Murton Trade Possibilities
by gwood on Mar 27, 2008 11:27 AM CDT
94 comments
This was posted over at mlbtraderumors.com and I thought it would provide some nice discussion, especially for those who really want to see Murton get the MLB job that he deserves . . .
26 year-old Cubs outfielder Matt Murton is very much available now that they've signed Reed Johnson. PECOTA gives Murton a .295/.359/.462 projection for '08; ZiPS says .289/.360/.465. Here are the league averages from 2007:
AL left fielder: .275/.335/.426
NL left fielder: .278/.358/.478
AL right fielder: .288/.359/.465
NL right fielder: .275/.344/.442
These numbers are presented in the form of batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage. You can see that Murton is comfortably in the league average offensive range for a corner outfielder. He'll be arbitration-eligible for the first time after this season. Let's look at some trade possibilities. (As for what the Cubs would want in return - I'll guess a lefty reliever or just a prospect or two).
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This is the link for the post as there are some interesting comments too:
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/03/who-wants-matt.html#comments
Discuss
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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Nice
thanks
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 27, 2008 11:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't think I've ever felt so bad for a player
Seems like it's not only the cubs with no real every day opening for Murton
by cubsonWGN4ever on Mar 27, 2008 11:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Do you understand what you're saying?
If nobody has a real opening for him, perhaps it's because he isn't worthy of one? The reality of it is this, he's average. That's it. Maybe he's a good guy, maybe a great guy. Just an average player though. No need to feel bad for him.
Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. -- Lee Constantine Elia, 1983.
by krummy12 on Mar 27, 2008 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah but think about why he's thought of as average...
Hasn't had a real chance to play a full season in the bigs. Last year would have been his best shot to show what he can do with 400+ AB but then we got Sori.
by cubsonWGN4ever on Mar 27, 2008 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You and I are on the same page cubsonWGN4ever
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 27, 2008 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And think of
all the players that were average until they had a full time gig.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 27, 2008 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you think...
...there may be a reason he hasn't played a full season in the big leagues?
People were all over Dusty for not playing him more, but Piniella did the same thing. So, I guess you have two managers now who have no clue as to Murton's skills. Furthermore, no one is knocking Hendry's door down to acquire a player who will be relatively cheap and has decent offensive numbers.
Murton is a contact hitter (with a little pop) who plays a below average outfield, is a below average fielder, below average baserunner and can really only play LF because of his arm.
I like the guy too, he seems like a really good guy, but according to some here its like everyone in baseball has conspired to either; not trade for him or keep him on the bench. As a Cub fan, I can fall into the trap of placing too much value on our players as well, but this is getting out of hand.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Mar 27, 2008 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not saying
he deserves a postion over anyone else. I'm just saying "I wish" I could see him play a full season.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 27, 2008 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure...
...Murton is right there with ya.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Mar 27, 2008 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you could if you moved to Iowa
sorry - I know that's kinda harsh, but something's got to snap you out of this almost borderline obsession you have with Matty-boy.
I'm worried about you, man. Keep this going and you may have to change your user ID to MOW. ;-)
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Mar 27, 2008 11:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
HAHAHAHAHA
How did I miss this! No F'ing way on the MOW. I know I've only been around a week or so but I've learned quite a bit in the few days.
(not harsh. I take no insults about my stupidity personal. I can dish it and take it.)
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LSA
I want the Cubs to win. Murton is a good guy but he does not make this team better as currently constructed. Keystone, you seem like a great guy.. Seems unfair that the Cubs won't give you a chance full time...
by LT on Mar 27, 2008 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm all for doing what it takes to win.
And I know for a fact that the moves the Cubs have nade are the right moves. I'm not saying Murton should be starting for the Cubs. I'm just saying I'd love to see him start somewhere.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 27, 2008 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lies
The problem is that the statement abouyt him being a "below average fielder" is simply wrong (assuming you are using the "normal" meaning of the word average). In 2006, when he played a lot of LF, he was consistently in the top three in the defensive metrics. If that's "below average" then that's a screwy (and meaningless) definition of below average. He may not be as "flashy" as some other left fielders, but he actually is a good fielder.
Murton's problem is that Hendry decided to sign another, far more expensive player, to fill the "hole" rather than sign another free agent that filled a real hole. And Murton thus had to play out of position.
by frustratedfan on Mar 27, 2008 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you kidding?
