Where Do Vlad and the other DH/1b/LF Players End Up?

by MrNegative1 on Jan 5, 2011 4:07 PM EST

Per Mlbtraderumors.com, the Ranges are out on Vladimir Guerrero.

Most of the offseason thoughts were that the Rangers were going to bring Vlad back it was just a matter of cost. The Adrian Beltre signing by Texas has resulted in the addition of Vladimir Guerrero into the pool of available bats on the market. There are a number of guys out there that are available and have a restricted number of teams willing to take on a no glove outfielder.

Jim Thome, Manny Ramirez, Valdimir Guerrero, Russell Branyan, and Johnny Damon all have the desire to play in 2011 but the pool of available is shrinking. Can any of these guys still bring a glove with them wherever they go? I suppose Damon and Ramirez could give a team some innings in LF and Branyan could provide a stationary part over at 1b, but I would think the focus of signing these guys should remain in the American League as most of their time in 2011 will probably be spent at DH.

Jim Thome doesn't seem to be a fit in Minnesota as he is a left handed DH who will lose at bats with the return of a healthy Justin Morneau. In my opinion, Vlad Guerrero would be a good fit with the Twins as he'd add a right handed bat to the middle of their lineup.

Jim Thome would fit perfectly with the Tampa Bay Rays who could use the power in the middle of the lineup and to serve as protection for Evan Longoria. Thome would also be paired with a manager in Joe Maddon who believes in granting his players time off to keep them fresh for the season. This arrangement would work out well for the soon to be 41 year old Jim Thome.

Johnny Damon would probably fit best in Anaheim where he could roll around between LF/DH and give Mike Soscia at bats at the top of the lineup. Would Anaheim look to move Mike Napoli in order to sign a Johnny Damon or Vlad Guerrero?

This leaves Manny Ramirez and Russell Branyan out in the breeze. Ramirez is coming off surgery and a disappointing finish to the 2010 season in Chicago. Branyan is coming off of two years where he did what Russell Branyan does, and that is hit home runs. He has a bulky back that likes to flare up from time to time and he isn't known to be the best clubhouse guy, but at aroudn 1.5 to 2.0 million you could buy 20 home runs from a part time player.

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Manny to the Rays?

To follow up on this:

Jim Thome is looking for 1-year/8 million (rumored to be looking for similar to Berkman).

Rays seem to be focussing on Manny. According to Enrique Rojas (link provided at Draysbay site).

Manny would be a nice “full time” DH. I’d assume he’d get a 1yr deal with a base + incentives to wind up around the 6-8 million range.

We should see some movement on these DHs soon, its a matter of who blinks first to set the market for the others.

by MrNegative1 on Jan 6, 2011 11:39 AM EST reply actions

Loving the fanposts, keep up the good work.

Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc

by Brandon C. on Jan 9, 2011 2:58 PM EST reply actions

As a Yankees fan, I would love to see the Yankees sign Russell Branyan as a bench bat. I think Damon signs with the Rays. Any other questions?

Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc

by Brandon C. on Jan 9, 2011 2:59 PM EST reply actions

Any idea why the Yankees aren’t interested in bringing back Marcus Thames? I wouldn’t mind the Rays picking him up. I do recall a rumor that he was going to Japan, but he hasn’t officially signed yet.

by MrNegative1 on Jan 9, 2011 5:19 PM EST up reply actions

All about defense. The Yankees want a player that can at least somewhat play defense.

Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc

by Brandon C. on Jan 11, 2011 6:50 PM EST up reply actions

Hear that

The Rays are much in the same boat outside of the DH position. I guess if the Yanks were looking to put a glove on someone they’d rather have Andruw Jones than Marcus Thames.

Is Thames defense that lousy? I had no idea.

by MrNegative1 on Jan 11, 2011 7:48 PM EST up reply actions

It is very, very lousy. I think the Rays end up with Damon, and the Yankees end up with Jones. Thames won’t go to Japan, probably will get a small deal with a team like the Angels.

Writer for Pinstripe Alley, MLB Daily Dish
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc

by Brandon C. on Jan 11, 2011 9:07 PM EST up reply actions

Jim Thome and the Rangers?

The Rangers would certainly enjoy the spike in attendance from winning hte division in combination with a guy going after 600. Thome could still probably get his 350-400 Plate Appearannces and have a good chance to land in the post-season, which I think is paramount to him more than staying in the Central Division.

by MrNegative1 on Jan 10, 2011 4:05 PM EST reply actions

DH's

If I were the Angels, I would grab Thome and Ramarez as a DH tandem. Thome should not hit against lefthanders while Manny still can. Thome’s OBP was .455 in a huge park while Manny posted at .401 during an injury plagued year.Keeping Napoli in a strict platoon with Morales gives the Angels a ton of power in the 4th aned 5th spots.Then sign Posednik to lead off and play LF,and see if Glaus can handle 3rd.If healthy, he can do damage. Finnally, bring in some bench help with Edmonds and Eckstein.Your lineup would look like this:

Pods
Kendrick
Abreau
Thome/Manny
Morales/Napoli
Hunter/Edmonds
Napoli/Mathis
Aybar
Glaus/Eckstein

by Robert57 on Jan 13, 2011 12:01 AM EST reply actions

makes sense if you have a 27-man roster

I don’t believe too many teams can subtract a pitcher in order to have two strictly-DH-type players that cannot provide defense in an extra-innings game (or, pitch in the 14th inning).

Officially awaiting the 2011 MLB season

by One won lost won on Jan 13, 2011 7:32 PM EST up reply actions

DH Role Is Important

If I have a DH like David Ortiz, who hits .220 against left handers and ussually strikes out, I can see the value of a RH platoon partner who can post a .400 OBP and hit about 10 HR’s. Manny R.,in this instance, would make a valuble contribution to the Sox, who play in a division stocked with good left handers.You are talking about 45 HR’s from the DH spot as opposed to 32.it’s worth more then a 12th pitcher who is most likely mediocre.Same thing with Thome.When you have a left handed DH who is that good,you owe it to your team and fans, to provide a reasonable platoon partner. To late for the Angels now, as they choose to aquire Vernon Wells.

by Robert57 on Jan 23, 2011 11:36 AM EST up reply actions

I have to agree with your thinking about Vlad as a perfect fit in Minnesota...

Every man for himself...

by MMunoz33 on Jan 13, 2011 1:52 PM EST reply actions

Thome Back to Minnesota

How does Thome going back to Minnesota shake things up and does his contract set the range for others? Is Manny heading to Toronto, Texas, Tampa Bay at a base of 3-4 with incentives?

Will the last tier of guys start moving now: Andruw Jones, Jim Edmonds, Russell Branyan, and Nick Johnson?

by MrNegative1 on Jan 15, 2011 9:57 AM EST reply actions