Woody Paige is, of course, insane. But I suppose he borders on reasonable enough -- the idea that Colorado should trade Matt Holliday is in fact a good one -- that we give him a pass. However, when you look at what he thinks Colorado should consider getting in return for its MVP runner-up, well, there is no way you can legitimately rationalize that he knows where he is or what he is doing.His first idea -- Holliday and Garrett Atkins or Brad Hawpe for Cliff Lee, a middle reliever and an outfield prospect -- is closer to reality than the rest of his thoughts, but it's a bad deal for the Rockies. And not because of Lee's "four superb pitches", either! The rest, though, are borderline insane.
Yes, adding a #1 starter would be nice. But who is more likely to re-sign as a Rockie? The hitter with the home splits that make him look like Hercules ... or the pitcher in a place where pitchers stink? Exactly. But wait! There's more!Or, consider: The Rockies acquire Cleveland pitcher C.C. Sabathia, who got off to a terrible start before settling. It would be 2007 Cy Young winner for MVP runner-up.
Sabathia will be a free agent at the conclusion of the season. But it would make sense for dollars to the proven 27-year-old left-hander - probably close to $100 million over five years. He would be precious for years for the Rockies' pitching staff. The Monforts have to get over the Hampton/Neagle debacle. There is a humidor at the ballpark, and the Rockies always need a (No. 1) starter.
It's cute that Woody thinks that even Brian Sabean is dumb enough to dump the future of his franchise in Colorado's lap in order to rent Matt Holliday for a season and a half, all while sweetening the pot in the Rockies favor. In other words Lincecum > Holliday. Perhaps not in fantasy baseball, but in real life with contracts and stuff, um, yes, Woodrow.
How about the Blue Jays, the Tigers, the Braves, the Mariners, the Cardinals, the Rangers (who have two starting pitchers available - and the injured Jason Jennings - or the A's (Rich Harden, and they flip Holliday next season).
The Yankees? They're getting old, and Johnny Damon won't play left field in the new Yankee Stadium, and they have the money.
The Mets? They're desperate and have a pair of slugs in left field.
The Giants? Holliday would be The New Left Fielder, and perhaps the Rockies could pry Tim Lincecum, and others, away from them.
It's also interesting that a) he thinks Billy Beane would trade for Home Split Holliday, b) the Braves and Rangers are looking to trade starting pitching and c) he has no real plan for the Mets / Yankees to get Holliday, although one would assume it involves Phil Hughes/Ian Kennedy. Or maybe Johan Santana. Pedro Martinez, perhaps? Surely he could be enticed into inking a long term deal in Denver.
Mucho gusto to Vegas Watch for the link.
