Adrian Gonzalez is putting up better numbers than Beckham now and that is playing a majority of his games in Petco Park, which favors pitchers. He has put up a career line of .264/.362/.443 at Petco Park. Not awful numbers considering the park he is playing in. I would love to see the numbers Gonzalez would put up in a hitters park like US Cellular Field. I could see Gonzalez hitting 50 homeruns playing a majority of his games at US Cellular Field.  Gonzalez could be the bat that puts the White Sox ahead of the Twins in the AL Central. He would also allow Paul Konerko to move to the DH role. Konerko is also a free agent after this season and Gonzalez would be a great replacement.

This does not mean I don’t think highly of Beckham. I think he will be a solid player for his career, but I don’t think he will ever approach the numbers that Gonzalez is putting up. The only way I would keep Beckham is if I thought he was going to put up numbers similar to Chase Utley, but I don’t think Beckham has that high of a ceiling. You have to give up something to get something and getting Gonzalez would make the Sox World Series contenders now.

If I were a Sox fan I would not be upset if this deal is not made because I think Beckham has a nice future ahead of him and they have a nice team in place, but Gonzalez would be the big bat the team desperately needs.

Everth has unbelievably raw talent both defensively and offensively, but the young man has displayed incredible patience his entire minor league career. In over 1,000 minor league at-bats, Cabrera hit .284 with a .384 on-base percentage. The guy knows how to take a walk, which more or less seems like a rarity with these “uber prospects” who focus so much on their “tools” instead of the fundamentals. Although his inherent speed cannot be taught, he can’t use it effectively unless he’s on base.

The Padres had absolutely no answer to their shortstop position after trading Khalil Greene to the Cardinals. They attempted playing Luis Rodriguez full-time, and he “rewarded” San Diego with a .202 batting average and a horrifyingly low .578 OPS. With very little optimism, the switch-hitting 22-year-old Cabrera was thrown into the fire and held his own at the plate. Although he hit only .255, he again showed his astounding patience, by posting a .342 on-base percentage.

To call Cabrera diminutive may be unfair, but the man does not have the standard build of a player in the Majors. Standing at 5’9” and weighing 175 pounds, Everth is never going to own much power. He hit only two home runs in his 377 rookie at-bats, although one of those two homers happened to be a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the ninth, against Francisco Rodriguez.

His greatest strength shown in the Majors thus far has been his base-running. He stole 25 bases in 33 attempts in 2009. As a reminder, he did this in only 103 games. Not only is he going to be given many more chances to run in 2010, but he should even become a smarter and more efficient base-runner as he approaches his prime-years. He predominantly led-off when he was playing in 2009, so expect him to get almost all of his at-bats at the 1 or 2 spot in the batting order, this upcoming season.

Cabrera consistently shows just how raw his skills are on the defensive-side of the game too. Although the young man has more than enough range and a very strong arm, inaccuracy with his throws hurt his value greatly. He has the ability to be a top-of-the-line defender at shortstop, he just needs time to refine his skills.

Cabrera has a lot of maturing to do at the plate and in the field. This article is not to inform fans of an underrated star, but of a very solid player-in-the-making. Everth will never be the type to really “wow” baseball fans, but in 2010 (and beyond), Cabrera can be a very helpful piece to a rebuilding franchise in San Diego.

Outstanding athlete. I think he’ll be able to be the type of leadoff hitter San Diego has been looking for for quite some time. Has surprising power as well.

2) James Darnell-3B

With the recent trade of Kevin Kouzmanoff, this could open the door for Darnell to walk in. He’s got some decent power and handles the bat well. Might never hit 30 plus- but he’s got some nice tools to work with.

3) Jaff Decker-OF

A lot of scouts don’t like him because he isn’t chiseled like  a lot of ball players. I’m saying that he’s got  the talent  to play in the bigs- bad body or not. At times it’s over rated…and this is a player that defines that. I think he’ll get into better shape as he goes along anyway.

4) Simon Castro-SP

Is continuing to improve every year. Hard throwing righty that is starting to show some nice command of his secondary stuff. Still a work in progress guy.

5) Everett Williams-OF

Another talented/athletic outfielder in the system. Similar to Tate, but not as polished.

6) Aaron Poreda-SP

Came over for Peavy. Lefties that throw 100 don’t come around all that often which is why I think he’s going to be a nice guy for San Diego to have. I know his command wasn’t there after the trade, but that could have been due to the trade itself. It’s gonna take some time for him to get comfortable, but he’s got it.