Matt Murton is a nice player, and I think could be a solid everyday player in the right situation. But he shouldn't stop you from adding a star player like Soriano. You gotta realize Soriano is a major upgrade over Murton. Soriano has had four season with a 860 plus OPS, and two seasons with a 890 plus OPS. Matt Murton career numbers are inflated some by his rookie season, but he's probably always gonna be a guy who tops out at 820-830s OPS wise. So there's no question were a better team with Soriano(our record was much better with him in the line-up last year), and without him we don't make the playoffs last year. So you gotta ask yourself in the last two offseasons what could have we used that 18m to make ourselves better then Soriano over Murton? Because having Murton in LF last year wouldn't have gotten us to the postseason last year.
It's not ideal to add a star player like Soriano when you have a decent young hitter already at that postion, but it shouldn't stop you from adding that player to win now. If we could have upgraded in a postion of bigger need that would have been great, but things don't always work out like that. Thats why what smart teams do is trade the young hitter(Murton) to fill another postion of need for either now or in the future, so hopefully we end up doing that.
by cubsfan25 on Mar 27, 2008 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You may buy into those...
...defensive metrics, but I don't. I have seen him play enouph games to know he is miles away from being even average in the field or on the bases.
Despite having a respectable batting average and OBP, something tells me a lot of people that make baseball decisions for a living feel the same way, because he hasn't broken the Cubs lineup full-time and no one is knocking the door down to get him - even though he is cheap.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Mar 27, 2008 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I feel bad for him
He's busted his butt and never got a shot at a regular job becuase he keeps getting replaced. I'm not saying he's a super star or anything. I just wanna see him play one full year as a starter. AND he's handeling it well. Most players would have demanded a trade by now.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 27, 2008 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
there is no crying in baseball
either you perform or you don't....if you are average you had better develop a special skill or role. Look at Ward..he is a below average 1B and OF'er....poor foot speed, below average range....but he is a dead on PH'er....contact hitter with power....and good enough for short term injury or rest day insert.
Murton is not a starter unless he hits .320 or above...it is a power position the LF spot....
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
by Ivy Walls on Mar 27, 2008 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, off the top of my head...
a couple of those sound about right. San Diego. The Mets. SF. Red Sox. I'd probably add Seattle, if Bavasi is feeling creative. Could be a cheap long-term replacement for Ibanez, and in the meantime a ready platoon partner with Wilkerson.
by Damen Jackson on Mar 27, 2008 11:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Seattle
Straight up for Wilkerson. (Yes, I know, it can't be done because Wilkerson was just signed as a free agent)
Wilkerson was the FA that the Cubs should have signed. He has played CF in the past, could still do so in a crunch, plays a very good 1b and RF, and was considered to be a big time stud before his injury. When he did play CF he was above average. He was the "best player on his team" (The Expos) for several years. He's only turning 31 during the season. And he showed signs of recovery last year with Texas.
And he's certainly a step up over JOSE VIDRO as your DH. Heck, he's a good choice for Seattle if just to replace Vidro as the DH.
by frustratedfan on Mar 27, 2008 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So we solve our surplus of outfielders...
...by trading one for another (more expensive) one?
That said, I disagree with Dierkes. Why a left-handed reliever when you have Piggy, who will do pretty much the same thing as anyone available, and for less coin?
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
by northsider on Mar 27, 2008 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Trade for an OF?
Sure. With Wilkerson on board we can release Ward and Johnson. He's much better to have off the bench than both of them. He's a credible backup at first base and all of the OF positions. He's got power. He's got an upside. He's not so expensive that you will feel bad benching him if Pie hits a ton against both left and right handers.
by frustratedfan on Mar 27, 2008 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
that Johnson is more of a band-aid than a solution. I'd think he would be movable if the offer and price was right on a replacement-replacement.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 27, 2008 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you realize
Wilkerson hit 222 and 234 with a OBP of 306 and 319 the last two seasons? Wilkerson was a pretty good player from 02-04, but he isn't anymore. Thats one reason why so he could barely find a job this offseason. Low average, high strike out, and high walks guys often tend to lose it faster then most players. So you want him over Daryle Ward who hit 327 and 308 the last two seasons? Or Reed Johnson who had a 869 OPS in his last healthy season, and a 422 and 380 OBP against LH pitchers the last two years? I'm not saying adding Wilkerson isn't worth a shot, in the right situation. But he doesn't fit on a team with quality players like Soriano and Fukudome on the corners.
No offense with ideas like this, I really think you should stop bashing Jim Hendry.
by cubsfan25 on Mar 27, 2008 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well...
