Obviously it takes some blending here but generally: 1. High OBP, w/ some speed 2. High OBP 3. High SLG 4. Best Hitter 5. High SLG, less then 3 though probably. 6 - 9 best guys by order.
He's a gamble to be a below-average C. While the bat is nice, with Park in the fold (presumably) there really is nowhere to put him if he were to fail at C (a large chance). I also don't think the Cubbies would do this deal, noting their preference for FA Pitcher's and Self-Developed Position Prospects. Verdict: Too Risky a gamble on Schwarber's glove.
Yea, but what are the odds that that would happen? Realistically that leaves, what, Gordon as the headliner? He hasn't played at a high enough level to be a headliner of this deal.
If he has a similar transition to Kang, he might hit .270. Obviously that is not concrete nor a good assumption but perhaps an indicator he isn't Adam Dunn.
Radke reminds me of James Shields, except Shields is better (2 more K/9, .5 point lower FIP and ERA, albeit with a higher BB/9) And by this I mean a player that eats a lot of innings and is durable. Difference being Shields is a #2 and Radke a #3.
I'm extraordinarily concerned about his K%. Even Mark Reynolds didn't strike out this much in the minors. http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=7619&position=1B/3B
Hughes for Castro has more merits as an actual trade then Nolasco for Castro, but I don't think the Cubs are going this route. They will sign SP's with their excess $$ and trade for prospects I suspect.
I haven't seen a single Twins game on TV at my house because of the cable issue, which is sad because it's the only sport I really want to watch. But then again, I really don't want to spend the $ for one channel. MLBNetwork would be ideal but that isn't an option...
He's definitely not alone. The whole Royals team is built around this. http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-royals-are-basically-the-best-contact-team-ever/