Trans-STRAT-ctions IV
By Joe Harder - Guest Writer
01/07/2009
Trans-STRAT-ctions IV
Here’s this week’s take on moves in Major League Baseball and their Strat-O-Matic implications.
The Good
Milton Bradley, dob: 4/15/78, shb to Cubs. I owned Bradley for a bit in one of my Yahoo rotisserie leagues last year, but I had no idea until I just looked what a solid season he ended up having in 2008. His overall line of .321/.436/.563 matched his previous highest seasonal batting average, provided the second strongest slugging percentage, a slight drop off from 2007, and included his highest on base percentage. His card against lefties should be audacious, and he should be decent against righties as well. Has had injuries and combustibility in his past, but may be worth the risk if cheap enough.
Jason Giambi, dob: 1/8/71, lhb to Oakland. Giambi continues to produce good on base both ways and decent power against righties. He plays terrible defense at 1b (which I have personally had to live with for a few years now on my team), he’s slow, and a lot of the value of his card is in walks, rather than hits. But, if his consistently good on base abilities play well in Oakland there’s a team option for 2010 to take into account in your planning. Draft him as a bargain DH, but have a defensive sub if he’s your first baseman.
Pat Burrell, dob: 10/10/76, rhb to Rays. Burrell joins a potent Rays lineup after a solid year with Philadelphia. Only a .250 batting average, but decent on base of .367 and slugging percent of .507. Usually a lefty masher, last year was no exception, as Burrell posted a line of .279/.406/.545 against southpaws. Defensive liability, which if you knew my team well would sound like an ironic thing for me to be critiquing, but that, as well as his typically doing better against lefties, is something to keep in mind.
Aaron Miles, dob: 12/15/76, shb to Cubs. With DeRosa having moved on, perhaps Miles will play that role with Chicago. Good average, decent on base, minimal power while playing 2b, 3b, ss, and of and amassing over 300 plate appearances for the Cardinals. Thirty-two years old, and played better than his career averages in 2008, so don’t expect a repeat, but could fill a need for a team needing a starting 2b or a utility player.
The Bad
Carl Pavano, dob: 1/8/76, rhp to Indians. Guaranteed a spot in the rotation as part of his one year deal, Pavano gets the potential for a new start after an injury marred, $1 million dollar per game four year stint with the Bronx Bombers. Thirty three, Pavano has had a plethora of injury issues, as well as questions from teammate Mike Mussina about his desire. Had his Jeff Kent-ish moment when he kept an injury suffered during a car accident quiet from the Yankee brain trust. No need to pursue this one unless you can get him as cheaply as the Indians did.
Jason Marquis, dob: 8/21/78, rhp to Rockies. Two past seasons as a decent starred starter, but not much in the last three years. 1.42 career WHIP.
Luis Vizcaino, dob 8/6/74, rhp to Cubs. Against lefties in 2008, Vizcaino had a 2.27 WHIP, equating to a .432 on base percentage. Overall, a 1.34 career WHIP, and turning thirty five during the 2009 season.
The Ugly
J.C. Romero, dob: 6/4/76, lhp suspended fifty games by M.L.B. Though he claims innocence on the over the counter substance that he thought was legal, barring an appeal J.C. Romero won’t be available to the Phillies until June. Solid lefty reliever will have a good 2008 card, and since he’ll be pitching in extended spring training and on a re-hab assignment his arm should be ready to go come then, giving you half as much value innings-wise for 2009. Might be a cheap pick-up, as he’s hitting those mid-thirties. Also potentially increases the Strat value of J.A. Happ, who conceivably moves from the Phils’ starting rotation to join Scott Eyre as a lefty in the pen.
Free agent Manny Ramirez, dob: 5/30/72, rhb to Dodgers, or anyone else in the N.L. West other than the Giants. Okay, I’ve never been a huge Manny fan, other than the comic relief provided by his antics, but if someone in the division lands him, I hope it’s the pitching and defense oriented Giants. Heck, I would even consider picking him up as Bonds’ replacement, which on my team (if not the actual Giants) actually would be a defensive improvement in left. One of an astonishing six M.L.B. free agents named “Ramirez” still remaining on the market.