Over the last 4 years, Damon's avg-OBP decline has looked like this
'08 .303-.375
'09 .282-.365
'10 .271-.355
'11 .261-.326
That's a remarkably consistent decline. His eye accounted for .075-.084 in the first three years. Last year it was down to .065
He did hit 16 taters last year, but that is probably unsustainable in Safeco.
I'm not convinced that a Damon for Wells swap in the lineup gives us much (if any) offensive gain. I would go with Wells and see what we have.
A Damon for Gutierrez (even with the 19 additional pounds) swap I could live with.
Markakis would be a great addition, but he's likely a $60M addition (looks like he can void the team option in '15), at least a $45M addition. Such an addition would be very nice. It would also mean, I think, that Ichiro doesn't return next year.
Gutierrez cost $12M over the next two years (and then the team option). Throw in 1/2 of Guti's salary, throw in a young arms/bats....and you could get Markakis.
Two thumbs up on that deal. And...you could get him for Smoak.
Which I don't think I would do.
moe
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