24 GM Thread

[sportscoach]

No, I don't have to accept anything and you don't know if he "will be here" or not. The idea around dealing Hedges is sound and the idea that Hedges is no longer a need is also sound. You're talking to a large, grown man son. Don't tell me what I have to accept and what I don't.

The entire trade from the Guardians' perspective is just silliness. If you don't understand that then I don't know what to say.

There is no way this deal is made. Absolutely none.

Hedges will be here... He was brought in to be a captain not an everyday guy... It be easy to bet on that one... What kind of bet you wanna put down? Lol

And I feel like there is nothing wrong with this deal because of the fact we add talent to replace current talent that we have in this deal. Haskins replaces Laureano and Banfield replaces Hedges as the defensive catcher... Miller doesn't have to worry about Rule 5 eligibility so it adds an equal to if not greater talent than Burns, while allowing us to protect a different pitcher in the short term...

I personally have Dion replacing Morgan in the bullpen for 25... All this would do is move that up some and add another lefty to our bullpen mix...

This is more of a logistics move more than anything else, but it's also long term since it make sure we have replacements in mind...

DeLauter, Johnathan Rodriguez, Noel etc... None are considered plus in CF, so Haskins, who is a FV fielding of 55+ in CF makes sense as our 4th OF plus he hits from the right side and has actually some legit pop...

Banfield is a FV fielding of 55+ as a catcher... He's compared to Austin Hedges from the standpoint of a plus fielder and natural leadership...

I am looking at adding talent I don't currently believe we don't have to mix into talent we do have.

Miller has good stuff, so his health dictates if he's a starter or reliever, but everything is there to be at least a solid reliever...

 

[sportscoach]

Any prospects to trade for out of Boston's system with Trevor Story out? A MI for Luis Parales? Or do the Red Sox wait for a Marcelo Mayer call up later in the year?

Red Soxs and Guardians have way different philosophies when it comes to drafting and developing so they don't do well for matchups when it comes to trades, plus they will likely want a ready MLB guy, so their target would likely be Rocchio...

But trying to match a deal on BTV isn't happening, at least one that makes sense for both teams...

 

[CDAV45]

Hedges will be here... He was brought in to be a captain not an everyday guy... It be easy to bet on that one... What kind of bet you wanna put down? Lol

And I feel like there is nothing wrong with this deal because of the fact we add talent to replace current talent that we have in this deal. Haskins replaces Laureano and Banfield replaces Hedges as the defensive catcher... Miller doesn't have to worry about Rule 5 eligibility so it adds an equal to if not greater talent than Burns, while allowing us to protect a different pitcher in the short term...

I personally have Dion replacing Morgan in the bullpen for 25... All this would do is move that up some and add another lefty to our bullpen mix...

This is more of a logistics move more than anything else, but it's also long term since it make sure we have replacements in mind...

DeLauter, Johnathan Rodriguez, Noel etc... None are considered plus in CF, so Haskins, who is a FV fielding of 55+ in CF makes sense as our 4th OF plus he hits from the right side and has actually some legit pop...

Banfield is a FV fielding of 55+ as a catcher... He's compared to Austin Hedges from the standpoint of a plus fielder and natural leadership...

I am looking at adding talent I don't currently believe we don't have to mix into talent we do have.

Miller has good stuff, so his health dictates if he's a starter or reliever, but everything is there to be at least a solid reliever...

I don't know if Hedges will be here or not. I don't think he should be. You acting like you have some sort of internal knowledge is laughable.

From what I can tell DeLauter's defense in CF is just fine and neither Rodriguez or Noel have been considered "real" CFers. All you're doing is muddying the waters further with these aquisitions.

Naylor and Fry as the catching tandem would be fine. If a decent C prospect is added to a deal then that would be great, but it's not a major concern at this moment.

You're adding a bunch of fringe talent and this roster doesn't need it. If you aren't going to get a difference maker then leave it be. For crying out loud Haskin is a 25 yr old OF prospect in high A hitting below the mendoza line. If you want to target an OFer worth having then go after Mayo. Have you seen what he's doing? Maybe you could weasel the O's out of Mullins, but I don't know how without giving up the unthinkable.

