The current middle infeld has some quantity and lesser quality. Belliard is brillant a turning the double play. Lopez seemed to tank it at times last season both at the plate and in the field.No one knows what to expect from Guzman either offensively or defensively. And one of these guys is a viable leadoff candidate, the Nats' biggest need for next season.

I'd target Astros SS Adam Everett. He's a free agent at the end of the 2008 season and defense is his calling card. It sounds like Houston would consider moving him (he was rumored as part of the Miguel Tejada deal). If the Nationals can get an excellent glove like Everett up the middle, it helps the pitching staff more than any offense any other SS option would.

GRRRRR, as soon as I finish this post....

-----

Didn't Barry insinuate that Lopez was having some trouble with his marriage to his really hot wife last year?

Regardless - or "Irregardless" if you prefer, since spellchecker is not marking that wrong though it does mark "spellchecker" as wrong - all your eyes and experience make me laugh. Ha-ha-ha! When you manage a baseball team by your "eye" or your "gut" or your "instinct", you end up crying because Matt LeCroy allowed the Astros to steal seven bases on him and committed two throwing errors and had to be replaced mid-inning by Robert Fick.

Now I love Frank Robinson (and LeCroy was just about as cool as can be about it, he said his kids ripped on him pretty hard), but that style of running a team burns out your bullpen and leads to stunning streaks followed by spectacular collapses (N.B., not spectacular streaks and stunning collapses...). The real way to make these decisions is to look at a player's career averages and recall that the first rule of statistics in baseball is that everyone and every team will eventually regress to the mean.

Lopez's career numbers are simply not as bad as his last year was. And that's NOT because of GABP, either, since in 71 games as a National in 2006 he batted .281 and had an on-base average of .362 (almost 60 points higher than 2007!). Now those numbers were probably too high for him, but we can certainly expect him to boost his numbers next season.

The team that wants Lopez now is one that isn't planning on being in contention next year, but has a young team that it's trying to groom with no major league-ready middle infield prospects that can afford to take a gamble at the position on a journeyman starter who underperformed last year. Where can we find one of those?

If this team is all about giving second chances, then shouldn't they also give Lopez a second chance to prove that last year was an anomoly?

If they would have traded for Greene, who would have batted lead-off? Surely not Greene ... his career OBP is .312 (not much better than Guzman).

Agree with 506. Lopez had an off year, and we've yet to really see what Guzman can do. And Belliard is a more than capable backup. While SS is certainly a position where we need to improve before we can contend, the current triumvirate is more than adequate for the time being. We may not have impact, but we have depth. I wouldn't overpay for someone like Greene. Bide your time until a prospect develops or a stellar trade/free agent becomes available. And who knows? In the meantime, we might find out that the guys we have are better than we thought.

1) Current middle infield personnel... not good at all. Guzman really impressed me last year, but I think part of it is b/c of how low my expectations are. And re: Guzman's low OBP of .302, Lopez is only a hair better at .308. Belliard is a decent/good bench player.

2) I would have LOVED to have gotten Rickie Weeks, but the Brewers no longer need a CL. What is the deal w/ Stephen King? He doesn't seem ready by '09 neither does Esmailyn Gonzalez. I think we really need to trade for a good/young 2B or SS. I'd be absolutely pumped if Bowden could land a player like Howie Kendrick (who seems mentioned often in trade rumors and would be a LONG shot to acquire). Maybe we could trade the Chief for a top AAA prospect. I really hope he doesn't give up a ton of HRs in the new/smaller ball park.

if the Dodgers are intent on having Chin-Lung Hu be their SS for the future, maybe we could make a deal and get Rafael Furcal? I don't know what the Dodgers need in terms of personnel, but maybe we could dangle some relievers we don't need/want?

Tim, Lopez's career OBP is .328, .308 was last year's.

Greene is by no means a clear improvement over Lopez. Better defense and a bit more power (though last year's HR output is very unlikely to be repeated), but Lopez can steal 30-40 bases. Giving up Cordero or Lopez for Greene would be insanely stupid.

I've said it in a few posts before; however, please go get Chin-Lung Hu. For multiple reasons:
1. He is under 23 years old
2. He is supposed to be an absolute leather wiz up the middle
3. He RAKED in the minors (not for power, just a gap/solid contact type)
4. He gives us that Asian presence without dumping a lot of cash in a Japanese pitcher with inflated numbers (how's Irabu doing these days?)
5. The Dodgers have a pretty stocked young infield, so he can be had...granted not for nothing, but it's feasible

AND, FLop will be so much defensively from 2b

back to my drum beating - the infield is fine. leave it alone.

