Rumorville: Cliff Lee, Victor Martinez

by roguejim on Jul 21, 2009 11:13 PM CDT

The Toronto Sun's Bob Elliott is reporting that the Brewers are one of several teams still kicking the tires of the Indians' Cliff Lee. I wouldn't have thought Lee was still on the table, but Peter Gammons says the Indians are open to being "overwhelmed" by an offer of a young #2/#3 pitcher, among other players. One wonders if the Indians know that Jeff Suppan is technically our ace for the season, and is available!

Jon Heyman of SI also reports that the Indians are open to trading Lee. One Indian representative has suggested that catcher Victor Martinez might also be available in the right deal, seeing that the Indians' minor leagues are better stocked with hitters (and catchers) than pitchers. Given that Jason Kendall is having his career worst OPS in 2009, I'd like to think the Brewers are interested.

Tweet Comment 9 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I like the Suppan idea ...

Wouldn’t they want to just trade one opening-day starter for another? Seems like an even trade to me!

by oconnobe on Jul 22, 2009 7:48 AM CDT reply actions

Apparently we scouted him last night, FWIW

by Mykenk on Jul 22, 2009 11:41 AM CDT reply actions

Lee

According to Sky Kalkman’s Trade Value Calculator is worth about $29.6 million. The Brewers dont have one prospect who reaches that amount (according to Victor Wang of THT’s prospect values) by themself.

They would probably be about $5 to $10 million short, depending on where Escobar or Gamel would fall.

To get him, if the Indians are looking to be “blown away” that probably means paying over value.

I wonder if Parra and Escobar or Gamel would do it. Jeffress would have been a very nice add on if he werent suspended.

Lee’s $8m due next year would balance out with Cameron or Halls contracts coming off of the books, but then youre still out a top prospect (for the 2nd year in a row). Just not worth it. Add in that he adds probably another 2 wins here on out. That would put them at about 85 for the season. Would it be enough?

by backtocali on Jul 22, 2009 3:46 PM CDT reply actions

Martinez

Using the same valuations listed above, Martinez would be worth about $18.2 million. I think that there is a little bit of a problem figuring out his value though, given that even though he is hitting extremely well right now, is not a huge WAR total for the year. And also his projections out into the future are slightly flawed since he missed a lot of last year due to injury.

That being said, he could probably picked up for a little bit less (doubtful since he is outperforming this year). They might like a Parra/Lawrie deal here for him. But the Brewers need arms, not bats.

In both cases, the players have team options on their contracts, and unless the Indians want Pirate type crowds next year, will probably need to hold onto both of these guys to compete next year. They havve tons of talent on their roster, but much like the Brewers have had guys underperform, and have had a key injury to Grady Sizemore to put the team low in the standings.

I would guess that Melvin is just making inquiries, but in the end the price for either of these players is too steep.

by backtocali on Jul 22, 2009 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Lee, for this year alone, would not be worth it

but figure in that with him next year the Brewers might be projected to win 90-95 games, I think you could make a good argument for it especially when you take the chance of pulling it off this year too. I’d offer either a package of Gamel, a hitter other than Escobar, Green or Lawrie, and any two pitchers in the system except Gallardo, Parra, and Arnett. Or you could switch that around and offer Lawrie, two other hitters w/ the same exceptions, and any two pitchers w/ the same exceptions. If Gamel is traded I think Lawrie immediately moves to third.

E: George 4 (5, throw, throw, throw, throw).

by Jordan M on Jul 22, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions

They couldn't trade Arnett anyway

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Jul 22, 2009 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions

I know, just covering all the possibilities there.

E: George 4 (5, throw, throw, throw, throw).

by Jordan M on Jul 22, 2009 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions

That would be similar to my max offer for Halladay as well.

E: George 4 (5, throw, throw, throw, throw).

by Jordan M on Jul 22, 2009 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions

Parra's Value

What do you think?

I conservatively put his value at $16 million dollars, which is about in line with a prospect in the 50-75 area (in a top 100 ranking). The tricky part is figuring what his WAR could be to the end of his Arb days, and I used a number of 4. Of course that rises dramatically if you have huge hope for him.

Lets say you still consider him a prospect. At his peak as a prospect he could have been worth about $9 million, but since we are 3 years removed from that time, lets just splt that and add it to the $16m above. He is still a $20m player at best.

Parra has value for sure, but he wouldnt be the key piece in a deal for any of the big names this year. For the deals listed above, the Indians want you to over pay, so if Parra is involved, Escobar or Gamel may not need to be in the picture. But Lawrie definitely would, as would a guy like Cain or Gindl.

by backtocali on Jul 23, 2009 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions

Comments For This Post Are Closed

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

NL Central Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
St. Louis Viva El Birdos	23	19	.547	0	Won 1
Cincinnati Red Reporter	22	19	.536	0.5	Won 3
Pittsburgh Bucs Dugout	20	22	.476	3	Won 1
Houston The Crawfish Boxes	19	23	.452	4	Won 1
Milwaukee Brew Crew Ball	17	25	.404	6	Lost 1
Chicago Bleed Cubbie Blue	15	27	.357	8	Lost 7