What I like about Nunez is that he has shown steady improvement consistently over the past four years.

 

2005 Kansas City Royals 7.55

2006 Kansas City Royals 4.73

2007 Kansas City Royals 3.92

2008 Kansas City Royals 2.98

 

Career Totals 4.92

 

I like it. :thumbup

I hate to see a player go to Kansas City. "Sentenced" would probably be the more appropriate term.

 

KC is like the baseball version of death row.

 

Funny. I remember me and many other people saying the same thing about the Rays about five years ago. Look at them now. KC is making solid moves to improve that team. They will be good again. This is one move that should help get them on track.

 

Funny. I remember me and many other people saying the same thing about the Rays about five years ago. Look at them now. KC is making solid moves to improve that team. They will be good again. This is one move that should help get them on track.

 

I think this pushes them back a little. Just my opinion.

 

Funny. I remember me and many other people saying the same thing about the Rays about five years ago. Look at them now. KC is making solid moves to improve that team. They will be good again. This is one move that should help get them on track.

 

I think this pushes them back a little. Just my opinion.

 

The reason I think it helps the Royals is b/c their lineup lacks power. I agree that they have given up pitching, however, they were pretty good there. Like us, they are giving up a strength of theirs to fill a weakness. Although many agree that they have given up a lot, they did achieve the goal of putting more pop in the lineup.

nunez is a solid pitcher but i just dont think he is worth 32 home runs and almost 100 rbi becuase beleive me had jacobs gotten just 7 more rbi we would be feeling a lot worse about this.

nunez is a solid pitcher but i just dont think he is worth 32 home runs and almost 100 rbi becuase beleive me had jacobs gotten just 7 more rbi we would be feeling a lot worse about this.

Sub 300 OBP and poor defense completely negates his positive slugging.

Good luck Jake ....I wish I could say there were more good than bad memories....but ultimately you were a Marlin...someone I cared about...

Welcome Mr.Nunez...

Funny. I remember me and many other people saying the same thing about the Rays about five years ago. Look at them now. KC is making solid moves to improve that team. They will be good again. This is one move that should help get them on track.

 

I think this pushes them back a little. Just my opinion.

 

The reason I think it helps the Royals is b/c their lineup lacks power. I agree that they have given up pitching, however, they were pretty good there. Like us, they are giving up a strength of theirs to fill a weakness. Although many agree that they have given up a lot, they did achieve the goal of putting more pop in the lineup.

 

Why do people insist lineups need "power"? Sure, 3-run homers are great, but not necessarily at the expense of base-hits, walks, and generally productive at-bats where at a baserunner can move up 90 feet at least.

(Occasionally) Fun to watch (ABs) does not equal Wins, but Wins = Fun.

nunez is a solid pitcher but i just dont think he is worth 32 home runs and almost 100 rbi becuase beleive me had jacobs gotten just 7 more rbi we would be feeling a lot worse about this.

 

 

 

Considering an RBI is a team-oriented stat...I wouldn't have felt any worse, at all.

"Obviously we like him a lot. He was among the top hitters in all of baseball last year, I think ranking 11th or 12th. And you know he plays in a really big ballpark," Royals general manager Dayton Moore said. "Has a lot of power to the middle of the field. Has a lot of energy, plays with enthusiasm, plays to win and he's a personality. He gives us a middle of the lineup presence."

Seriously, who is this guy thinking of? What rankings is he thinking of?? This doesn't sound like Mike Jacobs at all. Mike Jacobs is level-headed, shows no emotion, does not play to win, does not have a personality, etc.. Who does this guy think he just acquired?

Royals fans upset...

 

http://boards.espn.go.com/boards/mb/mb?spo...4469&lid=24

 

http://boards.espn.go.com/boards/mb/mb?spo...19113&lid=2

 

http://boards.espn.go.com/boards/mb/mb?spo...19411&lid=9

 

:mischief

Can you blame them? They lose a young reliever about to enter his prime that has already posted some pretty damn good numbers and get a free swinging power hitter in a pitcher's park.

article from florida marlins home page...interesting or noteworthy items highlighted.

