Monday Morning Machado Madness (Sponsored by the Letter 'M")

April 10, 2017, 08:15:23 PM

It’s rare to see trades so early in the season. And it’s downright unheard of to see a trade with such significant pieces in early April but on the 10th day the Arizona Asterisks and Barbuda Bulldogs presented us with a whopper. The deal was highlight by superstar third basemen Manny Machado (250K/2017) along with starting pitcher Ervin Santana 9800K/2018) and the Bulldogs 4th round pick. For that massive haul the Bulldogs picked up a pair of lefty first base prospects in star in the making Cody Bellinger, the 19 year old recent first round pick Josh Naylor, pick 1.16 (via the Nomads) and outfielder Austin Jackson 500K/2017).

In the Mutinysphere Machado has been no stranger to UHaul rentals and change of address forms. In 2016 Machado was acquired from the Sweets Franchise in a July playoff push that unfortunately for the Bulldogs (known as the Landsharks at the time) did not net the team the playoff spot they hoped for. Machado did his part with a 30 home run and 20 stolen base season only bested by his stellar defense.

Machado is a premier talent that just about everyone would want, but for the Bulldogs GM Brian Barnes who clearly respects the talent of Machado, “it would be somewhat wasted on the 2017 Bulldogs.” GM Barnes explained further, “The Bulldogs just aren’t competitive this year so we wanted to get maximum value which meant selling as early as possible.” It is clear that this trade was initiated by Bulldog management and sources within the organization insist Machado was a hot commodity with at least three other teams involved in the bidding. League sources also mention a mystery team that was ready to pounce but missed their window with the Asterisks finding the perfect mix of prospects, draft picks and salary relief to get the deal done.

GM Kyle Coffin raved about Machado and his ability to transform the offense telling the Weekly Bird Call that the addition “matches the offenses of the Scurvy Dogs and Landlubbers much better.” Yet Coffin strongly believes the bigger upgrade may actually be in the rotation as the need in the rotation was much greater. Santana was clear upgrade and Hamels may be on the move according the sources throughout the league. It has been long reported conversations of varying intensity between to the two teams have centered on starting pitching. It is pretty obvious with today’s deal that Santana was at the forefront of those conversations. “Machado interested me, of course, but I really needed to improve the rotation. The fact he is signed for one more year softened the blow of the prospects we had to give up.”

And the prospects! Wow! Some top level talent moved in this deal. GM Barnes quick strike mentality centered on prospects and he was particularly enamored with Cody Bellinger’s. Not wanting to give too much away regarding their evaluation system, GM Barnes did say, “I expect big things out of Bellinger so he was a key for me to acquire.” Bellinger is tearing up the minors again and may force his way to the bigs sooner than expected which may be key to shortening the rebuild Barnes makes clear they are merely in the middle of. Even if it takes a little longer he’s a top 10 prospect in most prospect rankings. Love for sweet swinging lefty power hitting first basemen continued with the upstart prospect Josh Naylor who sits lower in the minors but oozes with potential. Barnes added, “I’m betting on the first round talent (of Naylor).

Also coming to the team was the valuable first round pick the Asterisks picked up from the Nomads which interestingly was also involved in the acquisition of another big bat. Nelson Cruz was later flipped to Asterisks rival Scurvy Dogs. For Barnes the value of the first round pick is “in the flexibility for a team like the Bulldogs who are in rebuilding mode. Last year players like Oh, Senzel and AJ Puk were all still on the board at pick 1.16 and I would be happy to add that type of talent.”

The rebuild continues for the Bulldogs with clear signs outfielder Melky Cabrera is on the block among other players. Similar to this deal, prospects and draft picks will likely be the target. And not to bury the lead, but sources within the Asterisks organization continue to insist they may not be done. Impressions are they weren’t just referring to the Kang deal that came later in the day, but a much larger deal that has the front office very excited. It appears the deal is not imminent and could go either way but the talk was significant enough blip the radar of the Weekly Bird Call.

Remember to check back for more from the Weekly Bird Call. You can rest assured they will be the first to break the next big deal in the Mutinysphere. “Be excellent to eachother!”

Re: Monday Morning Machado Madness (Sponsored by the Letter 'M")

Reply #1 – April 11, 2017, 09:45:43 AM

Great write-up, Bul! Much fun.