Linebrink traded for three minor league pitchers

by Peavyforprez08 on Jul 25, 2007 3:03 PM PDT Comment 48 comments

Linebrink reportedly traded to the Brewers for three minor league pitchers...not much details yet.

Too bad he left us with such a bad taste in our mouths, he was good for so long.

I just wish we traded him for a big name when we had the chance, needless to say we wont have to see him come in a blow the 8th anymore. Goodbye Scott, good luck with the new baby.

This FanPost was written by a member of the Gaslamp Ball community and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Gaslamp Ball managers or SB Nation.

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Good. Fine. Whatever.

by Winfield's Ghost on Jul 25, 2007 3:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

this is big news!

Are you not aware of Kevin Towers and his ability to pick up pitching?

by Dex on Jul 25, 2007 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Totally aware of it

Let's hope he directs Black on how to use the new guys.

by Winfield's Ghost on Jul 25, 2007 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

As annoyed as I was about the way Bochy would use his players, I'd hate for KT to be running the show from upstairs. If Black can't handle it (though I think he's shown that he can), then we don't need him around.

by Dex on Jul 25, 2007 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am partly joking

I don't want any GM calling the games. But I'm not as sold as you are on his ability to manage. He's made some very "interesting" decisions since the All Star break. To me, he's overthinking everything and it's all backfiring.

Though I completely agree that the way they've used Linebrink over the last couple of weeks was at the behest of the front office - that seems especially true if they've traded him today.

I just want Bud to stay out of his own way. He doesn't need to overmanage every game.

by Winfield's Ghost on Jul 25, 2007 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

definitely

glad that we traded him away, but i'm not overly excited. it doesn't make me feel any better about what's been going on with the pads lately... ::sigh::

Now Scott's messing up people's education too. Perfect. -teemcee

by freelunch on Jul 25, 2007 3:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

(Posted this in the game thread)

In a way I feel sorry for Scotty, for all the abuse he took from us the last couple of weeks, but I think we're overdue unloading him. (Although we didn't have him to blame for today's abysmal loss!) I do think it's funny that, as early as today, Bud Black was saying how Scott is "going to be an important part of the Padres pitching staff" in the future.

Scott had plenty of good outings for us in the past, and they actually outnumbered the bad ones, even though it may not seem like it. But 9 homers given up in half a season is WAY too many for a go-to setup guy. I wish him well in Milwaukee (although now I fear that we'll end up facing the Brewers in the playoffs, and Scotty will come in and mow us all down!)

Now, whether or not these 3 minor league pitchers are going to get the job done, only time will tell. But I'm optimistic.

by Mr Meadows on Jul 25, 2007 3:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It was bound to happen

We may feel a little bad about it, but he's been on the block so long that it was going to happen, it just took forever. Better deal than just draft picks at least.

by Gone Savage on Jul 25, 2007 3:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Kevin?

"Better deal than just draft picks at least." That's an interesting consolation statement. Could you please name for me just ONE major league baseball trade in the last TWENTY years where a draft pick exchanged hands?

by DodgerBlueBalls on Jul 25, 2007 3:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's one....

The A's traded Jon Adkins to the White Sox for Ray Durham in 2002, and when Durham left for the Giants, the A's received compensation picks for Durham.

It happens all the time, and that's why the Brewers were eager to do the deal.

by Grant on Jul 25, 2007 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Were draft picks TRADED??

Grant,

Was Durham TRADED from the A's to the Giants, or did he go across the Bay as a free agent??

by DodgerBlueBalls on Jul 25, 2007 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Trade vs. Free Agent Compensation?

Grant,

I am familiar with the concept of compensatory draft picks being awarded to a team who has lost a free agent. However, could you or Kevin please tell me when draft picks have ever been TRADED between teams?

by DodgerBlueBalls on Jul 25, 2007 4:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

he meant at least we get young arms

when we'd lose linebrink to free agency. now shut up already, christ.

by Dalton on Jul 25, 2007 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You are such an idiot

by Winfield's Ghost on Jul 25, 2007 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Are you angry? wow...

Seriously, he answered your question. In essence that is exactly what happens. Here, I'll spell it out.

A player is available near the deadline, you can pretty much know that he will be a Type A or B free agent in the off season. Knowing this (as all GM's do) the player is really more than just themselves, but themseves (for 2 months) plus one or 2 draft picks. So without being a super literal about it, we can see that in essence trading a future type A free agent IS trading future draft picks. In reality.

The team that trades away the future FA knows they are giving up those 1 or 2 picks (although exactly which picks is variable) and the team receiving knows they will be getting future picks as compensation (unless they sign an extension)... So this is why we say the picks are "traded".

