Trans-STRAT-ctions VII
By Joe Harder - Guest Writer
02/03/2009
First of all, I apologize for the delay in getting out this column…last week was taken up by Giants Fantasy Camp, where I managed an OPS of 1.257 for the week and was runner up for the Gold Glove (but did strike out against Vida Blue in the campers vs. pros game). That said, here are the noteworthy transactions from late January and early February with possible Strat-O-Matic implications (roughly in order of attractiveness):
RHP Aaron Heilman, 30, traded to the Cubs. Grew up 140 miles from Wrigley Field, so his second move in six weeks is a coming home of sorts. Though he says he would still prefer to start, Heilman may take the departed Bobby Howry’s position as set-up man. Will likely compete for the fifth starter spot with Sean Marshall, Chad Gaudin, and Jeff Samardzija, and on a staff where chronic breakdown artist Rich Harden is being counted on, don’t be surprised if there are some starts in Heilman’s 2009, even if he is beaten out in Spring Training for the fifth starter role.
LHP Garrett Olson, 25, traded to the Mariners. Fresno, CA native returns to the West Coast and takes Heilman’s place in competing for a rotation spot in Seattle, behind Felix Hernandez, Eric Bedard (if healthy), and Brandon Morrow (perhaps a better closer candidate, but reportedly will get a chance to start), competing with Carlos Silva, Jarrod Washburn, and Ryan Rowland-Smith for the last two spots. Since both Washburn and Olson are lefties who had bad 2008’s, does only one make the rotation if Bedard is healthy?
RHB Oscar Salazar, 30, designated for assignment by Orioles. Awfully nice limited reversed rh pinch hitting card from 2008, but this move limits his future value unless he catches on with another team. Plus, I didn’t realize until I looked it up that he’s already 30.
RHB Ronny Cedeno, 25, traded to the Mariners. With Jose Lopez installed at 2b and Yuniesky Betancourt at ss, Cedeno likely maintains his utility role. With 2008 cards, respectable on base against righties and positional versatility is his strong suit, as well as his positive clutch rating, and he’s still young.
RHP Brandon Lyon, 29, signed with the Tigers. His 2008 card is not really useable against righties, and he joins a crowded Detroit pen. Had 26 saves last year after amassing 25 in his career up to that point. Won’t likely close with Detroit, unless something goes wrong with Zumaya and Rodney, but if he turns in a nice WHIP in 2009 his card will still be useful.
RHP Jon Garland, 29, signed with the Diamondbacks. Garland’s stated goal is 200 innings a year, and that’s about what he’s good for. Few strikeouts, lots of hits allowed…at least he has a -4 hold and 11 ground ball A’s on his card, and the innings are useful in deep leagues.
LHP Andy Pettitte, 36, re-signed with the Yankees. Starred starter was somewhat abused by righties in 2008, is 36 years old, and had an overall WHIP of 1.41 last year.
SHB Jason Varitek, 37, re-signed with the Red Sox. Still solid defensively in Strat, but only moderately useful offensively, and only against lefties. His best days are behind him. If you own him and can move him on name recognition, do so.
RHB Juan Uribe, 29, signed a minor league deal with the Giants. Just what the Giants need…an aging, low on base middle infielder. After posting a line of .247/.296/.386 (with a salary of $4,500,000) in 2008, Uribe joins the S.F. 2b/ss mix with youngsters Manny Burriss, Brian Bocock, Eugenio Velez, Jesus Guzman, Jake Wald, and Kevin Frandsen , as well as free agent signee Edgar Renteria. Uribe, if he makes the team, could also see some action at third, especially if Rich Aurilia is not re-signed, Pablo Sandoval ends up playing mostly at first, and Scott McLain’s non-prospect status re-emerges (he’s 36, after all, though has a nice limited ph card from 2008). This is a dynamic situation, so pay attention in Spring Training, but in truth, only Burriss and Sandoval are likely worth your attention.
LHB David Newhan, 35, signed a minor league deal with the Astros. Newhan was old when he came up as a rookie with the Orioles a few years ago, and managed just over one hundred at bats with Houston last year. If you need a reversed lefty with over 30 hits on his card who plays 2b and lf, he may be your guy, but don’t bank on much of a future.
LHB Eric Hinske, 31, signed a minor league deal with the Pirates. Respectable power against righties, but low on base and substandard defense most likely makes him a pass.
LHB Rob Mackowiak, 32, signed a minor league deal with the Mets. Mackowiak managed nothing in 53 at bats with Washington last year, and is on the wrong side of thirty.
RHB Brad Ausmus, 39, signed with the Dodgers. Great defense, no hit, he’s now a backup to Russell Martin. Might get one start a week, but don’t bank on his doing a lot with the opportunities, at least on anything that will be useful to your Strat team.