What if the PTBNL is Kendrick?

Think about it: What player would elicit an “I’m excited” comment from Maddon? It should be a player he was familiar with when he was still bench coach on the Angels, and he hasn’t been in that capacity for a few years. Some kid at AA isn’t likely to get Maddon as giddy as a kid he nurtured in Anaheim a few years back.

So, I figure it like this: After the season is over, the Angels and Rays agree the PTBNL is Howie Kendrick (who doesn’t have to go through waivers now the season is over).

If the Angels put Kendrick in as the 3rd player, that opens up 2B. Option One is to work furiously to re-sign Figgins and install him at 2B; failing that, Option Two is to put Sean Rodriguez there. When you think about it, it is very much like the gambit Reagins played with Teixeira: heads, we resign Teixeira; tails, we put Morales on the field.

Either way, Wood slides into 3B as his own. Wood doesn’t do the Rays any good with Longoria already signed to a long-term contract and Jason Bartlett playing (and hitting) very effectively at SS, so the idea he would be the PTBNL is daft.

But by taking Kendrick, the Rays could move Zobrist to the OF permanently, bid adieu to Carl Crawford and count on Kendrick to make up for some of Crawford’s speed on the basepaths. We know that the Rays are trying to find ways to shave a few million $ from the 2010 payroll, and not signing Crawford because a lesser-paid player is taking over his roster spot (if not his defensive position) saves the Rays $7M over his 2009 salary (after accounting for the buyout). Add in the money NOT being paid to Kazmir in 2010 and the Rays would save $15M in 2010 salaries on this trade, less the money Kendrick figures to receive in his first year of Arbitration (which won’t be spectacular due to his unspectacular season).

Promotional Bonus for the Rays: Howie is from Sarasota, FL, less than an hour’s drive South of Tampa/St. Pete. That gives a whole bunch of marketing opportunities for the Rays to welcome home a native son.

Maybe I’m wrong. But I don’t see Brandon Wood making a lick of sense as a gimme to the Rays, and I don’t think Jordan Walden is going to make Madden light up like a love-struck schoolgirl. We’ll see in the fullness of time, of course, but my hunch is that it is Kendrick.

Though maybe Reagins lets another potential useful piece in bullpen slip from his grasp.

I doubt it is Walden or Wood.

These PTBNL types are usually the organization’s rank-and-file guys who have limited upside.

Wilson for both offensive and defensive purposes.

These guys are planning on a World Series championship.

Of course, as the title of our discussion speculates, the PTBNL may be Brandon Wood.

we could sign Carl Crawford for our outfield after his contract and/or option expires. Figgin’s speed replaced? 28…..29 years old.

Put CC in LF and Rivera in RF with Vlad at DH. Another Hall of Fame candidate.

Who would we rather sign to a big contract, CC or Abreu?

Just thinkin’………………..

I’ve taken time to study the Tampa lineup and their salary commitments through 2010. If money is the issue, we’ve got the sauce.

We wouldn’t give up another pitcher,…………………. would we?

Outfield and catcher appear to be TBR’s biggest needs next year, or certainly after the 2010 season. However, I have to wonder who they have in mind playing 1B after Pena’s contract ends next year. They’re paying Carlos Pena $10.125MM in 2010, so you know he’s not long for the thereafter.

Mark Trumbo’s progress through our minor league system seems to be timed right. Maybe Freddy Sandoval is of interest. (I think Matt Brown is a minor league free agent after this season, so we will have no control unless he signs with us).

If salary is the issue, they could use inexpensive outfielders……we’ve got inexpensive outfielders: Reggie Willits, Terry Evans, Chris Pettit. Carl Crawford won’t be re-signed after a 2010 $10MM option year. Pat Burrell at DH is likely gone after his $9MM 2010. BJ Upton is doing OK, but I wouldn’t say he appears to be thriving in CF.

True, Gregg Zaun is likely gone as the backup catcher after this season and Navarro appears to be wobbling. Bobby Wilson would be a great aquisition, but as a PTBNL Ryan Budde would also be a nice backup replacement for Zaun.

The fearful question in my mind is not what Tampa Bay asked for. The fear in my mind is what did Reagins & Co. agreed to give up.

Wood and SRod would be starting for almost anyone else next season…..certainly Tampa Bay. If they’re not included in the PTBNL, I expect them to start for the Angels in 2010. Bobby Wilson would probably be starting for TBR; Budde would back up. Any one of Willits, TEvans, CPettit would probably start for TBR in 2010. All of the above would make less than $.5MM.

If bang for the buck means anything, the TBR’s will be looking for a cheap replacement for Carl Crawford, Pat Burrell, or Carlos Pena; Zaun’s replacement is peanuts. However, if catcher is truly as important as Scioscia teaches us, forget the money……..replace the catcher.

Why is this a PTBNL?

To protect the Angels’ interests due to playoff considerations?
To give the Angels time to manipulate their 40-man roster?
To protect the Angels’ AA or AAA teams during the final weeks of their seasons?

I don’t know!