Time for a bit of speculative fun.
From Phil Rogers (Chicago Tribune):
Teams looking to add pitching in midseason trades could be disappointed. There’s not a lot on the market, which could play to the White Sox’s advantage if they decide to deal Jose Contreras. They have a decision to make on Bobby Jenks — try to sign him to a long-term contract or listen to offers. They could get a lot if they moved him, with teams such as the Angels, Yankees, Rangers, Cardinals, Phillies, Mets and Brewers looking to beef up their bullpens.
Jenks would be an interesting acquisition for the Yankees. He’s a good closer, despite his many inconsistencies. While his HR rate is up this year (1.6 HR/9 compared to 0.4 last year), his strikeout rate—K/9 of 9.0—has climbed considerably after falling each season since his debut season in 2005 (last year, his rate was a lowly 5.5). He has a 3.21 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP and has 18 saves in 28 IP (28 K, 6 BB, 5 HR). He would not be a free agent until after 2011, I believe.
Maybe the Yankees can figure out what they have with either Gardner or Melky and move one of them in a deal for Jenks (they basically have no CF)? I’m sure John Rodriguez can be an adequate extra outfielder for the team if such a deal is made (he’s a lefty and is hitting .283/.368/.505 in AAA with 12 homers). The Sox can fill the Jenksian void in their ‘pen with Octavio Dotel or even Mike Thornton, perhaps.
Jenks might be overkill in terms of relief help, sure, but I figure, if you’re going to trade for a bullpen arm, you might as well make sure the guy you get is going to be effective and that’s all Jenks has been since he arrived on the scene. In addition, he’s a durable reliever, which is always a plus.
What do you think?
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bobby jenks? really? a nice aadd to the bullpen!!! bruney is not the real set up guy we need..
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I will never trust Brian Bruney.
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Moshe Mandel Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Eh. He’s looked bad this week, but he really shed his wildness at the beginning of this season and before the injury last season. He’s still a young guy, I’m not sure why it is so hard to believe a guy with great stuff learned not to fear the plate. He’s been a bit rusty.
In regard to Jenks, he would cost more than that. There’s no real reason he should cost less than Street. Maybe Melky and Kennedy gets it done, but that’s a lot for piece that may not be entirely necessary.
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Chris H. Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
I would probably do Melky and Kennedy. I just don’t see what Melky brings to the table really (other than nonexistent upside and a hell of an arm) and considering IPK’s injury, why not? I figured it would take Melky and an arm (if not IPK, someone), but I think it may be worth it.
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Melky plus Ivan Nova?
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Yanks are looking to cut payroll, not add it.Bruney was lights out last year and is striking guys out again this year.Give him the same patience you had with Mo while he was developing arm strength.
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“They could get a lot if they moved him”
That’s the key phrase there. He won’t come cheap, so given his decline in the past few years I wouldn’t give up much for him. He’s always had so-so control even at his best, and he hasn’t been missing as many bats in recent years.
Check out this article from FanGraphs, posted before this season.
http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/index.php/bobby-jenks-finesse-pitcher
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Just to follow up, his contact rates are much better this year. Best since 2006. But were comparing the first 2 months of baseball to full seasons.
http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=8645&position=P#advanced
Looking at his 1st half/2nd half splits from 2008, he appears to wear down as the season progresses. So you could be buying high on a stock that’s headed down.
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Chris H. Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
He’s got better velocity this year (which probably explains some of his better figures), but I wonder if it will die out as the season goes on? Hmm…
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Steve S. Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
I always lean towards the most recent numbers on pitchers. So many power pitchers can wear down over time that what he did in 05/06 doesn’t interest me as much as 08. Could be he was hurt last year and is 100% now, but he’s always been a ‘bad body’ guy. Tough call, but I’d steer clear.
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Chris H. Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Yea, he’s an interesting case given his weight. I still think he’s worth it, though. Huston Street, another rumored candidate, is probably as problematic or more so, health-wise.
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Maybe we can give them back little Tex and a bucket of balls for Jenks. I wanna see Cashman rob them again
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Chris H. Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Ha, seriously. If they took on Wilson Betemit, what else can we give them?
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scott l Reply:
June 30th, 2009 at 9:48 am
I hope you both will still be laughing if Jhonny Nunez becomes the White Sox future closer…
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Moshe Mandel Reply:
June 30th, 2009 at 10:41 am
What exactly are the odds of that? Even if he does, it will have been a great trade.
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scott l Reply:
June 30th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
I think the odds are pretty good imo as his numbers have been outstanding over the last month or so. Yes the Yankees need Swisher but to say that the White Sox got nothing is just plain wrong.
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