If not for the Billy Butler incident, Valencia's value should be much higher that Plouffe's. Their numbers are close, but over the last 2 seasons, Valencia's stats are way better than Plouffe. Plouffe's lackluster stats and his recent injury problems = very little value to other teams.

 

I say keep him and hope he plays better under the new hitting coach.

Plouffe represents negative value. Retaining him requires considerable playing time for Plouffe and reduces available cash for other players--who hopefully will make large contributions.

 

Yes. I would move Plouffe for any reasonable offer.

I would move Sano for an established starting pitcher.

 

And then they have no depth across the entire IF for an entire season. If they plan to play Sano at 3B then Plouffe doesn't have a role on the team. If his elbow isn't good enough to play there more than 2 days/week or the incoming FO makes defense a priority then Plouffe is a solid player to keep on a one year deal.

 

Do you know something about Sano's elbow that we/I do not?   I mean they played him in RF last year, and then 3rd base, and he's 2 years removed from Tommy John now, so I am assuming his elbow is very, very strong.

 

Please enlighten.

I heard that the A's only took Blackburn because there aren't currently any pitchers in the minors named Slowey.

 

I would move Sano for an established starting pitcher.

OH, SNAP!

Remember also that Valencia was already given away on waivers for nothing--that's how the A's got him. And he's a bad fielder. From Athleticsnation.com (about the smartest fan site you'll find):

 

"On the surface, Danny Valencia has had a pretty good tenure in Oakland since he was claimed on waivers from the Blue Jays last August. His line of .287/.346/.446 made him among the best hitters on the team, and he hit in the middle of the lineup for most of the time here.

However, he did just about everything else badly – including being one of the worst defensive 3Bs in history, according to UZR. He didn't fair much better in the outfield or at 1B. The real problem, though, came in the clubhouse. In August, he punched Billy Butler in the face so hard that he missed a week with a concussion. He was rumored to be a non-tender or a DFA candidate, so getting some value back for him is a nice surprise."

 

I would hope Plouffe is worth more than Valencia. But I guess we'll see. He's a worse hitter, so maybe not.

 

 

Edited November 14, 201610 yr by by jiminy

 

I would move Sano for an established starting pitcher.

 

Do you know something about Sano's elbow that we/I do not?   I mean they played him in RF last year, and then 3rd base, and he's 2 years removed from Tommy John now, so I am assuming his elbow is very, very strong.

 

Please enlighten.

He injured it in August and didn't play much 3B until the final week or two of the season. It might be fine or it might not. I don't know but Sano's position should be decided based on his best option and then figure out where to put other players. If he should be DH then figure out what to do about 3B and Vargas/Park. If he should be 3B then Plouffe shouldn't be a Twin next year.

 

He injured it in August and didn't play much 3B until the final week or two of the season. It might be fine or it might not. I don't know but Sano's position should be decided based on his best option and then figure out where to put other players. If he should be DH then figure out what to do about 3B and Vargas/Park. If he should be 3B then Plouffe shouldn't be a Twin next year.

 

Thanks lab, I don't remember hearing a ton about this but do remember him playing 3B a little less around that time.