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What if we were to trade Domonic Brown?

With the rumors surrounding a possible signing of Michael Cuddyer, much attention is being paid to Domonic Brown and his future. It would seem that a multi-year deal for Cuddyer would be the final nail in the coffin for Brown. So let's assume that this is the future. Domonic Brown's days in a Phillies uniform are over and done with. He must be traded. Where would you trade him, and what would you expect in return? Here's a few players that I would like to see as the centerpiece of a possible (God forbid) Domonic Brown trade. 

Star-divide

Atlanta - Jason Heyward (RF): First name that jumped into my head when the words "Domonic Brown" and "trade" were written above. It seems like Braves fans' relationship with Heyward is going about the same as Phillies fans' relationship with Brown. The only difference is Heyward has been given a legitimate opportunity and has proven he can be a top-shelf player, as evidenced by his rookie season. His injury-plagued sophomore slump seemed to have turned off a majority of fans (if Talking Chop is to be believed), and I wonder if they're just as willing to dump him as we are to dump Brown. As far as his offensive output is concerned, you know the story. He can hit for average and power, he has some quality plate discipline (20.5% K rate and 13.2% BB rate), and he has good speed on the basepaths. On top of that, he's been rated as a plus defender in right field, with a UZR of 8.6 in 2011. Overall, an incredibly talented player who's not very ingratiated with the fan base, and if Frank Wren is anything like Ruben Amaro, he might be swayed by the fan base to get rid of him.

 

Miami - Mike Stanton (RF) or Logan Morrison (LF): These names aren't quite interchangeable, and I consider Stanton to be the better choice here, but I think both have some great value and could help the team considerably.

If we're truly worried about Ryan Howard's ability to produce similar numbers to 2006-2009 in the coming years, then Mike Stanton might be the answer. Boy, does he have some kinda power. In 856 major-league AB, he's hit 56 home runs. Pretty damn impressive, to be sure. The strikeout rates are a bit concerning, almost 28%, but the 11.6% BB rate is certainly encouraging. His lefty/righty splits are pretty solid as well, with his power coming almost equally against either lefties or righties. He hit .293 with 9 HR in 116 AB against lefties, and .253 with 25 HR in 400 AB against righties. He's also a pretty solid defender, rating at 2.7 UZR in right. Of course, with such early showings of tremendous power, I doubt the Marlins are going to want to give him up for just Brown, and I shudder to think of what else Ruben might offer.

Logan Morrison would likely be easier to pry away and definitely would elicit more excitement from the fanbase, given his public persona via Twitter that Phillies fans seem to love and the Marlins front office seems to haaaate. He's not quite the power threat Stanton is, but his statistics in the minors indicate an incredible batting eye, with a 15.6% BB rate and a 12.1% K rate (!) in AAA. Naturally, the walk rate dropped and the K rate rose when he jumped to the majors, but not disturbingly so, and I'd like to think they will improve further in the coming years. He's also got some good power potential, mashing 25 HR in 706 AB in the bigs. However, he doesn't have very much speed on the basepaths, and his defense, according to Fangraphs, is God-awful. Whether that's due to a lack of mobility in the field or just an inability to read balls off the bat, I'm not sure; I hope it can be improved somehow. I don't think he has quite the ceiling Dom has, but he can certainly be pretty close to Brown in terms of pure batting ability. I'd like to get at least another prospect along with him, but who I would choose remains to be decided.

 

Arizona - Justin Upton (RF): Basically a right-handed version of Jason Heyward, possibly better. Hits for a good average, has some serious power and speed on the basepaths, and is also a plus defender. I would likely pick him over Heyward and slot him behind Howard, and keep Pence in the 3-hole (ride that absurd BABIP as far as it will take us). This could be mutually beneficial for both sides, as Arizona could use a left-handed bat near the heart of the order to complement Chris Young and Paul Goldschmidt, and we'd be getting another right-handed bat with average, power and speed in the heart of our lineup. The only problem here is he's likely the best offensive player on that team, and has been for a few years, so prying him away with an unseasoned player would be very difficult.