7) Cory Luebke-SP

Command type pitcher. Might never average 10 k’s a game, but he’s gonna get guys out because of his stuff and ability to use everything in any count.

8) Edinson Rincoln- 3B

I don’t know a whole lot about him- but after reading some scouting reports…all signs point to him being a decent guy.

9) Rymer Liriano-OF

He’s got some good ability here. Real Young and needs to improve on a series of things- but the talent is there.

10) Sawyer Carroll-OF

Could be another option at the leadoff hole. Gets on base and is willing to take the walk. Some real good wheels make him a stolen base threat.

Key losses- Doug Davis, Max Scherzer, Eric Byrnes

Key additions- Edwin Jackson, Bob Howry, Kelly Johnson, Adam LaRoche

Off-season grade- C+

Justification- I don’t quite understand trading Max Scherzer for Edwin Jackson. I feel Scherzer is a better pitcher than Jackson. It’s possible they view Scherzer as a reliever. I like the signing of Kelly Johnson a lot. I think he will have a bounce back season and should be a bargain at $2 million. LaRoche should add some power to their lineup.

Colorado Rockies

Key losses- Jason Marquis, Garrett Atkins, Matt Murton

Key additions- Rafael Betancourt (re-signed), Miguel Olivo

Off-season grade- C

Justification- They didn’t lose anyone significant, but they didn’t add anything either. Their bullpen should continue to be a strength with the re-signing of Betancourt.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Key losses- Randy Wolf, Juan Pierre, Jon Garland, Orlando Hudson

Key additions- Russ Ortiz, Doug Mientkiewicz, Andre Ethier (re-signed), Matt Kemp (re-signed)

Off-season grade- C-

Justification- They lost some decent starters and didn’t replace them. Orlando Hudson had a nice season for the Dodgers last year and filed for free agency. Re-Signing Kemp and Ethier is a plus.

San Francisco Giants

Key losses- Brad Penny, Bob Howry, Ryan Garko

Key additions- Mark DeRosa, Aubrey Huff, Bengie Molina

Off-season grade- C-

Justification- The DeRosa signing is a plus. He gives the Giants versatility.  I’m not sure what Aubrey Huff adds to the team. I’m also confused as to why any GM would give Bengie Molina decent money for production that a minor leaguer could give you. This also blocks Buster Posey from getting playing time. They are also wasting his service time. I’m not sure what Sabean is trying to accomplish.

San Diego Padres

Key losses- Kevin Kouzmanoff

Key additions- Jerry Hairston, Scott Hairston, Heath Bell (re-signed)

Off-season grade- D

Justification- I don’t like the Padres trading Kouzmanoff because he is an above average defensively. Jerry Hairston gives the Padres versatility. Scott Hairston can provide a nice bat versus left-handed pitching. I question the Padres desire to put a winning product on the field. They were able to sign Heath Bell to a reasonable contract and he could become a valuable piece around the trade deadline.

Adrian Gonzalez for Derrek Lee?

This offseason, the Cubs have several decisions to make that aren’t centered around Milton Bradley. One superstar in particular is the most intriguing, and that player is Derrek Lee. Derrek has had a solid career with the Cubs since coming over from Florida for Hee Seop Choi, but his contract is expiring and it’s extremely unlikely he’ll be resigned. So why not try and trade him and see what you can get? I realize he has a “no-trade” clause, but I think Lee is the kind of player and person to waive the clause since it’s what the team wants.

Another player that should be on the market is Carlos Zambrano. Carlos could be a heck of a trading piece for the Cubs if they wanted to cut payroll. “Big Z” is supposed to make 17.85 million dollars next year, and that’s a pretty steep price for a pitcher that frankly has not lived up to that contract so far. He’s been up and down, losing velocity on that sinker of his, while still not understanding how to pitch in certain situations and not being able to locate any sort of breaking ball consistently. Throw in a couple DL stints, and some comments about retiring after 2012, and not doing his in-between start work and you have a recipe for disaster. With all that said- Carlos still has ridiculous upside and it’s not out of the realm of possibility for certain major league teams who need pitching see him as the ace he isn’t.