I usually don't read MLBTR, so I'm not certain what Dierkes said exactly. However, a lefty RP would be exactly what I'd be looking for in trade. Or someone high risk, high reward. The Eyre contract is up this season, and if I'm the Cubs I might want to have a couple of good alternative options there for next season.
by Damen Jackson on Mar 27, 2008 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about holding on to him...
How about we keep Murton until such a time that there is either:
1.) A demand for him by another team due to injury
2.) A need for a player on the Cubs that Murton could be traded for.
I never understand the fixation with wanting to trade guys away just for the sake of trading them. Be patient. We might actually find out that we need Murton in the long run. In fact, I would bet he gets 230-250 ABs this season if he ends up not being traded.
In the middle of a good time, Truth gave me her icy kiss. Look around, you must be joking. All that way, all that way for this -Oysterband
by Ross on Mar 27, 2008 12:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
This sounds reasonable...
which means there will be some people who will hate the idea.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 27, 2008 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like the idea of holding onto him...
...but that means in order for it to work out someone would need to get hurt. I DO NOT like that idea.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 27, 2008 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we will
If teams don't give us a quality prospect or two. I doubt Hendry will give him away, he hasn't all offseason and I don't see it happening now. I can't imagine Murton value really dropping from were it is right now. IMO he could only improve as a hitter in the minors or in the majors if we have a injury and make GM's want him more.
by cubsfan25 on Mar 27, 2008 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is very reasonable...
but Murton deserves a job in the Bigs. He's not a AAAA player, he's a Major Leaguer. Not really fair to him.
www.lbacentral.com
by SeanDubbs on Mar 27, 2008 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair?...
Fair? Your serious? The franchise is obligated to trade him so he'll get to be an everyday player in the big leagues because if they hold onto him it won't be fair? He signed a contract to play baseball for the chicago cubs organization and they, as the employer, can have him play baseball for them however they choose to, under the rules/regulations of the CBA. Fair has nothing to do with it. There are plenty of guys in the minors who probably deserve a shot at the show and will never get the chance simply because they're blocked at their position (Hoffpauir), that's the chance you take in any career. The Real World = Not Fair.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 27, 2008 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't read too much into "fair"
Calm down! Murton is a guy that could have a significant role on other teams. There is a good amount of OFs that will end up on opening day rosters that Murton is better than, and both Matt and the Cubs know this. Also, "fair" to you as a Cubs fan would not be to hold on to to a chip that you don't need when you can cash it in for either immediate bullpen help or to stock your minor leagues for when you throw it all at Baltimore in a few months to get Brian Roberts.
www.lbacentral.com
by SeanDubbs on Mar 27, 2008 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"FAIR IS FAIR!"
-billy jean
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 27, 2008 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Rangers
don't appear to need an OF. But, if they're interested, they have several good, young catchers who will be blocked by Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and a good young 2B (German Duran) who is blocked by Ian Kinsler.
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Mar 27, 2008 12:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Thing about Murton
We know he has no place on our team unfortunately. Yet, he's still a fan favorite to the point where I think Cubs fans would rather see him traded just so he got the proper opportunity to posper in the Bigs.
That being said, I think he could go to The Mets. Not sure who we would want in return. Their farm system is pretty bare now they made their big trade.
by ak123 on Mar 27, 2008 1:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Not a good fit...
His hair would clash with the Mets color scheme. I mean, look at Rusty Staub back in the day. Ick.
Which brings up a question: Why didn't Murton get the nickname "Rusty"?
In the middle of a good time, Truth gave me her icy kiss. Look around, you must be joking. All that way, all that way for this -Oysterband
by Ross on Mar 27, 2008 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was going to sya the same thing
His teams are limited due to the hair issue.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 27, 2008 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to be all diary police but...
Copying and pasting an entire entry from another blog into a diary here? Is that ok?
I know Al is weird about MLBTR in general, but this is their original content you've reposted here...
by Wreckard on Mar 27, 2008 1:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
i wasn't sure about that
If it violates some unwritten rule, I am terribly sorry. I didn't know. I thought it was a interesting post that everyone here has been discussing quite a bit anyway.
Sorry Al, I promise that I won't do it again! Love the site and don't want to be banished
by gwood on Mar 27, 2008 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Typically
As long as you credit the blog and link the site they are okay with it. MLBtraderumors.com is an awesome site and they are quoted all over the internet. Still, it wouldn't hurt to ask Tim how he feels about it.
www.lbacentral.com
by SeanDubbs on Mar 27, 2008 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't realize that you didn't write that...
that said, full reposts without expressed permission are a copyright infringement. As a general practice, unless you have that, you need to limit your repost to a few lines, and credit the source.
by Damen Jackson on Mar 27, 2008 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
At least I got part of that right
I credited the source and the link. Only a few lines next time, got it.