Greene for Guzman? Where's the edge, except for recent HR power by KG? Doesn't solve the 2B problem, if there is one.

IMO, catcher is the need, either to back up Flores (unproven)or everyday.

I agree with the general sentiment that our middle infield situation is decent, if not great, for next year. The bigger question is who plays middle infield on the 2010 Championship Nationals? I gather that Smiley Gonzalez is a definate maybe, and Ian Desmond is likely to be one of those Spring Training wonders who never quite hit. No one drafted in '08 is going to be ready in time. Seems like Trader Jim either trades for depth, or we will be forced to trade real quality or hire expensive free agents.

I'm still not really sure what all the commotion is about. Middle infield just doesn't look like a problem to me. Guzzie was just injured. When he wasn't injured the dude was on fire.

We start Guzman at short, Lopez at 2nd. In as little as two weeks we'll have a good idea how that's working out. Between Belly, Guzzie and Lopey (okay, that's goofy) we'll be fine.

The three of them seem to be just like what we'd go shopping for anyway. Unless they find another steal in a fired-up young guy, let's just stay with the three we got.

Current infield will do for '08. Guzman hit for decent average w/ Twins and will hit much better than '06 but not as good as '07. Lopez will revert to his career numbers and Belliard will hold steady.

Agree Lopez checked out at times last year. I know Guzman is despearate to prove himself which we all like, right? Belliard is proven, steady gamer, great utility IF off bench, decent starter when you need him to.

System doesn't have any middle IFs that really inspire me. This may have to be where we go to the trade market or even sign a FA for impact in '09.

Either need to trade some of our pitching prospects for middle IF or focus on that in next year's draft.

The middle infield defense is terrible. With an inexperienced pitching staff, most of whom pitch to contact, having even average defense at 2B/SS would be an enormous upgrade to what was out there in 2007. Lopez should be fine at 2B but the Nationals need a legitimate shortstop and neither Guzman nor Lopez is the answer there. By acquiring a SS who can field at an above average rate, it would make up for any shortcomings they may bring on offense.

Last season, Lopez made me miss Frank Robinson. The way he played at times, Frank would have torn him a new one in the middle of the game, in the middle of the field, and then benched him.
Guzman is what he is. An average SS. Good some days, bad others, and average most days. Belliard is a good middle infielder off the bench and starter a few days a week.
IMO, the 2007 draft was all about pitching. The 2008 draft will be about position players and some pop in the bat.
What about the Domincan (???) kid they signed in 2006? What is his future with the club? If we are talking 2000-10, he should be here by then.

With no more htan 13 position players the likely team composition currently has only Young, Lopez, Christian Guzman, and Garrett Guzman who can hit lefthanded (I'm assuming Nick starts the year on the DL).

If that is the case then it seems to me that you really want Guzman and Lopez to earn the starting spots because you want the balance in the lineup.

A trade that sends Lopez away without bringing a lefty into the lineup for 08 seems unlikely.

As Jim Bowden's frequent advisor (not that he listen's), I recommend signing Lopez to a one year contract now and then signing at least one of Lopez/Guzman to a relatively low cost extension before July. Use that as protection, but then go trade/sign a new middle infielder for 09.

Also, I'd consider converting Guzman to a 2B and using him as a backup in 09. I love the way he runs the bases. (You don't see it on TV all the time, but if you have been at the park you know what I mean. He's fundamentally sound, fast, and makes good decisions.) His range is limited as a SS, but he would make a superior utility infielder in 09/10.

"What about the Domincan (???) kid they signed in 2006?"

That would be Esmailyn Gonzalez (Barry mentioned him towards the end of the posting). He played in the GCL in 2007, so expecting anytime before 2010 at the earliest seems overly optimistic.

While I agree with your prediction (given he's healthy), Guzman's average with the Twins certainly seemed to be inflated by the turf at the Metrodome. He hits a lot of choppers, which tend to bounce a bit higher off turf, allowing Guzman to use his speed to beat out the throw.

Those same choppers at RFK led to a near-Mendoza average in 2006. Seemed like he might have figured it out last year. Maybe it was the eye surgery.

-----

Guzman hit for decent average w/ Twins and will hit much better than '06 but not as good as '07.

I would stick w/ Lopez and Guzman until the Marlins get rid of Hanley Ramirez.

