Awhile back we were kicking around trade ideas for Justin Upton from the Diamondbacks. GM Kevin Towers' postseason press conference confirms much of our speculation:
Towers identified shortstop (no surprise), a veteran starter (mild surprise), third baseman (mild surprise) and bullpen help (no surprise) as his off-season wish list. I’m not sure if that’s in order of priority, but shortstop definitely belongs at the top of the list.
The article also confirms they are trying to make room for Adam Eaton in their starting outfield, leaving Kubel, Gerardo Parra, Chris Young, and maybe even Upton as potential trade bait. If the Cubs were willing, I think a Castro/Garza for Upton/Corbin framework would have legs.
Comments
I’d like a little more for that, but that’s a good framework to begin with. I’m not that familiar with the Dbacks or their minor league system.
mb21Quote Reply
@ mb21:
I’m sure theo would ask for upton/corbin/skaggs/prospects, but i’m not sure where it would end up.
GWQuote Reply
@ GW:
actually, who am i kidding? they would ask for upton/bauer/corbin or skaggs/ prospects
GWQuote Reply
@ GW:
May as well. (dying laughing)
No idea where they’d settle, but I’d like something else beyond what you added. If Corbin threw a bit harder I’d actually be pleased, but 90-92 at that age is a bit concerning to me. Great control though.
I hadn’t looked closely at his numbers before, but you know who his numbers reminded of? Sean Marshall.
Marshall was a about a year older IIRC, but he had solid K and BB numbers in the minors as a starter. He sat at 90-92 mph and ranged between 88 and 94. Marshall was also more highly rated at the time, but I do wonder where his skills would be rated in today’s game.
mb21Quote Reply
Marshall was a 6th round pick and Corbin a 2nd round pick so at the time of the draft Corbin has the advantage in terms of being highly rated. I was wrong on that. Marshall’s control also declined a bit as he moved up while Corbin’s didn’t. I still think Marshall could have become a solid mid-rotation starter had he been given a long enough opportunity.
Baseball America says Corbin has the upside of a #4 starter though. I’ll dig out my old BA Handbooks tomorrow, but I’m almost certain Marshall was considered by them to have the upside of a 2-3 starter.
mb21Quote Reply
@ mb21:
yeah, skaggs is probably a better prospect (came over in the haren deal, iirc).
i dunno, if the cubs could get two major league ready arms along with upton, and if they don’t have faith in castro improving, they could very well pursue it.
GWQuote Reply