The Most Obvious Trade Ever
So, the Brewers have a scout following the Mariners, presumably looking for relief help that won’t cost an arm and a leg. If the rumored interest in Arthur Rhodes is real, and the Brewers maintain their stance that they want to add a bullpen arm without giving up any highly valued young talent, then there’s one deal between the two teams that couldn’t make any more sense.
Arthur Rhodes for Brad Nelson, straight up.
I covered Nelson last month, but here’s the long and short of it – he’s a 25 year old left-handed hitting first baseman with a patient approach at the plate and a bit of power. He’s stuck behind Prince Fielder, which means he has no future in Milwaukee, and his frame rules out his future anywhere besides 1B/DH.
His upside is as a .270/.350/.450 first baseman, so he’s never going to be a star, but he’d instantly become the best first baseman in the organization. The M’s have a line-up spot with his name on it, and with a solid finish to the year, they could have a cheap answer at first base for 2009.
Rhodes for Nelson. Lee, Doug, make it happen. It makes so much sense.
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19 Responses to “The Most Obvious Trade Ever”
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I wouldn’t count on anything that makes that much sense. The M’s FO is now using a “Jump to Conclusions” mat to make all their decisions.
I’d love to see it, but even with as stuck as he is, Nelson strikes me as an awful lot to give up for Rhodes, especially with LaPorta out of their organization for depth.
If you think Nelson is worth more than Rhodes, what about Putz? That might be too much from the M’s side, but maybe there’s some other kid further down in the Brewer’s org they could throw in. I really don’t want to get rid of Putz (and maybe if they’re going to trade him the Dodgers would offer more) but hey, trade high.
As someone very familiar with the Milwaukee organization Brad Nelson is down the list of first base options for the organization.
The number one prospect in the minors is Matt Gamel who while currently playing third base at Huntsville is a suspect defensive player and almost certain to have to move to first base at some point. After that you have Cole Gillespie, Gamel’s teammate at Huntsville playing left field who may likely end up on the infield as well.
But even though Nelson is a bit superfluous to Milwaukee Rhodes is just a guy and Brewer fans would prefer Doug Melvin take a pass on such nonsense.
The Mariners have no front office.
I agree with you somewhat, jose. I’m really wondering how many more good years we’ll get out of JJ. Sure, he’s been hurt, but he isn’t a kid anymore. It would be nice to get something while he still has good value.
The problem with that of course is… we know who will get stuck in the closer role moving forward.
Yeah, that’s my fear as well. The heir apparent is somebody we want to see starting next year.
So, here is a question. In this day and age with technology like it is, why are there still scouts following major league clubs?
I can understand minor leaguers and international players. Other than a free stay at the holiday express and enjoying the local Toronto cuisine, what does a scout get from watching Arthur Rhodes in person that he can’t get from his high def television in his living room?
Maybe they are scouting chemistry, since we can’t see that on TV?
Wow. **From the Post-Game Show** Supposedly pending The Bus waiving his no trade.
Washburn and Turbo for Melky and Igawa.
I think I’ll take it.
FWIW FSN is reporting Washburn to NYY is a done deal. No final word on which players.
Maybe they are scouting chemistry, since we can’t see that on TV?
Yeah, when they say “chemistry” they really mean “chemistry” — pheromones. The scouts gather around Arthur, sniff his armpits, and say to each other “Smell that? That’s veteran leadership!”
Unless/until the powers start a new one for us, is this the “trade” rumor/news thread? If so, here’s one:
Hmm, my worry is that Nelson is at best a +2.0 Wins hitter, which would drop him to +1.5 at first (assuming league average defense, and I have nothing to tell me one way or the other). For this year – wahoo. Better than having a utility infielder in his mid-to-late thirties playing 1B. But for 2009, I’d like to see more of an upgrade.
But, the trade still makes total sense. If nothing else, Nelson would be a great addition to the bench and a non-disasterous fallback plan if no better 1B options turned up. Rhodes at his age deserves to be pitching in more meaningful games than the M’s will be able to supply this year.
Rhodes has veteraness and character!
-Charles Armstrong esq.
I would assume veteraness is numbers 4-8 and grit fills out the top 10.
I doubt Arthur is going anywhere unless it is for someone like Craig Counsell who we desperately need.
Of course, I forgot all about Gamel. Consider my doubts about such a deal withdrawn. Well, beyond the fact that this FO would never make a deal that smart…
I live in Nashville and went to the Sounds/Raniers game on Wednesday afternoon. With the Sounds down 2-1 in the bottom of the eighth and a man on Nelson steps in to face Jared Wells. As he is walking up I yell to him, “Hit a homerun, Brad, it is what you are here for.” He promptly launches one off Wells for the 3-2 lead and eventual win. So, yeah, I’d be happy with this deal.
I approve of this trade.
/signed
I love it when Dave comes up with these great, makes-sense trades .. until I realize that the chances of it coming off are slim to none, because this org doesn’t do great, make-sense trades.
I should try to find a post or two I made last winter when I said that trading JJ made a lot of sense. I believe I was thinking of a young, starting pitcher in return.
Statistically speaking, I fail to see what makes Brad Nelson a superior option to Bryan Lahair.