The Rockies are taking one last shot at trading closer Brian Fuentes and center fielder Willy Taveras.
Both players have been placed on waivers, major-league sources say. If either or both are claimed, the Rockies will have 48 hours to work out a trade with the claiming team or teams. If either or both clear waivers — which is unlikely — they can be traded to any club.
The Dodgers, who own the worst record of any National League contender, will get the first crack at claiming Fuentes.
You can continue reading this story over at FoxSports.com
My thoughts:
Fuentes just racked up his 26th save in 30 opportunities this season, though that number is skewed as the Rox had Manny Corpas in the closer role for far too long to start the '08 campaign. Fuentes has represented the squad at 20th & Blake in three of the last four All-Star games and has acquired 20+ saves per season since taking over the shutdown role in 2005. The guy is extremely underrated, not because of his modest success as a reliever, but because he's done this all at Coors Field. It would be hard to see him go, especially considering he is our one and only option in the 9th [and even 8th] inning, but the boys in LoDo need some help on the front end of the rotation. Fuentes could draw that kind of talent directly through a trade or in future draft picks. But, as we all know, you can't throw Joe Blow or Denny Neagle... or Mike Hampton... or hell, even Cy Young on the mound at 5280 and see success. I have always felt that hurlers like Jason Jennings and Aaron Cook should have received honorary Cy Young awards for breaking the .500 mark in decisions in a season. And don't let the humidifier fool you... if you don't have a sinker or a mean cut-fastball, you're not going to be successful at Coors. Jeff Francis has shown shades of genius on the hill in the past, partly because he literally is a genius, but also because of the finesse he commands on the bump. A 26 save season in Denver is astonishing, but I guess you have to weigh your options. Rosenthal believes the Rockies can receive a couple of draft picks for Fuentes... I just hope it's worth it. Dan O'Dowd (aka The Luckiest GM in MLB) is coming off of a season where every move he made looked like the greatest transaction or draft pick in the history of the world and I hope the Monfort brothers don't let it go to their heads. We made a great run to the Series last year, but if you don't repeat to the playoffs then the rest of the world (excluding me) can chalk it up to luck. Corpas was a bust, but that bust might be closing games for the sub-.500 Rox by the end of the week. Yipee...
Willy T has never come off to me as a true Rockie. I know those words are reserved for teams like the Bronx Bombers and BoSawx of the world, but my purple pinstripes are just as important to me. He's done some great things for the team, but when a player who relies on his wheels goes down with a flat tire at least once a year, you have to wonder. The upside is that he's only 26 and is currently leading MLB in steals with 61... a number reserved for Billy Crystal movies and social security eligibility. The Rox might be able to draw decent compensation for the master of the bunt-single and I hope they do. Why do I say that you might (or might not) ask? Because I have an epic man-crush on a certain outfielder for Colorado:
Mr. Ryan Spilborghs
Spilly is a guy that can hit for power, run down the same deep flies that Willy does all while stealing a few bags a year. It's a shame to keep a hometown favorite like Ryan on the bench, but this could be his time to shine as an everyday starter. Just do me a favor... if Tavares gets moved, keep your eye on the center field position in Colorado. This guy is a stud.
And don't forget... you're supposed to chew it, then spit it out.
That's all I got...
- J.C.F.
4 comments:
Why do I get the feeling that Tavares will end up on the White Sox?
That sure would be interesting. Quentin, Swisher, Dye, Griffey and... Willy!
Scratch Boston off the list for Willy, They just snagged Kotsay from the Braves.
Swisher is currently day to day. He fouled a ball off of his shin and left the game limping. And DeWayne Wise is already on the 15 day DL with the same injury that made Scott Podsednik a question mark. Currently that leaves Brian Anderson and Ken Griffey Jr. who could play center.
Jr. isn't what he used to be in center and Anderson is much better in the field than at the plate. Plus, Tavares is someone that Kenny Williams has coveted for years, like Griffey.
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