Jorge Lopez to the Twins for a haul

[Ken]

I see what you're saying, but Lopez is a different pitcher than the journeyman he was.

The counter to that point though is exactly that - there are quite a few journeymen that can be turned into what Lopez is. He's not a rare asset with a lot of value - which is likely why they didn't get much back. Look at Matt Moore who Texas was expected to trade today. Look at Liam Henriks prior to 2019. Or Daniel Bard before last year.

(That said, I think the Orioles should have kept him too, they'd be lucky if one of these guys turns into an asset they can use in the future)

[revo]

The counter to that point though is exactly that - there are quite a few journeymen that can be turned into what Lopez is. He's not a rare asset with a lot of value - which is likely why they didn't get much back. Look at Matt Moore who Texas was expected to trade today. Look at Liam Henriks prior to 2019. Or Daniel Bard before last year.

(That said, I think the Orioles should have kept him too, they'd be lucky if one of these guys turns into an asset they can use in the future)

And the counter to that point is that Hendriks is worth a boatload today. Bard would have also fetched a nice package of prospects had they chosen to move him. This is exactly my point -- if Lopez shined again next season, suddenly he's a gold mine. To deal him now for relative peanuts, while he's under team control for 3 more seasons and while they're at least in the playoff hunt, seems very strange.

And the Marlins just got the Jays #2 hitting prospect for two mediocre bullpen arms.

[Ken]

And the counter to that point is that Hendriks is worth a boatload today. Bard would have also fetched a nice package of prospects had they chosen to move him. This is exactly my point -- if Lopez shined again next season, suddenly he's a gold mine. To deal him now for relative peanuts, while he's under team control for 3 more seasons and while they're at least in the playoff hunt, seems very strange.

Lopez is closer to Matt Moore than Hendriks though.

And the Marlins just got the Jays #2 hitting prospect for two mediocre bullpen arms.

Uhhh, you must not have seen what I think of Groshans. He's not really a hitting prospect, he's a fielding only one.

[revo]

Lopez is closer to Matt Moore than Hendriks though.

At this point, that's accurate. But the O's may have moved him too soon.

And Groshans is tumbling, but was still a Top 100 prospect heading into 2022. Maybe the Fish can right the ship.

[Ken]

And Groshans is tumbling, but was still a Top 100 prospect heading into 2022. Maybe the Fish can right the ship.

It's possible they can right the ship but I think his "value" is overstated, he feels like a utility guy at best at this point in his development. #2 hitting prospect doesnt really tell the story in my opinion.

(Also I think Moreno and Orelvis are way ahead of him)

[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