Their recent flurry of deals has left Surprise mostly set for next season. However, they are still shopping for a DH (RH power preferred), quality LH relief, and fun bench bats. For that sort of thing, SUR would be willing to offer Nava, prospects, draft picks, cash, and perhaps even other stuff.
The focus of this post is the rather long list of players who simply don't fit into my plans for SUR 2015. Given their contributions to our success this season, I would like to find new homes for as many as possible. So, let's get to the list! (2015 salary demands in parentheses, although you could put them in C auction instead.)
1) Yunel Escobar (B8, 582 APA, SS) - After his brutal drop from ss-1 to ss-4, I expect him to end up in the C auction, but feel free to change my mind.
2) Cody Ross (B2, 241 APA, LF/RF) - Injury ruined his season, but the D'Backs still owe him big money, so he should get another shot.
3) Will Venable (B7, 493 APA, CF) - His power/speed combo didn't translate into results in 2014 after a good run of success. Still has CF2 and bounce-back potential.
4) Donnie Murphy (B1, UL, 2B/3B/1B) - Fun power-hitting IF, particularly vs. LHP. Can play several positions, but not particularly well.
5) JJ Hoover (B3, 69 AIP, RHP) - Followed a great 2013 with a homer-prone 2014, but remains young and talented.
6) Brandon Kintzler (B2, 64 AIP, RHP) - Had a 3.24 ERA, but still isn't good enough to crack the SUR bullpen.
7) Brian Matusz (B6, 57 AIP, LHP) - Still only 27 and put up a 3.48 ERA, but SUR wants to do better.
8) Caleb Thielbar (B2, 52 AIP, LHP) - Ditto, except he had a 3.40 and his salary is lower.
There's also Carp, Campana, Coleman, and Raburn....yeah, right.
It wouldn't take much at all to get most of these guys. Just try making me an offer with a draft pick, cash, and/or prospect. Of course, I would be even happier to package them together and address one of those needs mentioned earlier. Escobar is the only one from this list who I might rather put on a C than accept minor trade considerations.
