Griz - Buyers? or Sellers?

Griz management befuddles fans once again. First the Griz make history with their first ever division 1st place position at the conclusion of any Block. Then the Griz start selling their best players in a building effort.

Initially, Griz fans were surprised, pleased, having fun following Block 1. Team fans were not chanting the old Cub's motto - "wait until next year," "wait until next decade," or "wait until next century." Fans were actually happy, reading boxscores, talking positively about the team. It was like a scene from the movie Major League. Griz fans had something to cheer about and were spending a few extra bucks to pay for gas to go see a game.

Then Griz management pulled a boner. Sometimes boners are good, but usually not in a locker room.

Anyway - following Block 1 the Griz traded 2007 World Series Hero - Mike Lowell and Ace Starter Mark Buehrle along with 3 stud relievers (all early 2008 draft picks) to Seattle for mega prospect - Rookie (I haven't hit Jack Howard's weight yet) Alex Gordon and four players who were instantly destined as post season cuts. The Griz became instant SELLERS, and were looking to give up 1st place. BOOOOOOOOO !!!!!

Griz managemnet followed that trade with another SELLERS move, trading one of its Stud Relievers - Pete Moylan to the Georgia Roadkill for a # 5 draft pick and a decent reliever in David Riske.

Fans started chanting "wait until next year/decade/next team owner."

Suprisingly, the Griz held on to 1st place until the final reports came in for Block 2. Dropping to 2nd - 8 games back. OH WELL. Then the Griz started getting email from Kevin Burns - 21 in fact. Kevin wanted All Star catcher Russell Martin more than a horny 17 year old boy wants a cheerleader. The discussions went on about ten days to no avail. Kevin offered players like Carl Crawford, Ryan Howard, Carlos Quentin, Gerald Laird, just to name a few, and several times the deal were as good as done, but then Kevin would try to tweak it. Jack Howard, the Griz manager did not want to give up his All Star Catcher, though he was interested in the power lefty hitting bats being offered. The NASBL managers would also be happy if the Griz broke up the Iron Pigs future lineup of Crawford, Hamilton, Quentin, Howard, Utley, Uggla, and Reynolds, just to name the power side of the Pigs batting order.

The initial trade deadline came and went with no trade, so Howard did a small deal giving up Norris Hopper, Bobby Howry, and a #10 to the Spurs for used up reserve OFer Rajai Davis, TOR's injured back-up closer Casey Janssen and the Spurs # 5. Another SELLERS move. Still backtracking.

Then Kevin offered Ryan Howard and Dan Uggla along with Gerald Laird for Martin, Rocco (Kevin Hopes He Comes Back) Baldelli, and improving (but needs lots more improvement) Joel Pineiro. With Morneau and Phillips, the Griz really didn't need to add Howard, and Uggla, but Uggla's numbers were to good to resist and the managing Howard figures he can always find a spot in the batting order for the slugging Howard. Kevin backed off a little from his offer, but after a total of 43 emails and an hour+ long phone conversation, a deal was struck when the Griz included a #9 pick. The Griz are now BUYERS in a BIG WAY. Fans are chanting "Lets GO Bears."

Coach Howard looked at his line-up and with the outfield depleted, looked to add some ABs and a glove to the OF. The Troy Haymakers had put Vernon Wells on its available list and the Griz traded its # 5 and prospect/suspect STL RHP Anthony Reyes for Wells and Troy's #11. The final Griz move this season - a wash trade to fill a hole - kind of a BUY.

The Griz have never been this active in the trade market - it will be interesting to see what comes of it.

Look for our next Article - Trades Put Griz Behind the 50% Usage 8 Ball.
Other articles may follow.