Kendry Morales anyone?

[Matt P]

UM, yes; or I wouldn't have typed it.

At the time he signed he was one of the second generation, big money Cuban free agents. His agent is now Scott Boras. Boras counsels players in Morales' position about the importance of their contract year so he can get them big money on the market. Regardless of whom he plays for I would expect Morales to have a big year in 2013.

There are many articles available that discuss this myth and the majority of them all come to the conclusion that is not real.

[osforlife]

That may be, but if I was DiPoto I would put Bourjos in the OF and Trumbo at DH.

I doubt it.

[BuckMagic]

There are many articles available that discuss this myth and the majority of them all come to the conclusion that is not real.

The myth that players perform better in contract years...?

[Matt P]

The myth that players perform better in contract years...?

Yes. Google "Contract year myth" and there are a few articles from various outlets on the matter.

[ofahn]

Yes. Google "Contract year myth" and there are a few articles from various outlets on the matter.

I read some of those articles and they're entitled to their opinions,,,as we all are. I have just seen too many players spike their performance in the last year of their contract to dismiss the possibility. I would REALLY be interested in seeing the performance variations for Boras' clients. He seems to prep them better than any other agent.

[Seafordeagles]

I think Morales is a very good hitter but is very, very slow, and a hitter only. If you trade for Morales it will only be for one year. I would avoid any player who will soon be a free agent that is represented by Boras.

Just think in a couple more years we will most likely lose Wieters to free agency and that's another story all together. This is what players who Boras represent do.

[ofahn]

If you trade for Morales it will only be for one year.

I see that as the UPSIDE of the trade, not the downside. He shouldn't cost us much (and I wouldn't pay much), we're only obligated for one year, and if he has a big season we can make a qualified offer and get him back on a one year contract or receive a draft pick. It's ALMOST a no lose situation.

[Seafordeagles]

I see that as the UPSIDE of the trade, not the downside. He shouldn't cost us much (and I wouldn't pay much), we're only obligated for one year, and if he has a big season we can make a qualified offer and get him back on a one year contract or receive a draft pick. It's ALMOST a no lose situation.

Of course you will have to give up one of the following for a one year rental:

Matusz
Tillman
Arrieta
Britton

Of course any of those 4 may never be more than below average to average, but you never know.

[ofahn]

Of course you will have to give up one of the following for a one year rental:

Matusz
Tillman
Arrieta
Britton

No, you wouldn't.

[Seafordeagles]

No, you wouldn't.

Me thinks that you won't have a deal then. The Angels don't have to trade Morales they can use Trumbo in right field and Morales as the DH. There trade bait would be Wells and Bourjos and we don't need them..

[ofahn]

Me thinks that you won't have a deal then. The Angels don't have to trade Morales they can use Trumbo in right field and Morales as the DH. There trade bait would be Wells and Bourjos and we don't need them..

Fair enough. I was very clear that I wouldn't overpay for him. The Angels need bullpen pieces and would probably look at Strop, Matusz, Patton, and Hunter. I would offer two of Clayton Schrader, Michael Belfiore, or Oliver Drake and nothing more.

Frankly, IMO the perfect trade would be Ayala for Morales, but I think WE over value him.

[Matt P]

I read some of those articles and they're entitled to their opinions,,,as we all are. I have just seen too many players spike their performance in the last year of their contract to dismiss the possibility. I would REALLY be interested in seeing the performance variations for Boras' clients. He seems to prep them better than any other agent.

Like who? And, like most articles state, for every one player that did have his best year in his "contract year" there are a dozen or so that didn't.

[Matt P]

I'd love to get Peter Bourjos but considering how much Buck and Duquette gush about Adam Jones any chance they get I highly doubt they would move him to LF and Bourjos would be wasted if he had to play LF.

[Matt P]

Fair enough. I was very clear that I wouldn't overpay for him. The Angels need bullpen pieces and would probably look at Strop, Matusz, Patton, and Hunter. I would offer two of Clayton Schrader, Michael Belfiore, or Oliver Drake and nothing more.

Frankly, IMO the perfect trade would be Ayala for Morales, but I think WE over value him.

Why would they want relief prospects though considering they are in win now mode?

[ofahn]

Why would they want relief prospects though considering they are in win now mode?

It should be an attractive proposition for them. They have a thin farm system and they need to have a back up plan for their bullpen. It may come down to whether they think they need relievers to START the season or relievers that will be ML ready by mid season. IMO the best package for both teams would be Ayala and a prospect, but I'm not sure DD will let him go.