I see a .988 career Lopez FPct and a .971 career Guzzie.

Not saying the IF is great, but...

"I love the way he runs the bases. (You don't see it on TV all the time, but if you have been at the park you know what I mean. He's fundamentally sound, fast, and makes good decisions.)"

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

You are using fielding percentage as an arbiter of how good Lopez or Guzman are?

If anything has been demonstrated, fielding percentage is only a small guide to how well a player handles a position. You cannot make an error if you don't get to the ball.

I'm going to punt to Hendo on this one (yes, it is I!) for his IZ/OOZ stats.

What do Felipe and Guzman look like?

I don't mind our current middle infield mix so much. I think the plan last year should have another chance in 08 with Lopez at 2B and Guzman at SS with Belliard off the bench. Lopez should perform better at the plate this year and should be better at 2B full time. Unfortunately he's the only one of these three players that could play either position and I don't know if he could handle another mid-season change.

I don't know how realistic it would be but the target I've had in mind to trade for is the Lowrie kid from Boston. I've seen him mentioned in the Santana rumors and the Sox were previous possibilities for Cordero. Would they be willing to move him or is he untouchable outside of getting someone the caliber of Johan Santana?

I feel like only Belliard is a valuable part.I say that because he is a talented player who seemingly doesn't mind being on the bench. It is hard to find guys like that who can sit for a while but stay ready. I think both Lopez and Guzman will be better this year. I have no problem staying with them for '08. What I don't want to do is count on them being in either spot when 2009 or 2010 rolls around. The Nats should pick a major college SS with their first pick who needs a maximum of 1 ½ years in the minors who can then step in at either spot in 2010. If they feel like they're ready to contend in 2010, then spend money on a FA to fill the other spot.

I wouldn't make any of these trades people are suggesting. It would be robbing Peter to pay Paul. The Nats would have to give so much that it would simply weaken them in another area. If the Nats had a hot middle infield prospect, would you be satisfied to trade him for a middle reliever that "the other team doesn't want or need"? I also don't think that a combination of Guzman at SS and Lopez at 2B is "terrible" defensively. I would rate them as average with a quality back up in Belliard. That threesome is not championship caliber, but it will do for one more season.

Barry - Ken Griffey Jr was apparently sighted at the Wizards game last night with Zimmerman.

Anything going on with that?

Guzman has limited range to his left and first step is slow. He is not good about positioning to cover for these weekness. Lopez is worse because of effort. SS Defense is a big problem and should be addressed this year.

"I'm going to punt to Hendo on this one (yes, it is I!) for his IZ/OOZ stats."

Thanks, 506, but I'm lecturing all day in the classroom today, and somewhat connectivity challenged to boot, so it might be a while.

Anyone who wants to go out to The Hardball Times and dig up these numbers is welcome to do so in the meantime.

this team is still so far off they need to add as much raw talent as they can. and next year's draft class is already projected as somewhat weaker than this years. it's definitely not heavy on the middle infielders. long ways off but still with #9 pick we're gonna take what is apparent best available talent, not necessarily best shortstop. although i do hope it is a shorstop.

i don't see how we can improve middle infield this year without opening up other holes to fix. and that's just chasing our own tail. free agent class looks weak also. we're gonna be stuck looking for a trade partner but nobody is gonna make it simple for us. i'm afraid middle infield is gonna be a recurring theme here for a long while...

I was serious about Guzman as a baserunner. He is among the best on the team. He goes from first to third/home, and second to home very well. He also slides hard in at second.

Guzman's weaknesses are his range in the field and his career on-base average. His range is not going to improve. His on-base average might if the eye surgery is partially responsible for his rejuvenation last year.

Brandon Crawford from UCLA is probably the highest rated college SS entering the 2008 season. But, according to those who rate this sort of thing, he isn't highly thought of enough to be the #9 overall pick in the draft (at least as of December 2007). While drafting a more developed SS in the draft is an intriguing option, the MLB draft is dangerous when you draft for need. A team needs to grab the best available player 99% of the time.

So I tried to do my best to simulate Hendo. This is what I'm seeing:

At 2B, where he will play next year, Felipe is rated an 11 for outs made out-of-zone (OOZ) and a .817 pct for balls that come into his zone of play (RZR). At 2B, that would put him with the same OOZ as Luis Catillo and significantly better for RZR (.798)

Solely for natsfan1a, I will point out Jamey Carroll has a 14 and .870 in more innings than Felipe at second.