If you head west, the San Diego Padres and new GM Jed Hoyer have a major decision to make as well. Adrian Gonzalez is going to be looking at a massive deal after his 4 year 9 million dollar bargain deal is up after the 2011 season. The Padres are a small market team that probably will not be able to sign him to a deal like Paul Konerko’s or Derrek Lee’s or even better. Do they hold onto him? Do they simply offer him arbitration and hope he declines and collect 2 comp picks for the 2012 draft? Do they trade him now as his value is at the highest? Well if I’m Jed Hoyer- I would definitely look into trading him if you won’t be able to put pieces around him due to no money. Especially with teams having bidding wars over him as he would be the most sought out player not named Roy Halladay this winter. Boston is definitely going to be in the talks seeing the bridge that was built this winter between the two teams. But who else could give the prospects needed while being able to pay him the money he’ll want and deserve?

The Giants are a team on the rise, and they arguably have one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. They have Tim Lincecum who should be a 2 time “Cy Young”-winner this winter, Matt Cain had an outstanding season and is still unbelievably young, and they have “uber prospect” Madison Bumgarner on the way up. Brian Wilson anchors the bullpen. The problem the giants have is simply they can’t hit. Sure they have the panda, and they might bring back Freddy Sanchez, but they’ll likely lose Bengie Molina while bringing up Buster Posey, but there isn’t any sort of power hitter in that lineup. Trading for Adrian Gonzalez won’t be possible seeing as they play in the same division- so where do they turn?

If you read my Jose Reyes article, you’ll already understand why the Mets should trade him. So let me tell you about the series of deals that could take place this winter, and how it helps every team involved.

Deal 1- The Chicago Cubs trade first basemen Derrek Lee to the San Francisco Giants for 2B Nick Noonan, RHP Henry Sosa, 1B Kyle Nicholson, RHP Kevin Pucetas. Why does this make sense? The Cubs are able to cut payroll while getting 4 young players to add to their growing system. They also get the value for a guy they’ll likely lose at seasons end. The Giants add the power hitting, middle of the order first basemen they need without giving up they’re best prospects. They’ll also have a chance at resigning Lee as he’s a California native.

Deal 2- The Chicago Cubs trade Carlos Zambrano (while eating 3 million of his salary this year) to the Mets for SS Jose Reyes. The Cubs are able to further cut they’re high payroll while adding the speed and lead-off hitter they need. Reyes is only making about 9 million for next year and is still young while being able to move Ryan Theriot to second base to platoon with Mike Fontenot. That will allow Lou to use Jeff Baker in a “Mark DeRosa” type role.  The Mets get that monster pitcher that would suit they’re big pitchers ball park. It will serve them well as they now have a go to guy behind Johan Santana. Throw in the health of the rest of the superstars on that team and they could now contend for the east. Well- if the Mets and Cubs make these deals- what do u do about the positions? Continue reading.

Deal 3- The Chicago Cubs sign LHP Randy Wolf to a 1 year 5.75 million dollar deal.

Deal 4- The Chicago Cubs resign Rich Harden to a 1 year 2 million dollar deal with incentives that can make it a 5 million dollar deal.  These deals only cost the cubs about 2.5 million dollars in they’re Payroll for 2010, while lowering it for 2011 and 2012.

Deal 5- The New York Mets sign Orlando Cabrera to a 1 year 4 million dollar deal. It’s a simple stop gap move and it’s not a bad one while waiting for Wilmer Castro or Reese Havens to emerge.

Deal 6- The Chicago Cubs trade RHP Jeff Samardzjia (if he waives no trade clause), RHP Henry Sosa, SS Hak Ju Lee, 1B Jake Fox, RHP Chris Archer to the San Diego Padres for 1B Adrian Gonzalez. The Cubs have now successfully replaced Derrek Lee with a younger, more powerful first basemen whose making way less money while not giving up Starlin Castro or Josh Vitters. Unfortunately they had to give up Chris Archer whose going to be a good one, but this is a trade they have to make. The Padres get well compensated for the loss of they’re best player, but it was the necessary move unfortunately. Until baseball inputs a salary cap- smaller market teams will a lot of the time lose they’re stars. That’s the way the game is right now.

Obviously, the series of deals that I outlined would take a ton of work to get accomplished. But the facts remain the same. These teams have some serious questions to answer about all the players above- and this is definitely a realistic possibility. These players will be talked about in trade talks this offseason, and usually where theres smoke- there’s fire.