 

MIAMI -- Before the World Series even started, the wheels were in motion for the first trade in the Hot Stove season.

 

For about a week and a half, the Marlins had been in ongoing discussions with the Royals regarding a deal of first baseman Mike Jacobs for a relief pitcher.

 

In their first step in remolding their roster, the Marlins on Thursday afternoon traded off power for pitching.

 

Jacobs, who hit 32 home runs and drove in 93 runs this past season, was dealt to the Royals for right-handed reliever Leo Nunez, a 25-year-old who has a mid-90s fastball.

 

"Really, we were trading from an area of depth to an area that we wanted to create more depth in," Marlins president of baseball operations Admin Beinfest said.

 

Eligible for arbitration for the first time, Jacobs' salary projects to rise from $395,000 to about $3.5 million. The left-handed-hitting first baseman was celebrating his 28th birthday on the day he was traded for the second time in his career.

 

"It's been one of those hectic days," Jacobs said in an interview from his home in San Diego. "Not only is it my birthday, but I'm getting calls for that, and people hearing the news."

 

The Marlins acquired Jacobs from the Mets on Thanksgiving night of 2005 as part of the Carlos Delgado trade.

 

Power was the staple for the Marlins the past few years. In 2008, the club set a franchise record with 208 home runs. Yet, with the power came strikeouts. Jacobs, who batted .247 with a .299 on-base percentage in '08, struck out 119 times in 477 at-bats.

 

"I still truly believe that I'm not a .240 hitter in the big leagues," Jacobs said. "I think the power numbers are going to stay there. I think the RBI numbers will stay there, if not be higher. The biggest thing I need to work on this [upcoming] year is being more of a complete hitter. Being able to go the other way more. Being able to not stay in a slump quite as long."

 

As a team, the Marlins struck out a Major League most 1,371 times.

 

"Ultimately, with the new look, whoever it is at first base, you might have to trade off a little bit of the power, but you may be looking at fewer strikeouts and possibly a higher on-base [percentage], which could lead to more run production in a different way than the home run," said Beinfest, who praised Jacobs for his production and hard work in three seasons in Florida.

 

Dealing Jacobs removes a left-handed power bat from the roster. The Marlins' options at first base now are to either switch Jorge Cantu to first base or go with Double-A first baseman Gaby Sanchez, a 25-year-old who batted .314 with 17 home runs and 92 RBIs with the Carolina Mudcats.

 

Sanchez, a Miami native who attended the University of Miami, appeared in five games for the Marlins as a September callup. He had three hits in eight at-bats.

 

If Cantu, who played first base as a defensive replacement for Jacobs in the late innings, is moved to first base, veteran Wes Helms and Dallas McPherson could split time at third base. McPherson also can play first base.

 

McPherson, who broke in with the Angels before experiencing back problems, enjoyed a healthy season at Triple-A Albuquerque. He batted .275, and his 42 home runs were the most in the Minor Leagues -- at any level -- this past season.

 

Because all four third base options also can play first base, Beinfest noted the organization has depth at that position. The organization also is high on prospect Logan Morrison, who projects to move up to Double-A Jacksonville next season. Morrison is currently playing in the Arizona Fall League.

 

While Cantu, McPherson and versatile Alfredo Amezaga all are arbitration-eligible, the team is expected to sign all three.

 

Jacobs appreciated his time with the Marlins, and he welcomes a new start in Kansas City.

 

"We grew up together, me and those guys," said Jacobs, who in 2006 was one of more than 20 rookies to see action for the Marlins that year. "I think that is something you are not going to see, maybe ever again, the amount of young guys who came in and played right away. We were able to play together for three years. I wish them nothing but luck. I'm going to miss all the boys over there. We were like a brotherhood over there."

