MLB Trade Rumors: Zack Greinke or Jose Reyes, Who’s Worth the Prospect Haul?
Two of the bigger names that have been mentioned on the trade market are Zack Greinke and Jose Reyes. Both teams are asking for a large prospect haul in return.
Greinke has just stated that he is willing to play in any market. This increases the Royals trade options and should allow them to get a better group of prospects in return. However, Greinke has a no trade clause while Reyes does not.
Elite Shortstop Vs. Ace
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Most teams in the MLB have an ace. CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee, Johan Santana, Tim Lincecum, David Price and Johan Santana are just a few of the aces in the league. Greinke is just one of many aces in the league. However, there are few elite shortstops. Hanley Ramirez, Troy Tulowitzki, Alexi Ramierez and Jimmy Rollins are the only true elite shortstops other than Jose Reyes.
Edge: Reyes
Age
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Both Jose Reyes and Zack Greinke were born in 1983 and are 27 years old. This is normally right around the time that players hit their peak. There is a lot of potential for both of these players to have their best years in the near future.
Edge: Even
Ability to Perform in Big Cities
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It has been noted in the past that Greinke has had issues with depression. He also initially came out saying that he would not want to pitch in New York. He has recently stepped back from this as it appears he wants out of Kansas City. Greinke has been in the small Kansas City market his whole career.
Compare this to Jose Reyes who has played in the biggest media market in the world, New York, his whole career. Reyes has the ability to deal with playing in any market while it is unknown how Greinke will perform.
Edge: Reyes
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Health
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Jose Reyes' health issues have been noted time and time again. He has missed games due to a calf injury, a hamstring injury, as well as a hyperactive thyroid. Reyes has played in just 328 out of 486 games over the past three years. Meanwhile, Greinke has made at least 32 starts in each of the past three years.
Edge: Greinke
Contracts
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Jose Reyes' contract expires after this season. He is due $11 million this year. If he is traded, his new team will most likely attempt to sign him to a costly and lengthy extension. Greinke is due $13.5 million in both 2011 and 2012. If he preforms how he did in 2010, this will seem costly. However, if Greinke returns to Cy Young form, this is a great deal for the team that acquires him.
Edge: Greinke
Peak Ability
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In his best year, Jose Reyes had a WAR of 6.0. This was 2008 when Reyes has 204 hits, 19 triples, 16 home runs, and 58 stolen bases. Greinke's best year came in 2009 when he won the Cy Young and had a 9.4 WAR. Greinke went 16-8 with a 2.16 ERA and 242 strikeouts in 229.33 innings. When they both achieve their potential, it is clear who the better player is.
Edge: Greinke
Free Agent Availablity Of Others at The Same Position
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Top shortstops rarely hit the free agent market. Troy Tulowitzki was just locked up to a long term deal and many others such as Hanley Ramirez have signed long term deals in the past. However, it seems that every year a top pitcher, such as CC Sabathia last year and Cliff Lee this year, hits the market. It is also a lot easier for a pitcher to have an ace type year than for a shortstop to break into the category of elite.
Edge: Reyes
Playoff Experience
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Neither of these players has much playoff experience. However, there is a significant difference between the two. Reyes has played in ten playoff games while Greinke has never been in the playoffs. This may not seem like a big issue but it is. Because of Greinke's anxiety there is the potentially for there to be a lot of extra pressure on him during his first playoff start which could lead to poor results.
Edge: Reyes
Intangibles
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Many people believe that intangibles are greatly overrated when it comes to sports. There may be some merit to that argument but they definitely have some value. Reyes is one of the most energetic players in the game today. He is always excited to be on the field. This excitement carries over to the rest of the team and Reyes serves as a leader on the field and in the locker room despite his young age. Greinke is not known for his leadership abilities. He is known as a guy who just goes out their and does his job.
Edge: Reyes
Trade Value
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Reyes has an edge over Greinke in many of the categories. However, Greinke's biggest edge comes from his potential. He has won a Cy Young before and has shown that he can be an absolutely dominant pitcher. Reyes still does have the potential to an MVP candidate but he has struggled to stay on the field. In the end, the ability of Greinke to dominate gives him more value than Jose Reyes has.
Edge: Greinke
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