The curious case of Justin Upton

[thecrow124]

So, he was claimed, but there is no word on the team that claimed him. Arizona has come out and said he would not be traded this month, but yet they have no pulled him back, after more than 24 hours since he was claimed. Leads me to believe that they are definitely listening to whichever team claimed him.
The longer he is out there, the more I start to think he will be traded, or at least there will be serious consideration on the part of the D-Backs.
I say all of this because of this, I firmly believe that it is the Pirates that won the claim on him. Lets look at the possibilities, first with what we know:
1. It was a National League team.
2. That team made the claim ahead of the Dodgers.
3. That team was not Arizona.
The possibilities:
1. Mets
2. Pirates

Those are the only 2 real possibilities, but since the Mets didn't put in a claim on A-Gon, why would they put one in on Upton. They are just not yet in a financial position to make such a claim. That leaves us with the Pirates, and I think that NH is making a serious run at it. In the end, I just think Upton will be pulled back, but I for one want him in the line-up and would trade anyone not named Cole or Heredia for him.

 

[Illinest]

I do not know the rules or how you know that stuff but I think I believe you.

 

[thecrow124]

As far as the rules go, National League get first shot at NL players. Claims go in reverse order of records. Typically at this time of year, teams out of the race stay out of the teams that are in the race way. That leaves the logical choices as those in the NL in the playoff hunt. Mets have the worst record of those in the hunt, but financially Karen't ready o add payroll, and they were't going after him before July 31, so I ruled them out for that reason. Then comes Arizona, they wouldn't claim Upton since he is on their team. Next would be the Pirates. They have been searching for any and all offensive upgrades, but to this point have been shut out by the Dodgers. Next come the Dodgers, had they won the claim we would have known about it by now. I guess SD or the Cubs, or Houston could have put in a claim, but at this point in the season that would ankle a bunch of GM's.

 

[thecrow124]

Replace Mets with Phillies, but the general premise remains. Not sure the Phillies would risk it being as far out as they are.

 

[thedddd]

The Pirates would be dumb not to put a claim in on Upton. Just like not putting a claim in on Gonzalez, it would have stopped the Dodger trade. There only hope to stay competitive now is to block other teams.

With that is there a rule on the amount of claims?

Also Joe Saunders was claimed and a deal his happening, they are stating the O's but I am surprised an NL team didn't claim him?

Finally the Mets put Torres and Hairston on Waivers, I bet the Giants go after both since they are desperate for OF help. Either could help the Pirates as an extra OF but not sure they would be worth the asking price.

 

[element1286]

I'm not sure if there is a max number of claims, but it doesn't make sense there would be.

I'd love to know they are working on a trade, but I don't see why it gets done today, when it couldn't get done a month ago. Would the Diamondbacks price come down significantly? Would the price the Pirates be offering significantly more? It didn't seem imminent last time around.

Torres is kind of interesting since he is a switch hitter, and can play CF.

 

[thecrow124]

I don't believe there is a limit to the number of claims.

I do believe that the Pirates put a claim in on A-Gon, however, when he was placed on waivers the Pirates had a better record than the Dodgers, which is why the Dodgers got the claim.

The reason a deal could get done now when it could't a month ago could be ant number of reasons. A month ago, the Pirates were competing for first in the division, now they are a game out of the second wildcard. I am not saying a deal would or even could get done, but it is possible that NH is feeling some pressure to make a move to get this team into the post season from the ownership, the fans, and most of all, the players.