 

Jacobs also thinks he will see time as a designated hitter in the American League.

 

"I've got to assume that is going to be part of the plan too, to DH," Jacobs said. "I'm looking forward to that. Playing in the Minor Leagues, you obviously DH a lot. It's something I'm comfortable with. I think it is something that suits me just well. I still haven't gotten my 600 plate appearances yet. Hopefully, I'll get them this year."

 

Money also played a part in Thursday's trade. The Marlins are expected to have a payroll between $30-35 million.

 

"We wanted to make sure our allocation of our payroll is distributed correctly in the areas that it needs to be in order to be as competitive as possible," Beinfest said.

 

As for the makeup of the ballclub, the Marlins are hoping to return to more of a pitching, defense and speed formula -- the trademark of their 2003 World Series championship squad.

 

"We want to get back to our pitching and defense model," Beinfest said. "We want to improve the defense. We think the pitching is, right now, on paper, a strength of this team. The starting pitching ... it's a lot different than it was a year ago. We will enter '09 with a much different feel and confidence in our starting pitching. We want to make sure our bullpen is strong. We just need to catch the ball better."

 

Jacobs was part of history for Florida this season. The Marlins became the first team in Major League history to have four infielders each connect on 25 or more home runs. Shortstop Hanley Ramirez had 33, while Jacobs and second baseman Dan Uggla each finished with 32. Cantu delivered 29.

 

It's been the team's philosophy in any trade to try to return pitching. This deal was no exception. For their power-hitting first baseman, the Marlins are bringing in Nunez, who would factor into the back end of the bullpen.

 

The 25-year-old Nunez, not yet in his arbitration years, finished with a 4-1 record and a 2.98 ERA in 45 games for the Royals this past season. He threw 48 1/3 innings, striking out 26 while walking 15.

 

Beinfest said the Marlins have had interest in Nunez for a couple of seasons.

 

"We weren't able to get our hands on him," Beinfest said of previous attempts to acquire the right-hander. "We think he can pitch later in the game for us. The seventh inning or later."

 

Nunez broke in with the Royals in 2005, and he has appeared in 106 games. His career record is 9-7 with a 4.92 ERA. A native of the Dominican Republic, he adds big league experience to the bullpen. Some feel he could eventually get a chance to close.

 

The past two seasons, Kevin Gregg has handled Florida's closing role, compiling 29 saves in 38 chances in '08. In '07, he converted 32 of 36 opportunities. But Gregg, who is eligible for free agency after the 2009 season, made $2.5 million this past year. The Marlins, according to sources, are actively shopping him.

 

Gregg was bothered by a left knee injury late in the year, and Matt Lindstrom took over, going 5-for-5 in save chances in September.

 

Lindstrom, barring any moves for an established closer, will head into Spring Training as the front-runner to secure the job. Lindstrom is the hardest-throwing pitcher on the staff, boasting a fastball that ranges from 96-100 mph. Nunez has reached 96 mph.

 

Asked if closing could be in Nunez's future, Beinfest added: "We feel the velocity is there. You never really know anybody until you are with him every day. In terms of the velocity and the stuff, I don't see why that couldn't be an option. We'll get him into camp, get him into a Marlins uniform and go from there."

 

http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/news/articl...sp&c_id=fla

You guys on this board are the most ungreatful duds ever. I truley can't understand all the harsh words for Jake, He gave you 32 homers, 93 rbi's and you guys talk about him like he did nothing for this team. He was part of history, for your team. He caught more balls at his ankels than any other fielder I ever saw. Over his head, way way off line, in the dirt, personally I think Jacobs was fine in the field, range wise he could of done better.

Cantu throwing the ball accross the diamond like he was skimming rocks across a lake.

Cantu made 22 errors and you all think he's god. Its totally laughable. Cantu had 151 more at bats than Jacobs, and had 2 more rbi's than him. I will laugh my butt off next year when Cantu is at first base and can't streach to get the balls. He is a total hack in the filed. If you think Jacobs was bad in the field and all of you seem to have that opinion just wait till Cantu's yours 1b.