One example, it happens every season... Ray durham is important because he was going to sign with someone, anyone(it doesnt matter who). Oakland traded for him (this is the parallel to the trade in this thread). In reality they not only got 54 games of rent-a-ray, they also got a draft pick. Also, Chicago would have gotten a draft pick had they hung on to him.

So in summary:
White sox got Jon Adkins and lost 54 games of Durham, draft pick and cash.
The A's gained 54 games of Durham, a draft pick, and cash.

So if we say the draft pick is "traded" I think that is valid use of the term.

by TheDude on Jul 25, 2007 4:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry Dodgerblueballs

It was looking as if we were going to lose Linebrink at the end of the season to free agency and we would only get the compensation picks. This deal is more appealing than that. My post was not to say that dealing for minor leaguers was better than dealing for draft picks, sorry if it read otherwise.

by Gone Savage on Jul 25, 2007 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No worries, Kevin

Sorry if I misread your statement. Scott was a hell of a pitcher for your team. It looks like he will be, at best, the 3rd best arm out of the Brewers bullpen, though.

Hopefully, Scotty can find a pest control company in Milwaukee that will employ his services, too. I'd hate to see his guitar playing skills go to waste!!!

by DodgerBlueBalls on Jul 25, 2007 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Official MLB release

http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070725&content_id=2108805&vkey=news_ml b&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

by Winfield's Ghost on Jul 25, 2007 3:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

For what it's worth

In Baseball America's "Top 100 Prospects in Baseball 2007" article (http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/features/263445.html), earlier this season, Will Inman was ranked #91. No Padres made the list.

"91 WILL INMAN, rhp, Brewers
Solid stuff, tremendous command have led to 16-2, 1.77 record and 193-36 K-BB ratio in pro ball
Opening Day Age: 20. ETA: 2009"

"Winfield's head hits the wall! It's rolling toward second base!" - Jerry Coleman

by metalsupplier on Jul 25, 2007 3:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

looks very promising

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Jul 25, 2007 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No Padres

I went through that list of the top 100 prospects and didn't see a single Padre.

This suckage may continue for a while...

by Spec20 on Jul 25, 2007 4:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

WOW

Now that it is finally done...I am kinda sad!!

Christina

by Christina on Jul 25, 2007 3:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

i kinda am also

Now Scott's messing up people's education too. Perfect. -teemcee

by freelunch on Jul 25, 2007 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey,

for all the bad-mouthing we've been giving him, he was pretty solid for the Padres for over 3 years. That's a long time to be with any MLB team these days, and we--as fans--had a strong relationship with Scotty. In a way it does suck to see him go midway through the season, but on the other hand he was due to go.

It is rather unfortunate, however, that this had to happen right around the time his wife is due to give birth.

by Mr Meadows on Jul 25, 2007 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

And so much of the bad mouthing WAS for laughs.

I'm sad for him personally - and the crappy timing. And I am sad that for all that Kevin Towers refusing to trade him LAST year - you have to wonder what we could have gotten instead!! Sigh.....just have to hope that KT has pulled something magical outta the Brewer's system.

Christina

by Christina on Jul 25, 2007 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

SO AM I!

I know he has been bad for the past few months, but he has also been ridiculously good at times.

(And he is so nice and stuff. I kinda dont want him to go. He can just sit in the bullpen and watch. I know thats not a legit reason but I cant help it.)

The team is sad as well.

by padresgirlforlife44 on Jul 25, 2007 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah,

I was never exactly in the "trade Linebrink" camp. He might have been a good guy to have around in the bullpen, and bring him in for the occassional hold when the 'pen has been taxed...but I definitely didn't think we should be trotting him out to the mound to hold every close game in the 8th for Trevor. His days as our Regular Setup Guy were over.

by Mr Meadows on Jul 25, 2007 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Me too

I never wanted to see him go. I just wanted to see him lower leverage situations so he could get back into form. It was never like the other teams had figured him out, it was simply that he seemed to lose location.

My heart breaks to see him go and to know how badly he will be missed.

I wish him nothing but success and beaucoup bucks on the free agent market.

by Demoira on Jul 26, 2007 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I feel bad he got dangled for so long

But at least he's traded to a contender. And this deal could work out very well for the Pads.

by Dalton on Jul 25, 2007 4:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I can't say that I'm disappointed

and I can't say that as soon as I saw the headline I ran up the stairs yelling "HONEY, LINEBRINK GOT TRADED TO THE BREWERS!!!" Oh, wait, yes I can.

But in all actuality, he's a solid big league reliever and I'm sure he'll excel with his fresh start. It's easy to say nice things about the guy now that he's not my problem anymore.

"I try not to get overly excited... But I am pleased with it..."

by TheThirdGonzalez on Jul 25, 2007 4:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

hah

thats funny

by padresgirlforlife44 on Jul 25, 2007 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Did his wife

actually have the baby yet?

