Who got the best of the deal and why?
2007-01-18 01:45:21 · 10 answers · asked by P.I. Stingray 6 in Sports ➔ Baseball
I think the Pirates will essentially for the reason that LaRoche is an every day player, whereas Gonzo would only pitch in save opportunities. The Pirates will most likely go to Salomon Torres in the closer role to start the season, and while he was a bit shaky at some points last year, he still got the job done. The Pirates also still have a good amount of bullpen arms such as Matt Capps, John Grabow, Damaso Marte, and a few who will compete for the rest of the spots in camp such as Jonah Bayliss and Josh Sharpless. Word I've heard has them grooming Sharpless to be the next closer. I personally would like to see Capps close in the earlier part of the year, because Torres can pitch more in middle relief.
PNC Park is a dream come true for lefty's with some pop, such as LaRoche. He will benefit from the short porch in right field, and is rumored to bat clean up sandwiched between Sanchez and Bay, which should benefit all 3. Remember, the Pirates played pretty well after the all star break last year. If Duffy can improve his on base percentage and Jack Wilson can regain his 2004/2005 form, they could factor in as well. I'd say the Pirates opening day lineup will look something like this
1 - Duffy - CF
2 - Wilson - SS
3 - Sanchez - 3B
4 - LaRoche - 1B
5 - Bay - LF
6 - Nady - RF
7 - Paulino - C
8 - Castillo - 2B
9 - Duke - P
...a major upgrade from years past.
As for the Braves, theyve said they plan on sticking with Wickman as their closer for now, which Im a little surprised at. Gonzalez was 24 for 24 last season in save opportunities. I guess that Wickman will be on a short leash with Gonzalez ready to step in at any point.
This trade should really work well for both teams, but I think because the Pirates got a young, talented every day player that they get the edge on this one.
2007-01-18 01:57:22 · answer #1 · answered by Xax Haus 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is a pretty even deal. The Pirates were last in homers in the national league and adding LaRoche's left handed bat and 30+ homers will be big pick up for the Pirates.
At the same time, the Bravos had close to 30 blown saves last year and picking up a quality closer who can average 25 saves a year will be a big boost to their ailing bullpen.
LaRoche is a couple years younger and may be a better long term player for the Pirates so, if there was an edge to the trade, I would give it to the Pirates for that reason.
2007-01-18 01:52:30 · answer #2 · answered by Mr Mojo Risin 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Now that the Braves have a decent guy to replace Laroche (Wilson), I think it makes sense for both sides. I would have to say the Braves benefit the most though, because they will be in contension for the division. Who cares if LaRoche helps the Pirates get from 67 wins to 70 or 72? They're still in last place.
2007-01-18 17:52:47 · answer #3 · answered by Eho 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
At this point, it seems like a pretty good deal for both teams, and I think the deciding factor might depend on the development of Brent Lillibridge, who is expected to be included on the Pirates' side of the deal. I'm not sure why nobody has mentioned him, but he could be pivotal in the deal.
Laroche had a nice season in 2006 with the 32 homers, but I'm not sure how much further he will develop. If he maintains this pace, though, the Pirates have themselves a solid power threat.
Gonzalez is a few years older, but effective, hard-throwing lefty closers are difficult to come by and retain value for a long time. The Braves also had almost 30 blown saves from their bullpen, and they now at least have one less worry.
As for Lillibridge, John Sickels has him ranked as the Pirates' third-best prospect. Good plate discipline, and the chance to be effective at the major league level, although he hasn't moved up as quickly as I'd have expected. Still, he could be the deciding factor in favor of the Braves.
Right now, this seems like one of those rare deals that really helps both teams.
2007-01-18 02:02:08 · answer #4 · answered by Craig S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a good deal for both, but I would have to say the Pirates will benefit the most. They get a left-handed power bat to go along with Jason Bay and who is still young and cheap. LaRoche will stick around for four to five years for them until they have to unload him because of salary.
The Braves still have Bob Wickman and have already said that he will be the opening day closer, even with Gonzalez. But with Gonzalez, the now have a great bullpen with Rafael Soriano, Mike Gonzalez and Bob Wickman.
2007-01-18 01:57:18 · answer #5 · answered by Vin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd take the Braves on this one. I'm not sold on LaRoche. Remember he was only a platoon player with the Braves.
2007-01-18 05:17:52 · answer #6 · answered by jdbreeze1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Braves biggest weakness has been at the closer and I think Gonzalez will patch up that hole. The Braves got the best of this deal
2007-01-18 10:25:14 · answer #7 · answered by n1ck34@sbcglobal.net 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Braves
2007-01-18 03:05:19 · answer #8 · answered by JESSIE 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Braves get a good future closer that they really need
2007-01-18 03:54:01 · answer #9 · answered by jaclind89 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is a tie. Both teams benefit for what they recived.
2007-01-18 04:48:12 · answer #10 · answered by jorgeyankee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