DBAHO Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 Now I know a lot of people want us to sign a big name like Beltran or Pedro, but I doubt that's going to happen. Mike Lowell can opt out of his 4 year $32 million contract that would pay $7.5 million next season, if the Marlins don't have stadium plans in by November 1. Here's some news on him, Although Lowell recognizes what a stadium would do, he is more concerned about the team's competitive approach. He doesn't have a no-trade clause in his contract. He isn't likely to stay with the team unless he is guaranteed that he won't be traded, and the team will remain at a competitive level. "No doubt, it could be my final series in this clubhouse," Lowell said. "I hope that it isn't, but you never know. My next decision will be more of a long-term one, and I'll be interested in being somewhere where we have as much of a chance to win as we have had in the last two years." In addition to himself, Lowell will want to know what the team's position is regarding high-profile free agents such as right-hander Carl Pavano and closer Armando Benitez. After winning the World Series last year, the Marlins didn't re-sign first baseman Derrek Lee and catcher Pudge Rodriguez. Damion Easley replaced Lowell, whose slugging percentage has dropped 68 points in the second half from .571, in the starting lineup. It was the fourth time Lowell hasn't started in 150 games. He has three homers in 176 at-bats since July 28, and he hasn't had one since Sept. 1, 68 at-bats ago. He has two RBI and four extra-base hits since Sept 2. Still, Lowell needs three extra-base hits to give him the most for a season, and he has 40 doubles for the first time. Lowell doesn't attribute the drop in homers to a change in his batting stance. "I'm not unhappy with my power numbers," Lowell said. "I make changes in my batting stance through a season. Most of it is with legs, either widening or closing my stance." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkokieSox Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 I would rather sign Koskie in the offseason, if at all possible. However, the Marlins may gain interest in a Joe Crede for perhaps Mota, or something else desirable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBAHO Posted September 22, 2004 Author Share Posted September 22, 2004 I would rather sign Koskie in the offseason, if at all possible. However, the Marlins may gain interest in a Joe Crede for perhaps Mota, or something else desirable. Yeah I thought the Marlins could be interested in Crede too if Lowell leaves. We could probably get Koskie for 2 years $7 million, if KW's willing to pay that price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 Does anyone know how a trade could or would affect Lowell's deal? Could a Crede plus somethings for Lowell trade be done, with his contract being honored? Could Lowell still opt to keep the deal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBAHO Posted September 22, 2004 Author Share Posted September 22, 2004 Does anyone know how a trade could or would affect Lowell's deal? Could a Crede plus somethings for Lowell trade be done, with his contract being honored? Could Lowell still opt to keep the deal? He has a no trade clause, but he said he won't remain with the team, if they don't guarantee that they will trade him. Don't know if there's a trade kicker or anythin as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beck72 Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 We should keep an eye on any Marlins news this offseason, esp re: Lowell. If he becomes a FA [the article said he doesn't have a no-trade clause], then they'll need a big bat [PK to fill their hole at 1B?]. Cabrera would likely go back to 3B I look for Ozzie to trade w/ the Marlins. Somehow I think Pierre would be available. I believe they have a CFer in AA [where Cabrera came from] who would give them what Pierre could [but bat lower in the order, and have Castillo leadoff] Something along the lines of eating a contract [like Alex Gonzalez's $4 mill] in order to get Pierre so the Marlins could get payroll relief. [though with Lowell moving, money would be freed up there, nut prob would be spent on pitching to resign Pavano.] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene Honda Civic Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 He has a no trade clause, but he said he won't remain with the team, if they don't guarantee that they will trade him. Don't know if there's a trade kicker or anythin as well. Sorry DB, but the quote you posted clearly says he doesn't have a no-trade clause... The one trump card he does hold is that he can void the contract in the off-season if there is no stadium... The way I read it, he will stay with the marlins if they 'promise' him they'll put a competitive team on the field... Do you really think Marlins ownership is going to say to the guy, "no we're going to try and lose this year" My guess is that he stays with the fish no matter their stadium issues... The only way I see him leaving is in a trade, with the Fish looking to clear some salary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 We should keep an eye on any Marlins news this offseason, esp re: Lowell. If he becomes a FA [the article said he doesn't have a no-trade clause], then they'll need a big bat [PK to fill their hole at 1B?]