Trade thought for the Dodgers and Rays

by PujolsJunkie on Apr 7, 2008 4:06 PM EDT

This is totally out of left field, but it's a quiet day at work, so I'll go with it.

During this past offseason, we heard a good amount of rumors involving Matt Kemp. We also heard toward the start of spring training some possible ideas involving the Rays dealing Scott Kazmir, with some expensive years lying ahead for him. I'm wondering if, come next offseason, a Kazmir to LA deal would be so crazy...I for one have a lot of trouble believing the Dodgers will ever find a taker for Juan Pierre's absurd contract, and will continue to keep all their outfielders unhappy this season. A trade for Kazmir centered around Kemp, and a prospect or two would be a pretty great return for Kazmir.

The Rays have so much pitching on its way up, and equipped with the #1 overall pick, they could grab Aaron Crow, who won't take all that long to rise to the majors. Factor in Price, McGee, Davis, Niemann (who can start until they realize he needs to be a reliever), and to an extent Hellickson, and a guy already doing well in the majors now (Shields), and this could be a very strong trade for both sides. I don't think anyone considers Cliff Floyd or Jonny Gomes the long term answer in RF for the Rays (I'm aware of the presence of Desmond Jennings, but he has a lot to prove).

As for LA, they have an offseason ahead where Derek Lowe is a free agent. I don't think it's crazy to think a Kazmir-Penny-Billingsley-Kuroda-Kershaw rotation would be DAMN productive.

Just a thought, what do you guys think?

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Makes sense

It makes too much sense for it to ever happen.

by supermets on Apr 7, 2008 4:18 PM EDT reply actions

Not so sure

If 2009 is the year that Rays brass has set on their calendar for the team to be competitive, I'm not sure they'll want to trade Kazmir quite yet. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see them keep Kazmir through the end of his contract, unless they get an overwhelming deal, or unless the other pitchers just develop more quickly than anticipated. Considering that McGee and Davis are in AA (and Davis isn't looking all that hot so far this year) and that Price is hurt, I'd think they'd want to hang onto Kazmir.

That said, if the team does decide it's the right time to trade Kazmir, then a trade with Kemp as the centerpiece might make sense. Really hard to say what the other pieces might be - Kemp hasn't looked that great this year either, and Kazmir is injured to start the year. Presuming everyone does as would otherwise be expected, Kazmir for Kemp and Broxton might make sense, although losing Broxton would be a hard pill for the Dodgers to swallow. One way or the other, the Bedard deal would serve as the guideposts.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Apr 7, 2008 4:39 PM EDT reply actions

to say that someone hasnt looked good this year is completely silly. It's been a friggin week. I wouldnt trade Kazmir for Kemp, I think the Rays should get more than just Kemp if they're trading Kazmir. And I like Kemp, but Kazmir is a true frontline starter and if he was on the open trade market, I'd think he would net a considerable haul.

by loop on Apr 7, 2008 6:25 PM EDT reply actions

right

I never said it would just be Kemp. Others would be involved, but Kemp would be a great centerpiece to a deal.

Chad Tracy is the Swine King.

by PujolsJunkie on Apr 7, 2008 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions

makes sense

might as well try to fleece the Dodgers to give up a bit more too. with Torre / Colletti running the show, some gritty vets like Bartlett / Percieval / Reyes / Wheeler might get something in return :P (Kuo? Hu?)

by RollingWave on Apr 7, 2008 10:28 PM EDT reply actions