Here are our most valuable assets that we could possibly get by without/have internal replacements for. Kwan, Clase, McKenzie and Rocchio. If you refuse to move them that would be understandable, but there is little else with enough value to acquire a desirable, ready talent. We're not giving up any of Bibee, Williams or Allen. This is just the reality of it.

 

[sportscoach]

I don't know if Hedges will be here or not. I don't think he should be. You acting like you have some sort of internal knowledge is laughable.

From what I can tell DeLauter's defense in CF is just fine and neither Rodriguez or Noel have been considered "real" CFers. All you're doing is muddying the waters further with these aquisitions.

Naylor and Fry as the catching tandem would be fine. If a decent C prospect is added to a deal then that would be great, but it's not a major concern at this moment.

You're adding a bunch of fringe talent and this roster doesn't need it. If you aren't going to get a difference maker then leave it be. For crying out loud Haskin is a 25 yr old OF prospect in high A hitting below the mendoza line. If you want to target an OFer worth having then go after Mayo. Have you seen what he's doing? Maybe you could weasel the O's out of Mullins, but I don't know how without giving up the unthinkable.

Here are our most valuable assets that we could possibly get by without/have internal replacements for. Kwan, Clase, McKenzie and Rocchio. If you refuse to move them that would be understandable, but there is little else with enough value to acquire a desirable, ready talent. We're not giving up any of Bibee, Williams or Allen. This is just the reality of it.

Haskins is coming off of injury and is rehabbing at A ball... He was at AAA in 23... Look at the whole picture...

And this move didn't give up much talent to begin with, that was the whole point. Adding players the system needs while giving up expendable players...

 

[CDAV45]

Haskins is coming off of injury and is rehabbing at A ball... He was at AAA in 23... Look at the whole picture...

And this move didn't give up much talent to begin with, that was the whole point. Adding players the system needs while giving up expendable players...

That wasn't part of the conversation. The reality is that Haskins is in A+ ball and hitting below .200 as a 25 yr old.

That move doesn't add much talent either which was the point and why I've stated twice that if you're not adding a difference making talent then don't F with it.

 

[sportscoach]

That wasn't part of the conversation. The reality is that Haskins is in A+ ball and hitting below .200 as a 25 yr old.

That move doesn't add much talent either which was the point and why I've stated twice that if you're not adding a difference making talent then don't F with it.

You aren't getting it... He's coming off of injury so he is rehabbing from missing all of spring... His question mark is injury not hitting nor defense. You aren't going to do well coming back off of injury regardless especially when the hip is involved since your timing will be off. That's my concern with him right now.

Also, it's very possible we have more talent at the end of the day since tell me IF we have any C with defensive talent in the organization? We don't... Tell me if we have a CF that has hit at AA or above with defensive talent... DeLauter isn't a CF on paper... We don't have someone with defensive skills in CF that has shown they can hit at AA...

In my mind, I cleared the spot for Dion, while adding in players that do something we don't have in the organization. Plus we didn't give much at the end of the day, in my mind...

 

[CDAV45]

You aren't getting it... He's coming off of injury so he is rehabbing from missing all of spring... His question mark is injury not hitting nor defense. You aren't going to do well coming back off of injury regardless especially when the hip is involved since your timing will be off. That's my concern with him right now.

Also, it's very possible we have more talent at the end of the day since tell me IF we have any C with defensive talent in the organization? We don't... Tell me if we have a CF that has hit at AA or above with defensive talent... DeLauter isn't a CF on paper... We don't have someone with defensive skills in CF that has shown they can hit at AA...

In my mind, I cleared the spot for Dion, while adding in players that do something we don't have in the organization. Plus we didn't give much at the end of the day, in my mind...

What minor leaguer gets demoted to a lower level minor league affiliation to rehab? How does that get listed? He was sent on a minor-minor league rehab assignment? I'm sure there is a reason they did it, but that doesn't take away from his terrible play so far at a level well beneath his age.

Yes, both Bo and Fry have some defensive talent and they are still developing. There are things to improve on certainly and the more they play the sooner those needed skills can be honed. The only usefulness Hedges would have is a late inning defensive replacement because his offense is that bad. Who does that?

