Buchholz or Gio Gonzalez?

[Tampa Bob]

AL only, 10 team, K instead of WHIP, 5 keepers if under $11.

The 1st place Gonzalez owner had approached me about a trade. He had 64.5 points, I'm 3rd with 59.5. I'm tapped out in the hitting categories so it'd all have to be made up in pitching. I just brought in Jenks, Fuentes and Chamberlain (and D. Jennings ) for Porcello, Sheets and Rafael Soriano so saves should go up. ERA should drop a little.

The trade proposed is Gonzalez, Franklin Gutierrez and Kyle Drabek from the minors. I'm not a Gutierrez fan and am not sure Drabek is better than Crosby or Turner from my minor league roster. Gutierrez is doing well this year but his peripherals tell me he's not quite there yet.

Still, if I'm to think about trading Lester I should explore all possibilities. The Buchholz owner nearly made a trade on Tuesday but got cold feet. He was seeking a front line starter.

So... opinions please.

1. Trade Lester for Gonzalez ($1 for 2 more years), Gutierrez ($9 for 1 more), and Drabek.

2. Ask for more - Thinking to substitute Kendrick ($10 for 2). I can drop Brignak for Brian Roberts and flip him in the deal.

Making this deal (plus acquiring Joba) likely kills my hope for ERA improvement despite the new closers. Mr. 1st Place is buying a top flight pitcher somewhere. I'm just one option for him.


3. Switch gears. Talk to the Buchholz ($3 for 2 more years) owner (Deep last place but looking to move up). Do we love Buchholz more than Gonzalez?


Side note -

4. Joba is $1 for 2 more years. Anyone have a crystal ball for 2011? I can drop him before Sunday and get someone like Scott Downs, Darren Oliver, Sergio Santos, or Gil Meche.

Thanks for reading, I apologize for being long winded.

TB

[da_big_kid_94]

We like Bucholtz better than Gio. Gio depends on his curve ball to be effective and he still walks far too many guys. Add that to playing on a team that is going nowhere versus a team that intends to compete. If you've reached the apex on offense, then deal #1 makes no sense for you -trading something you need for something you feel you already have enough of.

[Tampa Bob]

Thanks, Kid. I should have explained, our league is old school with no free adds/drops. Every player starts every day and no one goes away unless they hit the DL, get sent down, or are traded to the NL.

I think I realistically have a 20% (or less) chance of winning this year. The 2 guys ahead of me have a stranglehold on hitting categories and solid, but not perfect, pitching. Fist Place is shopping for a #1 starter and that'll really make him tough. Still, it's one of those deals where if everything goes right for me and they have a couple of unfortunate incidents I can slip past.

Finishing 3rd offers no excitement. So, next year I have Longoria, N. Cruz and Feliz as returning keepers. We can keep up to 5. Both Gonzalez and Buchholz are keepers for 2011-12.

I have decided to counter First Place Owner trying to drain talent from his team while simultaneously approaching Last Place (but really wants to finish near the money) with Lester.

[da_big_kid_94]

Thanks, Kid. I should have explained, our league is old school with no free adds/drops. Every player starts every day and no one goes away unless they hit the DL, get sent down, or are traded to the NL.

I think I realistically have a 20% (or less) chance of winning this year. The 2 guys ahead of me have a stranglehold on hitting categories and solid, but not perfect, pitching. Fist Place is shopping for a #1 starter and that'll really make him tough. Still, it's one of those deals where if everything goes right for me and they have a couple of unfortunate incidents I can slip past.

Finishing 3rd offers no excitement. So, next year I have Longoria, N. Cruz and Feliz as returning keepers. We can keep up to 5. Both Gonzalez and Buchholz are keepers for 2011-12.

I have decided to counter First Place Owner trying to drain talent from his team while simultaneously approaching Last Place (but really wants to finish near the money) with Lester.

No sweat, Bob - out leagues are exactly the same way ...and it's from that frame of reference I made my comments. I think, off of last night's showing, you have a good chance of seeing Gio taken off the market. I leave Lester in place and move towards Buchholz.