Of course the saving grace that will or should help Cantu next season is thankfully he won't have to catch his own balls.

 

You guys are so spoiled with the home runs this team hits that you have no appreciation of RBI's or home runs. 10 more hits and Jake has a 270 average 10 more hits and his obp is 320.

It was good knowing you Jake. You put in your time and came into your own last season. The AL is the best place for you. Best of luck.

Good riddance.

You guys are so spoiled with the home runs this team hits that you have no appreciation of RBI's or home runs

 

RBI is not a good way to evaluate a player's worth.

 

*cap'n dud*

You guys on this board are the most ungreatful duds ever. I truley can't understand all the harsh words for Jake, He gave you 32 homers, 93 rbi's and you guys talk about him like he did nothing for this team. He was part of history, for your team. He caught more balls at his ankels than any other fielder I ever saw. Over his head, way way off line, in the dirt, personally I think Jacobs was fine in the field, range wise he could of done better.

Cantu throwing the ball accross the diamond like he was skimming rocks across a lake.

Cantu made 22 errors and you all think he's god. Its totally laughable. Cantu had 151 more at bats than Jacobs, and had 2 more rbi's than him. I will laugh my butt off next year when Cantu is at first base and can't streach to get the balls. He is a total hack in the filed. If you think Jacobs was bad in the field and all of you seem to have that opinion just wait till Cantu's yours 1b.

Of course the saving grace that will or should help Cantu next season is thankfully he won't have to catch his own balls.

 

You guys are so spoiled with the home runs this team hits that you have no appreciation of RBI's or home runs. 10 more hits and Jake has a 270 average 10 more hits and his obp is 320.

 

 

Word.

I completely agree that he wasn't fantastic and his OBP was quite low, but seriously!?! You guys are really overreacting to just how bad Jake was. I wish him the best and I hope he improves his numbers in KC.

You guys on this board are the most ungreatful duds ever. I truley can't understand all the harsh words for Jake, He gave you 32 homers, 93 rbi's and you guys talk about him like he did nothing for this team. He was part of history, for your team. He caught more balls at his ankels than any other fielder I ever saw. Over his head, way way off line, in the dirt, personally I think Jacobs was fine in the field, range wise he could of done better.

Cantu throwing the ball accross the diamond like he was skimming rocks across a lake.

Cantu made 22 errors and you all think he's god. Its totally laughable. Cantu had 151 more at bats than Jacobs, and had 2 more rbi's than him. I will laugh my butt off next year when Cantu is at first base and can't streach to get the balls. He is a total hack in the filed. If you think Jacobs was bad in the field and all of you seem to have that opinion just wait till Cantu's yours 1b.

Of course the saving grace that will or should help Cantu next season is thankfully he won't have to catch his own balls.

 

You guys are so spoiled with the home runs this team hits that you have no appreciation of RBI's or home runs. 10 more hits and Jake has a 270 average 10 more hits and his obp is 320.

 

 

This.

 

I'll miss Jacobs, and I wish him all the best!!!!

 

You all sound bitter, not to mention ungrateful. Get your fat asses out there and do what he did, otherwise shut up and man up.

Spoken by people who truly don't understand a player's worth.

 

His OBP was ranked dead last in the majors for 1B

 

That's all you need to know.

 

Kevin Millar beat him by .024!!!!!

 

It's not personal. It's statistical.

You guys are so spoiled with the home runs this team hits that you have no appreciation of RBI's or home runs

 

RBI is not a good way to evaluate a player's worth.

 

*cap'n dud*

Funny I always thought you had to score runs to win a game, which I think mean rbi's are very important. You were just joking right?

You guys are so spoiled with the home runs this team hits that you have no appreciation of RBI's or home runs

 

RBI is not a good way to evaluate a player's worth.

