What Is Doug Melvin Thinking?

re: What Is Doug Melvin Thinking?

Ryan Topp — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 20:06:54 GMT

"Even if this is a deal that allows other deals to happen, the impact of a mid-rotation pitcher will be softened with a less potent offense."

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Exactly. They must really be in a "slash payroll" mode right now and just not want to say it.

re: What Is Doug Melvin Thinking?

Ryan Topp — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 20:05:00 GMT

"Cabrera has been hammered by the New York Press and I believe Melvin's thinking is a change of scenery will allow him to get back to playing baseball without all the distractions of the NY media. Melvin will also unload a huge salary."

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I don't know why Melvin would think that, though. His whole minor league history supports that he is much closer to the player on 2008 (and somewhat 2007) than he was in 2006 when he broke into the league.

I don't buy the theory that the pressure is what is causing him to fail to live up to that (still mediocre) 2006. I think that was the fluke.

re: What Is Doug Melvin Thinking?

radio silence — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 18:53:05 GMT

Excellent post, Ryan.

I just can't get over the idea of trading away a $10 million salary for parts that do not improve our team.

I am not opposed outright to reducing salary, as I don't think payroll size necessarily equals winning, but I am opposed to dumping salary for the sake of it.

Even if this is a deal that allows other deals to happen, the impact of a mid-rotation pitcher will be softened with a less potent offense.

re: What Is Doug Melvin Thinking?

Tim D. — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 17:22:04 GMT

Cabrera has been hammered by the New York Press and I believe Melvin's thinking is a change of scenery will allow him to get back to playing baseball without all the distractions of the NY media. Melvin will also unload a huge salary.

re: What Is Doug Melvin Thinking?

Ryan Topp — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 05:34:42 GMT

"Furthermore, it does make sense to cut payroll to free up money for a starting pitcher. I regularly got the impression, and it's not a very surprising one, that the offer to CC would've put a lot of financial strain on the club, which would explain why Melvin insists it's not something they'd do for any other player."

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If it's the right player on the right deal, then that's fine with me.

I also get the notion that they weren't going to just take the money offered CC and spread it around. I wouldn't have wanted them to do that anyway. But I am curious just how much they plan on spending on the FA market for pitchers, because at least SOME of that CC money should have been available, right? So they're clearing some serious cash here, it seems. I'm a little skeptical that clearing room to spend on second teir FA pitchers is such a hot idea.