Can two be a slew? Probably not. But you get the point. The Mariners have one more shortstop than they need. When they signed Robbie Cano, back in December, there was a lot of talk about the strong trade market for former “second baseman of the future” Nick Franklin. Although the bulk of Franklin’s minor league experience was at shortstop, (261 games) the M’s brain trust moved him to second base to accommodate Brad Miller, who they seemed to think was better suited to shortstop. Since mid December, however, there has been little, if any, talk of Seattle moving one of its surplus middle infielders.
Suddenly, now, the Mets blogosphere is abuzz with Mariner Mania. This as a result of an article by Adam Rubin on ESPN New York hyping the possibility of a “viable shortstop trade option for the club with the Seattle Mariners,” which he attributes to “industry insiders.” Rubin states that, assuming Stephen Drew ends up signing elsewhere, which seems to be likely, according to the Mets’ front office, the team could turn to Seattle. Further, Rubin says “The Mariners are likely to trade Nick Franklin or Brad Miller -- most likely Franklin -- before Opening Day. And that should be considered an upgrade over Ruben Tejada for the Mets.”
Franklin, named the #47 prospect in all of baseball by MLB.com prior to the 2013 season, (#79 by Baseball America) got off to a torrid start in his rookie season last year, with a slash line of .295/.363/ .482 for May and June, but he cooled down considerably, to finish the season at .225/.303/.382. Miller, meanwhile, slashed a respectable .265/.318/.418 in his MLB debut last year. In their respective minor league careers, Miller also came off superior to Franklin at the plate, .334/.409/.516/.925 to .287/.360/.459/.819. Franklin, however, is regarded as the better fielder and more of a stolen base threat. Franklin will be 23 as spring training comes to a close, while Miller is already 24. Either player would be under team control through the 2019 season.
My guess is that many Met fans would opt to acquire one of these fine young shortstops and bypass Stephen Drew completely. We’d keep our 3rd round pick, but probably have to surrender a top prospect or two. I’m wondering what you think.
I just dont know. Scary situation trading prospects for prospects.
ReplyDeleteEspecially when Tejada, who is same age as these two, technically put up better numbers when he first came in to the league.
As always, I remain an expert of nothing regarding true player evaluation and projections.
If one of these two mariners can be a legit leadoff option, then maybe go for it. Otherwise, no point in possibly trading away one of our top young arms for a new 8th hitter.
I just don't see, aside from relief prospects, what we could offer the M's. They're loaded with starting pitchers, catcher is taken care of, maybe the OF-but I wouldn't trade Puello or Taijeron for either of those two. Vaughn, Dykstra, Boyd maybe but I doubt that would get it done. At this point let's hold our collective breath and hope by some miracle Flores can play a competent SS. Stranger things have happened, not many, but...
ReplyDeleteTaijeron?
DeleteTeams seldom trade a single prospect for another one.. It's done, but prospects are usually traded for an MLB player with one of a number of issues.
ReplyDeleteTravis Taijeron
ReplyDeleteErnest - Tejada is the same age as Miller, but a year and a half older than Franklin. When he first came up (2010) he put up worse numbers than either Franklin or Miller in their debut (2013) season. True, his avg and OBP were better in 2011 & 20012, but his SLG was woefully low, depressing his OPS to a pedestrian .690 in his very best years. The big difference between what we have abd what we could have is twofold - power and speed. Either Franklin or Miller could put up 15+ HRs. Miller is a threat on the bases (I estimate 15 - 20 SBs) but Franklin is better. (probably 25 - 30 SBs) Both of them are legitimate leadoff hitters, and IMO either would be a major upgrade over Tejada. Moreover, acquiring one of them would probably secure Lagares' job in CF.
ReplyDeleteD Whit - We're loaded with starting pitching too, yet Alderson keeps asking for more pitching in any trade for Ike, proving the point that you can never have too much pitching. The M's are still shallow at 1B unless they resign Kendrys Morales. I don't expect Davis or Duda to go in any trade for Franklin, but either one would be an upgrade over Smoak or Morrison. I think a package of Mazzoni and Boyd might do it, although we might have to add an outfielder like Vaughn.