I keep hearing how the Cubs are too right-handed. They desperately want a left-handed or switch-hitting corner outfielder. They could also stand to trim a little payroll. I propose a trade.
The Giants get Derrek Lee, who is owed $13 M in ‘09 and the same in 2010. He’s in decline, but he’d still be a nice addition to the Giants lineup, and his contract isn’t an outrageous risk. With only two years left, he’s not really blocking anyone, and at the end of 2010 he’ll likely be a type-A free agent.
The Cubs get Randy Winn, who’ll play a nice right field and possibly even lead off for Chicago. Winn is owed $8.25 M next year, the last of his contract, so that would help the Giants alleviate some of Lee’s expense.
The Giants win a little on talent: two years of an underpowered first baseman for one year of an underpowered corner outfielder. The Cubs win on payroll, transfering nearly $18 M in commitments through 2010. It’s possible management would do this swap one-for-one, though I could see the Giant brass being cautious for three reasons: 1) Fred Lewis’s bunion surgery could sideline him into the 2009 season, depending on its severity. That’s based not on anything specific I’ve heard about Lewis, mind you, but we don’t know yet how he’s progressing. 2) The Giants are terrified of handing Nate Schierholtz a starting job and watching him fall on his keister. 3) A Lewis-Rowand-Schierholtz outfield leaves them more vulnerable to lefty pitching.
Would the Cubs do this deal straight-up? Do they have anyone to step into Lee’s shoes at first base? Beyond utility guy Mark DeRosa, I don’t think so, unless this guy is ready for his shot.
Would the players go for it? Both Winn and Lee have no-trade provisions, and I have no idea what they would say.
But two years of Lee, even at his reduced output of 2008, is preferable to trading a prime pitching prospect for one year of Adrian Beltre. It’s also preferable to signing Pat Burrell or trading for (yuck) Hank Blalock. Name me a better free agent/trade solution for a corner infield power bat, and I’ll reconsider.