On paper, DeLauter is a CF and it specifically states it on paper.

We don't need Dion.

You're not getting it.

 

[sportscoach]

What minor leaguer gets demoted to a lower level minor league affiliation to rehab? How does that get listed? He was sent on a minor-minor league rehab assignment? I'm sure there is a reason they did it, but that doesn't take away from his terrible play so far at a level well beneath his age.

Yes, both Bo and Fry have some defensive talent and they are still developing. There are things to improve on certainly and the more they play the sooner those needed skills can be honed. The only usefulness Hedges would have is a late inning defensive replacement because his offense is that bad. Who does that?

On paper, DeLauter is a CF and it specifically states it on paper.

We don't need Dion.

You're not getting it.

He was sent on a minor league rehab assignment... That's quite normal since Valera will be getting one once he is cleared to play... It's actually quite normal...

Remember it was a hip injury that killed Matt LaPorta career so you do have to be cautious in that sense... His profile fits what I feel we need as a 4th OF... Plays good defense, but isn't a pure slap hitter like Straw and has a plus eye at the plate... Look at his 22 numbers for AA...

We need a third catcher next season.... Are we adding Lavastida to the 40 man? Dom Nunez is a free agent, Lavastida I believe can walk (Aka @petes999 and @MadThinker88 on who is a minor league free agent for next season). We have to look at who is our 3rd catcher whether or not we have all three at the big league club. I'd expect with how this organization loves defense from that position they will likely either bring back Hedges or find someone similar to him in a sense. Banfield is compared to Hedges... Plus defense, plus leadership... eh hitter... but it gives the FO their 3rd string Catcher...

I get you want more offensive catchers, but how many times have they decided to go with defensive over offensive at catcher since Antonetti took over... I'm not saying Banfield will be on the big league club, but he fits what they want in a catcher. Teams carry normally three catchers and that's a fact... We don't have a third catcher at the moment... We don't even technically have a AAA catcher in 25 yet...

DeLauter has the same number of innings at CF and RF and his overall work in RF is considered better than his CF work. I am projecting him as a RF... I am planning on having someone else in CF, so that's how I am approaching this...

Also I have Dion replacing Morgan, that's my take on the bullpen... I think he will be similar yet better than Morgan...

You don't agree with my logic, that's fair, but it's what I believe we should do based off of how the Guardians like to do thinga

 

[petes999]

We need a third catcher next season.... Are we adding Lavastida to the 40 man? Dom Nunez is a free agent, Lavastida I believe can walk (Aka @petes999 and @MadThinker88 on who is a minor league free agent for next season). We have to look at who is our 3rd catcher whether or not we have all three at the big league club. I'd expect with how this organization loves defense from that position they will likely either bring back Hedges or find someone similar to him in a sense. Banfield is compared to Hedges... Plus defense, plus leadership... eh hitter... but it gives the FO their 3rd string Catcher...

Way to early on FAs .... but there are a few that will be considered (those signed in 18)
Hankins, Torres, Frias(?), Schneeman, etc like Scott, G Rodriquez, Vasquez, ....

And, 3rd catcher is Fry .... (know you have him as #2). Still not enough to gauge his catching skills. Kind of surprised to see that he is even at 21 innings vs 42 for Hedges (81 for Naylor) -- that is 2 or so games in 2+ weeks. As for Lavastida, he got passed over this spring with Nunez and their innings are split so far in AAA (28/25 PA for each). To me it is a signal what they think (including DFA last year). It is ALSO easy to find someone for that can fill in that #2 spot for one more year until Huff is ready.

And, as others have said, over and over, there will be a lot of transition during the year with Noel, Valera and Tena on their last options (can trade for a cheap catcher). And, we have relievers that need to be discarded/traded as Aleman/Walters are nearing ready - along with probably Rocchio (on trade block) if Arias starts to hit.

Hedges will probably be back as it seems they like this Fry/Hedges tandem as they have choice of bat/glove to back up Naylor - and Fry being older can do well in that 13th slot with not much ABs.