At SS, which is - let's be honest - the play we're really judging this "lack of hustle" thing based on, Felipe is lower in the ranks of qualifying shortstops (of which he has the least playing time with 927 innings, so it must be 900 innings to qualify or something).

His RZR is .784, which is actually higher than David Eckstein, Derek Jeter, Stephen Drew, Hanley Ramirez, and Jhonny Peralta. Omar Vizquel leads with .886.

However, on that same list of qualifying shortstops, Lopez is DEAD LAST with OOZ (only 30). Troy Tulawitzki leads with 87.

So, what does that mean? He does a good job - better than some All Stars - when balls come to the shortstop zone of control on the field. He does a worse job at snagging balls out of his zone.

Theories:

1. He doesn't hustle. Lazy player, content to just get by with what's coming to him. He must be getting really upset about his play because he's working too hard, that's it.

2. Ryan Zimmerman is, in fact, made by Hoover and sucks up everything that someone like Tulowitzki might normally go way out of his way to grab. Third base is the side that shortstops are most likely to need to be more aggressive.

3. Felipe Lopez is just not limber enough to be a great shortstop anymore and from now on can do a decent job, but would be better off at second base.

Aren't enough stats to sort Guzman, but the raw numbers I'm seeing are not pretty. Forget the "Middle Infield", start scouring AAA and AA for shortstops.

I guess we have to keep it the way it is for now at the least. We have a subpar middle infield at best, we'll see if that improves with lopez playing 2B. We have no idea what we have at the plate, maybe the eye surgery cured guzman's terrible plate discipline, maybe playing a full season at 2B will solve lopez's motivation issues, the point is that we really cant know at least until march or april.
While i dont mind the idea of picking up greene, for the defense and some name recognition, he doesnt really seem to fix our biggest problem of a leadoff hitter. I dont think that either of the kids we picked up can really lead off, so that leaves us with..? Dimitri? Screech? Manny? There's nobody out there who can solve our problem right now, maybe Jimbo will think of something, but for now it looks like we should sit and wait. Guzman's under contract, Lopez wont make a killing in arbitration due to his play last year, and belliard is what he is (hopefully on the bench). Maybe desmond, king, or smiley can make a big jump and be ready by '09 or maybe we'll have this same discussion in another year. The point is, at that point we should know something.

After looking at the "offensive" numbers for Lopez and Guzman, I have a theory that some time around Spring training, Lopez and Guzman said, "just for kicks, let's swap jerseys and see if anyone notices." Since both are gone after next year, I suppose the only thing to do is let them play (FL at 2d, CG at SS), hope one gets hot, and trade mid-year. I would really like to see one of the next moves involve picking up a high minors SS prospect (my soap box). Finally, I think Belliard is still quality and could be useful as a bench player for a contender. Colorado needs a Matsui replacement, but Belliard's play actually picked up after he left there, so I'm not sure they'd be interested.

I would make that trade for Khalil Greene. His defense would be an improvement and remember his power numbers went up in that huge ballpark. And your shortstop situation is stable for the next 10 years.

Speculation: Griffey waives his no trade clause and comes to the Nats in exchange for Kearns.

I'm wondering why the Nats haven't signed these two minor league free agents: Jason Bourgeois and Tony Granadillo.

Bourgeois: Second Base. 26 in January. Played in White Sox AA and AAA last year. Decent average, good OBP, Base Stealer. Could also play OF. His stats:
.306/.365/.440, 9 HR, 54 RBI, 28 2B, 38 SB, 14 errors

Granadillo: SS. 23 in August. Played in Red Sox A+ and AA last year. Good average. Great OBP. Switch hitter. His stats:
.326/.410/.489, 8 HR, 67 RBI, 39 2B, 7 3B, 15 errors

Considering the lack of depth in the Nats minor leagues for middle infielders, I don't see why they wouldn't give these two a shot. They're young enough to still be considered "prospects" and if they continue to do well in AAA, could possibly be an answer to the Nats need for MI help come 2009+.

BTW, for comparisons sake, check out Ian Desmond's stats from A+ Potomac last year:
.264/.357/.432, 13 HR, 45 RBI, 30 2B, 27 SB, 32 errors.

That's right, 32 errors! He seems to be slowly getting it together with the bat, but he needs to cut down on the errors if he ever wants to move up in the organization. Maybe a move to 2B (to shorten the throw to first) might help Desmond?

Which trade is that? Apparently, Greene for Cordero/Rausch plus Lopez didn't happen, although we don't know which side said no (hopefully Bowden).

