Matt Kemp/Tyson Ross

[Spy Fox]

Multiple sources are saying the Padres are shopping these two players.

Would you have any interest in the two of them as a package?

Kemp has remained a productive hitter but is a bad fielder and of course has the big contract-- 4/87 remaining. Ross has been very good the past three years for the Padres, and is entering his second arbitration season after making around $5M last year.

Both players fit positional needs for the O's. But of course the question is, how much would the Padres be asking for them and how much would we be willing to give up? The answers to both would depend on how much of Kemp's contract the Padres will pay.

[weams]

Multiple sources are saying the Padres are shopping these two players.

Would you have any interest in the two of them as a package?

Kemp has remained a productive hitter but is a bad fielder and of course has the big contract-- 4/87 remaining. Ross has been very good the past three years for the Padres, and is entering his second arbitration season after making around $5M last year.

Both players fit positional needs for the O's. But of course the question is, how much would the Padres be asking for them and how much would we be willing to give up? The answers to both would depend on how much of Kemp's contract the Padres will pay.

Padres won't pay anything. That's why you get Ross.

[Spy Fox]

Padres won't pay anything. That's why you get Ross.

Would you be willing to pay full $$ for Kemp if Ross is included and it requires something less than top prospects?

It wouldn't be my Plan A, but I think it's an option.

[weams]

Would you be willing to pay full $$ for Kemp if Ross is included and it requires something less than top prospects?

It wouldn't be my Plan A, but I think it's an option.

Not me, But I am sure you could find someone that would like it.

[24fps]

I'm intrigued by the idea, but ultimately two things really work against it. Kemp's contract is just too burdensome, and I suspect that Wieters is now penciled in to 25-35 games at DH. I wouldn't let Kemp anywhere near the OF except during warmups and there's no point in having on the team except as DH - a position I think he would be very good at.

[waroriole]

.755 OPS isn't enough to make up for that awful contract, and that even worse fielding. I don't get the appeal of Kemp at 4/40, much less 4/87.

[Can_of_corn]

I'm intrigued by the idea, but ultimately two things really work against it. Kemp's contract is just too burdensome, and I suspect that Wieters is now penciled in to 25-35 games at DH. I wouldn't let Kemp anywhere near the OF except during warmups and there's no point in having on the team except as DH - a position I think he would be very good at.

I don't think would be happy at DH even if it was an option.

[24fps]

I don't think would be happy at DH even if it was an option.

That's the only scenario where I see him getting moved unless the Padres eat a lot of his contract. It doesn't look like they're willing to do that.

[sportsfan8703]

There's just too much other talent out there on the FA market. Last year was all about the trade market. This year we have no trade assets and it's a buyers market.

[Can_of_corn]

That's the only scenario where I see him getting moved unless the Padres eat a lot of his contract. It doesn't look like they're willing to do that.

He might like San Diego.

[Machado13]

I live out in SD. Stay away from this deal.

Kemp is totally not worth it and that contract will cripple anyone big spending averse like the Os. Ross isn't enough of a difference maker to eat that kemp salary either...he has the pitches but he can struggle with consistency and then you also have to factor in the AL lineups.

[waroriole]

That's the only scenario where I see him getting moved unless the Padres eat a lot of his contract. It doesn't look like they're willing to do that.

Then I hope they're happy with a 22M a year player putting up half a win a year.

[24fps]

Then I hope they're happy with a 22M a year player putting up half a win a year.

The Dodgers pay $3.5 million each year for the remainder of his contract, so it's closer to $18 million. Still a lot, of course. One big key to Kemp is not allowing him to own a glove. Take him out of Petco and put him in the AL at DH in a hitter-friendly park and I think he would be worth much more than a half win a year. Is he a good fit for the Orioles? Probably not when all is said and done. I can see there being some interest from AL teams though.

[weams]

.755 OPS isn't enough to make up for that awful contract, and that even worse fielding. I don't get the appeal of Kemp at 4/40, much less 4/87.

Or at 4/20

[ChuckS]

How bad is Kemp as a corner OFer? Didn't he win a gold glove in center some years back? I know he's had some issues with his hip or back, but the guy stole 40 bases a few years back and even had 12 last year so his legs must still be somewhat functional. I haven't seen him play enough to make an assessment on his defense but would like to get the opinion of someone who has. He started out really slow last year and still put up a .755 OPS. I think he is a .800ish player in Camden Yards. Maybe you move Ubaldo to offset some of the salary. Could make sense if they are willing to send other cost controlled talent over our way.

I agree with Spyfox that this shouldn't be option A, but creative trades like this may be needed to make the necessary upgrades that this team needs.