Quote from Brian Connelly on December 9, 2019, 4:24 am

That's really steep on Contreras.  Yes, SP is our strength, but hate the idea of trading 3 SP for 1 guy for 3 years.  Any of those guys being expendable due to depth is completely different thant trading ALL of them.

I feel like if we do get Contreras, doesn't Mejia go back to Cubs?  I probably wouldn't do the deal unless he or Hedges is in it.  If it's Mejia, then b/c he's not going to play much, I feel you separately trade Hedges, get something back to help recover what just got spent for Contreras, and sign a "classic" 34 yr old 10 yr vet who's defensive specialist as backup for 1 yr @ 1 - 1.5 MM.  Saves 1.5 - 2 MM vs Hedges.  Net spend for Contreras drops to 3- 3.5 MM range.

Pads are not comfortable handing reins to Mejia 75%-80% starter yet.  Won't trade Hedges IMO unless they do bring someone else starting capable in, but I don't see a logical candidate beyond Contreras.  But next year Torrens is out of options plus Campusano likely on doorstep, so do have to trade Hedges no later than this time next year; so his trade value MIGHT be higher now, but if he could find a way to hit .225 over a season value would rise.

Quote from fenn68 on December 9, 2019, 5:59 am

Think the Cubs have a catcher to replace Contreras (Caratini?) ... more likely to take Torrens in a deal so they can get better prospects to front the trade.

I still don’t see the Padres dealing Mejia (5 years control / league minimum) but use him splitting time with whomever they add .... the standard these days is having catching as a shared position plus Mejia has some  defensive flexibility.

Think the Padres are really seeking a replacement for Hedges. Hitting is valuable for a catcher ... Mejia can hit. Keep in mind Contreras’ value comes for his bat .... not a good defensive catcher except for a strong arm (sort of like Mejia). Contreras only started behind the plate in 91 games in 2019 (some missed due to injury for about a month), 2018 123 games started, 2017 91 games.

The days of a “serviceable backup” catcher are gone .... want (need) two starters splitting the role. Part of the new logic for a contender is keep the catcher sharper for August / September playoff runs while not giving away game (wins) early in the season.

A Contreras / Mejia due would be very very strong albeit both are below average defensively.

That return proposed by the writer may be too high (or too low) .... might be a bit too high for me depending on the alternatives. Still think a decent target is Severino from Baltimore ... could be had cheaper since BALT is clearly in rebuild ... about the same defensively ... not the same hitter but led the top 30 catchers last season in AWAY BA (.300). For catching half the games ... not a bad gamble ... more offense than Hedges ... probably saving the quality of prospect(s) dealt v Contreras.

Quote from Henry Silvestre on December 9, 2019, 6:13 am

At the Hilton now..lots of people getting ready for a Winter Meetings Fun Run.. Not me..i am getting ready to EAT.. Cafeteria opens in 18 minutes.. Who wants to meet? Breakfast on me.. Vela @ the Hilton Bayshore in downtown SD

Quote from MrPadre19 on December 9, 2019, 6:31 am

Quantrill/Bolanos/Torrens for Contreras is doable IMO....though not sure that's enough for Chi.

Maybe add another lower level prospect at a position of Chi choosing.

I am high on Cantillo....I put him 3rd behind Gore and Patino on the list of SP prospects.

 

 

 

Quote from fenn68 on December 9, 2019, 6:54 am

Quote from MrPadre19 on December 9, 2019, 6:31 am

Quantrill/Bolanos/Torrens for Contreras is doable IMO....though not sure that's enough for Chi.

Maybe add another lower level prospect at a position of Chi choosing.

I am high on Cantillo....I put him 3rd behind Gore and Patino on the list of SP prospects.

 

 

 

What the CUBS want is the tricky part ... they do not have to deal Contreras and are likely selling him as an All-Star catcher of elite value. My guess they will be holding out for that #1 return piece being better than Quantrill ... more like Gore or Patino. If they dropped to Quantrill that 2nd piece would likely be better than Bolanos.

Also they have CF/OF issues ... so one of the pieces that might appeal may be Cordero or Olivares.

I guess the Cubs still plan to contend in 2020 ... but with lowering the payroll. That may suggest they want ML talent at league minimum cost at positions of need as the prime return. Maybe an alternative approach is to use Lucchesi as the lead player (Quantrill steps up the the #5 spot), Cordero, and Torrens. Fills the need of SP, CF/OF, catcher insurance at a league minimum cost and all could contribute in 2020.

Quote from Henry Silvestre on December 9, 2019, 7:05 am

Quote from MrPadre19 on December 9, 2019, 6:31 am

Quantrill/Bolanos/Torrens for Contreras is doable IMO....though not sure that's enough for Chi.

Maybe add another lower level prospect at a position of Chi choosing.

I am high on Cantillo....I put him 3rd behind Gore and Patino on the list of SP prospects.

 

 

 

I think thats light for Contreras and the #1 thing Cubs are looking for are young controllable MLB ready/tested MLB SP.. They have been linked to Lamet (as in wanting / liking him a lot ) and Lucchesi.. So maybe + Lucchesi that deal makes sense

Quote from Henry Silvestre on December 9, 2019, 7:10 am

I might move to the Hyatt ..all the nedia is over there and Rosenthal staying there per my buddy ..

Quote from Henry Silvestre on December 9, 2019, 7:13 am

Harold Reynolds .. Posting on mlb a Padres lineup with Stanton .. 😆 .. Maybe I am not as crazy as I thought

Quote from MrPadre19 on December 9, 2019, 7:52 am

I might do Luchessi/Torrens/Bolanos

But what do we do with Mejia/Hedges?

Who's the #2?

I'd prefer Luchessi/Hedges/Bolanos.