Yikes! There have already been 3 trades, but I haven't even done my obligatory post to kick things off. Despite some brutal mistakes in Year 1 of Surprise's post-championship rebuilding project, there is a nice group of young players coming together here. We certainly don't have much top shelf trade bait this year, but there are still some guys who should generate interest. Okay, enough intro. Let's get to the list.
The main theme with our available batters is: pounds lefties. For each player, I'll show in parentheses the MLB team, contract to retain and adjusted PA.
1) Jose Guillen (Sea, B2, 725) - Strong comeback season from the mercurial RF. I'm happy to keep the guy, but perhaps someone wants him more. 2) Brad Wilkerson (Tex, B7, 428) - Showed good power while playing 1B and RF. Oddly, the lefty hitter is better vs. LHP. 3) Nook! Logan (Was, B1, 389) - Speedy CF was 23 of 28 on steals. Hit lefties well and should have good defense. 4) Damion Easley (NYM, B1, 240) - Played 2B/RF/1B/3B and pounded lefties with a 1.042 OPS. Plus, his middle name is Jacinto. What's not to like? 5) Rob Bowen (Oak-3rd team, B1, 207) - The well travelled backup catcher ended up with pretty good numbers, particularly against lefties (of course). 6) Rod Barajas (Phi, B6, 162) - Could be very valuable as a platoon catcher vs. lefties with 916 OPS and good defense. 7) Mike Sweeney (KC, B1, 318) - 822 OPS vs. LHP, played some 1B, is a swell guy...anyone? Whatever.
Pitchers: I'm not really shopping the young guys, so I'll just list a couple relievers for now with Team, Contract, Adj. IP, GS, and ERA. 1) Shawn Chacon (Pit, B1, 106, 4, 3.94) - Still shuts down RH and can be a useful swingman on the cheap. 2) Michael Wuertz (ChC, B1, 80, 0, 3.48) - Just a solid RH reliever with a lot of innings and a cheap contract.
Having learned nothing from the success of the prospects who I dumped last year, I'll also list some of those who could be moved to those of you who enjoy shopping the second-hand stores. Lorenzo Cain (Mil-OF), Jose Garcia (Flo-RHP), Mark Hamilton (StL-1B), Craig Hansen (Bos-RHP), Jose Mijares (Min-LHP), Jermaine Mitchell (Oak-OF), Jon Niese (NYM-LHP), Josh Rupe (Tex-RHP), Sharlon Schoop (SF-SS), Matt Sweeney (LAA-3B), Jason Vargas (NYM-LHP).
Okay, that's it. Feel free to ask about others, but our mission is to assemble good young players...not to trade them away. Almost anyone (but not Peavy) is theoretically available if the price is right though. So, bring on the awesome offers!
