[lex24]

Quite the quandary…..

First, should the Angels trade him?  Given their current situation, yes.
Should the Giants gut their system in order to acquire him?  My opinion, no.

Why?  There is no guarantee he would sign a long term deal.  The risk is too great, particularly since the Giants are on the cusp of finally putting all the pieces in place to contend on a regular basis.  I think striping the farm system for one player (even a guy as great as Ohtani) would leave the Giants in a Bonds-like situation - a superstar-driven team that is lacking enough supporting talent to compete at the highest level.

Instead, go all in after the season is over.  The Giants are in a position to truly sell a player like Ohtani on the future and his place in the organization.

Obviously a legit take.  

Three comments:  First, you aren’t stripping the farm system if you deal Harrison, Luciano, Schmitt, Winn and Reggie Crawford.  There is plenty left. And you are keeping Bailey and Matos.  Who right now are probably the No.1 and 2 prospects.  That’s one reason you build depth.  

Second, you are essentially trading for two players. Both in the top 3 of pitchers are hitters. 

 Third, how confident are you of your organizations ability to sell itself if a player gets a 2 1/2 month test?  Especially if you feel that adding Ohtani can make up you a WS favorite. (And it might.  Ohtani, Webb and Cobb is a terrific top end.) Alex Cobb alluded to this recently.  

My guess is he will never be a Giant. And honestly, I see both sides of the trade issue.  Without knowing exactly the cost, it’s hard to make a couch potato decision.  

But it’s a fun discussion….

Speaking of fun discussion, how about Harrison, Luciano and Whisenhunt for Ohtani.   That is one proposal that is floating around.

Doubt that would be enough.

[lex24]

Quite the quandary…..

First, should the Angels trade him?  Given their current situation, yes.
Should the Giants gut their system in order to acquire him?  My opinion, no.

Why?  There is no guarantee he would sign a long term deal.  The risk is too great, particularly since the Giants are on the cusp of finally putting all the pieces in place to contend on a regular basis.  I think striping the farm system for one player (even a guy as great as Ohtani) would leave the Giants in a Bonds-like situation - a superstar-driven team that is lacking enough supporting talent to compete at the highest level.

Instead, go all in after the season is over.  The Giants are in a position to truly sell a player like Ohtani on the future and his place in the organization.

Obviously a legit take.  

Three comments:  First, you aren’t stripping the farm system if you deal Harrison, Luciano, Schmitt, Winn and Reggie Crawford.  There is plenty left. And you are keeping Bailey and Matos.  Who right now are probably the No.1 and 2 prospects.  That’s one reason you build depth.  

Second, you are essentially trading for two players. Both in the top 3 of pitchers are hitters. 

 Third, how confident are you of your organizations ability to sell itself if a player gets a 2 1/2 month test?  Especially if you feel that adding Ohtani can make up you a WS favorite. (And it might.  Ohtani, Webb and Cobb is a terrific top end.) Alex Cobb alluded to this recently.  

My guess is he will never be a Giant. And honestly, I see both sides of the trade issue.  Without knowing exactly the cost, it’s hard to make a couch potato decision.  

But it’s a fun discussion….

Speaking of fun discussion, how about Harrison, Luciano and Whisenhunt for Ohtani.   That is one proposal that is floating around.

Doubt that would be enough.