 

*cap'n dud*

Funny I always thought you had to score runs to win a game, which I think mean rbi's are very important. You were just joking right?

 

YEA, YOU GOT ME. IT'S ALL JOKEZ UP IN HERE.

 

RBI is an unbelievable bad judge of a player's worth.

You guys on this board are the most ungreatful duds ever. I truley can't understand all the harsh words for Jake, He gave you 32 homers, 93 rbi's and you guys talk about him like he did nothing for this team. He was part of history, for your team. He caught more balls at his ankels than any other fielder I ever saw. Over his head, way way off line, in the dirt, personally I think Jacobs was fine in the field, range wise he could of done better.

Cantu throwing the ball accross the diamond like he was skimming rocks across a lake.

Cantu made 22 errors and you all think he's god. Its totally laughable. Cantu had 151 more at bats than Jacobs, and had 2 more rbi's than him. I will laugh my butt off next year when Cantu is at first base and can't streach to get the balls. He is a total hack in the filed. If you think Jacobs was bad in the field and all of you seem to have that opinion just wait till Cantu's yours 1b.

Of course the saving grace that will or should help Cantu next season is thankfully he won't have to catch his own balls.

 

You guys are so spoiled with the home runs this team hits that you have no appreciation of RBI's or home runs. 10 more hits and Jake has a 270 average 10 more hits and his obp is 320.

10 hits and .270? Awesome. If my grandmother had balls she'd be my grandfather. A .320 OBP is still bad for a 1B, and not worth arbitration for a payroll strapped team like the Marlins with THREE legitimate alternatives at 1B. No one thinks Cantu is god, but for a $500k signing, able to play 1B/3B to ease in Gaby and McPherson, and then be traded after 2009 is one hell of a signing. This goes the same for McPherson if he can produce in 2009. Cantu also rated outrageously higher defensively at 1B than Jacobs. I mean, outrageously. We're talking over a full season a difference of maybe 30-35 plays (NNY can check this, but Jacobs was -20s in his play differential, and Cantu was +5 in limited time at 1B) that would translate into who knows how many runs. A dozen? More. Huge huge upgrade here.

 

And no one hates Jacobs. It's clearly obvious he is a very competent baseball player, a starting caliber player for sure with that .500 slugging at a very very low batting average, but he just doesn't fit this team anymore. It's going to be great for him to get to the AL so he can DH half the time, and get into a slightly better ballpark (Kaufman is still tough) versus left handers. I wish him all the luck in the world, but I'm not going to miss him. Neither are the Marlins.

Oh Lou, you are a spoiled dud

10 hits and .270? Awesome. If my grandmother had balls she'd be my grandfather. A .320 OBP is still bad for a 1B, and not worth arbitration for a payroll strapped team like the Marlins with THREE legitimate alternatives at 1B. No one thinks Cantu is god, but for a $500k signing, able to play 1B/3B to ease in Gaby and McPherson, and then be traded after 2009 is one hell of a signing. This goes the same for McPherson if he can produce in 2009. Cantu also rated outrageously higher defensively at 1B than Jacobs. I mean, outrageously. We're talking over a full season a difference of maybe 30-35 plays (NNY can check this, but Jacobs was -20s in his play differential, and Cantu was +5 in limited time at 1B) that would translate into who knows how many runs. A dozen? More. Huge huge upgrade here.

Mike Jacobs was truly pathetic, with a -27 Plus/Minus. That of course ranked him 30th among 1B. Cantu was unranked but still managed a +3 at 1B. (but a -11 at 3B, ranked 29th.)

Mike Jacobs was truly pathetic, with a -27 Plus/Minus. That of course ranked him 30th among 1B. Cantu was unranked but still managed a +3 at 1B. (but a -11 at 3B, ranked 29th.)

Nice. So basically the 30-35 range is pretty likely.

 

And that's why I want Dallas at 3B for 100+ games.