Yet, I am still not sold on Fry as even as our utility guy long-term, let alone 2nd catcher (without more seasoning). Said he was a DFA candidate because of where does he fit once Manzardo comes up??? He has gotten no time in OF so far this year (with Laureano taking time). Thus, 1/2 his time is at 1B (could PH/DH). And, what will happen when pitchers get a report on him (only 144 PA in about a year now-- slides under the radar of scouts)? His BABip has huge swings to get a good read (.571 BABip vs Lefties this year). Don't get me wrong as he has solid bat and can become a good catcher (what I said last year he should be sent back to AAA to work on it). But, DeLauter is getting Laureano/Brennan time. Need a true 4th OF in Brennan or Valera on bench. So, your 4 extras (9+4=13) are Rocchio/Arias/Tena, 2nd Catcher (Hedges), Brennan/Valera, Fry (always on the bubble). Yet, that 13th guy gets cut/traded when you have a better prospect with no options that needs to be protected (like a Valera/Rocchio who have some value but needs time to show value to get PT or to be traded). Until then though, he serves a role - just one that is always on the bubble.

 

[sportscoach]

Way to early on FAs .... but there are a few that will be considered (those signed in 18)
Hankins, Torres, Frias(?), Schneeman, etc like Scott, G Rodriquez, Vasquez, ....

And, 3rd catcher is Fry .... (know you have him as #2). Still not enough to gauge his catching skills. Kind of surprised to see that he is even at 21 innings vs 42 for Hedges (81 for Naylor) -- that is 2 or so games in 2+ weeks. As for Lavastida, he got passed over this spring with Nunez and their innings are split so far in AAA (28/25 PA for each). To me it is a signal what they think (including DFA last year). It is ALSO easy to find someone for that can fill in that #2 spot for one more year until Huff is ready.

And, as others have said, over and over, there will be a lot of transition during the year with Noel, Valera and Tena on their last options (can trade for a cheap catcher). And, we have relievers that need to be discarded/traded as Aleman/Walters are nearing ready - along with probably Rocchio (on trade block) if Arias starts to hit.

Hedges will probably be back as it seems they like this Fry/Hedges tandem as they have choice of bat/glove to back up Naylor - and Fry being older can do well in that 13th slot with not much ABs.

Yet, I am still not sold on Fry as even as our utility guy long-term, let alone 2nd catcher (without more seasoning). Said he was a DFA candidate because of where does he fit once Manzardo comes up??? He has gotten no time in OF so far this year (with Laureano taking time). Thus, 1/2 his time is at 1B (could PH/DH). And, what will happen when pitchers get a report on him (only 144 PA in about a year now-- slides under the radar of scouts)? His BABip has huge swings to get a good read (.571 BABip vs Lefties this year). Don't get me wrong as he has solid bat and can become a good catcher (what I said last year he should be sent back to AAA to work on it). But, DeLauter is getting Laureano/Brennan time. Need a true 4th OF in Brennan or Valera on bench. So, your 4 extras (9+4=13) are Rocchio/Arias/Tena, 2nd Catcher (Hedges), Brennan/Valera, Fry (always on the bubble). Yet, that 13th guy gets cut/traded when you have a better prospect with no options that needs to be protected (like a Valera/Rocchio who have some value but needs time to show value to get PT or to be traded). Until then though, he serves a role - just one that is always on the bubble.

See I am sold on him as one of our bench guys since he embraces the role and he doesn't actually play a bad C/1B/3B at the end of the day.

@CDAV45 has him as now our number 2... I have him as a 3 and we are getting a different number 2/extending Hedges...

Either way I feel like we need to address catching somehow this season with a AAA/Defensive minded catcher that has options...

Personally I'd rather keep the catching crew together for a long time, since it would have the rapport with the pitchers that way since they are mostly up and coming as well...

 

[CDAV45]

See I am sold on him as one of our bench guys since he embraces the role and he doesn't actually play a bad C/1B/3B at the end of the day.

@CDAV45 has him as now our number 2... I have him as a 3 and we are getting a different number 2/extending Hedges...

Either way I feel like we need to address catching somehow this season with a AAA/Defensive minded catcher that has options...