 

Kansas City - Mike Moustakas (3B): Lest you think I have an infatuation with outfielders, let's look at a 3B, another "desperate need" the team has.

For the #9 prospect in baseball going into 2011, Moustakas didn't exactly live up to the hype of his debut. However, he's still got the peripherals that indicate the potential to be a great hitter. The first thing you notice about this guy is his glaring power potential, as he smacked 84 home runs in 5 minor league seasons. His strikeout rate is below average, which is good since his walk rate is also below average. He seems to be a guy who puts the ball in play a lot, and with his power, he's likely going to put up some gaudy numbers near the heart of the order. His defense is concerning, but most scouts seem to indicate that he plays a capable routine third base, and he's got a strong arm to boot. I don't know how willing the Royals would be to give him up, since he's part of the infield corner combo with Eric Hosmer that's supposed to anchor the infield for years to come, but with the possible departure of Jeff "YAYGuys!" Francouer through free agency, another young player with high upside to replace Moustakas wouldn't hurt. And we'd get a top-tier prospect at a position that seems to lack many high-level players. 

 

San Francisco - Pablo Sandoval (3B): For whatever reason, I doubt I would get support from most people for this, but this is a trade I'd be willing to make. After the Panda's disappointing 2010 season, he spent the offseason working to lower his weight and increase his range at third. Well, mission accomplished. He came into 2011 a full 40 pounds lighter and had a wonderful year, posting a .315/.357/.552 line with 23 HR and 70 RBI, totaling up to a wOBA of .379, the best (tied with Adrian Beltre) among third basemen with 450+ PA. The 25-year-old has become, in my opinion, one of the best third basemen in the game, offensively and defensively. He had the second-best UZR at 3rd, behind Placido Polanco (and his UZR/150 even exceeded Polly's). In light of this and the decent 3B famine, it seems like the Giants will have to be blown away to give him up, but with the state of the outfield as it is (Torres, Ross, Schierholtz, Burrell, and Rowand), a young guy like Brown with some killer upside might be just what they need.

 

New York Yankees - Jesus Montero (C): This is an incredibly unlikely trade candidate, and largely depends on whether or not Montero will be relegated to a DH role much like this past September so Austin Romine can play the role of backstop in the future, or vice-versa (I think the latter seems to be the most probable case). But if we could pick him up, what a sweet pickup it would be. A catcher with his power is very hard to come by, and his hitting prowess in general is very evident. I'm not really going to elaborate because of how unlikely it is, but let's just say he wasn't the #3 prospect in baseball in 2011 for no reason. And he's currently only 21, so he still has a couple years to grow and would likely benefit greatly as a catcher by learning from Carlos Ruiz. But like I said, don't hold your breath for this. The stars need to align perfectly to see a deal focused on Montero and Brown actually take place.

______________________

These are the players whose availability in exchange for Domonic Brown would actually grab my attention. There were a few others I wanted to list but felt that they would not be available under any circumstances or that they would not fit properly in with the Phillies. Notice I didn't list any pitchers, 1B, 2B, or SS since those are pretty much locked up for a while or at least will be soon (right, Jimmy...or Jose?). 

That's my list, feel free to critique it or discuss your own here. I'm especially curious to see what minor-leaguers would be possible trade targets, since I know very little about the farm systems outside the Phillies.

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Scary thoughts, indeed.

Unfortunately, the only player on your list who seems plausible is Morrison (and maybe Upton) The others all have higher upside than Brown, and would likely require other chips to acquire.

I think if he is traded, it’ll likely be for Wright.

by Phrozen on Nov 6, 2011 2:09 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions  

Then I would not place the chances that high- Right now the Mets are saying that they are not interested in trading Wright.

"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."

by dannijd on Nov 6, 2011 10:56 PM EST up reply actions  

I really do not see Upton as being a possibility- Arizona made it to the post season this year, and Upton was a big part of why they did it- there is practically no way that they trade him away for an unproven player.

