Mack Ade - In Search For A Buck Home - Part One

Michael Scannell had a great question.

Just what are the teams that the Mets can trade John Buck to for an outfielder.

Let’s add a starting pitcher to this list for obvious reasons. On paper, Zack Wheeler and Rafael Montero look to be on their way soon to Queens, but we said that before with Jenrry Mejia and Jeurys Familiar, didn’t we?

We’re going to start with the American League and cover three teams a post.

Chicago White Sox

The current catchers are Tyler Flowers (.227) and Hector Gimenez (.000). Prospects are Josh Phegley (ETA: 2013)

Starters are Dylan Axelrod (0.00), Chris Sale (1.84), Gavin Floyd (5.56), Jake Peavey (5.56), and Jose Quintana (11.25). Prospects are Erik Thompson (ETA: 2014), Scott Snodgrass (ETA: 2014), Andre Rienzo (ETA: 2013), Nestor Molina (ERA: 2014), Chris Beck (ETA: 2015).

Outfielders are Alex Rios (.419… $13mil through 2014), Dewayne Wise (.286), Alejando De Aza (.250), Deyan Viciedo (.174). Prospects include Courtney Hawkins (ETA: 2015), Trayce Thompson (ETA: 2014), Jared Mitchell (ETA: 2013), Keenyn Walker (ETA: 2015)

Observation:  All this is contigent on the growth of Phegley. There is plenty of 2014-ETA pitchers and outfielder to go after here.

Cleveland Indians

Catchers are: Carlos Santana (.500 - $21mil through 2016), Yan Gomes (.000), Omir Santos (.000). Prospects include Alex Monsalves (ETA: 2015), Chun Chen (ETA: 2014).

Starters are: Justin Masterson (0.69 - $5.687mil through 2013), Zach McAllister (3.00), Trevor Bauer (5.40 - $1.183 through 2014), Ubaldo Jimenez (6.97 - $5.75mil through 2013), Brett Myers (12.19 - $7mil through 2013), D.J.Carrasco (17.18) – Prospects – Danny Salazar (ETA – 2014)

Outfielders – Michael Bourn (.344 $48mil through 2016), Michael Brantley (.280 $526.9K through 2013), Drew Stubbs (.207 $2.825 through 2013) – Prospects – Tyler Naquin (ETA – 2015) -

DH – Mark Reynolds (.250)

Observation:  Santana is going nowhere and this team does not need Buck except maybe as a DH. The problem is this team has very little to offer when it comes to prospects being ready for 2014.

Detroit Tigers:

Catchers – Brayan Pena (.250), Alex Avila (.192 $2.95mil through 2013)

Rotation – Anibal Sanchez (1.50 $80mil through 2017), Justin Verlander (2.19 $80mil through 2018), Doug Fister (5.40), Rick Porcello (6.10 $5.1mil through 2013), Max Scherzer (7.20 $6.725 through 2013) – Prospects – Casey Crosby (ETA: 2013) -

Outfielders – Torii Hunter (.395 $26mil through 2014), Austin Jackson (.353 $3.5mil through 2013), Andy Dirks (.167) – Prospects – Nick Castellanos (ETA: 2013), Avisail Garcia (ETA: 2013) – Tyler Collins (ETA: 2014) – Daniel Fields (ETA:: 2014)

DH – Victor Martinez (.120 $50mil through 2014)

Observation – I assume Martinez and Avila will pick up the pace, but Buck could easily spell both of them in a pennant race. Lots of outfield prospects here that could play major league baseball in 2014.