Porcello trade scenarios?

[durtymrclean]

I have a gut feeling that porcellos trade value actually increases by the trade deadline...

 

[boogerlovejoy]

Didn't he just say a few weeks ago that Smyly was part of the rotation?

We going 6 starters?

I wouldn't care.....as long as Verlander is 2 of them.

 

[Mitchrapp]

Trade rumor as of today:

It appears the Arizona Diamondbacks are not done dealing. After trading Justin Upton to the Atlanta Braves, the Snakes are expected to package a pitching prospect plus shortstop Nick Ahmed, whom they will be acquiring from the Braves once that transaction is made official, in an attempt to land right-hander Rick Porcello from the Detroit Tigers. Bob Nightengale of USA Today supplied the report.

Porcello, a ground ball pitcher, is a fit at Chase Field, since the ball travels well there when hit in the air. He's not exactly vintage Kevin Brown, however. Other clubs linked to Porcello include the Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners.

Edit: Ahmed was rated just recently the number 15th prospect for the Braves..

 

[Mitchrapp]

Another article: http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/1/...k-porcello-tigers-mlb-hot-stove?ref=fangraphs

The Diamondbacks and Braves made headlines today, Arizona trading OF Justin Upton and 3B Chris Johnson to Atlanta for 3B Martin Prado, RHP Randall Delgado, RHP Zeke Spruill, 1B Brandon Drury and SS Nick Ahmed.

But how could this blockbuster deal affect the Tigers?

USA Today's Bob Nightengale links the dots via an "NL official," claiming the Diamondbacks may try to flip Ahmed, a slick fielding, 6'3", 205 pound 22 year old right-hand hitting shortstop, to the Tigers as part of a package for Rick Porcello. The Diamondbacks have been linked to Porcello for some time, this is just the latest iteration of the rumor.

As far-fetched as this might be, Ahmed is a legit prospect. In Nightengale's words, "Ahmed is a superb defensive SS." Baseball America named Ahmed the best defensive player in the Braves' system. I'm sure your interest just perked up a notch.

Ahmed played his college ball at UCONN where he pitched along with playing short. The Braves 2nd round pick the 2011 draft, Ahmed spent that summer playing for Danville in the short-season, Rookie level Appalachian League, hitting .262/.346/.379 in 59 games.

Considered one of the Braves' top 10 prospects, Ahmed stepped up in competition this past season, playing for high Single A Lynchburg in the Carolina League. In 130 games, Ahmed posted numbers nearly identical to his 2011 season (.269/.337/.391). He also showed off his speed, stealing 40 bases.

Tabbed by the Braves to play in the Arizona Fall League, Ahmed opened eyes by hitting .288/.361/.452 in 73 at bats, making the AFL's Rising Stars game.

Other food for thought is the Tigers already have a similar shortstop prospect in Eugenio Suarez. Suarez is a 20 year old who broke out in 2012, hitting.288/.380/.409 with 6 home runs, 67 RBI and 21 stolen bases at Single A West Michigan.

Though Ahmed is a high level prospect, especially with the glove, he alone would not be nearly enough to get Porcello. If the Diamondbacks can put together a package which would interest the Tigers is yet to be determined. Keep in mind Porcello is only two years older than Ahmed and and already an established big league pitcher. I'm not inclined to believe Dave Dombrowski would accept just a Single A shortstop prospect (or prospects period) in return for Porcello.

When asked about the rumor, the always taciturn Dombrowski said, "I don't know anything about that."

What's Porcello's take on all the trade talk? The topic was broached during today's leg of the Winter Caravan by Matthew B. Mowery of The Oakland Press:

"I’m preparing to go down to Spring Training and get ready for a season like I would any other year. If something changes, then I’ll adjust accordingly. Right now, I’m ready to do whatever I can to help this team win. Obviously, hopefully win a spot in the rotation, otherwise do whatever I can to help the club. That’s it. That’s my job."

