Mets Looking For Bad Contracts: Arroyo? Cordero?

[redsmetz]

I know it's a common belief that these are bad contracts, and I'm not adverse to trading either of these, but the Mets best come with very good offers. These contracts won't be much for them and both are good. I'm tired of folks undervaluing these two players. They have some worth and certainly will in this off season. Cordero will have more value if the Mets or one of their competitors are one of the clubs we can trade him to without his position. But again, it's my opinion they best pay the piper. We don't need to unload these contracts without getting value in return.

[guttle11]

Originally Posted by Sea Ray

I disagree. If Homer doesn't look like a TOR starter in the making then I don't know what one looks like

He certainly looks like he can be that. But next year? I'm not counting those chickens just yet. I do think that has a higher chance of happening than bringing a TOR starter from in outside the organization though.

[NJReds]

Originally Posted by redsmetz

I know it's a common belief that these are bad contracts, and I'm not adverse to trading either of these, but the Mets best come with very good offers.

The Mets really don't have anything to offer, that's why they're looking for teams that might want to dump big contracts, and take little in the way of prospects back.

I can see them going after players like Nick Johnson, Adam Dunn or Chad Tracy for 1B. Carlos Lee or Oswalt, maybe even Berkman from the Astros.

[Caveat Emperor]

Originally Posted by Sea Ray

I disagree. If Homer doesn't look like a TOR starter in the making then I don't know what one looks like

We said the same thing about Johnny Cueto and he (for whatever reason -- be it fatigue from winter ball or otherwise) took a step back this year. Ditto Jay Bruce on the offensive side. Baseball is tough on young players, and sometimes they take a few extra turns before they finally get around the proverbial corner.

Point is, Homer Bailey is a true wild-card. He could enter 2010 as the dominant pitcher he finished 2009 as -- a guy who can go 7-8 innings, striking out roughly a batter per. But he could also be a mix of that and the guy who was walking as many people as he struck out and getting hit around every other start. That's why you can't count on anything about Homer Bailey -- you can know that he's going to be part of your rotation, but can't say conclusively (yet) that he's going to be this or that.

In that case, getting a guy to shore up the rotation -- a guy who you have a good idea based on past-performance WILL be that #1 / #2 type guy -- becomes even more important.

I look at it this way -- why be content with just the possibility that Homer Bailey will be dominant in 2010? Why not go out and ensure you have someone who can be a hammer at the top of the rotation? Then, if Homer does set the world on fire out of the gate, you've got two people at the top of your rotation that nobody wants to see. I like that. Lots.

As for Cordero, I'll agree that he's earned his money here. But, as shown this year, he's useless if you can't get the ball to him with a lead. Personally, I'll take my chances with Nick Masset in the 9th and a hammer pitching the first 7.

It's all up to Walt and Casty, though. I think they're going to dumpster dive (in which case getting Dave Duncan becomes of paramount importance), but I really hope they prove me wrong.

[Sea Ray]

Originally Posted by Caveat Emperor

I look at it this way -- why be content with just the possibility that Homer Bailey will be dominant in 2010? Why not go out and ensure you have someone who can be a hammer at the top of the rotation? Then, if Homer does set the world on fire out of the gate, you've got two people at the top of your rotation that nobody wants to see. I like that. Lots.

That's an easy one to answer. Because we're Cincinnati. Small markets need to grow our aces or get lucky in developing a guy another team has given up on (Harang, Jose Rijo). We can't go out and sign a Sabathia or Cliff Lee.

Given this reality I think the Reds are on the right track. We've got Volquez, Bailey and Cueto; all guys who might turn into #1 or 2 starters. We have to take our chances and increase our odds by piling up guys like these

[Homer Bailey]

For those that just want to shed payroll for the sake of shaving payroll, answer me this:

What makes you think that the money saved by Bob is going to be money spent? And for that matter, spent well?

[camisadelgolf]

Cordero is overpaid, but I don't think he's so overpaid that it's crippling the team. However, I would love to do a deal that sent Cordero, Willy Taveras, and Mike Lincoln somewhere for simply a prospect because it would save the Reds about $20M to be used on three roster spots.

[Falls City Beer]

I imagine the Phils would love to take Cordero off the Reds' hands this offseason.

[redsmetz]

Originally Posted by NJReds

The Mets really don't have anything to offer, that's why they're looking for teams that might want to dump big contracts, and take little in the way of prospects back.

I can see them going after players like Nick Johnson, Adam Dunn or Chad Tracy for 1B. Carlos Lee or Oswalt, maybe even Berkman from the Astros.

If that's the case, I say no deal. Unless a team's offering something good, I'm not just giving guys away. I understand the salaries make things tight, but we shouldn't be in the "bucket of balls" market or pipsqueak minor leaguers. Real stuff should be the order of the day.

[15fan]

Dusty + Tavares to NY for _________.

I'd start by asking for a hot dog vendor. If the Mets balk, I'll go as low as a hot dog.

They won't even have to throw in mustard or relish. Just a naked hot dog.

[LoganBuck]

Originally Posted by Falls City Beer

I imagine the Phils would love to take Cordero off the Reds' hands this offseason.

Problem is they still have to pay Lidge, basically the exact same contract that Cordero has. The money is pretty close. I would love to grab one of the Phillies top prospects for Cordero, but if the idea is Payflex, I don't think Philly can help.

[Falls City Beer]

Originally Posted by LoganBuck

Problem is they still have to pay Lidge, basically the exact same contract that Cordero has. The money is pretty close. I would love to grab one of the Phillies top prospects for Cordero, but if the idea is Payflex, I don't think Philly can help.

They've got a pretty robust payroll. The Reds may have to kick in a little, but it's not going to prevent a deal if he's the arm they want.

[backbencher]

Originally Posted by Falls City Beer

I imagine the Phils would love to take Cordero off the Reds' hands this offseason.

Tigers might look for a bullpen arm.

[OnBaseMachine]

Originally Posted by Caveat Emperor

We said the same thing about Johnny Cueto and he (for whatever reason -- be it fatigue from winter ball or otherwise) took a step back this year.

I thought Cueto took a step forward this season. He improved his ERA from 4.81 to 4.41 this season and was top five in ERA for most of the first half until hitting a rough patch where he struggled in about eight of ten starts due to arm fatigue from pitching winterball. After taking two weeks off he returned to make six starts and pitched well. Overall, I thought Johnny had a pretty good season.

[Ravenlord]

Originally Posted by Johnny Footstool

Cordero's contract is not even close to the Reds' biggest problem.

you are correct, but it is quite possibly the one that has the best chance of paying off big this offseason.

especially if a team or two have bullpen issues during the playoffs.