June 26, 200521 yr Rays' closer Baez can see role with Marlins By Juan C. Rodriguez Staff Writer Posted June 26 2005 ST. PETERSBURG ? Danys Baez has no control over where he'll finish the season. The Devil Rays likely will trade their closer to a contending team before the July 31 non-waiver deadline. If he had his druthers Baez wouldn't mind going home. The Cuban-born right-hander resides in Miami and would welcome a trade to the Marlins, a team that is actively pursuing bullpen reinforcements. "They've had some injuries," Baez said. "[Antonio] Alfonseca is hurt. I think it would be a good opportunity. It's a great team. They have one of the best rotations in the National League, which is good because late in games you're leading and have opportunities to save it. "Of course it would good to go over there. I'm from Miami and have all my family there. It would be good for my family and everybody, but you never know what's going to happen. I can't be thinking about that while I'm playing." Getting Baez won't come cheap in players or dollars. The Devil Rays are seeking a Scott Kazmir-type, near major league-ready prospect. For the Marlins, that means parting with a top-flight minor league pitcher like Scott Olsen, Josh Johnson or Yorman Bazardo. In addition, Baez is making $3.5 million this season and has a $1 million buyout of a $4.5 million club option for 2006. Including the buyout, landing Baez for the final two months would cost the Marlins about $2.2 million. That's a significant commitment for a guy who may or may not be immediately installed as the closer. Todd Jones has done an exceptional job, converting 13 of his 14 chances since assuming those duties. Ideally, Baez would like to close wherever he goes, but he's willing to earn the position. "If I'm not [closing] or they have someone else, you have to look for your spot," he said. Sun-Sentinal Scott Olsen for Baez?
June 26, 200521 yr Rays' closer Baez can see role with Marlins By Juan C. Rodriguez Staff Writer Posted June 26 2005 ST. PETERSBURG ? Danys Baez has no control over where he'll finish the season. The Devil Rays likely will trade their closer to a contending team before the July 31 non-waiver deadline. If he had his druthers Baez wouldn't mind going home. The Cuban-born right-hander resides in Miami and would welcome a trade to the Marlins, a team that is actively pursuing bullpen reinforcements. "They've had some injuries," Baez said. "[Antonio] Alfonseca is hurt. I think it would be a good opportunity. It's a great team. They have one of the best rotations in the National League, which is good because late in games you're leading and have opportunities to save it. "Of course it would good to go over there. I'm from Miami and have all my family there. It would be good for my family and everybody, but you never know what's going to happen. I can't be thinking about that while I'm playing." Getting Baez won't come cheap in players or dollars. The Devil Rays are seeking a Scott Kazmir-type, near major league-ready prospect. For the Marlins, that means parting with a top-flight minor league pitcher like Scott Olsen, Josh Johnson or Yorman Bazardo. In addition, Baez is making $3.5 million this season and has a $1 million buyout of a $4.5 million club option for 2006. Including the buyout, landing Baez for the final two months would cost the Marlins about $2.2 million. That's a significant commitment for a guy who may or may not be immediately installed as the closer. Todd Jones has done an exceptional job, converting 13 of his 14 chances since assuming those duties. Ideally, Baez would like to close wherever he goes, but he's willing to earn the position. "If I'm not [closing] or they have someone else, you have to look for your spot," he said. Sun-Sentinal Scott Olsen for Baez? 826611[/snapback] olsen has tons of potential...i dont like the idea of giving him up
June 26, 200521 yr I wouldn't trade Olsen, he showed too much upside in his last start, most rookies aren't all that calm in debuts, maybe we could consider it, but it wouldn't be too smart. I would really like to see us trade Yorman Bazardo or Johnson before trading Olsen....
June 26, 200521 yr lol, yeah give up our top pitching prospect for a relief pitcher. No thanks. 826617[/snapback] It's not just that, Baez's salary and contract status make the move fiscally dangerous for the Fish who will be going into 2006 with a significant number of question marks. With the strong possibility that AJ leaves and Leiter retires, trading off (starting) pitching prospects makes little sense right now. The Marlins hit the jackpot last night with Olsen. It's like going to the Hard Rock and hitting triple cherries on a $5.00 machine with your first pull of the lever. His trade value just went through the roof (well it's now in the rafters at least) having "proved" (as if one start really proves anything) he can pitch at the major league level. It was a gutsy move by Beinfest to showcase the kid but give both of them credit, it worked out well. But as for Baez, my bet would be the Marlins pass.