Personally I'd rather keep the catching crew together for a long time, since it would have the rapport with the pitchers that way since they are mostly up and coming as well...

Everything in life is a trade off and Hedges' defensive attributes are outweighed by his inability to contribute anything offensively. It's difficult to argue against that looking at the results of having Bo and Fry in the lineup instead. The fact that he is a short term asset only strengthens my view. I just don't see the point. Especially with a coaching staff full of catchers. Bo and Fry would be with the pitching staff for a long time which would allow a rapport to be developed. Keeping a veteran in Columbus in case of injury wouldn't be a bad idea and I would prefer that to having to keep one in Cleveland.

 

[Gson]

Everything in life is a trade off and Hedges' defensive attributes are outweighed by his inability to contribute anything offensively. It's difficult to argue against that looking at the results of having Bo and Fry in the lineup instead. The fact that he is a short term asset only strengthens my view. I just don't see the point. Especially with a coaching staff full of catchers. Bo and Fry would be with the pitching staff for a long time which would allow a rapport to be developed. Keeping a veteran in Columbus in case of injury wouldn't be a bad idea and I would prefer that to having to keep one in Cleveland.

Measuring the effect of having a catcher like Hedges isn't a simple task.. Suffice is to say.. he's not nothing.. but measuring what hedgie contributes w/r to alternate use of the resources to keep him.. is a slam dunk.. Arguing having a third string veteran as a back up to a back up.. makes the entire argument reductive..

"...use scarce resources wisely or you'll have none...."

Including Hedgie & his 4.0 MM, Segura 8.5 MM & Straw 4.9 MM, 17 % of the payroll is wrapped up much needed resources.. resources that could have been used to purchase a need or needs for the club (e.g. Jordan Hicks)..

Any argument that didn't address the need for a RHH & defensively capable Catcher and OutFielder and/or starting pitcher is poor, by definition...

 

[CDAV45]

Measuring the effect of having a catcher like Hedges isn't a simple task.. Suffice is to say.. he's not nothing.. but measuring what hedgie contributes w/r to alternate use of the resources to keep him.. is a slam dunk.. Arguing having a third string veteran as a back up to a back up.. makes the entire argument reductive..

"...use scarce resources wisely or you'll have none...."

Including Hedgie & his 4.0 MM, Segura 8.5 MM & Straw 4.9 MM, 17 % of the payroll is wrapped up much needed resources.. resources that could have been used to purchase a need or needs for the club (e.g. Jordan Hicks)..

Any argument that didn't address the need for a RHH & defensively capable Catcher and OutFielder and/or starting pitcher is poor, by definition...

Would you agree that the context of the current situation, which is a young, developing team with many questions to answer isn't the ideal scenario to roster someone like Hedges? Ironically, I like the guy. I love his enthusiasm and there is no denying his ability to handle a pitching staff. He just seems more like a luxury to a fully established, deep playoff contender with an established roster. I don't know if having him is for the better or not. I only know that isn't the path I would have chosen.

I find it hard to fault them for the Straw contract which essentially just bought out his arbitration years if I'm not mistaken. We hadn't had a decent CFer since Grady and he put together a good run with Cleveland after being traded. Desperation is a stinky cologne.

They had to take Segura's money in order to deal Bell so again, hard to blame them for that.

Edited to say I feel the same toward Laureano. Right, wrong or indifferent.

 

[jmilo]

I actually like Austin Hedges, a lot.

If he still had his cannon behind the plate like he used to, I'd have no problem with him playing significantly behind the plate.

But he no longer has that--and his primary attributes are handling the pitching staff, still being an elite blocker behind the plate, and clubhouse leadership.

Keep using him sparingly. Let him mentor Bo. When it comes time for a playoff series, he shouldn't see the field. He should be relegated to third catcher duties with Bo/Fry as the primary gruesome twosome.

But right now? Fry has a place to play, Bo has a place to play, and Hedges has a place to play. We won't see a crunch happen until more talent gets promoted to the bigs.

 

[CDAV45]

We won't see a crunch happen until more talent gets promoted to the bigs.

This has shades of the Amed Rosario scenario written all over it.