:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51812809/usa_today_9541110.0.jpg)
We’re living in a digital world these days. The moment a move is made in the baseball world, thousands unlock their phone screens, click that blue bird icon, and send their thoughts to the world in 140 characters or less.
So naturally, the Mariners’ acquisition of Danny Valencia from the A’s for Double-A righty Paul Blackburn yesterday drew some various reactions from both sides. Here we’ll take a look at what people had to say about the move.
From the Mariners side...
Some people were very satisfied with the move.
Joe, your thoughts on the Danny Valencia trade? https://t.co/2FMynVrWx6
— Good News Joe™ (@JoeVeyera) November 13, 2016
Over the past 2 seasons, Danny Valencia has a better wRC+ than Kyle Seager (126 vs. 124) while seeing a platoon advantage half as often.
— Andrew Rice (@Andrew_Rice) November 12, 2016
Danny Valencia was .318/.389/.555 vs left-handed pitching in 2016. A solid platoon bat.
— Christopher Crawford (@Crawford_MILB) November 12, 2016
Others were somewhat disappointed with the direction the team chose to go in.
Without a platoon at first base you might just have a flexible roster.
— Lookout Landing (@LookoutLanding) November 13, 2016
END 2016 https://t.co/MKT7ly0AC8
— matthias ellis (@matthiasellis) November 12, 2016
Reporters considered what the move might mean for other members of the team.
Dipoto also mentioned Valencia getting occasion starts at 3B to give Kyle Seager DH days to keep him healthy
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) November 12, 2016
Acquiring Valencia means #Mariners no longer interested in Dae-Ho Lee; less likely to retain Franklin Gutierrez. https://t.co/Dq6bz6tY9a
— Bob Dutton (@TNT_Mariners) November 12, 2016
Mariners' addition of Danny Valencia does make a reunion between the club and Franklin Gutierrez less likely. Guti in talks with other clubs
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) November 13, 2016
Jeff Sullivan considers the move a thrifty one for the M’s.
And Luke Arkins at Prospect Insider thinks the move actually makes the Mariners roster a more flexible one.
From the A’s side...
Some were sad to see Valencia leave.
@dannyvalencia19 don't goooooo
— Cari Swegles (@CariJayneSwegs) November 13, 2016
So long to my favorite 3rd baseman @dannyvalencia19
— Nolan Raj (@nolanthagod) November 13, 2016
Others were ready to move on.
This was a pretty great example of "Nice trade, who'd we get?" I mean, Valencia is a solid hitter, but power disappeared and can't play d.
— Josh Iversen (@jive_oak) November 12, 2016
My mom this morning told me Danny Valencia got traded... I just kinda sat there and laughed hysterically... pic.twitter.com/f8iFt0ID46
— Talina Alexis Rocha (@talinaalexis) November 13, 2016
And many pondered what Paul Blackburn would provide for the organization.
Paul Blackburn isn't a bad return for a platoon bat, however. Three usable pitches that he throws for strikes. Could be a back-end starter.
— Christopher Crawford (@Crawford_MILB) November 12, 2016
Paul Blackburn = double-A's Kendall Graveman
— Joseph DeClercq (@JosephThomasD) November 12, 2016
#Athletics GM David Forst says club has liked Paul Blackburn since counting him in high school in the East Bay.
— John Hickey (@JHickey3) November 12, 2016
A’s Nation was even thankful that the team got rid of Valencia.
In a one-for-one trade like this one, the takeaway is pretty straightforward. One team in the transaction is selling off a small piece of the team’s future to bolster the team’s present, while the other is doing the opposite. There will be some analysis on what Valencia provides the team in the coming days, but until then...