is available comes from Corey Brock, who covers the Pads for their official website. Basically, he's their Carrie Muskat. I have no idea if theirs is better than ours.

As for why they'd deal him? Because if they don't deal him before his walk year, they'll get nothing but the draft pick compensation. Well, they've still got two years of club control. But teams are starting to figure out that you get a much better return if you deal players who still have multiple years left before free agency.

It is very speculative that the Cubs could be involved in such a deal. But what's wrong with speculating, so long as everyone understands the context? Greene is a stud player at our greatest position of need - why NOT talk about what it takes to get him?

I would suggest you learn to truly interrupt all stats before using any selective stats. -- cubswin

by cwyers on Jan 21, 2008 1:26 PM CST up reply actions

interesting thought

I was just over at MLBTR and reading that rumor. I must say that if all it would take is Cedeno/second level pitching prospect, I'd be all in favor of it. it would sorta' depend on whether or not Greene would be willing to at least discuss an extension with the Cubs, but he's a great defender and a surprisingly good power bat. his OBP isn't great, but playing in a hitters park like Wrigley I'd imagine his run production would be solid.

by petrie on Jan 21, 2008 1:39 PM CST up reply actions

I doubt...

... Cedeno and a 2nd level prospect would do it. The Padres are a contending team. Why do they deal their starting SS, two years before they have to, even given the idea that they would only get draft choice compensation if they lose him to free agency?

I think this is a pipedream.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jan 21, 2008 1:42 PM CST up reply actions

We'd have to give a real pitching prospect.

Possibly add in some other pieces as well - the Pads are known to be seeking a corner outfielder, so Murton might appeal to them. This would not be exactly cheap - I don't think the idea that we could do this for Cedeno and spare parts should hold any sway. This would take a decent haul for the Pads to sign off on it.

But we were willing to give up a decent haul for Roberts. How much more valuable is Brian Roberts than Khalil Greene?

I would suggest you learn to truly interrupt all stats before using any selective stats. -- cubswin

by cwyers on Jan 21, 2008 2:06 PM CST up reply actions

How much more valuable?

If you neutralize their .OPS's you get .777 for Greene and .755 for Roberts, so maybe he's not more valuable at all. Sure Roberts does other things well but then Greene supposedly plays great defense. Interesting. Sure he bats right but if you add in that he'd be replacing Theriot instead of DeRosa this could be a better upgrade option than Roberts.

I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. - Robert McCloskey

by pageian on Jan 21, 2008 2:27 PM CST up reply actions

new wrinkle

Ken Rosenthal (fairly reliable source) says that the Padres are interested in Matt Murton. could we see a Murton/Cedeno for Greene trade?

by petrie on Jan 21, 2008 8:53 PM CST up reply actions

Brock = Muskat

I live in San Diego and it's scary how similar they are. I think MLB my be cloning these people to serve as "writing drones" for all the teams. But he does have a better haircut than Carrie.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Jan 21, 2008 2:19 PM CST up reply actions

Correct me if I am wrong

but wasn't Greene drafted by the Cubs awhile back?

Live is boring until March 31st strolls by..

by Chanman25 on Jan 21, 2008 1:48 PM CST reply actions

Yes.

He was drafted by the Cubs in the 14th round in 2001, but didn't sign, then the Padres made him their #1 pick the following year.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jan 21, 2008 2:07 PM CST up reply actions

Never fear

SDSJM will be along shortly to straighten all of this out.

I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. - Robert McCloskey

by pageian on Jan 21, 2008 2:21 PM CST reply actions

Are you people

who are talking about "Murton and a prospect" for Byrd as tossed out in this post actually looking at Marlon Byrd's numbers closely? Or are you just blindly reading some Rangers blog baloney and taking it at face value?

Marlon Byrd for Sam Fuld right now might be a bad trade for the Cubs. Heck, Byrd for Eric Patterson might be questionable. Wake up, people!

"It's a long fly to left field. And there it goes. Ahhh crap." -- Harry Caray

by cubz1963 on Jan 21, 2008 11:10 PM CST reply actions

Would

there be riots in the streets of the North side if the Cubs traded Murton for someone who would replace Theriot? That scenerio sounds way to good to be true.

by Comfortably Numb on Jan 22, 2008 4:07 AM CST reply actions

I would love to see him...

On the North Side. I like Theriot alot but I have always loved Greene. From what I remember he seems to hit very well in Wrigley also.

It is said that he is having some family issues out on the east coast. I mean I guess he would be closer to his family if he came to Chicago...

If we could just get him and Bedard some way I would do it in a heart beat.

by dus22 on Jan 22, 2008 2:02 PM CST reply actions

i thought so to

I seem to remember him being something of a Cubs-killer, but I couldn't find any stats to actually back that up and I didn't wanna get flamed for it.

by petrie on Jan 22, 2008 3:06 PM CST up reply actions

Well Greene would

provide D and power but he has yucky numbers.

In 5 season in the MLB he has had an OBP LOWER than .300 3 of those 5 years.

Love to have him to hit around 7th.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Jan 22, 2008 3:14 PM CST up reply actions

Would also like to point out...

...that Khalil Greene's home/away splits are pronounced, even for a Padre.

Khalil Greene, 2007

Home: .216/.258/.412, .670 OPS
Away: .288/.322/.519, .840 OPS

San Diego Padres, 2007

Home: .235/.310/.378, .688 OPS
Away: .265/.333/.440, .773 OPS

Greene's pronounced split seems to exist for his entire career. It's possible that Greene's particular hitting style is impacted more than normal by Petco's park effect. In which case, you could expect even better things from Greene than his general stat line and park factors would suggest.

I would suggest you learn to truly interrupt all stats before using any selective stats. -- cubswin

by cwyers on Jan 22, 2008 5:36 PM CST reply actions

More Green splits & info.

Career at Wrigley Field: .200/.250/.400 in 50 at-bats.

He struck out a ton last year -- 128 times, far more than his previous career high (yes, I know, way more AB, but his walk rate didn't increase, his OBA last year was a Neifiesque .291).

I think Greene is a good player and he'd probably hit better with Wrigley as his home park. But I wouldn't sell the farm to get him.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Jan 22, 2008 7:26 PM CST up reply actions

As a general rule...

...I don't put a lot of stock into just 50 at-bats spread out over 5 seasons - that's something like 10 at-bats a year, which leaves room for a LOT of luck, chance, etc. - depending on how things work out that could just be an artifact of missing the bottom of our rotation for a year or two by a quirk of scheduling. The figures with a more robust sample size indicate to me a much rosier picture than a true-talent .650 OPS hitter at Wrigley.

But even if you presume that Greene's not a much better hitter than Theriot, he's still worth between .5 wins and a full win over Theriot defensively.

I don't know if I'd "sell the farm" for him. But he's a very good player, and the difference between him and Theriot is greater than the difference between Roberts and DeRosa.

I would suggest you learn to truly interrupt all stats before using any selective stats. -- cubswin

by cwyers on Jan 22, 2008 7:57 PM CST up reply actions

he probably wouldn't be that expensive

I can see getting him for something like Cedeno/Murton/Patterson and maybe another pitcher. the Padres are rumored to be high on Murton, Cedeno gives them a replacement at ss with a few years left before free agency, and the Padres farm system is a barren wasteland when it comes to middle infielders.

by petrie on Jan 22, 2008 10:50 PM CST up reply actions