"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."

by dannijd on Nov 6, 2011 11:05 PM EST up reply actions  

To be honest, none of these options seem realistic beyond LoMo.

by philsandthrills on Nov 6, 2011 4:47 PM EST reply actions  

Keep in mind, Brown is the centerpiece here. I understand it will take more than just Brown to get most of these players, but right now these are the only players who, if their names for whatever reason came up in a trade discussion, I would be willing to listen to. I’d rather not make any trade of Brown, especially since it’s going to cost us more than just him, but I’m thinking in hypotheticals.

Some people don't think it be what it is, but it do.

by TheOrangeCone on Nov 6, 2011 4:53 PM EST up reply actions  

I don’t really get how trading Brown for an OF makes sense. We already have Vic and Pence, and if we do in fact sign Cuddyer, that makes 3, plus Mayberry. So why would we want another major league ready OFer? Once Howard comes back, there’s a big time logjam in the outfield.

by philiafan14364 on Nov 6, 2011 7:44 PM EST up reply actions   1 recs

Except for the fact that Cuddyer’s best use may be as a Super Utility player, not an everyday starter at any position. Considering the age and injury history of the Phillies players, an argument could be made that just covering injuries and the off days that the regulars really should get could get Cuddyer playing most days (provided that Cuddyer can play suitable defense at third base). A super utility guy who can hit and not embarass himself defensively (something I am not sold on with Cuddyer, but who knows what management is thinking) may allow Manuel to give the regulars enough days off that they do not get worn down. The player who really winds up getting pinched out of things would be Mayberry, as when Howard comes back, there would not be enough at bats for both him and Cuddyer to play every day, and with Mayberry’s reduced positional flexibility, it would be harder for him to find a spot on the field.

"Valdez can pitch, Lee can hit... and pigs can fly."

by dannijd on Nov 6, 2011 11:04 PM EST up reply actions  

Cuddyers NOT a super utility player. He plays two positions, 1B and RF, both of which we have pretty well covered on the bench with some combination of Mayberry/Brown/Thome.

by philiafan14364 on Nov 6, 2011 11:39 PM EST up reply actions  

If we got Justin Upton….. asdoasdijasoidjsaojdiosajdasoijdas

Last name Ever
First name Greatest

Pay DeSean Jackson

by Djax10 on Nov 6, 2011 6:50 PM EST reply actions  

For the price we’d have to pay though, it probably wouldn’t be worth it. I’m thinking Brown, May, and likely Valle…and I’d pass on that.

Some people don't think it be what it is, but it do.

by TheOrangeCone on Nov 7, 2011 12:21 AM EST up reply actions  

This seems far fetched. /Larry Literal

http://www.thegoodphight.com

by WholeCamels on Nov 7, 2011 12:18 AM EST reply actions  

You rang?

Some people don't think it be what it is, but it do.

by TheOrangeCone on Nov 7, 2011 12:33 AM EST up reply actions  

I think I would be OK trading Brown for Morrison, but it’s pretty close to a push. They’re within a few days of the same age and they have pretty similar numbers in the minors. Brown has hit for a little bit higher average, Morrison a little more power and walks.

I’m guessing that the reason Brown was a top-5 or even #1 prospect and Morrison was not is that the former has the athleticism to add some value defensively and on the basepaths and add power as he continues to develop. Whether he can in fact do so remains to be seen, but his defense certainly has been atrocious so far, so it’s not like Morrison is going to be worse. And I really like his bat. Guys who put up 123 and 116 OPS+ in the majors at age 22 and 23 don’t grow on trees.

by phatj on Nov 7, 2011 12:01 PM EST reply actions  

Basically, it’s going to be extremely difficult to come up with a sensible trade involving Brown, since Brown’s coming off a bad year and you’d be selling low. A fair deal, talent-wise, probably won’t be doable, and a doable deal probably won’t be fair.

