Rumors are swirling that a trade may be in the works to help shore up the starting rotation for the Colorado Rockies. The Colorado Rockies are reportedly in talks with the New York Yankees to swap center fielder Willy Taveras for starting pitcher Ian Kennedy.
The Colorado Rockies have made it well known that they are in the market for a starting pitcher this winter. Most pundits have assumed that they would be dangling All Star outfielder Matt Holliday or slugging third baseman Garrett Atkins.
In Colorado, Taveras has become expendable to make room for top prospect Dexter Fowler, another speedster who also hits for average and power. Even if the Rockies choose to let Fowler gain some experience in Triple-A Colorado Springs, they still have Ryan Spilborghs and Seth Smith to man center field.
In New York, the Yankees are looking for an upgrade in center after Melky Cabrera turned in a disappointing '08 season. Taveras' numbers (.251 BA, .308 OBP) nearly mirror Cabrera's (.249 BA, .301 OBP), except in the stolen-base department, where Taveras set a Rockies record with 67 stolen bags.
Both players have an extreme upside. Scouts have said that Taveras, who is one year removed from hitting .320, is still learning how to read pitchers and steal bases. George Frazier, the Rockies' TV analyst, believes that Taveras could steal 100 bases in a season sometime in his career. He is entering his second year of arbitration and could only improve at the plate hitting in front of Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez.I'll be honest, I think this rumor is bulls***, but with that said I still felt the need to pass the info along to my fellow fan. At least we can spend some time debating the issue.
It's an interesting idea, but I think we already have a Willy Taveras type player in Brett Gardner, and Gardner may be the better defensive player. Taveras had a -5 in the Bill James fielding bible plus/minus ratings, ranking him 22nd in the league. Taveras was 14th in the MLB with a .875 zone rating, ranked 13th with a 2.61 range factor, and was dead last in qualifying center fielders with a .976 fielding percentage. In limited time Gardner showed that he was a very good defensive center fielder, and I don't think it was a fluke.
On the plus side Taveras has shown that he can hit at this level, he's a .283 lifetime hitter, and as the article stated he hit .320 in 2007.
So let's pretend this rumor has something behind it; I probably wouldn't make the move. I think the Yankees can get a little more for Kennedy, and there's also the slim chance that Kennedy may turn out to be a decent pitcher. I also think Gardner can be just as good a Taveras if given the chance.
What about you, would you trade Kennedy for Taveras?
15 Comments:
First, I do not think we can get more for Kennedy unless one considers DeJesus better than Taveras. I might make this move because the Yankees do need more speed, even though we do have Gardner. I think this team needs to get more gritty, play with more intensity, and most certainly not wait for the home run. One of my favorite moments of 08' was when Christian stole third base with the infielders in, forcing an overthrow, and he came in to score. Back in the day, the Yankees actually manufactured runs, and won World Series. Those types of teams always get to play in the Fall Classic.
0-4 with an 8.17 ERA in the big leagues, I'm surprised we can get more than a little league player for Kennedy!
While I agree that Taveras is about as good as the Yankees could get for Kennedy right now, there really is no need for him with Gardner in the lineup. Because we all know that the Yankees aren't going to play both Gardner and Taveras in the outfield. That's too much speed and not enough pop for the Yankees. So instead of dealing away pitching prospects for a clone of a player we already have, why don't the Yankees use Kennedy in a package for a better field player or for a proven starting pitcher.
I agree with the article insomuch that Taveras is a speedster and can hit relatively well. That being said, if Colorado wants Kennedy it should be more than just an even swap. How about Dan Giese for Taveras
I think we should trade for Taveras, I know you guys are really high on Gardner but what about if he continue to struggle, and not to mention that I don't trust Gardner against LHP. It wouldn't hurt having a speedster on the bench for key situation Christian is fast but I think this 2 are faster than him. With all that said I hope the Yankees get more for young high draft pitcher maybe we could send more players and get Taveras and Holliday from them.
I do think that Gardner and Taveras are pretty even though, no reason to get Willy. I agree Eliezer, package Kennedy and some others for Holliday.
I would love to get Holliday but the Rockies are bound to ask for Hughes, Cano, and Kennedy/AJax. It would turn into the Santana saga all over again. I have a better idea. Sign Manny and trade Nady this offseason. Then next year when Matsui is off the books, sign Holliday because he will be a free agent. In 2010 we can have an outfield of Holliday and Manny in the corners, Damon as the DH, and some CF to be named.
good trade for us. If the rockies are looking for a pitcher and they think Ian kennedy is the answer with the air out the there, they are even dumber than the yankees have been the last few years.
http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_10850213
This "trade" was a throw-away line from some 2 bit reporter for the Denver Post.
I wouldn't put any credibility to it.
id rather let gardner play and put kennedy in a different deal.
I agree Dan.
Get rid of Kennedy.
i agree with dan also "id rather let gardner play and put kennedy in a different deal."
Ditch Kennedy as soon as possible but not in this deal.
Mike
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