Hunter Pence and His Bat of Hitting +5
I just heard a rumor on the radio, and I figured I'd throw it out for discussion.
93.7's Joe Starkey is saying that there is some interest between the Pirates and the Astros in moving Mr. 25 HR, Hunter Pence, for 2 of these 3 guys: Starling Marte, Tony Sanchez, and Stetson Allie.
Now I'm not asking if you think this rumor is a valid one, or a radio host just trying to stir up conversation; but instead I'm more curious if this is a move you would be willing to make?
I would say yes, I would definitely make the move for Pence right now for any 2 of those prospects, my preference being Marte and Allie. You still control Pence's contract status for the next two seasons, so it is hardly "mortgaging the future" to make such a move. And I believe the Pirates must strike while the iron is hot. Everything is breaking their way this year. Having a bat like Pence in the middle of the lineup can really put them over the top as a legitimate contender. Marte shows promise, but is yet another of these hits for average speedy outfielders that we already have in droves. Pence provides proven pop.
Allie is very young power arm, but is just as likely to wash out as he is to become a big league closer. He was just drafted, but is already being pegged for a relief role while he is still in the very early stages of his career. That sort of raises a red flag to me. And even if it turns out we gave up what becomes a lights out closer in a few years, it will be worth it for this season, and the next you are guaranteed to get out of Pence, unlike many “rental” players that may be brought in.
I say: Deal Neal, Deal! Let’s do this!
93.7's Joe Starkey is saying that there is some interest between the Pirates and the Astros in moving Mr. 25 HR, Hunter Pence, for 2 of these 3 guys: Starling Marte, Tony Sanchez, and Stetson Allie.
Now I'm not asking if you think this rumor is a valid one, or a radio host just trying to stir up conversation; but instead I'm more curious if this is a move you would be willing to make?
I would say yes, I would definitely make the move for Pence right now for any 2 of those prospects, my preference being Marte and Allie. You still control Pence's contract status for the next two seasons, so it is hardly "mortgaging the future" to make such a move. And I believe the Pirates must strike while the iron is hot. Everything is breaking their way this year. Having a bat like Pence in the middle of the lineup can really put them over the top as a legitimate contender. Marte shows promise, but is yet another of these hits for average speedy outfielders that we already have in droves. Pence provides proven pop.
Allie is very young power arm, but is just as likely to wash out as he is to become a big league closer. He was just drafted, but is already being pegged for a relief role while he is still in the very early stages of his career. That sort of raises a red flag to me. And even if it turns out we gave up what becomes a lights out closer in a few years, it will be worth it for this season, and the next you are guaranteed to get out of Pence, unlike many “rental” players that may be brought in.
I say: Deal Neal, Deal! Let’s do this!
Allie can't be traded yet. I would trade Marte and more for him though.
ReplyDeleteDog
Allie can't be dealt, true.
ReplyDeleteBut Marte and Sanchez for Pence?
If I were NH and the Astros' GM offered that deal, I would make them put it in writing before they changed their mind!
And to be fair, where it once seemed like Pence was a complete pipe dream, it's something that starting to get kicked around nationally. Jerry Crasnick, in particular, seems to think the Pirates could possibly make that move.
Of course, all this speculation doesn't mean that a deal will get done, simply because every team that needs a RH bat is looking at him. Many also seem to think Philly has more quality arms to send Houston.
I'd go Marte and Sanchez, and would even be willing to throw in a guy like McCutchen (Daniel, not Andrew). The Astros sure as hell aren't going to be giving him away, especially with the years of control. If those pieces are enough to get him, I'd do it without thinking.
I'd send Sanchez and Marte. I never thought Tony Sanchez was more than a cheap move and his numbers have proved that so far.
ReplyDeleteI believe Dog is right about Allie – I recall reading that somewhere.
ReplyDeleteI think if the Astros are looking to barter that the PBC should make every effort to get someone like Pence. He would fit in nicely and perhaps a three team deal including Tabata could be worked out. Houston has some money issues, so maybe some cash could be involved also. I really think that a move has to be made not for anything more than just to pacify the fan base at this point to show they are serious about moving forward.
Virgil
Wrong again Doggie.....Allie can be traded. Its called Player to be Named Later.
ReplyDeleteYotzee
In regards to dealing Allie: There is a rule in place that a drafted player has to be with an organization for at least one calander year before being traded. John Perrotto confirmed however that Allie could be dealt as a "player to be named later."
ReplyDeleteJP also threw Brad Lincoln's name into the conversation as players the Astros may be interested in. He would be a "major league ready" guy to add into the deal. Houston has what is considered to be the worst farm system in baseball, so Pence for prospects is obviously on the table.
