Had a strong day in the bar Tuesday, so we figured we’d keep the doors open again today.
We’re open 24 hours at Connolly’s Tap Room, just not in a row. (Old joke, old barkeep).
I was thinking about today’s subject while watching the Houston Astros and New York Yankees play Tuesday afternoon.
Houston shortstop Carlos Correa is so amazingly fun to watch. As unfair as they may be, the comparisons to a young Alex Rodriguez aren’t far off. This kid can run, hit, hit with power and play great defense at shortstop.
He’s the real deal at age 21. After winning the American League Rookie of the Year last season, there is a significant contingent that believes Correa will win the AL MVP this season. I’m pretty sure that impressive awards combo was accomplished by another shortstop back in the early 1980s. Name escapes me, but I think that guy turned out to be pretty good.
(By the way, it’s no coincidence we have 2,131 taps behind the fake bar).
Correa was the first pick in a loaded 2012 draft that also included Byron Buxton at No. 2, Kevin Gausman at No. 4 and Addison Russell at No. 11 (Michael Wacha, Marcus Stroman, Corey Seager, Andrew Heaney and Lucas Giolito also were in that first round.)
So watching Correa had me wondering, would I trade Manny Machado straight up for him? I’d have to give it some thought, but, yes, I think I would.
Then I started thinking about who else I’d take straight up for the Orioles’ star third baseman, who won his second Gold Glove and placed fourth in AL MVP voting last year. He’s just 23 and still has major upside – though having surgeries to both knees since 2013 does give some people pause when projecting his bright future.
I’d trade Machado for Mike Trout and Bryce Harper, because I think they are a tick ahead of him right now and could sustain that lead. Nolan Arenado would be close, but I think I’d stick with the stud third baseman I knew.
I’m not sure my list gets any deeper than the above three. Clayton Kershaw? Kris Bryant? Paul Goldschmidt? Giancarlo Stanton? Mookie Betts? Xander Bogaerts? Manny’s old buddy Josh Donaldson?
I’d probably say no to all of those for various reasons. Let me stress the word probably.
To me it’s an interesting debate. And I want your take on it. Don’t compare contracts; just base it on talent, performance and upside. Right now, in April 2016, which players are so good, with such an upside, that you’d gamble that they’ll be better than Machado?
Tap-in question: Which player or players would you deal Manny Machado for straight up?
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Trout, Harper, Correa are the obvious 3, though Harper-like Manny-is only signed through 2018. So that's close. I'd also look hard at a guy like Rizzo, who is locked up through 2019 with two team-friendly options.
Rizzo is a good one to consider. I threw you a curve and later added the "don't worry about contract" provision, since I want this to be more about prediction of talent. But the 2018 thing is real, and could be a game-changer.
Aaron, Koufax or Griffey Jr.
Trout, Harper, not Correa. I think Manny could play SS just as well. The only concern in my mind are the knees!
Only Trout and Correa would be possibilities for me. Harper is better numbers wise, but that isn't enough to outweigh the lack of character.
Interesting, Griff. Remember it was Harper who basically came to Machado's defense after Papelbon threw at Manny last year. Harper is definitely a showman, more than Machado. But I don't really believe there is a character question with Harper.
Machado has had his moments, no doubt. At the end of the day though, Machado is our guy. Not sure it's great form to trade your own drafted star for another, even if harper is clearly better. Manny being gold glove and raking at 3B/SS is more valuable than a RF who does the same.
Oh, And I'd like an O'Douls, on the wagon.Don"t really want one but I gotta behave!!!!
You got it. Will have to make it a bottle though. And I'll have to get the dust rag out. Interesting thoughts on Correa. I think the guy is gonna be a monster.
I don't think I would trade Manny for anyone in baseball right now. Trout has all this fanfare but what have the Angels won with him they have missed the playoffs and had some collapses at the end of the season with the so called MVP. Harper and his clubhouse character remind me of A. J. Pierzynski if he is on your team you love him but if not you can't stand him and that doesn't fly with me. Correa is the only one but he still has to prove he can do it day in day out for a full year with pitchers making adjustments to him like Manny did last year. If Manny played short they would be talking about Correa trying to get to Mannys level in my humble opinion.
Can't blame Trout for not having a good enough team around him, IMO. He's a stud regardless of whether Moreno/Scioscia put together a team strong enough to make the playoffs.
I understand were you are coming from on the team around Trout. I get he is also a heck of a ballplayer. Still some of those years the Angels were to be the team to beat in the AL. However every since Manny has gotten to Baltimore he made the good 2012 playoff team better with just his defense and I believe is a big reason the O's for the past 4 years and hopefully this year win more then they are projected to win.
correa, harper and trout. That's it! Glad the bar has reopened across town!
I agree with NYOsFan 100%. Plus I'd like to add, hype can be a dangerous thing. If the media gets a hold of something they can make perception more reality than reality. #ijs
Manny has more upside than Trout and Harper imo and arguably plays a more challenging defensive position - exceptionally well, I might add. So Correa is the only one I'd consider. If there was a really young ace pitcher out there, might consider that too. But I don't think Kershaw is that guy. Heavy Seas Loose Cannon, barkeep.
Dan what do you think a realistic extension would be for Manny? Along the same lines as what trout did a few years ago. ?
I'm glad his agent isn't Boras but I heard ken singleton on tom Davis show a few weeks ago saying that he thought the Yankees were all bout 2019 and gearing up for manny and Harper
I would only trade Manny for a young starting pitcher such as deGrom, Syndergaard or Keuchel.