This has been speculated about in pieces already: Acquiring Derek Norris and somehow swapping Nolasco for Shields. So would Plouffe, Polanco, Milone Suzuki and Nolasco be enough to get it done? If not, you could swap Duffey for Milone.

 

Plouffe's value isn't that much worse than Norris. Obviously a catcher is worth more, but Plouffe is a more proven offensive player. Norris also has one more year of control. Still, Polanco seems like enough to make up the gap. Suzuki is a take or leave toss in if they want him.

 

Likewise, Shields for Nolasco is not an even trade, but SD is getting rid of more $$. Milone makes up the difference.

Edited August 18, 201511 yr by howeda7

Anyone worried about Norris's fairly terrible line at the plate this year?  The 13 HR are nice, but .245/.289/.410 isn't anything to call home about.  You could blame Petco a tad, but that doesn't account for the plummeting BB% and rising K%. 

 

 

A little. But he's young. And the realistic FA targets aren't good.

Anyone worried about Norris's fairly terrible line at the plate this year?  The 13 HR are nice, but .245/.289/.410 isn't anything to call home about.  You could blame Petco a tad, but that doesn't account for the plummeting BB% and rising K%. 

 

 

A little. But he's young. And the realistic FA targets aren't good.

 

Agreed.  Unfortunately I haven't had the chance to watch him play much outside of highlights, so I am going by figures only.  He is only 26, that's a good call.

I'd much rather sign AJ as a temp stop gap at Catcher and figure out a way to trade Nolasco (or Santana) for Shields. Obviously you have to give up more to get Shields in that situation, but if you trade a guy outside of the top 6-8, I am ok with that.

Edited August 18, 201511 yr by DaveW

I'm open to FA's, but AJ as a full-time catcher for 2016? No chance. Ianetta's the best option, but I assume the Angels will keep him. Weiters is risky and probably too expensive for said risk. Avila can't hit.  It's slim pickings. A trade is the way to go, IMO.

 

 

I'd much rather sign AJ as a temp stop gap at Catcher and figure out a way to trade Nolasco (or Santana) for Shields. Obviously you have to give up more to get Shields in that situation, but if you trade a guy outside of the top 6-8, I am ok with that.

 

Love the idea of working out some kind of trade around Plouffe/Nolasco for Shields/Benoit.  I think I'd rather see us try find a catcher in another trade.  Maybe Hicks + random goodies for Susac?