How close were the Los Angeles Dodgers from the World Series? Imagine if they had Giancarlo Stanton manning the middle of the order? Trade rumors have not picked this possible deal up, but imagine the Dodgers trading Yasiel Puig to the Miami Marlins for the slugger Stanton?
What!? Seems ridiculous right? Stanton, an established slugger entering his fifth season in the majors and still under team control through 2017, for Puig who not even played a full season of baseball. This is preposterous.
Well, relax. Here is why MLB Network's Matt Vasgersian's deal makes sense from an economic standpoint for the Marlins and playoff success for the Dodgers.
Firstly, Puig is from Cuba. Miami is heavily populated by Cubans. Therefore, the expectation would be that Cubans would want to see their Cuban-born player in action. Heck, Puig was filling up stadiums all around the nation. Though he did not spend a full season in the majors, he could easily be considered the most exciting player in baseball. Some take offense to his antics, some fans are disgusted by his behavior. They consider him too cocky, too soon. The truth is behind the numbers though, Puig was a great player and people are willing to come and see the youngster play.
Maybe it is a Florida thing, but the Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays finished 28th and 30th in total attendance this past season. On average, the Marlins are filling in just about half of their 37,000 capacity seating. In 2013, they averaged about 19,500 visitors in Marlins Park. Add Puig to the equation, though losing will dominate the headlines, they will get fans to come into town. The Chicago Cubs lost plenty in 2013 and they finished 12th in baseball averaging 32,000 vistors per game.
For the Dodgers, adding Stanton is almost a no-brainer. He is one of the most feared players in baseball and though they will be releasing one of their talented outfielders, they will get pop and a strong arm in right field. Imagine Stanton batting behind either Hanley Ramirez, who had an awesome season, or Adrian Gonzalez? Dodger fans might be treated to a home run derby on the regular.
Of course, the Dodgers could also just pray their players stay healthy in the postseason as injuries hindered their chances of playing the St. Louis Cardinals at full strength in the 2013 N.L. Championship Series. The Marlins are adamant about keeping Stanton, but this could probably the best deal they will receive from any team out there.
Puig is turning 23 years of age in December. Stanton is turning 24 in a few days. Could this be the blockbuster deal of the century?
