Nats rumors and bullpen help

[gunnarthor]

http://www.federalbaseball.com/2015/11/12/9724862/will-the-nationals-be-able-to-trade-jonathan-papelbon-or-drew-storen

 

Apparently, Papelbon isn't worth much on the trade market right now - "Three GMs of teams seeking a closer were asked if they'd consider Jonathan Papelbon," Heyman wrote, "and the responses were 'No,' 'Pass,' and uproarious laughter, which was also taken as a no."

 

And it sounds like teams are lowballing the Nats on offers for Storen, their closer turned set-up man turned really unhappy camper.  Storen will make nearly 9m this upcoming season and with Paps in the pen, isn't going to close.  Rizzo claims that he'll keep both unless he gets a "real baseball offer."

 

I didn't realize Storen was going to make that much money but the Twins have shown interest in him twice - right before the draft and in the first Span trade rumors.  I had thought that the Twins could get him for their tradeable second round pick but that might be more than needed right now.  There's no way the Nats can keep both of these guys right now so they may end up moving Storen (or Paps) for nearly nothing.  And the Twins, obviously, could use some bullpen help.  I do think Perkins would be ok moving out of the closer role since he's already been paid if that is needed.  And both Storen and Paps have really seen their value reduced mostly (but not completely) because of things that didn't happen on the baseball diamond.  

[diehardtwinsfan]

I'd be fine getting Storen.  The issue with him being unhappy though is that I believe he wants to close.  I don't think moving to Minnesota is going to fix that problem. 

 

and yeah, everyone knows he wants out.  He's making 9M as well.  The Nats won't get much for him.

[markos]

It is hard for me to respond to this without letting my emotions get in the way. The Nats have been my #2 team since I moved to DC a few years back, and I've watched a couple heart-wrenching playoff meltdowns with Storen on the mound. So take all this with a grain of salt...

 

1) Storen is a good reliever but not great - think Kelvin Herrera rather than Wade Davis. I think a healthy Perkins is the better reliever. He is very similar to Jepsen.
2) In addition to his famous playoff blowups, Storen's full body of work seems to indicate that he has some struggles in high-leverage situations. I think it was Joe Posnanski who pointed out that his walks go up and his strikeouts go down in high-leverage situations.
3) From above and my own experience, I think he does better when he is able to start an inning clean. I get nervous when he comes in to try to get out of trouble.

 

Despite all that (and provided the trade price isn't very high) I would much rather have Storen for 1yr/$9M than have to sign an equivalently talented reliever for multiple years. But expectations need to be managed with him. He isn't a reliever that will transform the Twins bullpen into one of the elite units in the league. In my opinion he would be the third best option behind both Perkins and Jepsen. But he will make it deeper and better than what it has been.

 

I have zero interest in Papelbon.

[gunnarthor]

 

I have zero interest in Papelbon.

But don't you want the Nats to get rid of their chokers?  

 

Thank you, I'll be here all day!

[nytwinsfan]

 

http://www.federalbaseball.com/2015/11/12/9724862/will-the-nationals-be-able-to-trade-jonathan-papelbon-or-drew-storen

 

Apparently, Papelbon isn't worth much on the trade market right now - "Three GMs of teams seeking a closer were asked if they'd consider Jonathan Papelbon," Heyman wrote, "and the responses were 'No,' 'Pass,' and uproarious laughter, which was also taken as a no."

 

And it sounds like teams are lowballing the Nats on offers for Storen, their closer turned set-up man turned really unhappy camper.  Storen will make nearly 9m this upcoming season and with Paps in the pen, isn't going to close.  Rizzo claims that he'll keep both unless he gets a "real baseball offer."

 

I didn't realize Storen was going to make that much money but the Twins have shown interest in him twice - right before the draft and in the first Span trade rumors.  I had thought that the Twins could get him for their tradeable second round pick but that might be more than needed right now.  There's no way the Nats can keep both of these guys right now so they may end up moving Storen (or Paps) for nearly nothing.  And the Twins, obviously, could use some bullpen help.  I do think Perkins would be ok moving out of the closer role since he's already been paid if that is needed.  And both Storen and Paps have really seen their value reduced mostly (but not completely) because of things that didn't happen on the baseball diamond.  

