Frank Wren was interviewed this morning by MLB on XMRadio. Thought everyone might like to hear...

Frank Wren was interviewed this morning by MLB on XMRadio.

Thought everyone might like to hear some of his responses:

On if there is money left to sign an impact bat: "... Yes, there is money left."

He briefly addressed Andruw Jones saying that is something the team will internalize and discuss quite a bit over the next few days. Basically nothing new here except it's clear that Andruw coming back is not a "lock" as some have proposed.

He also talked about trade options for acquiring a bat indicating there were 3 or 4 really good players that are available that he is interested in. He also made it very clear the team is going to take their sweet time before making a move. I'm speculating here but obviously Swisher and Nady come to mind, anyone want to guess at the other two?

10 months ago scstrato 5 comments 0 recs |

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My guess?

Magglio Ordonez and Ludwick.

I don’t think Dye is in play because I believe we would’ve acquired him in the Vazquez deal. I think that the Tigers desperately want to upgrade their bullpen and don’t have that much cash, so offloading Maggs would be a solution. Not that he would be cheap, but I think its an option we’re looking at.

by soup du jour on Jan 16, 2009 10:23 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I’m not sure if it would be worth it to go after Magglio. He’d probably be the best fit as a cleanup hitter right now, but he’s due $18mil next season and his contract has several clauses that could guarantee the options of both 2010 and 2011 for a combined $33mil.

Bill James, Marcel, and CHONE all have him projected to put up numbers right in line with last year, but he’s already 34 and if the contract vests we’d have him under control for several years in which he should be in decline.

According to Fangraphs he didn’t even perform up to his salary last season, but would a move to LF have evened those numbers out?

I guess I should be one to talk.
There's nights that I can't even walk.
There's days I couldn't give a fuck.
And in between is where I'm stuck.

by Smoltz's Beard on Jan 16, 2009 12:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Left Field has the same positional adjustment as RF so it should be the same (though I guess they require slightly different skillsets).

If the Braves trade for Mags, you can guarantee that Detroit’s eating some salary, depending on how good the prospects are.

by VictorW on Jan 16, 2009 3:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I thought the adjustment was the same but was curious if there was a rule of thumb for a RF moving over to LF.

And I completely forgot about the fact that Detroit could eat some of his salary…I feel stupid now.

I guess I should be one to talk.
There's nights that I can't even walk.
There's days I couldn't give a fuck.
And in between is where I'm stuck.

by Smoltz's Beard on Jan 16, 2009 4:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought about Maggs

but I agree with SB above, considering his age (and likely declining skill set) I’m not sure he’s a target. Plus, even though Wren says there is money left, I think his 18mil next season is too much for us to eat.

I also considered Ludwick and Ankiel but I’ve read rumors that the price for Ludwick is too steep and Ankiel with his pending FA and lefty bat doesn’t seem to fit the bill. I don’t know, I’m really curious as to who the other two are.

"Debated ya right not one person agreed with me" by ATLsportsfrk on Dec 27, 2008 6:31 PM EST

by scstrato on Jan 16, 2009 12:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs