[DeezNutz]

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

Here's a random blueprint thrown together … I think you really need to commit to young guys for the rest of the year and focus on building for 2012 and 2013.

Trade Guillen. Eat part of the contract. Get a decent (B-level/solid major league starter) prospect back.

Trade DeJesus. Get a good (A/B) reliever back.

And here's the thing that would be really bold... really crazy... but something that I think might really set things up for 2012.

First, let's be honest: The chances of resigning Zack Greinke are about nil. He's gone after 2012 (and possibly mid-year next year if the Royals trade). So … why not be REALLY proactive. Trade him now, get max value for him.

I'd knock on the Devil Rays door. They have a deep farm system, and a great team that could become a World Series contender with a TRUE No. 1 pitcher. Think about Greinke pitching with a GREAT defense behind him...

In return, I think, for a true No. 1 with two years left on a reasonable contract, you can get something to the effect of: Reid Brignac, Wade Davis and Jeremy Hellickson. An elite, A-level prospect (Hellickson) and two guys in Brignac and Davis who are at worst good big-league starters with true star potential.

Add those three to the talent pool in the minor leagues, and then you're really set up to bring up a talented, deep pool of cheap, controllable talent that you can hang on to and play together at the big league level for 4-6 years (worst case).

Two years from now, rotation looks like this:

Davis (potential strong no. 2)
Hellickson (potential ace)
Montgomery (potential ace)
Crow (potential strong no. 2)
Arguelles/Dwyer/Hochevar

Lineup:

C – FA (holding place for Myers)
1B – Butler
2B – Aviles
SS – Brignac
3B – Moose
OF – This pool would include David Lough (a DeJesus clone), Gordon if he does anything (unlikely), Derrick Robinsons, and whatever you can pick up through FA or in trade returns.
DH – Hosmer

Bench would include Callaspo, and Ka'ahuie.

It's a radical move, and I would miss Greinke... but I can deal with that if I'm confident the return would lead to long-term success.

I'm reminded of '09, when I was arguing that we should trade (a then healthy) Meche and, most importantly, Soria.