Jacoby Ellsbury is on the block, according to MLBTR. He apparently has a strained relationship with the Red Sox. Ellsbury is a 1st-year arbitration-eligible outfielder, who has shown the ability to play at least a league-average center field.

 

He's got excellent speed, he's left-handed, and he is a prototypical lead-off hitter (sure, I'd love a higher OBP, but he's still in that mold).

Ellsbury seems to fit very nicely for the Marlins.

 

As for what the Marlins can offer, I wonder if a deal beginning with Gaby Sanchez could make things work. I'd imagine we'd have to add additional pieces. Ellsbury put up 3.9 and 2.7 WARs in his last 2 full seasons. Gaby put up a 2.4 WAR. Both players are the same age (born 9/1983), and Gaby will be cheaper, so that should bridge the talent gap somewhat.

 

The Red Sox have Kevin Youkilis, who obviously will play at one of the corners, and Dustin Pedroia at 2B. Adrian Beltre and Mike Lowell are both free agents. I would imagine they would give Jed Lowrie a shot at SS next year. On their depth chart for First Base, they currently have Lars Anderson and Lowrie. Anderson is a lefty who could be allow Gaby to platoon, probably the best-case scenario for Gaby. Anderson struggled mightily in his first time in the big leagues last year, and Gaby's presence could allow them to ease in Anderson.

 

It seems like there may be a good bit of interest in Ellsbury, and I certainly wouldn't want the Marlins to give up a ton. But he would allow the Marlins to put him in CF, move Coghlan to LF, and move Logan Morrison to his eventual home at 3B. Or, since Ellsbury could certainly play LF or CF, if the Marlins are happy with Dominguez, then you could leave Cogs in left and Infante at 2B (I suppose you could flip them, but I think the Marlins prefer this alignment). But with Ellsbury's flexibility, if the Marlins think Dominguez is NOT ready, then they can fill that last gap with a new CF, LF, 3B, or 2B. That would give Beinfest a ton of flexibility.

 

I'm not sure who else with Gaby might get this done. If it were Gaby + Chad James, would you do it? Too much to give up? Not enough to get Theo Epstein to pull the trigger? Interested in Ellsbury in the 1st place?

Here's a link to an article talking about some possibilities for Ellsbury. If the deal he mentions if realistic, maybe Gaby + Galloway + James gets it done.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/dailypitch/post/2010/11/jacoby-ellsbury-trade-boston-red-sox/1?csp=34

 

Here's the MLBTR note:

Jacoby Ellsbury's reportedly strained relationship with the Red Sox and his attractiveness to potential suitors make him a strong trade candidate this offseason, according to Paul White of USA Today. Boston GM Theo Epstein has hinted that the Red Sox roster is in need of a "restocking," according to White, and Ellsbury could be a good fit for the Padres, Diamondbacks, Angels, Braves, Mets and Cubs.

No way would I give up James in a trade for Ellsbury. But, he would be a solid addition for the right price.

ellsbury would be a perfect fit. that would give us a proven centerfielder and leadoff hitter. also if gaby was included in a trade we could move logan to his natural position. but i'm not sure how much it would take to get ellsbury

No doubt in my mind, I would trade Sanchez and James for Ellsbury. I wouldn't even think twice before doing it.

 

I've always wanted a Juan Pierre type of player on our team. Ellsbury fits that bill.

 

I personally think the Red Sox will ask more than that though. If we grabbed Ellsbury, I'd be absolutely ecstatic.

Juan Pierre type? you want more Bonifacio?

Juan Pierre type? you want more Bonifacio?

 

 

Juan Pierre type, meaning when Juan Pierre was actually a good player (2003, 2004). I'm pretty sure that's what dim meant.

Also, to be fair, I wish that Bonifacio could put up Juan Pierre's current #'s. With his speed and defense in CF, Bonifacio would be a productive everyday starter with Juan Pierre's offensive #'s.

his SLG is .35 lower than his OBP! i know the type of player he is but that just seems sooooo ass backwards for... i dunno... a hitter.

I'd do it.

Offer Boston Sanchez and Nunez for Ellsbury.

Would rather have Upton

Would rather have Upton

 

 

Who wouldn't? But at least with Ellsbury the demand won't be nearly as high for him

Would rather have Upton

 

 

Yes, wow, how did I miss that.

 

watertown - I actually forgot about Nunez. I'm not overly familiar with their bullpen situation, but they probably have the payroll to take on Nunez. Gaby + Nunez + 2nd-tier pitching spec + Galloway (the article suggests they want a lead-off type guy, but I know Galloway has struggled, but he's still a high-upside guy AFAIK)?

I wouldn't do that trade. We can't trade Gaby + for the sake of having a lefthanded leadoff proven CF like Ellsbury. Coghlan can play CF, LoMo LF and Gaby 1B. I woludn't afford losing his production at the plate to land Ellsbury. I would eyes closed trade Gaby and Nolasco and Nuñez to get Justin Upton, though

I would eyes closed trade Gaby and Nolasco and Nuñez to get Justin Upton, though

 

Yes, of course we would, but I guarantee Upton coming here would require more than that. I believe that Mike Stanton would have to be involved.

I meant Gaby, Nolasco and Nuñez as core players in a possible trade. I know it'll take more than those three to reel in Justin Upton. Mike Stanton is untouchable.

I wouldn't do that trade. We can't trade Gaby + for the sake of having a lefthanded leadoff proven CF like Ellsbury. Coghlan can play CF, LoMo LF and Gaby 1B. I woludn't afford losing his production at the plate to land Ellsbury. I would eyes closed trade Gaby and Nolasco and Nuñez to get Justin Upton, though

 

 

All of those players are either below average, or average at best at those positions... The player I would be unwilling to give up is Nolasco. Especially not before we sign another quality SP.

Would rather have Upton

 

 

Yes, wow, how did I miss that.

 

watertown - I actually forgot about Nunez. I'm not overly familiar with their bullpen situation, but they probably have the payroll to take on Nunez. Gaby + Nunez + 2nd-tier pitching spec + Galloway (the article suggests they want a lead-off type guy, but I know Galloway has struggled, but he's still a high-upside guy AFAIK)?

 

Meaning I wouldnt trade gaby+ for a ellsbury, only way i give up gaby would be for upton.... guess my whole posted didn't post for some reason

 

Either way were getting neither but Im sure you didn't miss that either

Lol are you guys not factoring in an injury?

 

Stay away!

 

No, I wouldnt trade Gaby or James for him!

Pretty soon we'll have no power on this team at all........no thanks.

Jacoby Ellsbury is very talented with alot of upside, and when he's not injured he's shown how great of a player he can be. It would be smart to add him on the cheap side, especially when we have to consider making chris coghlan the centerfielder. I want coghlan at 2nd base

Jacoby Ellsbury is very talented with alot of upside, and when he's not injured he's shown how great of a player he can be. It would be smart to add him on the cheap side, especially when we have to consider making chris coghlan the centerfielder. I want coghlan at 2nd base

 

 

I agree for the most part, I'd love to have Jacoby but for the right price. Galloway, Gaby and Nunez is alot in my opinion.

 

As for the bolded part, I'd rather have Infante at 2nd as he is more experienced and seems to have better hands and more range. 2nd Base is a lot harder to play for the most part then 3rd. (Reference = Personal Experience).

Hey.

 

There's only room for one Dr. in this town.

No love for this guy?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_CIusQjjb0

 

I'd do Gaby + Nunez + Galloway is a bleeping heartbeat, although I haven't analyzed the seriousness of his injury.