I'm more concerned about the inevitable injuries. I think Guzman 6/Lopez 4/+ Belliard is just good enough for an 80-85 win team with neutral luck, but not if CGuz goes out again, or Lopez does, long-term.
So if we can't get the next Tulowitzski, we need somebody better than Royce Clayton in reserve (and by May or June, that may be the option).

*******
I would make that trade for Khalil Greene. His defense would be an improvement and remember his power numbers went up in that huge ballpark. And your shortstop situation is stable for the next 10 years.

Posted by: jax | December 10, 2007 01:05 PM

Gotta get this guy, DC is his town.

www.lyricsandsongs.com/song/736656.html

*****
Jason Bourgeois: Second Base.

"That's right, 32 errors! He seems to be slowly getting it together with the bat, but he needs to cut down on the errors if he ever wants to move up in the organization. Maybe a move to 2B (to shorten the throw to first) might help Desmond"

He has more than enough arm for SS. It's arguably the best arm in the Carolina League. He makes the exceptional play with ease but struggles on the routine play. I don't believe moving to 2B would necessarily change that.

I know it is the nature of the game... but it is interesting how someone like Ian Desmond, once so highly touted (and there are others in the organization with the same problem) is now chopped liver.

I wonder how much of it is that the farm system is better, and how much is that he's not better...

I'm impressed that no one has yet said "Tell your statistics to shut-up!" to me.

I would say that the hardest players to evaluate are ones without many statistics. For every Ryan Zimmerman there are probably a hundred Ian Desmonds. Don't count on seeing Detweiler, McGeary, AND Smoker in the majors in five years.

It's that the farm system is better. I'm afraid that Smiley Gonzalez will suffer the same fate. I believe the word on the street is that the Nats signed him for much more than he is worth in order to make a statement about being a player in the DR. Their system is weak at SS and 2B. All this makes the discussion about the future of the middle infield all the more important.

I still think though that they are MUCH weaker system wide behind the plate. That needs to be addressed quickly. If baseball teams are built "up the middle" as the old adage says, the Nats foundation is made of sand right now. That's not to say I don't agree with what they've done. I do. But it is to say that they are still a long way from competing for a pennant.

The Padres said no, Cordero and Rauch are garbage. The Padres have Hoffman and Heath Bell who are better. Lopez is an error machine while KhalilGreene is solid at SS and has huge power potential. NO WAY that deal will ever happen...

Nat's ? They SUCK

Another lower left extremity heard from ...

This is too interesting to ignore, even if it is a troll or someone being sarcastic.

For regular shortstops, only Khalil Greene and Jose Reyes had less fielding errors. In Major League Baseball.

For regular shortstops, no one had more throwing errors than Felipe Lopez.

What's that Jim Bouton says? You can be a child molester and people would forgive you if you hit .300?

Felipe Lopez - at shortstop - had 5 fielding errors and 15 throwing errors, giving him a total of 20 errors at short for the year.

Greene had 4 fielding errors and 7 throwing errors, giving him a total of 11.

Former Rookie of the Year Hanley Ramirez had 11 fielding errors and 13 throwing errors, for a total of 24.

National League MVP Jimmy Rollins had 11 fielding errors, but 0 throwing errors.

I know this is a middle infield thread but I was looking at the defense #'s Hendo referred to and 506 looked up on Hardball Times.

Anyone seen Nook Logan's numbers there?? His RZR is .912, just behind A. Jones .921 and his OOZ plays were 42 in only 755 innings! That's on pace for 75 if he played 1350 innings like Jones did. Those are mind-blowing! And this is with him breaking the wrong direction on balls half the time!!! I haven't really defended that kid but I will now. He deserves more time to develop because those defense numbers are unmatched by anyone in the NL last year except A. Jones. Crazy.

As for middle infield, looks like CG and FL are bascially adequate defenders, not lousy. Definitely need to give them a chance in '08.

Eduardo Najera

Totally, Avar, Hendo brought those stats up last year and they're a great reminder. Baseball sometimes gets too personal and people let go based on personal prejudice of someone that's actually a lot better than he appears.

I have never believed the "breaks the wrong way" mantra. I've yet to see someone actually prove that it happens and isn't something they only notice when he misses a ball.

Since we don't seem to have any of our own, JimBo should be trying to pry away some other team's middle infield prospect.

