Comments on: Thoughts on first base

By: Harrison Crow

Harrison Crow — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 06:17:56 +0000

I don’t disagree that he will need something back. We have OF depth and after you guys lost coco crisp.

You have Ezequial Carrera, Greg Halmaan, Denny Almonte. We have out fielders to move. I’d also be surprised if a bullpen arm wasn’t also in the mix.

We don’t have a lot of major league ready infielders. But I wouldn’t mind giving up someone like Alex Liddi while his stock is still high. I don’t have a lot of faith in him. I tend to believe that when he hits West Tennessee his “prospect” tag will fall off as his power evaporates.

So will Ka’aihue have an oppertunity at first base or is Billy Butler going to get the nood. I know the Mariners would be more than happy to have either player.

By: Wally Fish

Wally Fish — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 05:24:18 +0000

Harrison,
sorry I’m a bit late to the party on this topic but with respect to Ka’aihue, I don’t think he is as available as it might appear.

Despite the down year in 2009 after a monster 2008 campaign, I think Kila gets his shot in spring training. GM Dayton Moore looks to be over correcting in favor of OBP and that works to Ka’aihue’s benefit. Even at his worst, he’s still the most disciplined hitter in the organization and that alone should land him on the opening day roster. The non-tendering of Jacobs certainly helped Kila’s cause in KC.

The two players to watch with respect to Kila’s future are Jose Guillen and Alberto Callaspo since those are the two players most likely to get DH at bats that could go to Ka’aihue (or Butler if Kila plays 1st). If either Jose or Alberto are traded by opening day, Ka’aihue will absolutely be a part of the opening 25 in Kansas City.

At worst, Guillen is done as a Royal after 2010 regardless, so the team may keep Kila’s bat around with an eye toward 2011. Callaspo can play 3B as well, and Gordon is entering make or break territory so I don’t see the team walking away from the ONLY legit position prospect they have above AA right now.

For the Royals to move him, I think it would take, at a minimum, a legit OF or SS prospect ready to play in AAA if not the majors in 2010.

Then again, Dayton does seem to love the Mariners (and the White Sox and Braves) and Ka’aihue is kind of an older and largely lesser version of Billy Butler so they do have some duplication there … That, and no one knows what head scratching move Moore is going to make next …

By: Harrison Crow

Harrison Crow — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:26:08 +0000

I don’t think it’s crazy. The Mariners have supposedly already checked in on Miguel Cabera.

But we would most likely have to send a package of something like Lowe, Lopez, Saunders a long with someone such as Anthony Varvaro or Nick Hill.

Honestly I hate giving up so much. I really want to hold onto Saunders. People don’t understand how good he’s suppose to be.

I do worry about having too many “personalties” within the locker room.