[picappgallerysingle id="2140096"]With the signing of Hank Blalock, I can’t help but think that Willy Aybar could be traded? Does he have value?
Last season, Willy Aybar proved that he’s, at best, a corner infielder and designated hitter. He couldn’t play second base to save his life.
To me, Willy Aybar equals Hank Blalock. Of course, Aybar is a switch hitter while Blalock bats from the left side. But, to be fiscally savvy, shouldn’t the Rays put their toe in the water and see if Aybar has any value on the trade market?
This season, Aybar will make $1.35 million while Blalock will earn $950K with another $325K in incentives. If the decision is that Hank stays, you would have to assume that he’ll hit the incentives. Regardless, it’s a savings. Beyond that, Willy has a club option for $2.2 million for next year. Do you really think the Rays have that salary on their radar screen going into 2011? I don’t think so.
Statistically, Hank Blalock projects more power. Willy Aybar is probably the better everyday hitter. But, in the end, I still say they are the same player. If, today, it’s all about winning in 2010, an argument can be made that you’d rather have Hank Blalock on your roster than Willy Aybar.
Stuart Sternberg’s proclomation that salary will decline in 2011 makes me think that every second of every day will be spent thinking on the future. Willy Aybar is probably not part of the future. If the Rays can get something of value for him today, I’m thinking the Rays will pursue it.
It will really all be determined by how well Blalock plays this spring–if his attitude early on is any indication, we will part ways by early April, I for one, am hoping Blalock pans out–seems to be a solid guy, and I always have liked him in his days with Texas.
[...] Rise of the Rays wonders if the Rays will look to trade Willy Aybar now that Hank Blalock is on board. [Rise of the Rays] [...]