My suggestions are Emilio Bonifacio, a speedy switch-hitter who can play both 2B and SS (6th highest prospect in the D-backs organization), and Reid Brignac, Baseball America's first team all-star SS, currently the number three prospect for the Devil Rays (why didn't we try to get him in the Dukes deal??).

Not a consensus, but several people here pointed out Nick's absence at first, anent Zimmerman's throwing errors. Seems like you have to grant Lopez had the same first baseman.

*******
Felipe Lopez - at shortstop - had 5 fielding errors and 15 throwing errors, giving him a total of 20 errors at short for the year.

Posted by: Section 506 (Before moving) | December 10, 2007 02:08 PM

Maybe, but he's wrong.

**************
What's that Jim Bouton says? You can be a child molester and people would forgive you if you hit .300?

Posted by: Section 506 (Before moving) | December 10, 2007 02:08 PM

it's not so much "give them a chance in '08," in my view. it's more "the other options just don't make sense right now."

unless some crazy trade comes up that makes us better in 09/10, we're probably best of sticking with what we've got for now.

maybe a good trade opportunity comes up at the dealine in 08, if not, the team has to put up the $$ or prospects to create a new MI in 09.

Not to mention Lopez ISN'T a regular shortstop, he just plays one on the Nationals.

**********
For regular shortstops, no one had more throwing errors than Felipe Lopez.

Posted by: Section 506 (Before moving) | December 10, 2007 02:08 PM

One would hope, cevans, but how many people here wouldn't trade Felipe Lopez for Derek Jeter?

and the irregularity *would* explain that frown ...

******
For regular shortstops, no one had more throwing errors than Felipe Lopez.

Posted by: Section 506 (Before moving) | December 10, 2007 02:08 PM

"Not to mention Lopez ISN'T a regular shortstop, he just plays one on the Nationals."

Bingo. Think spending all spring making the short throw to first, then going back and forth during the season to the long throw affected his throwing ability?

It's worse that that, the angles are totally different on the other side.

******
"Not to mention Lopez ISN'T a regular shortstop, he just plays one on the Nationals."
Bingo. Think spending all spring making the short throw to first, then going back and forth during the season to the long throw affected his throwing ability?
Posted by: Section 506 (Before moving) | December 10, 2007 02:37 PM

ok, a little (ok, a lot) off topic, but i saw these links on buster onley's blog today for the "nutty buddy" and i just had to share...

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/royals/story/396821.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6C9aiWr0Vfg

wow.

new post for a while now...

awww, thanks, 506. That's sweet of you. :)

---

Solely for natsfan1a, I will point out Jamey Carroll has a 14 and .870 in more innings than Felipe at second.

Chris over at the Capitol Punishment blog made a compelling case on Friday for focusing on finding a young defensive specialist at the SS position. He argues that there is no position where solid defense is more quickly converted into runs, that somebody with weak offense and stellar defense will be easier and cheaper to sign, and that the team's recent offensive upgrades will make it easier to hide a weak bat in the lineup.

"there is no position where solid defense is more quickly converted into runs [than ss]"

Shouldn't that be, "no position where LEAKY defense is more quickly converted into runs"?

Mr. Bowden, please trade for Greene immediatly, make it happen. He is a solid all around shortstop, but most importantly everything I read about him says that he is the ultimate hard nosed competitor.

Greene and Zim would set that side of the infield for 10 years!

Trade Cordero to Giants for Jonathan Sanchez (LHP)and Eugenio Velez (SS/2B). With this deal, move Rauch to closer w/Ayala,Wagner,Rivera,Colome,King & ???; converted Sanchez (low 90's FB,nasty slider and above ave. change)back to a starter and break-in Velez, who has very good speed and some pop, as the future SS/2B and leadoff batter in 2009.

If Padres want to trade Greene for Lopez & Logan,PLEASE-PLEASE DO THE DEAL-QUICKLY-BEFORE THEY RECONSIDER!! Of course I would also add some cash consideration to the deal to compensate the Padres for the differences in salary.

Not that I consider it anywhere close to a feasible option, but considering some of the pie-in-the-sky opinions tossed around in this forum, how come nobody has suggested moving Zimm to SS for the future?
He's played there before, even late-game subbing a couple of times with the Nats if I remember correctly.

that would be a horrible trade for the padres. Greene is one of the best defensive shortstops in the league not to mention that his offense is only getting better. He may have a low average but his power is going to get even better and hopefully his average too. Just cordero and lopez would be an awful trade and i doubt that Greene is going to be going anywhere anytime soon anyways

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