Oakland Athletics Ben Zobrist, Tyler Clippard To the Washington Nationals Is a No-Go
By Casey Witt
According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Oakland Athletics and the Washington Nationals have been discussing a potential trade proposal that would have sent utility-infielder Ben Zobrist to Washington’s capital, in exchange for outfield prospect Michael Taylor.
No not that Michael Taylor, the OTHER Michael Taylor… Let that sink in for a second.
Rosenthal also adds that a D.C. reunion with set-up man Tyler Clippard was knocked around, with the A’s ultimately set on pitchers as the return. It is uncertain as to which players – aside from Clippard – were brought up. However, with All-Star caliber numbers from Clippard and Zobrist, it is safe to say that a Single-A prospect would suffice.
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Taylor, 24 was the sixth-round pick for the Nationals in 2009. He has yet to make his mark in the show after making his major league debut last August. He complied a .205 average in 17 games while recording one homer and five RBIs, before beginning the 2015 campaign in Triple-A Syracuse. Taylor, who is not considered to be a power threat by any means, is unquestionably a speed demon on the base paths and a solid defender. He also does not become a free-agent until the conclusion of the 2021 season.
Being under control through 2021 could have played a big factor in the usefulness of Taylor’s services — considering the fact that outfielders Coco Crisp, Sam Fuld and Josh Reddick will have the opportunity to test free-agent waters after the 2015 season. Since Taylor is fairly young, the A’s would have no problem taking on his cost-friendly contract.
[With this financial flexibility – who’s to say that Beane won’t sign Reddick to a well-deserved contract extension… (cough, cough) but I digress.]
At this moment discussions between Beane and Nationals GM Mike Rizzo have cooled down. But who’s to say that this specific trade proposal won’t occur? These two are known for having a close relationship with one another. If that seems hard to believe, let’s recall the 2013 deal which sent lanky lefty Jerry Blevins to D.C. in exchange for outfielder and fan-favorite, Billy “He DID start the fire” Burns in December. A month prior to that, Oakland acquired LHP Fernando Abad from the Nats for minor-league prospect John Wooten. And who could forget the departure of southpaw Gio Gonzalez during the 2011 off-season; bringing back a shore of talent, including catcher Derek Norris, right-handed pitchers A.J. Cole and Brad Peacock, along with lefty Tommy Milone.
Personally, I think Taylor isn’t enough for the likes of Zobrist — who brings his veteran presence and ability to rove around the diamond. Sure, Taylor is MLB ready – but if the Nationals want the best, they need to be able to dish out prospects if they have any intention of contending this October. The same thing could be said about Clippard.
The St. Louis Cardinals have a stocked farm system, and the Chicago Cubs’ organization is even better: Arismendy Alcantara, Javier Baez, Junior Lake, Addison Russell and Kyle Schwarber.
[cough, cough… I’d better get that checked.
I’m looking at you! Not all of you, but maybe just maybe you get the idea.]