June 26, 200521 yr The D-Rays were asking for Yusmeiro Petit when the Mets came calling in Spring Training, thankfully Omar laughed and hung up. Either they're going to have to lower their asking price substantially or some desperate team will end up getting raped in ass come August.
June 26, 200521 yr Author here's a quote from Beinfest This was just one start but it was very impressive.' lets see how the league adjust to him and how he adjust to them. he was very impressive especially in that 4th inning basesloaded. I would like to see him pitch against the Braves b/c if there's one team with better in game adjustments in the league its them...but it appears Beckett might be back for that game(Thursday) and yes I'll pass on Baez b/c of $$$$$
June 26, 200521 yr The Marlins would not trade Olsen at all. That would be like trading Beckett back in 2001.
June 26, 200521 yr Not shocking he wants to be a Marlin. When he was released he said he wanted to play where it was warm. It may be warm in Tampa, but they suck majorness.
June 26, 200521 yr This made more sense when both Alfonseca and Mota went down with injuries and Todd Jones was a question mark to close, and I mentioned it btw. But now, I don't think it makes sense to trade prospects (never Olsen) for 2.2 million in salary. And, knowing the Rays, they are going to ask us to pay the remainder of Baez's salary. And the guy will be coming expecting to compete for a position that right now is completely safe in the hands of Jones. No to Baez. On the other hand, I think I will prefer trading for Lidge (500K) if we are thinking on getting younger at the closer position and keep our financial sanity. I mean, if it gets to the point of trading prospects (again, not Olsen) away for help. And Zito, don't forget Zito . Even though he will be expensive (and the A's would probably part with some of his salary, who knows?), he is earning 5.600.000, he is still a good pitcher (and 20 games winner) who needs a change of scenery and would be a nice addition to the rotation next year when Leiter retires and Burnett decides to takes his maddening inconsistency to the Yankees and lead them back to the WS. :blink: Just a few ideas. Now, don't kill me... (raises protecting shield) :shifty
June 26, 200521 yr Author knocking down protective shields... I seriously doubt your getting a Lidge or even a Zito if you don't include a Olsen. There's only one guy going into last night game the organization would not trade from the farm and thats Hermida.IMO Olsen was brought up along with Willingham to showcase them to other clubs.... Oakland included
June 26, 200521 yr we don't need him unless we trade them Mota since I'm assuming that Jones will stay as the closer and Baez will go into that setup role. Sort of like the Urbina of '03. Mota + Bazardo for Baez
June 26, 200521 yr The Marlins would not trade Olsen at all. That would be like trading Beckett back in 2001. 826633[/snapback] I hope they wouldn't trade him for a reliever, but they did offer him to the Tigers for Urbina ( :banghead ), so I don't think he's necessarily untouchable like Beckett was. If anyone in the organization is untouchable, it's Hermida.
June 26, 200521 yr The Marlins would not trade Olsen at all. That would be like trading Beckett back in 2001. 826633[/snapback] oh come on...Olsen is a good young kid, but he's no where near the level a prospect as Beckett was when he first came up. I'm not for dealing Olsen, but it wouldnt surpise me in the least if he was. Just last week, according to several papers, the Marlins were close to dealing him for Urbina. Like M2003 said, his last start alone has probably made his value skyrocket, a "major league ready" prospect is a worth a hell of alot more than a prospect thats 2-3 years away (Bazardo)
June 26, 200521 yr The Marlins would not trade Olsen at all. That would be like trading Beckett back in 2001. 826633[/snapback] Wow, let's not get carried away. Olsen is fairly well touted prospect, and he had a nice first start. But Beckett was a number 2 overall pick, a top 5 prospect in all of baseball, and was absolutely lights out in the minors. He had an ERA of around 1. Olsen has close to a 4. I was as content with his start as everyone else, but we are not talking about a Beckett.
June 26, 200521 yr Jayson Stark in one of his columns mentioned a package including Willingham to go to the A's. Gordon going to the Marlins, and Kotsay going to the Yankees.
June 26, 200521 yr The only people i'll give olsen up for are Kotsay or Zito. 826695[/snapback] I'd rather have Olsen than Zito. but maybe I'm just insane.
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