Sorry again.
by gwood on Mar 27, 2008 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, please don't do that.
The general rule is as described by SeanDubbs below. Link to the post and maybe copy/paste one or two sentences.
Thanks.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 28, 2008 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I meant "SeanDubbs above".
Threading is hard to read sometimes!
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 28, 2008 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll add
How about to the Nationals for Felipe Lopez?
by Wreckard on Mar 27, 2008 1:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
matt murton in AAA
is of more value to us than felipe lopez in the majors.
Bill James Felix Pie 2008 Projection: .283/.333/.456 16 HR 21 SB
by kylejo on Mar 27, 2008 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You can make a case that he's an improvement over Theriot
...though they're basically the exact same player. In fact it's almost uncanny how similar they are. Lopez has a slight edge in almost every category (EQA, Range factor, etc) though Theriot has more stolen bases (at a higher %).
Neither of them are very good though.
I'd rather have Lopez on the roster as the starting shortstop, and use Theriot as the backup infielder. That would be an improvement over having Fontenot as the backup IF guy.
by Wreckard on Mar 27, 2008 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Better than for Felipe Lopez
Murton for Zobrist.
by DGU on Mar 27, 2008 3:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ben Zobrist
is kinda a bust like Cedeno. I would rather get someone with good potential for Murton. The guy has great career numbers minor league numbers. But Zobrist is going to be 27 this year and is actually older then Murton. We could probably get a prospect like Zobrist for a middle reliever prospect. Murton is worth much more then that, maybe Zobrist and a pitching prospect or something like that.
by cubsfan25 on Mar 27, 2008 4:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm really not sure
we're going to do better than a Zobrist for Murton, and at least Zobrist hits lefty and can platoon with one of our other SSs. (I don't believe Cedeno is a bust, btw.) Anyway, Felipe Lopez is a just as bad but with a contract, so we might as well take the guy with options.
by DGU on Mar 27, 2008 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hendry
has pretty much said he won't trade Murton unless he's getting a good prospect or two. Zobrist isn't really a prospect anymore. Cedeno isn't a bust yet, but he has been one so far in his career.
This is from Bruce Miles today
"Over the next few days, Hendry will try to trade Murton, something he has been trying to do without success since December.
But Hendry will not give Murton away. Just as other GMs have tried to squeeze Hendry on deals this off-season, Hendry may take a hard line on Murton and ask for a top prospect or two in return."
Hendry is also on the record saying he thinks Murton could be a everyday player on alot of teams. So I'm sure he would rather put Murton back in Triple A, then trade him for a 27 year old SS who is a career 200 hitter.
by cubsfan25 on Mar 27, 2008 4:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
A top prospect or two?
A good comp for what we could get for Matt Murton is what Arizona got for Carlos Quentin. Quentin is a corner OF who should have a good OBP and decent but not great power, a lot like Matt Murton, but with a higher ceiling. Balancing things out a bit, Murton doesn't carry the injury concerns. AZ got Chris Carter who is probably around the 150-125 range in terms of top prospects. So, I'm not sure how Hendry expects to get _two_ top prospects for Murton. It's not like Dave Littlefield still has a job.
Zobrist is a career .200 hitter in the major leagues, but hit .280/.433/.487 against RHP in AAA last year. He would at least be more valuable to this team than Mike Fontenot and could possibly end up being a partial answer at SS in a platoon. Zobrist is also a year and a half younger than Ryan Theriot.
by DGU on Mar 27, 2008 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No one...
...is going to give up a good prospect or two for Murton. You may get a couple of average prospects, but not good ones.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Mar 27, 2008 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Depends on what you
think of average. I think Murton 296/365/820 career numbers at age 26 and under control cheap for a while. Is totally worth a teams 5-10 best prospect and maybe a minor prospect . Sure were not going to get anybody on BA top 100, but we should get a pretty good prospect.
by cubsfan25 on Mar 27, 2008 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"A Lot Of Teams"...
... perhaps half of the teams will be sub-.500. I'd guess at most 25% of those Murton could play everyday on. My gorilla math shakes that out to be about 3-4 teams. 2 is "a couple", 3 is "a few", 4 could be "a lot"?
Perhaps the O's want him...
Jacque Jones is gone, and I doubt Ivan DeJesus would mind this!
by initram on Mar 27, 2008 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thats fine by me.
