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BigRapidsJackass · July 17th, 2008, 10:56 PM

This is a real headscratcher.

I got the Harden deal, mostly because I was assuming that Beane's confidence in Harden pitching significant innings (and perhaps the organization's health reports on Harden) were so bad that they thought they needed to dump him before he breaks down again.

But Blanton? Why not hold out for a better deal? His salary isn't huge for the remainder of the season, and you're dealing him at his low point in value. Sickels had Cardenas as a solid B prospect, and he's no sure thing starter. Coincidentally, I had recently checked out the Phillies prospect list, wondering what they'd give up for a 2-month rental of Fuentes, and I was thinking Cardenas was a possibility. Guess I was wrong.

I checked some fangraphs stuff to see if there's a smoking gun re Blanton's health. Nothing there. Fastball is the same 89 average it's always been, and pitch selection is also the same. GB/FB ratio: same. FIP: same. K rate is down a bit, but I'd guess that's more a small sample blip. So he's the same old Blanton. I'd call him a 3rd starter type, but still: nothing wrong with that.

So IR, I'm with you on this one -- I don't get this at all.

July 17th, 2008, 10:56 PM	#16 (permalink)
BigRapidsJackass Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,176	This is a real headscratcher. I got the Harden deal, mostly because I was assuming that Beane's confidence in Harden pitching significant innings (and perhaps the organization's health reports on Harden) were so bad that they thought they needed to dump him before he breaks down again. But Blanton? Why not hold out for a better deal? His salary isn't huge for the remainder of the season, and you're dealing him at his low point in value. Sickels had Cardenas as a solid B prospect, and he's no sure thing starter. Coincidentally, I had recently checked out the Phillies prospect list, wondering what they'd give up for a 2-month rental of Fuentes, and I was thinking Cardenas was a possibility. Guess I was wrong. I checked some fangraphs stuff to see if there's a smoking gun re Blanton's health. Nothing there. Fastball is the same 89 average it's always been, and pitch selection is also the same. GB/FB ratio: same. FIP: same. K rate is down a bit, but I'd guess that's more a small sample blip. So he's the same old Blanton. I'd call him a 3rd starter type, but still: nothing wrong with that. So IR, I'm with you on this one -- I don't get this at all.