 

[kalinecountry]

Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers said Thursday that he "doubted" he would go after another starter this offseason.
USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported earlier Thursday that the D'Backs would try to flip the newly acquired Nick Ahmed in a deal for Rick Porcello, but it doesn't sound like Towers is anxious to make such a move. Arizona will let Patrick Corbin, Tyler Skaggs and Randall Delgado compete for the final spot in the rotation.
rotoworld

 

[tomdalton22]

I would hope that if they trade Porcello they get at least one ML player. A good BP arm and the SS might do it.

 

[hellifino]

imo Porcello would be a good bullpen arm, he could come in for 2-4 innings and throw ground balls, but anything longer than that and he tires out and overthrows to keep the mph up, but also gets the ball up when doing so.

 

[Mitchrapp]

I actually would want a couple young players/prospect over 30+ year old vet. It was just a rumor but the one above with Arizona seems nice.

 

[Mitchrapp]

imo Porcello would be a good bullpen arm, he could come in for 2-4 innings and throw ground balls, but anything longer than that and he tires out and overthrows to keep the mph up, but also gets the ball up when doing so.

Ground-balls? The range on this team is horrendous.

 

[tomdalton22]

I actually would want a couple young players/prospect over 30+ year old vet. It was just a rumor but the one above with Arizona seems nice.

It didn't seem like there were any ML ready players in that trade scenario.

 

[Mitchrapp]

It didn't seem like there were any ML ready players in that trade scenario.

What I meant to say was prospects rather than older vets. We already have a team that can compete, lets get some young blood in here..The SS sounds promising.

 

[Thumb]

Ground-balls? The range on this team is horrendous.

Yet Fister does okay.

Range only effects the balls they can't get to.

 

[tomdalton22]

What I meant to say was prospects rather than older vets. We already have a team that can compete, lets get some young blood in here..The SS sounds promising.

I agree that they need some young players....I just think if they are going to trade Porcello this year they need to get at least one player that will help them this year.

 

[tomdalton22]

Yet Fister does okay.

Range only effects the balls they can't get to.

Fister averages about 2 more K's per 9 which helps a little bit.

 

[Mitchrapp]

Yet Fister does okay.

Range only effects the balls they can't get to.

Fister had quite a bit last season but his career is much lower..Lets see how he does this year and next.

Porcello, 1.16 for career. Fister .93 for career. Huge difference.

 

[Thumb]

Fister had quite a bit last season but his career is much lower..Lets see how he does this year and next.

Porcello, 1.16 for career. Fister .93 for career. Huge difference.

Yes, I realize Rick gets more ground balls, but you can't just assume that anything on the ground our defense wont get to.

Scouting and positioning of the infielders has a lot to do with it, our infielders lack range, but they're still going to get to more balls than they don't.

 

[Mitchrapp]

Yes, I realize Rick gets more ground balls, but you can't just assume that anything on the ground our defense wont get to.

Scouting and positioning of the infielders has a lot to do with it, our infielders lack range, but they're still going to get to more balls than they don't.

Basic math - Fister doesn't have to count on the IF defense as much which is why I brought it up. When you said "Yet Fister does okay."

And I never assumed anything..The point being Porcello will get burned by the IF defense more than Fister -- fact.

 

[durtymrclean]

Yes, I realize Rick gets more ground balls, but you can't just assume that anything on the ground our defense wont get to.

Scouting and positioning of the infielders has a lot to do with it, our infielders lack range, but they're still going to get to more balls than they don't.

FIP pretty much calculated that porcello was screwed over by the defense last year.

 

[tomdalton22]

FIP pretty much calculated that porcello was screwed over by the defense last year.

I'm pretty sure every Tiger pitcher was screwed over by the defense last year...the defense sucked!

 

[Mitchrapp]

I'm pretty sure every Tiger pitcher was screwed over by the defense last year...the defense sucked!

YES, Porcello more though. I think that is what he was trying to say and I'm pretty sure you know that but you're trying to be a smart ass..