I wouldn't let Papelbon or his bull**** get within 100 miles of Buxton, Berrios, Sano, etc.  No effing way. F that guy. I think everyone agrees on this though.

 

What would it take to get Storen? If it would take Stewart, I'd consider. If Polanco or Gonsalves, no dice.

[T.C.]

 

I'd be fine getting Storen.  The issue with him being unhappy though is that I believe he wants to close.  I don't think moving to Minnesota is going to fix that problem. 

 

and yeah, everyone knows he wants out.  He's making 9M as well.  The Nats won't get much for him.

I think some of the reason he was mad was that he was playing so well and then the Nats went out to get more help, he got shafted. Maybe if he was traded and came to MN knowing he would split work with Jep and Perk he wouldn't be as opposed. Papelbon being a well known P.O.S probably didn't help the situation in D.C.. Worth a call for Terry imo.

[HitInAPinch]

 

I'd be fine getting Storen.  The issue with him being unhappy though is that I believe he wants to close.  I don't think moving to Minnesota is going to fix that problem. 

 

and yeah, everyone knows he wants out.  He's making 9M as well.  The Nats won't get much for him.

With the way Perkins broke down last year and to a lessor extend 2014, I'd like to see the Twins get a 2nd closer-type pitcher and match him with Perkins.

[DaveW]

Nolasco+Suzuki for Papelbon and Ramos.

[GP830]

Nolasco+Suzuki for Papelbon and Ramos.

Do it.

[Danchat]

I would listen to some Storen rumors but I wouldn't go after Papelbon.

[DocBauer]

I had previously mentioned Nolasco, Milone and cash...($12M up front or $6M over 2 years, however).

 

The Nationals may need some pitching help losing Fister and Zimmerman both. (Reportedly) A healthy Nolasco is experienced and proven in the NL, Milone is LH and solid and the Nats are very familiar with him.

 

The Twins get another top bullpen arm. The Nats get a pair of starters for about $11-12M, shed the unhappy Storen and his $9M.

[Reider]

Someone please correct me if I am wrong, but aren't both Papelbon and Storen going to potentially create issues in the Twins' clubhouse if the team trades for either of them? Papelbon for his attitude / personality / behavior, Storen for wanting to be the closer. I have no problem with any player striving to be the best they can possibly be. I just think that there would have to be some kind of conversation and understanding had between the Twins and Storen if they were to acquire him.

 

I have no problem with any pitcher being the Twins closer as long as he is better than what we already have. However, i'd rather not bring in a pitcher who's going to be disruptive in the clubhouse about being the closer if he doesn't earn it. I agree that the Twins could use another solid arm in the bullpen to compliment Perkins and Jepsen, I'm just not sure if Storen is able and / or willing to keep his ego in check.

 

 

 

[zchrz]

I would trade for either if the price is right.  Storen is way more preferable but if the Twins can get the right price on either they should.  Perkins has been an awesome closer, but carries a ton more value if you can deploy him at will instead of always in the 9th.  Perkins + Jepsen is 2 pretty lock down innings before a closer,

[DaveW]

I would listen to some Storen rumors but I wouldn't go after Papelbon.

even if you could dump the nolasco contract in exchange for him? Papelbon is a douche, but I think he might be smart enough to keep his **** together so that one day he might have value on the FA market again.

 

I wouldn't give up anything of value for him, nor would I take him on for just his salary. Nolasco needs to be a part.

[Willihammer]

Pass and pass. Sign the Final Boss instead.

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

Nolasco+Suzuki for Papelbon and Ramos.

 

I hope you meant Storen and Ramos.

[DaveW]

I hope you meant Storen and Ramos.

I wish!

 

That wouldn't happen though.