I just wanted to bring this up in discussion b/c it was briefly mentioned in the Cody Ross thread, but it warrants its own thread. I dont think theres much to gain at this point from trading the hammer. That move might have made sense last year, when hammer had no where to play. But I see no need to trade a rookie of the year candidate, who we have locked up for several years AND who can also play behind the plate. Thoughts?

I just wanted to bring this up in discussion b/c it was briefly mentioned in the Cody Ross thread, but it warrants its own thread. I dont think theres much to gain at this point from trading the hammer. That move might have made sense last year, when hammer had no where to play. But I see no need to trade a rookie of the year candidate, who we have locked up for several years AND who can also play behind the plate. Thoughts?

 

 

Playing devil's advocate...one might say Willy's value will never be higher. The guy is an AL player all the way. I've got to guess a Beane, Shapiro or Epstein would love a type of player such as Willingham.

we have absolutely no reason to trade him

I just wanted to bring this up in discussion b/c it was briefly mentioned in the Cody Ross thread, but it warrants its own thread. I dont think theres much to gain at this point from trading the hammer. That move might have made sense last year, when hammer had no where to play. But I see no need to trade a rookie of the year candidate, who we have locked up for several years AND who can also play behind the plate. Thoughts?

 

 

Playing devil's advocate...one might say Willy's value will never be higher. The guy is an AL player all the way. I've got to guess a Beane, Shapiro or Epstein would love a type of player such as Willingham.

 

Wouldn't it be higher with 3 straight seasons of 30 hr and 100 rbi, along with a .375+ obp? Of course really good GMs will be after him, he is an excellent player who will make the minimum for the next two seasons.

 

He has played LF about as well as Miggy did, and he still has some potential behind the plate. Trading him would be absolute lunacy. There is no financial need to do so, and he is major contributor to this team.

the fact he makes the minimum for the next few seasons is all the more reason not to trade him

Since I'm the one who mentioned it let me jump in here.

 

What I was saying was (and first it was a compliment to Josh and second, it was nothing more than a wild-azz speculation on my part) Willingham in my mind is the premier player excluding the "untouchables" on the team - Cabrera, Willis, Hermida, Ramirez and I'd throw in Dan Uggla - that "might" (operative word) be expendable with all the outfielders in camp, and would fetch more than several other players we could name.

 

Don't advocate it, don't expect it, but it did cross my mind.

Since I'm the one who mentioned it let me jump in here.

 

What I was saying was (and first it was a compliment to Josh and second, it was nothing more than a wild-azz speculation on my part) Willingham in my mind is the premier player excluding the "untouchables" on the team - Cabrera, Willis, Hermida, Ramirez and I'd throw in Dan Uggla - that "might" (operative word) be expendable with all the outfielders in camp, and would fetch more than several other players we could name.

 

Don't advocate it, don't expect it, but it did cross my mind.

 

 

I'd say he is in the untouchable group, as young hitters with the combo of good on base and power are hard to come by. When you consider that Willingham could also play 1B at least as well as Jacobs does, combined again with the possibilites of him behind the plate, it seems pretty clear.

 

How many other hitters do we have in the minors ready to go, who can put up numbers like Willingham?

i mean hammer is a two tool player(hits for avg and power) with avg arm, speed, and glove...but i really like him in the lineup. even though he is slumping a little bit now, his swing is the kind of swing that can be repeted over and over translating to consistent hitting whereas Jacobs and koolaid's swings are more prone to be erratic...plus willy looks more comfortable in left everyday maybe he can become an improved jeff conine...the belief is that if you can hit really good then you have the eye hand coordination to become a good defender