Trans-STRAT-ctions VI
By Joe Harder - Guest Writer
01/22/2009
Kind of a light week, but just to keep on top of things, here are the latest major league moves that might have Strat implications for you.
One you may want to consider
Felix Pie, dob: 2/8/85, lhb traded to Orioles. The Cubs gave up on their former top prospect after 281 career major league plate appearances. They may feel it’s hopeless, but they may also regret this in time. Good defensively (lf/cf-2). You may want to grab him to stash if you can get him cheap post-hype (as the Orioles appear to have done, for Olson plus a minor leaguer).
Lots you probably don’t want to
David Aardsma, dob: 12/27/81, rhp traded to Mariners. Career WHIP of 1.65, his best effort was two years ago at 1.30. Now 27, it’s not likely there will be significant improvement even at Safeco.
Garrett Olson, dob: 10/18/83, lhp traded to Cubs. 1.73 WHIP in 2008 was actually an improvement on the previous season’s mark, but it seems like the Cubs could have done better for Pie. True, he’s only 25 until October, but is there any promise here? Hits right handed, so pitching arm will be exposed when he’s batting this year.
Juan Rincon, dob: 1/23/79, rhp signs minor league deal with Tigers. Turning thirty in two days, formerly effective reliever looks to strengthen the Tigers pen, joining lefty Bobby Seay, and righties Freddy Dolsi and Joel Zumaya in front of current closer Fernando Rodney. Career WHIP of 1.36, but hasn’t had a good year since 2004. Native of Maraicaibo, Venezuela, which, in the only guidebook I found that even mentions it, is described with three words - “hot, oily, and dangerous.”
Gregg Zaun, dob: 4/14/71, 38, shb signs with Orioles. Starter until uber-prospect Matt Wieters is ready, which could be as early as early to mid-2009. Zaun always seems to have almost passable on base (.347 vs. righties in 2008) with virtually no power, and usually qualifies as an unlimited player in my league (more than 300 plate appearances), yet remains undrafted on a perennial basis. There is a reason for this in our all-star league, but perhaps he fills a cheap need for you in a deeper league if you can tolerate a limited (283 plate appearances in 2008), weak-armed switch hitting catcher who is not at all good hitting from the right side of the plate.
Tony Clark, dob: 6/15/72, 37, shb signs with Diamondbacks. A few years ago Clark was a great limited switch hitting pinch hitter/defensive first baseman, but despite a .359 on base percentage in 2008, his slugging percent of .318 was one hundred sixty seven points below his career mark. Probably want to stay away.
David Eckstein, dob: 1/20/75, just turned 34 yesterday, rhb signs with Padres, and according to MLB.com joins a middle infield mix that includes Chris Burke, Luis Rodriquez, Matt Antonelli, Travis Denker, Edgar Gonzalez, and Rule Five acquisition Everth Cabrera. Now a ss-4, his only value for you would likely be his 2b-3. Still, his relatively small stature prompted me to investigate a bit more.
This week’s quiz - How well do you know your middle infielders?
Match the player with his official MLB height and weight as well as his 2008 OPS (answers next week):
| Name | Stature | ’08 OPS |
| 1. David Eckstein | a. 5’7” 175 | I. .550 |
| 2. Omar Vizquel | b. 5’8” 170 | II. .628 |
| 3. Cesar Izturis | c. 5’9” 170 | III. .640 |
| 4. Maicer Izturis* | d. 5’9” 175 | IV. .691 |
| 5. Jamey Carroll* | e. 5’9” 180 | V. .692 |
| 6. Dustin Pedroia* | f. 5’9” 190 | VI. .700 |
| 7. Esteban German* | g. 5’9” 195 | VII. .869 |
* full disclosure - on my own 50-man Strat roster (so as not to be accused of insider trading)
Bonus question: What 5’10, 175 pound former major league switch-hitter, who had Strat cards from 1982 - 1999, managed a career of 2023 hits, 360 doubles, 50 triples, 160 home runs, 177 stolen bases, 1300 runs scored, and 1319 walks to go with 1499 strikeouts, for a career .374 on base percentage while playing every position but pitcher and catcher (albeit 1b only for four games)? Hint: he came up as a shortstop