Randy Arozarena...trade bait?

[sutz]

Was on the road this morning listening to Brock and Salk and they had a fairly long conversation around Randy.

Points being:

1) He has been our most consistent and best offensive weapon this season so far. No real contest on this.

2) Clubhouse problems? While he isn't a "cancer" per se he isn't the most supportive team mate. He didn't handle the Cal situation very well. Not that Cal was 100% right in it, but Randy was pretty nasty in his comments to the press afterwards and he doesn't seem to mix well, being a bit of a loner who doesn't necessarily join in on the team celebrations and such. The boys were asking whether he was really in it for the team or is he just a mercenary, in it for the next paycheck, which stands to be lucrative as he hits free angency after this season. Mariner? or rental?

3) Overall, he might be the most tradeable asset we have that isn't a starting pitcher. As probably the 3d best OF asset out there he could bring us a lot, and not in a "more prospects" scenario but in a chance to get another real bat, though there doesn't seem to be much of that out there this year.

Anyway, I thought it was an interesting question. Trading away one of our best offensive weapons when our other offensive guys (Julio, Naylz, Cal, et al) haven't really gotten going yet this year is a huge gamble. But are his clubhouse negatives worse than we as fans can see?

Discussion? Trade deadline is coming up. The guys only have a couple of weeks left to make a statement about how the season will finish.

 

[Chapow]

People seem to dislike him, so I'm guessing you're going to get a lot of, yes, we should trade him, answers. But I think those that want to trade him are basing that opinion on their personal feelings about Randy as opposed to what would actually be best for our chances of winning and/or making the playoffs this year.

For me, it comes down to if we've given up on the season or not. If so, then yes, get what can for him. If not, it'd be crazy to get rid of your best hitter on a team that struggles to hit and struggles to score runs, and is still trying to win this season.

I'll put it this way. Nobody would want to get rid of our best hitter if they liked him... because that obviously makes no sense if you still have hope for this season.

 

[Bobblehead]

Radio analyst were saying he's about the most lackluster player on the team.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

Other than his bat, what does he bring? His defense is awful. He doesn't seem to want to do anything with his teammates. He's a crap bass runner. And as far as I can see, he seems like he just doesn't want to be here.
And I've heard SEVERAL times he cares more about his hamstring and getting to free agency than he does playing hard.

He has some real trade value, get it done. This team needs a REAL left fielder who wants to be here.

They'll miss his bat for sure. I think he'll play out the season, they'll give him an "offer" that won't take. Get the draft picks and move on. Dude just doesn't come off as a team player at all, and several sources have said he's a lazy player.
Also, it's VERY clear that he pisses off his teammates. He is in the outfield. And his lack of effort. There is NO excuse for him loafing it out there.

 

[sutz]

Other than his bat, what does he bring? His defense is awful. He doesn't seem to want to do anything with his teammates. He's a crap bass runner. And as far as I can see, he seems like he just doesn't want to be here.
And I've heard SEVERAL times he cares more about his hamstring and getting to free agency than he does playing hard.

He has some real trade value, get it done. This team needs a REAL left fielder who wants to be here.

They'll miss his bat for sure. I think he'll play out the season, they'll give him an "offer" that won't take. Get the draft picks and move on. Dude just doesn't come off as a team player at all, and several sources have said he's a lazy player.
Also, it's VERY clear that he pisses off his teammates. He is in the outfield. And his lack of effort. There is NO excuse for him loafing it out there.

A little harsher than I would put it, maybe, but I'm not arguing. The problem, of course, is that there aren't many big bats out there to be had, especially in outfielders. If we get Donovan back full strength we don't really need infielders. Would be tough to call up a prospect and expect a lot from him in a playoff run.

Kind of a tricky situation.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

Def. tricky. But he doesn't seem to want to be here. And he sucks in the outfield. I don't want a guy who isn't willing to give his all on defense. He has trade value, even if it's just a "rental" for another team. Sucks that Donavan has been out so long. Would much rather see him in LF and let Randy DH most days.

 

[sutz]

Moving Roz to DH would probably make him worse in the attitude department. I wouldn't say he sucks on defense but he is no better than league average to be sure. I guess his WAR is negative by a couple of ticks.

He has been producing the offense you'd expect from a corner outfielder. I'm not sure I have a solid opinion on this. I was just hoping to spark some conversation during the break. I wouldn't complain if they do move him. Maybe we can package him with a starting pitcher and get something real in return.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

Def. a tricky spot they are in. And yeah, he'd be even more grumpalicious at DH. Dude seems to be living in his own little bubble.

Randy and Castillo, send them together. Then Castillo can be pissed at him in a new location

And for the record, he was justified being pissed. Randy didn't even TRY to catch that ball. He seems more concerned about not hurting his precious hammy more than he does playing hard.

 

[Blazenhawks]

People seem to dislike him, so I'm guessing you're going to get a lot of, yes, we should trade him, answers. But I think those that want to trade him are basing that opinion on their personal feelings about Randy as opposed to what would actually be best for our chances of winning and/or making the playoffs this year.

For me, it comes down to if we've given up on the season or not. If so, then yes, get what can for him. If not, it'd be crazy to get rid of your best hitter on a team that struggles to hit and struggles to score runs, and is still trying to win this season.

I'll put it this way. Nobody would want to get rid of our best hitter if they liked him... because that obviously makes no sense if you still have hope for this season.

