Jorge Lopez to the Twins for a haul

[onejayhawk]

Is there any chance this is a clearance trade?

Everyone is talking about Bautista and the Orioles just moved the guy in front of him. Baltimore gets to promote Bautista and Tate without stepping on toes and still cash in some of Lopez's trade value.

[Teenwolf]

Is there any chance this is a clearance trade?

Everyone is talking about Bautista and the Orioles just moved the guy in front of him. Baltimore gets to promote Bautista and Tate without stepping on toes and still cash in some of Lopez's trade value.

Counter-point, why prematurely elevate Felix Bautista to the closer role, thereby sending his salary in his arbitration years sky high? Arbitration figures for relievers are still largely determined by saves. Seems pretty dumb to me.

I mean, Bautista looks like one of the best relievers in the game, but on a non-contending team his role is pretty inconsequential, other than affecting his future earnings. Maybe they use the goodwill gesture to sign him long term with some option years attached, but I doubt it.

[onejayhawk]

Counter-point, why prematurely elevate Felix Bautista to the closer role, thereby sending his salary in his arbitration years sky high? Arbitration figures for relievers are still largely determined by saves. Seems pretty dumb to me.

I mean, Bautista looks like one of the best relievers in the game, but on a non-contending team his role is pretty inconsequential, other than affecting his future earnings. Maybe they use the goodwill gesture to sign him long term with some option years attached, but I doubt it.

This begs the question, was it premature? Don't look now but Baltimore is a contending team.

[revo]

Counter-point, why prematurely elevate Felix Bautista to the closer role, thereby sending his salary in his arbitration years sky high? Arbitration figures for relievers are still largely determined by saves. Seems pretty dumb to me.

I mean, Bautista looks like one of the best relievers in the game, but on a non-contending team his role is pretty inconsequential, other than affecting his future earnings. Maybe they use the goodwill gesture to sign him long term with some option years attached, but I doubt it.

He's a rookie who has 2+ years until he hits arbitration, I'm not sure they're worried about that -- yet.

[Ken]

Lopez with a save in the first opportunity