What would it take

by Sportszilla on Jul 16, 2007 5:55 PM PDT

To get Javier Vazquez from the White Sox? Despite what Baker said yesterday in his blog, I do see Javy as being a significant upgrade over the back end of this rotation. He's had some rough years ERA-wise, but his strikeout and walk numbers have always been strong, and his flyball tendencies would be far less damaging at Safeco then they were at US Cellular or BOB. I'd certainly consider dealing Wlad + decent pitcher for him.

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I wouldn't take him.

$47 million until 2010? No thanks.

The poster formerly known as CoachOwens

by Coach Owens on Jul 16, 2007 6:05 PM PDT reply actions

He's almost 31 and damn expensive.

That's one of those good-now,-punt-later trades that I'd rather not have to make.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jul 16, 2007 6:07 PM PDT reply actions

Fair enough

But I'm not overly concerned with the money: this team has pretty extensive financial resources, and with a winning ballclub I suspect they'll continue to invest in the team.

From a purely baseball standpoint though, Vazquez is a big upgrade this year and probably the next year or two after that. A decline is more likely to come in 2009 or 2010, but this team is going to be so different then anyhow that I can't worry too much about that now.

Simply put, Vazquez is likely our best chance to upgrade the rotation significantly, and perhaps because of his contract and history of bad luck he'll be cheaper to acquire than most of the guys who have been discussed. Obviously, he's not worth AJ...but I'd give up Wlad and Feierabend to get him and not think twice about it.

Kickass Sports Writing - Sportszilla and the Jabber Jocks - www.sportszillablog.com

by Sportszilla on Jul 16, 2007 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Ya let's avoid him.

*Call up Wladam Jonentien!!!*

by SethGrandpa on Jul 16, 2007 6:11 PM PDT reply actions

He has a no trade...

for basically all the west coast teams plus his big contract.

by drm1125 on Jul 16, 2007 6:40 PM PDT reply actions

If he'd agree to come here

I'd definitely take him for that package. He has been one of the unluckiest pitchers in the league over the past several years and that has brought his value around the league down a little. I think his contract is pretty reasonable in the present market. He and Moyer are two of the few guys that I think the Mariners should actually go after.

by Grant H on Jul 16, 2007 7:21 PM PDT reply actions