It obvious a top team isnt going to start him. I'd love to see him step up on SF or KC or one of the lower salary teams and play every day.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 27, 2008 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's nothing wrong
with getting Zobrist, but we could get him for alot cheaper then Murton. It's not like the Rays have a great SS in Jason Bartlett blocking him, and I don't think Zobrist is even going to make the team. So we could probably get him for a mid to low level prospect you would think.
by cubsfan25 on Mar 27, 2008 5:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think the Quentin
trade is a good example of Murton value. Murton might not have the ceiling, but he has hit well at the big league level, while Quentin hasn't yet. So we should be able to get a teams 5-10 best prospect for Murton. If we don't get something like that I don't think Hendry would trade him. It's better to have him in Triple A in case of a injury or a guy underachieving then giving him up for something that isn't going to be of major league quality.
by cubsfan25 on Mar 27, 2008 6:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
5-10 prospect -
It totally depends on the team. There's a big difference between the bottom half of the White Sox' top 10 prospects and the Rays. I also think that the demand is down now. The Sox made that trade when demand for corner OF was higher. Consider this - if you were looking for an above average OBP bat with moderate power, how much would you trade while Kenny Lofton is available for just cash?
by DGU on Mar 27, 2008 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It depends
on if you want to spend 3-5m on a 41 year old player who is gonna want to play almost everyday.. Murton cost what 500,000 to 700,000, still has some upside, and a team has him for what at least 4 more years. I would say a prospect around 10 with a team with a good farm system and a prospect around 5 with a weak farm system would be fair. But you don't give away young proven big league hitters.(296/365/820)
Guys like Quentin got a good prospect in Carter, Ryan Church was the main piece for Lasting Milledge, and Luke Scott was the second piece to get Tejada. When simliar players to Murton are getting teams quality players or prospects. Why should we give away Murton without getting good value in return? I'm glad to hear Hendry isn't going to just give him away. Let him destroy Triple A pitching this year if he has to. If were gonna trade him we need to get a prospect with good major league potential.
by cubsfan25 on Mar 27, 2008 7:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm just loving the fact
Cubs Opening Day is Monday and the player most talked about the past week on BCB is Murton. Who woulda thunk it haha
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 27, 2008 7:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Obviously
I added the pic for you.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 27, 2008 7:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Someone please tell me the list of teams
that Murton could start for? To me, it seems to be a very small list. Other than OBP, he provides very little.
by cubswin on Mar 27, 2008 7:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
San Fran
Tampa Bay
Oakland
KC
Texas
Maybe SD
Maybe Pittsburgh
Maybe Baltimore
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 27, 2008 7:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
These teams as well
Mariners
Indians
Mets with Alou hurt
by cubsfan25 on Mar 27, 2008 7:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd rather have
Ibanzez, so would Seattle.
Face it, there is an extremely limited market for him.
by cubswin on Mar 27, 2008 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Mariners could use
him in right over Wilkerson who sucked the last two seasons. It's not a limited market at least 5-8 teams could use him, and many others would probably like him off their bench or in a platoon.
by cubsfan25 on Mar 27, 2008 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So would I
Ibanez is a damn good player lately
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 27, 2008 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The market for Matty
Boston could use him, if they trade Crisp, given Drew's injuries and Manny being Manny. But only if they trade Crisp.
The Mets could use him, but do the Mets have anything we want?
The Rays can use him in RF and have plenty we could be interested in.
The Yankees could really use him, actually, unless they really think Shelly Duncan can play the OF. I guess the other Duncan "plays" LF.
Here's what I would do - offer Murton and Cedeno for Betemit.
by DGU on Mar 27, 2008 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Murton for Betemit
might be a decent offer. But we shouldn't have to throw in Cedeno to get a deal done. Betemit is a subpar defensive player I believe, and his only a career 260/332/771 hitter. I think Murton is probably worth a little more then that, but it might be a good deal for both teams. If there isn't that much of a market for Murton now just put him in Triple A and let him have a 1000 OPS until some team comes up with a injury or something. IMO Murton is worth middle or the rotation pitching prospect, a guy who has a chance to be a good everyday player some day. If we can't get something like that, we shouldn't trade the guy. The Nationals were actually in a simliar postion with Ryan Church for a few years. He kept getting sent down to Triple A and the majors, and when he was in the majors he did nothing but hit. Teams wanted him for a few years, but the Nationals didn't wanna give him away. Then they finally got a good offer for him and traded him this offseason.
by cubsfan25 on Mar 27, 2008 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well if you really think we can get something decent
the guy we want is easy - Jed Lowrie.
by DGU on Mar 27, 2008 8:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
all those teams could have had him all winter long.