. Cabrera would likely go back to 3B I look for Ozzie to trade w/ the Marlins. Somehow I think Pierre would be available. I believe they have a CFer in AA [where Cabrera came from] who would give them what Pierre could [but bat lower in the order, and have Castillo leadoff] Something along the lines of eating a contract [like Alex Gonzalez's $4 mill] in order to get Pierre so the Marlins could get payroll relief. [though with Lowell moving, money would be freed up there, nut prob would be spent on pitching to resign Pavano.] Good thinking... Pierre+Lowell= enough money to resign Pavano? That could be an interesting equation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBAHO Posted September 22, 2004 Author Share Posted September 22, 2004 Sorry DB, but the quote you posted clearly says he doesn't have a no-trade clause... The one trump card he does hold is that he can void the contract in the off-season if there is no stadium... The way I read it, he will stay with the marlins if they 'promise' him they'll put a competitive team on the field... Do you really think Marlins ownership is going to say to the guy, "no we're going to try and lose this year" My guess is that he stays with the fish no matter their stadium issues... The only way I see him leaving is in a trade, with the Fish looking to clear some salary. My bad, I meant he didn't hav a no trade clause, and I typed he did for some stupid reason. :banghead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene Honda Civic Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 Pierre + Lowell and I'd s*** myself. That makes the line-up incredibly better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBAHO Posted September 22, 2004 Author Share Posted September 22, 2004 Pierre + Lowell and I'd s*** myself. That makes the line-up incredibly better. We'd have to give up Jon Garland, Joe Crede and a reliever or prospect AT LEAST. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene Honda Civic Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 (edited) We'd have to give up Jon Garland, Joe Crede and a reliever or prospect AT LEAST. sold. I'd give 'em Crede Garland and Cotts, and I'm a big fan off latter two. Plus prospects. I'd be willing to give 'em sweeney. Edit: as I think bout it -- There's no way they'd want JG... He's going to make $3MIL next season.. They can get better for cheaper. Edited September 22, 2004 by The Cheat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Socks Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 Anytime the Sox get into serious trade talks, the other team will automatically bring up Anderson, Sweeney, BMac. Count on it. Kenny will have a "Fleece Me" sign on his forehead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WilliamTell Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 Anytime the Sox get into serious trade talks, the other team will automatically bring up Anderson, Sweeney, BMac. Count on it. Kenny will have a "Fleece Me" sign on his forehead. Yeah, they won't bring up Borchard anymore. I don't know if the Sox can take any more hits in there farm system for getting players that'll only be here a year. So I hope that wouldn't be the case for a trade with the Marlins. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 Anytime the Sox get into serious trade talks, the other team will automatically bring up Anderson, Sweeney, BMac. Count on it. Kenny will have a "Fleece Me" sign on his forehead. Um, no offense, but duh? What kind of a GM would ask for 2nd rate prospects? Of course you start with a highball offer. These aren't fantasy league morons that KW is dealing with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackie hayes Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 Someone pointed out in another thread that Pierre is very inexpensive. If they want to move some salary, they'd trade Castillo. I believe Castillo is making $5-6 mil, while Pierre is making $2-3. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 Koskie would be a very good fit in Chicago, imo. He's a solid defensive third baseman with some pop from the left side. He has had some injury problems, but the Sox will likely have a guy like Uribe or Burke/Hankins on the bench who can easily spell him every once in a while to keep him fresh. Heck, he has 24 hr's now this year and he's only played part of the year. Getting him at 3-5 mill a year would be a very good deal, imo and would really help solidify this offense. Plus it opens up the ability to move Crede for a good reliever (hopefully) or you can use him and someone else to land a leadoff hitter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 Someone pointed out in another thread that Pierre is very inexpensive. If they want to move some salary, they'd trade Castillo. I believe Castillo is making $5-6 mil, while Pierre is making $2-3. Agreed, I think Castillo would be the one to go. I have no problem getting Castillo, but to get him your going to take up more money then I think the Sox expect from their leadoff hitter. The question in turn comes down to the fact that Castillo at 7 mill...is it a better option then say Vizquel at 4 mill with Uribe/Harris competing for 2nd base and Koskie at 3B at maybe 4 mill. Thats 8 mill between Vizquel/Koskie and to me thats a better option then 7 mill and Castillo, plus the Sox would have to give something up. Then I would move someone like Konerko or Lee..I still prefer Thomas for your left handed power bat in the middle of the lineup, Crede for a young reliever (a Jorge Julio and a prospect type...maybe even a Juan Cruz if the Braves would do it, don't know if they would). I'd just get something of value for Crede. The rest of the money goes into adding another front line starter. You've solidified the pen a bit with someone like Julio/Cruz, the infield is very good with Koskie/Vizquel and then Gload or whoever at first base. You add yourself a right fielder for Paul Konerko and have Carl Everett playing first, dh, and the outfield on ocassion. If they had enough money left over, I'd add even another piece to the bullpen, cause to me that is a really integral part of baseball now adays. Someone like Percy would be awesome, but even a lesser, but still good FA reliever. That way you have say Shingo, Marte, Cruz, FA, Cotts, whoever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackie hayes Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 Crede for a young reliever (a Jorge Julio and a prospect type...maybe even a Juan Cruz if the Braves would do it, don't know if they would). I'd just get something of value for Crede. That's asking too much for Crede. Julio's a proven MLer on a pitching staff that was very bad this year. Cruz is an amazing, inconsistent talent, who has pitched very well this year. Crede is a disappointment. The best you can hope for is another intriguing disappointment in return. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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