I think most people dislike him because of his defense and attitude, myself included. The first half of the season was a letdown because everyone expected much more from him and the rest of the team. I know injuries have played a role, but when you have teammates visibly showing frustration, it brings the whole team down. We all know that hitting can be contagious, and so can attitude.

I don't think they'll trade him because I don't think the organization has the stomach to do it. The front office seems more focused on protecting Dan and the coaching staff. Randy has never really looked like he wanted to be here, and that bothers me. He reminds me of DK in that the talent is clearly there, but you can tell the attitude affects the clubhouse and brings the overall vibe down.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

And let's put out an honest question: Does he come across as a TEAM guy?

 

[Wsumatt1982]

I can't see them trading by far their best player at hitting this season when that is our weakest area and needs to improve. I'd trade Raley and Canzone before Randy. Randy would bring the most back but what's out there to be had? JP should be traded before Randy. There's not much on this team I would keep over Randy at this point regardless if he stays or goes at the end of the year. If they don't get players that can hit for average it's not going to matter anyway. Randy is the only player hitting with any kind of respectable average. Cole Young has been our 2nd best player. Keep Colt. Everyone else, there can at least be a discussion about being traded.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

Kirby, Castillo.

 

[Ozzy]

I hope they trade him. Watching him stand there and not try on a foul ball and then the same batter going yard and Castillo starting out in the outfield with a wtf look tells me all I need to know about how he is in that dugout. I don't really blame Randy though, its on Dan and it doesnt seem like he has any control in that dugout.

 

[Ozzy]

I think most people dislike him because of his defense and attitude, myself included. The first half of the season was a letdown because everyone expected much more from him and the rest of the team. I know injuries have played a role, but when you have teammates visibly showing frustration, it brings the whole team down. We all know that hitting can be contagious, and so can attitude.

I don't think they'll trade him because I don't think the organization has the stomach to do it. The front office seems more focused on protecting Dan and the coaching staff. Randy has never really looked like he wanted to be here, and that bothers me. He reminds me of DK in that the talent is clearly there, but you can tell the attitude affects the clubhouse and brings the overall vibe down.

He's one of my least favorite players ever for a ton of reasons.

 

[Chapow]

Moving Roz to DH would probably make him worse in the attitude department. I wouldn't say he sucks on defense but he is no better than league average to be sure. I guess his WAR is negative by a couple of ticks.

He has been producing the offense you'd expect from a corner outfielder. I'm not sure I have a solid opinion on this. I was just hoping to spark some conversation during the break. I wouldn't complain if they do move him. Maybe we can package him with a starting pitcher and get something real in return.

Randy has a 3.1 WAR which is the highest on the team of any player including pitchers. Cole Young is a close 2nd, Julio is 3rd, Canzone is 4th. No other position players have a WAR higher than 0.7.

Cal and Naylor both have a negative WAR.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

All actually play hard and actually care about the team. Randy doesn't seem to care one bit about putting himself out to make a play.

 

[Chapow]

Def. a tricky spot they are in. And yeah, he'd be even more grumpalicious at DH. Dude seems to be living in his own little bubble.

Randy and Castillo, send them together. Then Castillo can be pissed at him in a new location

And for the record, he was justified being pissed. Randy didn't even TRY to catch that ball. He seems more concerned about not hurting his precious hammy more than he does playing hard.

You do realize he was on the 10 day IL less than a month ago due to a hamstring injury? Yes, he's favoring his hamstring because it's not 100%. If he hurts it any worse than it already is he'll likely be back on the IL. He's literally trying to play through an injury right now.

 

[Blazenhawks]

You do realize he was on the 10 day IL less than a month ago due to a hamstring injury? Yes, he's favoring his hamstring because it's not 100%. If he hurts it any worse than it already is he'll likely be back on the IL. He's literally trying to play through an injury right now.

Aside from the hitting, Which we all can agree is true. What is it about Randy that you love so much? Seriously, you defend him pretty hard.

At this point, the hamstring injury feels more like an excuse than a reason. Randy's lack of focus and inconsistent defense have been issues for the last three years. The only reason most people were willing to overlook it was because Cal and Josh were playing at such an incredible level last year.

 

[Chapow]

Aside from the hitting, Which we all can agree is true. What is it about Randy that you love so much? Seriously, you defend him pretty hard.

At this point, the hamstring injury feels more like an excuse than a reason. Randy's lack of focus and inconsistent defense have been issues for the last three years. The only reason most people were willing to overlook it was because Cal and Josh were playing at such an incredible level last year.

Look man. I'm just posting my opinions just like everyone else. In my opinion, people criticize Randy far more harshly than he actually deserves because they don't him. That's pretty much it. I don't "love" Randy. I don't have a Randy jersey and I very much doubt I ever will.

Randy has been our best hitter this season, period. Those of you that want him off the team are letting your emotions and feelings cloud your judgement, in my opinion. I just want the best players playing because I believe that gives us the best chance to win.

Do you sincerely believe that getting rid of our best hitter will make this team better? Personally, I don't.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

You do realize he was on the 10 day IL less than a month ago due to a hamstring injury? Yes, he's favoring his hamstring because it's not 100%. If he hurts it any worse than it already is he'll likely be back on the IL. He's literally trying to play through an injury right now.

Agree to disagree. He has been lazy in the outfield his entire time here. Randy does what's best for Randy.

And no, I don't actually think the team gets better by trading their best hitter. Doesn't mean it's not something to consider.