CHW DET

[hokeyrules]

Here is the way I look at it Andy.

The first two sims Detroit did not have a proper lineup, it was not until the 3rd that it was set up better and then the 4th I actually set it up. Yes they are 24-27, but in all honesty their team is arguably the best in the division with JHC rebuilding, Cleveland has a lot of rookies who you never know how they are going to do, and Minnesota is always on the cusp of winning, but needs one trade to push them over, and this trade stops that.


Now you say they don't need help in rotation or bullpen. I disagree Eduardo Martinez their #4 is 2-8 with an e.r.a. of 8.8, he will not start another game for detroit, he is just tossing losses, and we definitely do not have a 5th, but we have a good 1-3 core, arguably the best in the league.

Bullpen wise we do not have a closer Cherry is good, but not a closer, Wood is, as you know he was on your team and has been one of the most consistent relievers in the league. Plus he is doing insane in Chicago and probably will do around the same.

The only other hole we have is 3B really, and maybe SS, however there are very few 3B or SS for trade, there seem to be none available, except for a LF who was a former 3B who could be brought into Detroit, but some things would have to change before that happens. SS is a lost cause right now in terms of trading, as this team does not have enough prospects to do that.

Now yes neither player is compensation this year, nowhere does it stop me from signing Arnold to a 2 year deal and talking to Boras about Ward. I have no intention to let them go to FA if they will not be compensation, and if Ward does not wish to resign there is the offseason to sign him back, and Detroit will have taken salary off by then as well.

The cash helps us get to 10 mil about a million shy of buying out Eduardo Martinez, this cuts back 13.5 mil next year and another 11 mil this year. Not ideal, but its better than him sitting in AAA and taking up his full salary. Also we can not trade him due to his NTC even if some team happened to be interest, so he is dead weight.


This was my thinking when I made the trade.