Buy low, sell high on Raul?
Written by Mike Mariano   
Thursday, 07 January 2010 23:12

There is nothing to talk about this week.  Well, nothing interesting that is.  We signed Danys Baez -- cool.  The Mets aren't signing Aroldis Chapman -- duh.  The entire NL East is interested in John Smoltz -- bah.  Except for a fun possibility I found on PhilliesNation.  It was just a little thought at the end of a post on pitching and here it is:

Here is a complete hypothetical: The San Francisco Giants are looking for a new left fielder.  The Phillies have one in Raul Ibanez.  They also have a pretty capable backup in Ben Francisco.

The scenario: The Phillies trade Raul to SF for some more prospects to stock the system (throw in one of their top-notch relievers, too).  Francisco plays left for the Phillies for a year (not the worst thing in the world) and the Phillies save money that will enable them to pay Jayson Werth, and possibly Shane Victorino, on a long-term contract.  Ben Fran keeps the position warm for Dominic Brown in 2011 and the Phillies will have a top notch outfield for at least the next five seasons.

In no way am I calling for Raul to be traded.  Like I said, it’s a complete hypothetical for those looking to keep Werth and Victorino around for several years.  I think Ibanez is slightly overpaid and hinders the Phillies from locking up other players, but I do think a healthy Raul is a huge key to the success of the team in ‘10. The Giants are reportedly looking at Johnny Damon for left field, or, moving Mark Derosa there and signing Adam Laroche for first base.

Verrrrrrrrry interesting indeed.  Raul became a fan favorite in no time and put together a fantastic stretch of hitting to start '09 that jump started the season.  However, from a purely business and/or economic standpoint, trading Raul makes sense (in the right deal of course).  Between Domonic Brown, Ben Francisco, & John Mayberry Jr. there is a capable everyday player somewhere.  That would be a downgrade offensively, but also save $11.5 million this season and the next.  And when you think about it...

ROY HALLADAY AND CLIFF LEE!

Yet another possible way that the Phillies could have had three aces (including Cole) at the top of their rotation.  In that case, sacrificing Raul's offense is okay if it means such a strong pitching staff in 2010.  Then Cliff leaves after the season and we re-up Shane & Jay. God damn it, I digress...



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Comments (3)Add Comment
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written by will.H, January 08, 2010
i grow attached to players.. but i've learned to be reasonable when it comes to situations like this. would i prefer it.. nah. But, would i contest it, probably not.

I think it would really have to appeal to phillies fans to get rid of an instant favorite like Raul. He is getting older, naturally. Although, so is the rest of the league. Maybe we could cash in on a desperate team like the Giants due to their horrible offense coupled with their great pitching. Who knows how it would turn out, but i doubt ruben would even go for something like that. he likes his lefties.
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written by team2beatmike, January 08, 2010
yeah, i doubt that there's any chance of it happening but it is interesting to consider. I'd hate to see Ibanez go, but in the long run it could potentially be a strong move.
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written by Benny B, January 10, 2010
Why would the giants pay 11 Million a year for two years when there are cheaper alternatives for less years?

You guys are stuck with Raul...fan favorite or not.

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