I wouldnt hesitate to do that Pence deal.
ReplyDeleteQuestion is, would Huntington?
And that still leaves a ??? at first, not sold on GI Jones anymore....
Huh.
ReplyDeleteThat would certainly be the creative way around the Allie issue. Thanks for the info, Yotz.
OK, so Marte, Lincoln, and Sanchez, maybe Allie as a PTBNL?
I'm still in. But...are the Astros?
"Question is, would Huntington?"
ReplyDeleteThat's got me worried too!
Virgil
This is a no brainer. A legit MLB PLAYER FOR 2 suspects - zit popping teens. This improves the club.
ReplyDeleteAin't no way nutting will do this, however
My question is, why are people so concerned as to whether NUTTING will do this, or HUNTINGTON will do this?
ReplyDeleteTrades are a two-way street. I don't see anyone asking the question of whether the ASTROS will do this.
@Burress: I'm sure you want Hunter because you are already envisioning "6 Pence None the Richer" song titles as headlines for your future blog posts.
ReplyDeleteTalk about a deal that would be right in your wheelhouse...
SeanAY:
ReplyDeleteBecause Huntington is not a good GM. He has lost many more trades than he has won. If I had confidence in him to do the job, I wouldnt have asked the question in the first place.
@Pucks
ReplyDeleteObviously that would be an added bonus.
This deal is only good for the Bucs if Shawon Dunston is not available.
The rumor probably was put out there to drive up the price on Pence. It's naive to think that Houston couldn't get a better deal than that. This is the problem the Pirates are going to run into - they don't have the abundance of prospects that other teams have.
ReplyDeleteOne other thing about Pence to consider - switching parks. I don't know his home/road splits but left field at Minute Maid is a hell of a lot different than left field at PNC. Would his power remain in Pittsburgh or does he become just another 15 home run guy as a righty playing 81 games at PNC?
Nice blog by the way.
P.S. this is Dan1283 and I can't figure out why this site won't let me comment from my Blogger/Google account but it won't.
Yotz,
ReplyDeleteYou are right in regards to a player to be named later. I was talking today. Good point.
BFD,
This is the type of Deal that NH and BN would do because Pence is under control.
Dog
@Dan,
ReplyDeleteWelcome!
The commenting issue have to do with cookie settings I believe. I cannot comment with my google ID from work, only from home. Instead of using anonymous, I use the Name/URL function and it allows me to enter my handle.
Here are Pence's road #'s for this year:
.297 with 7 HR and 26 RBI.
Take a look at his career #'s on the road vs at home:http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7963/splits;_ylt=ArRjW12aVwlULRy0jlwCqRGFCLcF?year=career&type=Batting
53 HR at home, 50 away in 15 less games. Fairly even stats.
He's played 30 games at PNC Park with 4 HR and 19 RBI and is batting .330 and slugging .491 with a .877 OPS there. Per 162 games at PNC, it would be about 22 HR and 103 RBI.
MAY have to do***
ReplyDeletePence is still under control for 3 more years.
ReplyDeleteAs long as we dont give up Taillon, Heredia, etc.
DO THIS !!!
Pence would be under control, we give up some prospects that may or may not develop.
Better than renting a player for a couple months, or taking on ARam's $$$17 million next year, which i dont see the team doing, even if we dont have to give up much.....
Thanks Burress. The splits are encouraging for Pence. He's the perfect type of player to go after but I think other teams could easily outbid the Pirates, especially a team from outside the division.
ReplyDeleteDan: Good point on the big Left Field at PNC, it possibly would take away a few Homers from Pence over the course of a whole year here, but I still think he would make a damn fine addition to this lineup none the less.
ReplyDelete@burress: aww man, Shawon Dunston. Are Joe Randa and Dale Sveum available? #Sveumwatch
A quick question for all.
ReplyDeleteWhat would you think of a package deal for Pence that included Presley?
Virgil: I would be okay with moving Presley IF it meant we got Pence. Presley has some speed, but little pop. We have two other solid guys here already and in the system who fit that mold. We need some power bats in the lineup, and that is what Pence would provide. I'd do Sanchez or Allie along with Presley to get Pence.
ReplyDeleteI’m in agreement if Presley is desired I’d make the move. Don’t get me wrong, I really like the guy – but is he the next McLouth or Duffy? The key would be what else the Astros would want. I’d be willing to add one of the players you mentioned and throw in Diaz for one of their few “suspects”.
ReplyDeleteI’m not anticipating getting Pence, but it sure would be nice.