Oakland chose the great Emil Brown over him, Texas turned down a trade of Marlon Byrd for him and Tampa has some unknown playing left named CARL CRAWFORD. The Orioles didn't seem to want him in the attempted Roberts deal. Obviously, baseball people do not view him as highly as you do.
by cubswin on Mar 27, 2008 7:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You asked
team he could start for. Not teams he should start for. Maybe those teams dont have him becuase the Cubs didnt like the offer. Just becuase he's not on one of these teams doesnt mean they dont want him. And he can play RF ya know. Doesnt just have to be LF. I dont know if I want to get into an arguement over this. I'm not saying I'm right.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 27, 2008 7:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Murton plays RF
as well. The Rangers did turn down Byrd for Murton at first, but later were interested in that deal after they realized Byrd sucked. The A's choose Brown over him because he was really cheap and didn't cost prospects. The Rays could use him in RF, the Mets could use him in LF with Alou hurt and most likely hurt most of the year. The Giants could use him in LF, Padres could use him in LF and so could a few others teams.
by cubsfan25 on Mar 27, 2008 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's a difference between being willing to trade for him
and being willing to start him if he's free.
Let's take San Francisco. Matt Murton makes a ton more sense to start in LF for them than Dave Roberts, but Roberts is under contract and you make him a further sunk cost if you trade something of value for Murton. Maybe SF would grab Murton off of waivers is he was free, but trading for him is a different story. Maybe they'd trade him for Dave Roberts, but the Cubs don't want Dave Roberts.
Why didn't we trade for Reed Johnson?
by DGU on Mar 27, 2008 8:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Exactly
No way we trade for Johnson. But for $1mil he's a steal for backing up all 3 outfield spots.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 27, 2008 8:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Giants are
rebuilding though. So if they could add a young player to play over Roberts they probably would. I even heard Rajai Davis is going to steal alot of Roberts playing time this year. I think the Padres are a perfect fit for Murton. But they haven't been willing to pay the price yest. Maybe after Jody Gerut sucking, or Edmonds on the DL, they will be more desperate to make a trade.
by cubsfan25 on Mar 27, 2008 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Problems with all that
The Pads WERE a perfect fit. But they just got Justin Huber, so they're not going to turn around and trade for a minor upgrade on Huber.
The Giants SHOULD play Murton over their old guys, but they signed the old guys, so they're going to play the old guys. Maybe they would take Murton if he was free, but they're not going to give us Kevin Correia for him.
by DGU on Mar 27, 2008 8:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah but
Huber is a guy who they might release in a month or two. The guy only had a 336 OBP in Triple A last year and had poor numbers in the majors. I dunno if he all the sudden is going to start hitting now. When a team like the Royals get rid of you for nothing that usually means something. We don't have to trade Murton now, we can send him to Triple A and send him in May or use him as a piece around the trade deadline.
by cubsfan25 on Mar 27, 2008 8:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Worth reading
What the Rays guys are saying about him:
http://www.draysbay.com/story/2008/3/26/221231/585#commenttop
The Marshall Plan: LOOGY for a month, Long-man for a month, fresh for the playoffs.
by DGU on Mar 27, 2008 9:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
wow...its aleady weird to see the old blog format!
Let me get back to you, will ya, Charlie? I got a guy on the other line asking about some white walls.
by JB 23 on Mar 27, 2008 9:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You won't see it for long.
All the MLB SBN blogs are being migrated this week. By next week all of them should be in the new format.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on Mar 28, 2008 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting
I think i'd be a good fit. And that field-turf can only help his fielding.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 27, 2008 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about...
trade Murton and Theriot and some of the prospects from the Roberts rumors for Kahlil Greene?
by montecarlo on Mar 28, 2008 3:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Clemson kid.
Trade a GT and LSU grad for a Clemson kid. Fine by me.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of trades
I didnt realize baltimore has rocky cherry. I did notice RC wasnt in any of the ST mix with the Cubs but I didnt really think about it too much.
Poor Matty Murton....
by Keystone80435 on Mar 28, 2008 1:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Well, you can add the Rockies to this list of possible destinations
Scott Posednik survived the final cuts and made the team as their 5th outfielder. I know giving Matty a bigger field to play in might not be so good from a defensive perspective, but I wonder how his bat would respond to the mountain air...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Mar 29, 2008 8:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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