Would You Trade Ruben Tejada for Rick Porcello?
In today’s edition of “Would You …?” I present the preposterous proposition of trading Ruben Tejada to the Detroit Tigers for righthanded starter Rick Porcello.
It’s preposterous, of course, because there’s no way the Tigers would ever agree to such a deal. Further, my bet is the Mets would be uncomfortable sending away Tejada without having a legitimate MLB shortstop — or even a shortstop-in-waiting — on the roster. But this “Would you …?” series is all about fantasy, and we’re allowed to enjoy the benefits of poetic license. So let’s pretend that the Mets have re-signed Ronny Cedeno to a reasonable one-year deal, and that Wilmer Flores will remain at shortstop and be ready to play there by 2014. I know, we’re really stretching the limits of imagination, but just play along for a moment, OK? If the Mets had the shortstop position otherwise covered for the foreseeable future, would you trade Ruben Tejada straight up for Rick Porcello?
Me, I would — in a heartbeat. I know there are Mets fans who think Tejada may evolve into another Miguel Tejada, but I’m betting he’ll be closer to a modern version of Bucky Dent (which isn’t all that bad). And I know there are people who believe that a steady, solid-fielding, decent-hitting, young shortstop is hard to find. I agree — but I also believe that a 23-year-old starting pitcher with four years of MLB experience is even harder to find.
From where did I dream up this deal? I’ve been hearing that Detroit is looking for a slick-fielding shortstop this winter, and they have a surplus of pitching. Most likely, it would take more than Tejada to pry away Porcello, and I’d be OK with that — I’d be willing to include, say, Jenrry Mejia, Jeurys Familia, or Dillon Gee, if that’s what it took to get Porcello back. My feeling is that the best chance for the Mets to build a winner is to stock up on young pitching — lots of it — and getting a 24-year-old with both experience and upside is worth the “pain” of Tejada and one of those three hurlers. Part of my argument, though, is counting on the idea that Familia and Mejia will never be more than middle relievers, and/or we’ve seen Gee’s ceiling (if Gee were a few years younger, or didn’t have the fraying labrum, I might feel differently about him.
What’s your thought? Am I off my John Rocker? Would you do such a deal, assuming the extended imagination presented above? Why or why not? Answer in the comments.
You make a valid point re: the Mets’ comfort with illegitimate MLBers at catcher, 2B, and OF. I’m assuming, then, you’d green-light such a trade?
If the Mets give up Gee, you are taking away a likely rotation spot (and young starter), which seems to hurt the overall goal here. He also looks like a good pitcher and all, but I’m not sure if he’s an ace or anything.
I wouldn’t do it. Gee and someone other than Tejeda? More likely to do so.
In short, no.
In principle, I agree with you. You know the cliche about pitching. Ruben is solid, but his lack of speed and power most likely pegs him as a #8 hitter. Mets would need to resign Cedeno first.
Seriously. Promising prospect, good velocity, some sink, has occasionally looked like he’s figuring it out… but never strikes out anyone or sustains any high level of success.
I’d rather have Gee than Porcello. At least Gee’s reasonably effective when he’s healthy.
I would happily trade Tejada and Mejia/Familia for a young pitcher with upside, but Porcello is the wrong one.