A couple of days ago I told you about a possible deal in the works between the Kansas City Royals and the Cleveland Indians. In the proposed trade, the Indians would get Mark Teahen and the Royals would get back one of three outfielders from the Tribe. The deal hasn't gone through yet, though there's been no words that talks have broken off, so it could just be that the Royals are busy working on other deals.Like the one that just sent Leo Nunez to the Marlins for first baseman Mike Jacobs.
The Royals acquired power-hitting first baseman Mike Jacobs from the Florida Marlins on Thursday for right-handed reliever Leo Nunez.The reason the Marlins were so willing to part ways with Jacobs is because he's eligible for arbitration this winter, and that means he's going to cost somewhere between $2 and $3 million to keep around. That's not exactly the Marlins style. Plus they do have Gaby Sanchez who they may feel is ready to take over.
Jacobs, who turned 28 on Thursday, should answer the Royals' need for a proven power hitter. He had career highs of 32 home runs and 93 RBIs for the Marlins last season.
As for the Royals, while they get a power bat, I'm not sure this is the best move for the team. Yes, Jacobs will add some thump to the lineup -- Jose Guillen led the team with 20 home runs last season -- but that's about it. Plus there's the fact that Kauffman Stadium isn't as homer friendly as Mike's old park. Oh, and did I mention that even though Mike had 32 bombs last season, he still only hit .247 with a lovely .299 OBP. Considering that the Royals were near the bottom of the AL last season in OBP (.320), you would think they'd be looking for someone who draws walks as well.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-30-2008 @ 2:52PM
JAMES said...
Hitter friendly park that Jacobs is used to? Your kidding right. Dolphin stadium is the pitts for a left bat. 345 ft to right field vs 330 at Kauffman. Pleasezzz get your facts right.
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11-28-2008 @ 4:40PM
Austin said...
Ha, ok, so a simple umm, miscalculation by the poster here, but he's got his other comments correct (in my truly unprofessional opinion, of course). Jacobs doesn't fit the system that we have unsuccessfully been trying to build. The Jose Guillen trade still irks me, we don't need him here. He's too arrogant, which could very well affect his playing (as it does with many players). But back to Jacobs. Jacobs + bat = power. But power does not automatically equal RBI's. Yes, yes, one home run is an RBI in the stat book. But our system is beginning to be built around solid line drive hitters, with solid speed in the middle of the line up. THAT equals RBI's. Jacobs doesn't fit the criteria. I'm not even going to mention the fact that he loads up first base. Oh wait, I just did mention it, might as well talk about it. Butler is juicy trade-bait, as much as no one wishes to admit it. If we lose Billy to Jacobs, this little boy will cry. In conclusion, Jacobs brings more negative things to the team than positives.
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