When a guy has just had a bad year, that’s the absolute worst time to get rid of him. When a guy has just had a good year, that’s the absolute worst time to pick him up. Not many fans seem to get this – instead, they seem to view the purpose of trades as punishing guys who have just disappointed them. But it’s a pretty simple concept.

by taco pal on Nov 7, 2011 12:12 PM EST reply actions  

Trades that would make sense would probably be one for a guy like LoMo, or Cameron Maybin or another young guy who hasn’t quite put it together yet. But that just seems like trading your orange for a tangerine.

by Cormican on Nov 7, 2011 3:37 PM EST up reply actions  

1) Jose reyes signs with the Marlins.
2) We sign the cuban Jedi.
3)We trade Brown, Victorino, May, Galvis, and Biddle to the Marlins for Hanley Ramirez and Logan Morrison.

"Sometimes, the balls that fall in are jam shots"...Hunter Pence, on BABIP

by Joecatz on Nov 7, 2011 4:17 PM EST reply actions  

Excuse me, I think I have to go throw up now…

Also, who is ‘The Cuban Jedi’?

by Airedale260 on Nov 7, 2011 8:43 PM EST up reply actions  

who is ‘The Cuban Jedi’?

Watch Joe’s video over on the links post.

I like LoMo, Hanley can be great Offensively, but can be a bit of a butcher on the D.

by Cormican on Nov 7, 2011 9:10 PM EST up reply actions  

smoking crack

if you think we’d trade Upton for Domonic Brown? Why the F-ck would we even entertain that thought? Upton is maybe the toolsiest player in the game. He’s only 23 but has an .870 OPS over the past 3 seasons.
Oh. I get it. Everyone is going to give their best player to the Phills for your unproven prospects just for the hell of it

by ScottAZ on Nov 29, 2011 9:43 AM EST reply actions  

That’ll teach me to speculate ever again.

Where’s the crack?

Some people don't think it be what it is, but it do.

by TheOrangeCone on Nov 29, 2011 2:17 PM EST up reply actions  

To protect him from all the terrifying illegal immigrants?

by taco pal on Nov 29, 2011 4:37 PM EST up reply actions  

That’s the sarcasm font. It’s they who need protection from you.

by taco pal on Nov 29, 2011 6:40 PM EST up reply actions  

that was understood

but my statement still stands

by ScottAZ on Nov 29, 2011 8:05 PM EST up reply actions  

Brown is Lazy!Trade him for a SP

D.Brown is not worth the time or money the Phillies have invested in him so far. I never see him run up on ground balls nor does he try to run out to 1st base. Brown plays lazy when he is in the OF he doesn’t charge the ball and seems to be day dreaming or something out there. I’m not impressed at all with this guy. Now Mayberry I really like he’s a hard worker and since he has changed his stance at home plate he is hitting much better. And he does charge the balls and knows where to toss the ball after he gets it. That’s another negative about Brown. Mini mart does better then Brown. The Phillies should trade him and try to pick up another SP. And I think Cody Ross would be a good pick up for the Phillies. What does everyone think?

by Westbrooksgirl22 on Dec 1, 2011 3:36 PM EST reply actions  

Cody Ross would have the best career FIP in the rotation.

by topherstarr on Dec 1, 2011 4:08 PM EST up reply actions  

All kinds of...

Some people don't think it be what it is, but it do.

by TheOrangeCone on Dec 1, 2011 9:13 PM EST up reply actions   1 recs

I’ll take the bait…
- Offensively Brown is already a league-average outfielder, and improving. He’s going to be a serious major league hitter. Defensively he’s raw but I have no problem seeing him as a serviceable left fielder in the near future. As for the “laziness”, I think you’re way off base.
- Cody Ross: he’s already on the Phillies, and we call him Ben Francisco. Except that Francisco doesn’t elicit the urge to punch him in the face.

-------
Celebrating over 50 years of slightly more Phils wins than losses: 1961-2011

by schmenkman on Dec 1, 2011 11:51 PM EST up reply actions  

Trade Dom Brown for Cody Ross to be a starting pitcher? Turns out Ross did pitch one inning for the Marlins in 2009.

Way to think outside the box!

by topherstarr on Dec 1, 2011 4:01 PM EST reply actions  

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