KY Killing The Bucs, Casey Rumor

[3-2 Changeup]

From TSN:

"1B Kevin Young not only is killing the Pirates, but he's also earning approximately $12 million in the final two years of his contract, limiting the team's ability to replace him. Otherwise, the Pirates might try to acquire Reds 1B Sean Casey, who grew up in western Pennsylvania. "

Senior writer Ken Rosenthal covers baseball for The Sporting News. Email him at krosenthal@sportingnews.com.

[imgreat95]

I REALLY wish that the Sean Casey coming to Pittsburgh rumors would just die.

[GiveHyzduashot]

I find Casey to be overrated.

He's Kevin Young with a higher average, worse defense, and higher salary.

I wouldn't give up anything of value to acquire Casey.

Casey needs to be put into perspective to what he is. When our first baseman hits for a .190 average, we overvalue a corner infielder hitting 15 homers/90 RBI/.320 batting average. That is very poor production from a first baseman, never mind the money he's making.

[imgreat95]

in addition to what you said, the Reds have him at well under what he could have gotten on the open market. I do not think that the Reds would have signed him to a long term extension and then turn and trade him as they move into a new ballpark.

[GiveHyzduashot]

Well, I agree with that to an extent.

Juan Encarnacion was never expected to put up these numbers, and Austin Kearns was not expected to do so well this soon. He was just going to be called up when Junior went on the DL, but they can't send him down with the way he's doing. Those two players overachieving made/makes Casey available.

If the Reds ever thought Encarnacion would have 9 homers already, and Kearns would have 5 or 6 in a month, I doubt if they sign Casey to a long term deal.

[imgreat95]

neither of them are 1st baseman. I don't think the reds have much of anyone else who is capable/ready to play 1B at the major league level.

[Greymire]

I am kind of tired of this rumor as well. It keeps being brought up by local Pittsburgh media who love the Hometown Boy angle. It his point, we need way too much to spend that kind of money on him. Now if they would take Villone and KY off of our hands, I would like it. I am still miffed that we bothered keeping Villone and sent down Lincoln. So waht if he doesnt accept assignment or doesnt clear waivers? His salary is miniscule, as is his pitching ability.

[3-2 Changeup]

Casey doesn't have the upside he once did. We'd be better off trading Kendall and signing Jim Thome when he becomes a free agent at the end of the season.

[GiveHyzduashot]

Neither are 1B, but Dunn can play first.

32, a couple things wrong with what you said. First, no team would want Kendall. Two, Thome would never come to Pittsburgh unless we paid him 15M/year, and I don't think the Pirates will pay that kind of money to someone in their mid 30's.

[3-2 Changeup]

OK GHAS, maybe no one wants Kendall and Thome wants fair market value (be that as it may) for a guy who hits 40+ HR and drives in 110+ runs, but we'd still be better off.

[GiveHyzduashot]

Oh I agree completely. We would definitely be better off IF that could happen.

But I doubt if the Pirates sign Thome to a 4 year/60 million dollar contract, which is the minimum it would take for him to sign here. Even if the Pirates would/could up the ante, Thome would still probably prefer to stay in Cleveland.

[imgreat95]

from what I have read, Thome doesn't want to stay in Cleveland. Also, Josh, Thome is hardly in his mid-30s.

i am thinking more like $10-11 million per season for thome. something in the juan gonzales range.

[3-2 Changeup]

Actually IM the Reds have a kid at AAA named Ben Broussard who is a 6-3 220 lb 1B who bats and throws L and is tearing it up in Louisville. Broussard and Austin Kearns were supposed to vie for player of the year honors, so that tells you something about how close he is give Kearns success. I doubt the Reds would move Casey to have another rookie in the everyday lineup.

[GiveHyzduashot]

Thome will be 31 in August. I guess it's that long, boring look he has that made me think he's older than he was.

The Pirates could pay Thome 11M if they were ready to compete (I think the Pirates are still one year away yet). Since they aren't, Thome would probably want more money to come here.

[3-2 Changeup]

You're probably right. I wouldn't go beyond a two-year deal with Thome, and might pay $22-$23 million for the deal. I'd like to see this Carlos Rivera blossom at Altoona. He has decent size and I think he bats L. I'm going to the Curve game tomorrow night at New Britain. I'm looking for 2004 as the year of the Pirate. Next year will bring improvement but no cigar.

[GiveHyzduashot]

Rivera is a lefty.

Enjoy the Curve game.