I saw her like 2 months ago and she was extremely pregnant.

by padresgirlforlife44 on Jul 25, 2007 5:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Baby

Darrin Smith (from the Mighty XX) said that the baby is due this weekend and they were planning on it happening in Houston when the Padres go there for a four-game set. Best laid plans...

by Wonko on Jul 25, 2007 6:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Breaking down the deal

My thoughts on the deal are this. Linebrink is replaceable at this point. In fact, he is easily replaceable with players currently in the Padres organization. So we could have traded him for some team's 20th best prospect and I would be happy. However, we got the #3 prospect from the Brewers (#1 of those still in the minor leagues) and two guys in the #20s from one of the deepest systems in baseball. For those who don't know Will Inman is a poor man's Jake Peavy. He's firey, he strikes people out, he's young (20), and he's on the smaller side (6'0). Before when people wanted us to get in the mix for a Dye or a Dunn I couldn't see how. With Inman, it becomes possible. I'm not saying this is Towers plan, but he does have a huge trading chit in his pocket, better than Linebrink since Scotty only had value to contending teams and Inman has value to rebuilding teams. And if we keep Inman then he's better prospect than any pitcher in the Padres minor leagues since Jake Peavy.

by Wonko on Jul 25, 2007 6:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Awesome analysis...

we now have either A)viable trade bait to a "selling team" or B)solid pitching prospect.

by bktabinga on Jul 25, 2007 8:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Poor Linebrink

Linebrink took the news hard

Melvin spoke with Padres GM Kevin Towers just as the trade was being announced and was told that Linebrink took the news hard.

"I was kind of surprised," Linebrink said in Denver, where the Padres had just finished a series against the Rockies. "I knew we were getting close to the deadline and hadn't heard anything. I knew last year my name was thrown out there all over the place and nothing ever happened. But I've been thinking about it the last couple of days."

But there was a silver lining.

"To go to a team that's playing for something to win, is an exciting opportunity," Linebrink said. "The fact that you're wanted there makes it all the better. I'm looking forward to it."

by jbox on Jul 25, 2007 8:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

what player (unless they want out)

ever takes a trade hard...that is stating the obvious. I hate when newspapers publish that.

Thats like interviewing a father who lost a child and the headline states..."father devastated over loss of child". DUH.

by bktabinga on Jul 25, 2007 8:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I meant...What player

doesn't take a trade hard...

Didn't blummer cry. KT sure breaks a lot of hearts but so does every other GM. Its part of the game. Good luck Liney, I hope we see you in the playoffs.

by bktabinga on Jul 25, 2007 8:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Players that want to be traded

I doubt that the three minor leaguers are dreading the prospect of getting into the Padres organization. After all, they can read the blogs and see plain as day that they might be getting fast tracked into Southern California or the Pacific Northwest (from the deep south in the middle of the summer) with a shot at being in the show.

Don't for get Doug Mirabelli who came off as the biggest jerk in the world because of the way he couldn't wait to get back to Boston.

by Dex on Jul 26, 2007 4:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I bet those minor leaguers

are Thrilled beyond belief.

by bktabinga on Jul 26, 2007 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i feel like kind of a jerk now

maybe i'll take that diary down.

i bet the brewers will be good for liney. and getting three new arms whose age combined is probably younger than david wells.....that has to help.

by goose1 on Jul 25, 2007 9:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

mlbtr

Great move by Kevin Towers, because he won't miss Linebrink. He can't lose. You have to give this one to Towers, who traded from a position of strength to snag three pitchers known less for projection than probability.

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Jul 25, 2007 9:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I am glad

that I changed Scott's wikipedia trade from what Dex (i think??) put in. Once I said he was worth three prospect it was a done deal.

I am just picturing the Brewers GM saying "Hey before we finalize this deal, let me see what the net set about him....geez, I have postseason aspirations, I should trade for this guy! Call KT and give him everything we got in the systems."

"Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!"

by Ron Mexico on Jul 25, 2007 9:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

TTG

did it

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Jul 25, 2007 10:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hummmm....

did anyone notice that the Padres face the Brewers at the end of the season? I think the division just might come down to the last day and good ol' Linebrink might toe the rubber looking for revenge. Gulp....

by Peanuts and Beer on Jul 25, 2007 10:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

3 run homer!

clap clap....clap clap clap!

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Jul 25, 2007 10:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

3-run Homer

would be a funny nickname for Scott.

"At the end, excitement maintained its hysteria." - Jerry Coleman

by TheGrandHatching on Jul 26, 2007 9:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ha ha...

I am listening to the Brewers - Reds game while working and just heard the announcer say "he just hit the first batter he faced and the game is tied, unbelievable" I flicked from sound to picture and realised they were talking about Sarloos! My bad!

by ABY on Jul 26, 2007 11:36 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs