Monthly Archives: December 2004
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| No-way Trade |
The much-hyped, three-way trade that could have sent LHP Randy Johnson from the Diamondbacks to the Yankees collapsed on Tuesday when the Dodgers pulled out of the deal. “The deal is no more,” Dodgers GM Paul DePodesta said during a conference call. |
| J.D. Drew |
| The Dodgers and OF J.D. Drew have agreed on a five-year, $55 million contract. |
| Andres Galarraga |
| According to Newsday, the Mets will sign 1B Andres Galarraga to a minor-league contract. Galarraga, 43, has 399 career home runs. |
| Donations |
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| Mookie Wilson |
The Mets named Mookie Wilson manager of the Class A Brooklyn Cyclones. “I said I always wanted to manage in N.Y. and now I have the opportunity,” Wilson said during a conference call. |
| Magglio Ordonez |
| According to the New York Times, the Mets asked Scott Boras for the medical report on his client OF Magglio Ordonez. |
| Matt Perisho |
The Palm Beach Post reports that the Mets and Braves have expressed interest in former LHP Matt Perisho. Perisho made $325,000 in 2004, while going 5-4 with a 4.40 ERA in 66 games last season for the Marlins. |
| Carlos Delgado |
Former Blue Jays manager, Carlos Tosca, lists the following attributes in the New York Post as 1B Carlos Delgado’s strengths: a similar professionalism and consistency as Willie Randolph, a willingness to work with younger players, he was always on time, always ran out balls, was consistent in his preparation, takes very good care of himself and kept a detailed book after every at-bat. The Mets have reportedly offered Delgado a three-year deal worth slightly more than $40 million. |
| Carlos Beltran |
OF Carlos Beltran and his agent, Scott Boras, met with the Yankees management in Tampa on Tuesday. Beltran and Boras plan to meet with Astros owner Drayton McLane today or Thursday, according to the Houston Chronicle. According to multiple reports, the Yankees did not make Beltran an official offer. |
| MetsBlog’s Take |
Houston has until Jan. 8 to reach a deal with Beltran or lose negotiating rights with him until May. It is widely believed, and some what obvious, that Boras plans to drag out all negotiations to as close to that Jan. 8 date as possible, hoping to force the Astros into desperately raising the stakes. The Houston Chronicle reported that the Astros have offered five years and $70 million, while the Yankees have discussed offering Beltran a six- or seven-year deal at $15 million per year. Boras has been seeking a 10-year, $200 million deal. Speaking of the Mets potential interest in Beltran, Joel Sherman of the New York Post eloquently writes, “The Mets need to unfurl from their fetal position of inferiority and stop poking around the periphery of this negotiation.” Sherman, through a tremendous use of alliteration not often seen in the daily papers, makes a great point. It appears the Mets tactic is to lay inconspicuously in the weeds, while swooping in at the last minute with an incentive laden offer, which, traditionally, will be about the time Beltran is struggling to get his crisp new Yankees jersey over his suit and tie while standing at the podium next to Brian Cashman. If the Mets want Beltran, they need to go get him. Playing the wallflower never works, Omar – especially when you dance at a dump like Shea Stadium. For all of the talk that this could finally be the chance for the Mets exorcise the demons of Alex Rodriguez and Vladimir Guererro, this story is sounding awfully familiar. |
| Poll of the Day |
| Which combination of talent would you prefer to see the Mets acquire? Tell us why in the comments section below. |
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I Love My Attitude Problem…
By Matthew Cerrone
Between the ages of 13 and 17, spanning two seasons of high school ball and four seasons of playing statewide Babe Ruth League Baseball during the falls and summers of Connecticut, I was 72-20 with a 1.78 ERA, with 656 strikeouts in 503 innings pitched. I played for countless All-Star teams, including a game at the Baseball Hall of Fame, and hoped to one day pitch at the college level before severing the anterior cruciate ligaments in each of my knees. In addition to striking out batters, I was banned from three All-Star teams, took part in three on-field brawls, quit Varsity, was ejected from eight games for slamming my helmet, throwing inside at batters and arguing calls with opposing coaches and umpires.
My friend’s parents deemed me disrespectful, and the league eventually had more meetings over my conduct between the lines than they did over maintaining the fields. And though I would sit alone between innings of the games I pitched, and would require special treatment from my coaches, such as a particular kind of grape Gatorade and ample time to warm up, my teammates loved me because I believed in myself and in them, would do anything to fight on their behalf and made it clear to everyone that all that mattered to me was winning. I’m not proud of my behavior, but I’m not ashamed either – as it’s one of the few times I’ve tackled life with so much passion.
During an interview on WFAN, Chris Russo asked newly acquired Mets starting pitcher Pedro Martinez, “Do you feel you have something to prove?”
Martinez responded, with a spattering of sarcasm, “To who?”
“To the fans, to your critics, Pedro,” Russo filled in.
Martinez simply ended the discussion with, “No,” and moved on to the next question.
I understand, Pedro. I understand completely.
The only person Martinez must prove something to is himself – everyone else comes second. This could be called selfish, it could be called arrogant. I like to think its passion and determination, which is something that has been lacking within the clubhouse of the New York Mets for some time now. Martinez will hopefully bring it back.
Growing up through my eyes, the Mets were seen as a hardnosed, blue-collar team, that forced me to look in the dictionary for the difference between the words cocky and confident on a number of occasions – turns out they were both. Even during the late 1990’s, when Bobby Valentine was at the wheel, the Mets smiled, won games by the skin of their teeth and scrambled around the bases with guts and greatness.
The last few years, though, with a mix of broken down veterans, fledgling rookies, a laid back manager and a by-committee management team, the Mets have become confusing and boring.
Martinez is fire, though – he is fury, he is fear, he is far from boring and is exactly what the Mets need.
My mother never discouraged the way I approached playing the game of baseball. In fact, upon returning from a three-game suspension for hitting a batter that had taken out my shortstop with a cheap slide into second, she purchased me a T-shirt that read, “I Love My Attitude Problem,” which I proudly wore for everyone to see while throwing before the game. Many of my friend’s parents probably shamed her for this, as did my coaches colleagues throughout the leagues. To my backers, however, it was encouragement for me to be original, to love what I was doing and to be proud of my abilities.
If being a personality, being unique and loving what you do is considered having an attitude problem, well, then, I love Pedro’s attitude problem, and I hope he thrives in the face of his detractors while pitching for the New York Mets.
Matthew Cerrone is a student and freelance writer living in Connecticut. If you would like Matthew to write an article for your organization, email him at mattcerrone@metsblog.com.
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| Mets Contracts… |
The Mets re-signed C Vance Wilson to a one-year, $760,000 contract. They didn’t tender contracts, however, to RHP Orber Moreno and RHP Scott Strickland, thus adding the two relievers to the current class of free agents. The moves open up two slots on the team’s 40-man roster. |
| MetsBlog’s Take… |
Both Moreno and Strickland are questionable for opening day. The Mets must’ve felt it was not worth tendering contracts, and occupying roster spots, for guys unlikely to contribute at the start of the season. They can, of course, re-sign both players, which is possible. This could be one of those moves we quickly forget, or could be moaning about endlessly after Moreno saves 40 games for some small market team this season. Note: According to the Daily News, Mets GM Omar Minaya referred to Scott Strickland as Rod Strickland, the one-time New York Knicks guard. Oops. |
| Notable Non-Tenders… |
| SS David Eckstein, RHP Wade Miller, 2B Alex Cora and 1B Josh Phelps were not tendered contracts and have joined the free agent market. |
| Mike Cameron |
Mike Cameron will have off-season surgery to repair damaged cartilage in his left wrist. He will miss spring training and possibly all of April. “The doctors told me three months until I can start to swing a bat but I know in my own mind, I can make it sooner,” Cameron said in a statement. “My hands bothered me most of last year and I don’t want to go through that experience again.” |
| MetsBlog’s Take |
Hmmm…. If only there was a free agent the Mets could sign that plays a great centerfield… By the way, Newsday reports that OF Carlos Beltran‘s agent Scott Boras, who also represents OF Magglio Ordonez, has asked for a meeting with the Mets’ front office… Beltran is scheduled to meet with Yankees owner George Steinbrenner today. Hey, Carlos, don’t forget to bring a Calzone… |
| Chris Woodward |
| The New York Post claims the Mets are close to signing 2B-SS Chris Woodward. |
| MetsBlog’s Take… |
At age 28, Woodward is a nice player, and would make for a solid backup to Jose Reyes. In his first full season starting in Toronto he hit .276 with 13 home runs. However, his time diminished due to injuries, inconsistent play and a high strikeout -to-walk ratio. In addition to his traditional roll as a shortstop, over the last three seasons Woodward has played six games at first, ten at second and four at third. Spanning 111 at-bats against teams from the National League, Woodward has a .288 batting average. Defensively, Woodward leaves a lot to be desired. Though he can make an occasional dazzling play, he turns the double play very week and has averaged one error for every seven games he played in the field over the last three seasons. |
| Moises Alou |
| According to OF Moises Alou’s agent, Fern Cuza, reports on NYFansOnly.com that Alou and the Mets had agreed to a deal were false, writes the New York Post. |
| Shea Hillenbrand |
| The New York Post writes that Mets GM Omar Minaya furthered explored a deal with Arizona that would send OF Cliff Floyd to the Diamondbacks in exchange for 1B-3B Shea Hillenbrand. |
| MetsBlog’s Take… |
Hillenbrand, 29, hit .310 with 15 homers and 80 RBIs in 148 games played last season, while batting .280 with 20 HR and 97 RBIs in 134 games played in 2003 split between Boston and Arizona. The kid can hit, that’s for sure, putting most of his base hits into the outfield’s gaps, something that could translate well at Shea. However, he is amongst the league’s worst at drawing a walk. For a team that has preached the importance of defense, the Mets would be very disappointed in Hillenbrand’s clumsiness at first base. In short, while playing first, he resembles the grace of C Mike Piazza. A positional convert from third base, Hillenbrand is looking more or more like a career designated hitter. He is a helluva hitter, though. He will likely receive a small pay increase from his 2004 salary of $2.6 million through salary arbitration, and is two years away from free agency. |
| Confidence Rating |
| On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being total confidence, 0 being no confidence at all, how confident are you that the current Mets roster can make the playoffs in 2005? |
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| Moises Alou |
| Though no official announcement has been made, and no other news sources reporting the same, Mark Healey of NYFanSites.com reported on Sunday that OF Moises Alou has agreed to sign with the New York Mets.
The Chicago Sun-Times believes that Alou is seeking a deal worth $6 million per year. |
| Magglio Ordonez |
| OF Magglio Ordonez is expected to workout for interested teams on an individual basis in mid-January. |
| Matt Clement |
| ESPN reports that RHP Matt Clement and the Boston Red Sox agreed Friday to a three-year deal worth $25.5 million. |
| The 40-man Roster |
| The Mets claimed OF Ron Calloway off of waivers. |
| MetsBlog’s Take |
| The addition of Calloway puts the Mets’ 40-man roster at 40 men. Meaning, if a new player is added, such as an Alou, or Delgado, a roster spot will need to be made available and a current player will either be traded or risk being lost by being put on waivers. |
| Carlos Beltran |
| The Daily News suggests that the Yankees plan to offer OF Carlos Beltran a seven-year deal worth $14 million to $15 million per season. |
| Pedro Martinez |
| Under the terms of his $53 million contract with the Mets, according to the Associated Press, Pedro Martinez will recieve a $3.5 million signing bonus and salaries of $10 million, $14 million, $14 million and $11.5 million. |
| Aubrey Huff |
| The Devil Rays are looking for ways to trade 1B-3B-OF Aubrey Huff, the Toronto Star reports. |
| The Market |
| Of the 41 players offered salary arbitration on December 7, only Placido Polanco, Ron Villone and Roger Clemens accepted their team’s offer.
Players that have declined arbitration have until January 8 to negotiate with thier former clubs. If a deal is not reached, they are restricted from signing with their former team until May 15. Therefore, if OF Carlos Beltran has not signed a contract with the Houston Astros by January 8, he will not be an Astro, and so on. |
| MetsBlog’s Take |
Typically, the week leading up to Christmas is quiet on the player acquisition front. This year should prove to be no different. In fact, the markets will be more or less on hold until 1) free agent OF Carlos Beltran decides where he would like to play the next few seasons, 2) the non-tenders hit the free agent pool, and 3) until the Yankees, Dodgers and Diamondbacks can push their three-way trade through the multitude of barriers that are keeping it from becoming official. Beltran’s indecision has the Dodgers eager to move 1B-OF Sean Green’s salary, and has the Mets holding off on committing to 1B Carlos Delgado. Delgado has the Red Sox scrambling to trade both 1B Kevin Millar and 1B Doug Mientkiewicz, who the Mets, Dodgers and Orioles could be interested in if they lose out on Delgado – and you can add the White Sox to that list if they ship out 1B Paul Konerko to the Dodgers as a follow-up to the big three-way trade that would jettison Green. The Cubs badly want to make a pitch to Beltran, or for Green, but can’t even think about doing so unless they can move OF Sammy Sosa, who is the back-up plan for the Mets if they lose out on Beltran or Delgado. And then, of course, if a team can’t land a premier free agent, or make a blockbuster trade, a new crop of free agents will hit the market tonight, when teams non-tender players they feel unworthy of a salary hike – a list that could include Detroit 3B Eric Munson, Cleveland 1B Josh Phelps, Houston RHP Wade Miller, Pirates OF Rob Mackowiak, Twins OF Jacque Jones, Reds 2B-SS D’Angelo Jiminez, Oakland 1B Erubiel Durazo, and Nationals C Brian Schneider, OF-1B Brad Wilkerson, 1B Nick Johnson and SP Tomo Ohka and Tony Armas Jr. In other words, following a few exciting weeks of Hot Stove Baseball, we’re back to playing the waiting game. |
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The
Locker Room breaks down how the four-year deal between the Mets and RHP
Pedro Martinez will ultimately play out, this afternoon, at
MetsBlog.com…
Andrew, from Chuck’n’Duck…
Pedro’s
obviously a risk, as any long-term deal for an aging pitcher is – but,
it’s one made with the intention of selling tickets and selling free
agents on the idea of the Mets organization. And on that basis alone, the signing of Pedro will be a successful one.
Does anyone really doubt he’s got two good years left in him?
It’s
those third and fourth years that are the questionable ones, and even
then I can’t see Pedro’s talent falling off the table so much that his
contract is a hindrance to the team. To make an omelet you have to
break a few eggs, and it seems the Mets are finally realizing that.
Matt, from Gogs in the Greek God of Geeks…
I think Andrew brings up a huge point right now – there is no excuse for the Mets not signing Carlos Delgado at this point. Seattle has signed Beltre and Sexson, and the only competition seems to be the Orioles. With Pedro recruiting and the big lights of New York, Carlos should be in a Mets uniform within two weeks.
And now that Hudson will be the number one starter for the Braves, Delgado is a necessity.
As
far as Pedro’s four years are concerned, I’ll pull this one out of
nowhere: he’ll win a Cy Young in one of his first two seasons. If he puts up 700IP and a 3.00 ERA in the four seasons, I’ll jump through the roof of my house. More realistic? 630IP and a 3.25 ERA.
Still, I’ll take it.
Even for around $13 million a year.
The Metropolitans…
Matt, I agree – I am expecting big things. People
can say what they want about him in the decline of his career, but he’s
still one of the top five pitchers in the National League. I’ll put him up against anyone.
He’s thrown over 110 pitches in 16 of the 37 total games he’s started. He’s a risk, but a lot of pitchers are a risk. It has been mostly speculation about his shoulder, but it does not look like it slowed him down in 2002, 2003, and 2004. Randy Johnson is a risk too, but these two are not Steve Trachsel. They are first ballot Hall of Famers, and Pedro has a definite shot at the Cy Young.
Henry, from Old Backstop’s Blog…
This move has so many faces that it’s hard to make a blanket statement about it one way or another.
For
starters, what Pedro will earn the Mets in television and turnstile
revenue will immediately knock out a chunk of his salary. Martinez will also bring confidence, arrogance and the spirit of a winner right into the New York Met clubhouse. People will turn to him immediately. In the eyes of Jose Reyes, Vic Diaz and other young Latin American Mets, Pedro Martinez is a God.
Matthew Cerrone, from MetsBlog.com…
I’m working on an article that deals with this more deeply, but I’ll touch on it a bit here…
Sure,
he brings credibility, and he brings talent, and hopefully he brings a
boat load of free agents that plan to follow in his wake – but in
addition to that he brings attitude.
Henry, you refer to this as “arrogance” and “confidence,” and I think that is very important.
What
Pedro has is this indefinable charisma that doesn’t give a rat’s ass
what his opponents and the media have to say, including us. He just wants to do the best he can, for his soul, and beyond that he is satisfied with nothing short of a victory.
While
I hope most all professional athletes feel this way, Pedro wears it on
his sleeve and uses it as ammunition while glaring at batters from the
mound, as if to say, “this is my team, my mound, my livelihood, and
you’re not taking it away from me, not even for one single at-bat.”
Henry, from Old Backstop’s Blog…
What
really struck me the most about the Minaya press conference is just how
aware he is regarding the impact this signing will have on the Mets
farm in five, eight or even ten years. Today’s young Latin American teenagers are aware of this move. Many of them may want to become New York Mets when they grow up. That means more than just his contract.
Matthew Cerrone, from MetsBlog.com…
Not
to beat a dead horse, and maybe I’m just drunk on Blue n’ Orange
Kool-Aid, but, you’re right OB, this signing, to snag a word from Omar,
“transcends” the pitchers mound and the obvious impact it has on the
team’s wallet.
The Metropolitans…
In 2006, the Mets only have about $57.50 million in committed payroll including, Pedro and Benson, as of right now. That number is significantly reduced to about $35 million in committed payroll in 2007 with only $25.5 million in 2008. They have the flexibility today and they have more in the following years. They can continue to add some pieces as time goes on , and they have some pretty good players coming up over the next few years.
Jason, from Always Amazin’…
Pedro accomplishes two things:
1) He upgrades the rotation, at least in the short term.
2) He brings a recognizable and marketable new face to the franchise.
The
Mets are paying Pedro a premium for his star quality – but that isn’t a
problem because even with his contract, they’re still going to have a
large amount of payroll flexibility the next two-years.
Omar still has moves to make but I think they’ll be easier now that the Mets have shown a commitment to Pedro.
Bottom
line: I think Pedro gives the Mets two spectacular years and two
average ones, stays healthy, and fills the ballpark while attracting
additional talent to Shea. The Mets make the postseason starting in 2006.
Andrew, from Chuck’n’Duck…
The big question is: who is Pedro attracting?
The Mets have a bit of a problem in the sense that they’re going to have to land a Carlos Delgado or JD Drew now if they’re interested in competing by 2006.
This free agent market is pretty solid, and the Mets have the chance to sign another big name along with Pedro. However,
next year’s free agents aren’t nearly as big a deal, and what if Pedro
gets injured and makes six starts, or just flops completely? The
aura of Pedro isn’t bringing anybody to the Mets next offseason if he
breaks down or fails, and they’re stuck in the same place they’ve been
the past four seasons.
It’s getting to be critical that the Mets land a big bat.
Matthew Cerrone, from MetsBlog.com…
Great job, guys.
Thanks.
To
read more from Andrew, the Metropolitans, Matt, Jason and Henry, check
out their blogs, in addition to MetsBlog, of course, which are featured
in the Locker Room section of our sidebar.
Appearing as a phone guest on WFAN’s midday show, former Mets manager Bobby Valentine announced he will be filling in for WFAN during the holidays as a host of random programming, starting next Tuesday and Wednesday from 10-2, including remote shows from his restaurant in Stamford.
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| Johnson-Green-Vazquez |
| TSN’s Ken Rosenthal was the first to report that the Yankees will get LHP Randy Johnson in a three-team deal that will send RHP Javier Vazquez and prospects 3B Eric Duncan and C Dioner Navarro to the Dodgers, while RHP Brad Penny, OF-1B Shawn Green and Yhency Brazoban ship off to the Diamondbacks. ESPN’s Jayson Stark, however, says that the three-team deal may not get done, as it was contingent on the Dodgers re-signing 3B Adrian Beltre, who, instead, signed a five-year deal with Seattle late yesterday afternoon. There has been no confirmation from any of the teams that a deal is finalized. |
| MetsBlog’s Take… |
| If the Dodgers planned to spend $12.5 million on Beltre, and have now freed up salary in moving Green, could they be ready to enter the bidding for OF Carlos Beltran?
“It’s been made perfectly clear to us that we probably needn’t bother,” Dodgers GM Paul DePodesta said of Beltran to the L.A. Times. “He has interested parties for places he’d rather be.” Oh, okay. Well, maybe not, then. The Times lists the places Beltran would rather be as the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs, to name four. Hold up…who? The New York Mets? Hmmm….Interesting. No sooner does Newsday then report, according to several people familiar with the team’s thinking, that the Mets are talking about ways to land the off-season’s top free agent. “Everything is a possibility,” one high-ranking Mets official told Newsday. |
| Pedro Martinez |
| According to the New York Post, RHP Pedro Martinez’s contract has a full no-trade clause. |
| Kevin Millar |
| “Can’t have us both back,” Kevin Millar told the Boston Herald, about both he and Doug Mientkiewicz heading into next season with the Red Sox. “I’ve already expressed that to Theo and he knows that. You’re not going to spend that much money and have two guys sitting part of the time. I’m not going to platoon behind Doug Mientkiewicz, to be honest with you. I’ve proven myself here. Two years ago we were five outs away and last year we won. It’s not a platoon spot. I’m not gonna platoon with Doug, and I’m sure he doesn’t want to, either.” |
| Carlos Delgado |
| Contrary to reports, the New York Post believes the Mets have only offered a three-year deal to 1B Carlos Delgado, not four as was initially suggested. Our old friend Jorge Arangure Jr., formerly of the Star-Ledger, now covering the Orioles for the The Washington Post, writes that Baltimore’s talks with Delgado have “stalled.” Arangure cites the Mets as Delgado’s most “aggressive bidder.” |
| The Atlanta Braves |
| The Braves traded LHP Dan Meyer, OF Charles Thomas and RHP Juan Cruz to Oakland for RHP Tim Hudson, and then re-signed RHP John Smoltz to a two-year extension worth $20 million. |
| MetsBlog’s Take |
| MetsBlog’s Matthew Cerrone talked with Baseball America about the trade yesterday evening. Check it out here: Hudson to the Braves. |
| Moises Alou |
| “Moises [Alou] and Pedro [Martinez] are some of the closest friends you can imagine,” Fernando Cuza, who represents both players, told the Daily News. “They played together in Montreal for years. They’re very good friends in the Dominican. Alou is the ultimate competitor. If he’s going to end his career, he wants to go out there and try to compete for a championship.” |
| David Wright |
| “The thing that sticks out in my mind is every day, every game, we’re going to have a quality arm on the mound. Being able to play defense behind Pedro Martinez, behind Tom Glavine, Kris Benson, Victor Zambrano and Steve Trachsel, we’re going to go out expecting to win. That translates over onto the offensive side.” – David Wright, as quoted by the Daily News. |
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Matthew Cerrone, of MetsBlog.com, talks with Kevin Goldstein and Chris Kline of Baseball America about the deal that sends RHP Tim Hudson to the Atlanta Braves, this evening, at MetsBlog.com…
Matthew Cerrone, of MetsBlog.com…
Hats off to John Schuerholz. I mean, this guy, with all due respect for my allegiance to the Mets, is possibly the best General Manager of all-time. Go to Baseball-Reference.com and scroll through the roster changes that team has gone through over the last decade and it’s amazing how correct he is on nearly every move he makes. The National League East just got a lot more interesting. And, although this move seems somewhat depressing for a Mets fan, especially coming on the heels of our big day today, I can’t wait for those Braves-Mets games in September when Hudson squares off against Pedro, and Glavine goes up against Smoltz. Bring it on.
As for the overall, minor league ramifications, Baseball America, do you have any thoughts on the trade?
Chris Kline, Baseball America minor league columnist…
I think they could have gotten more. I was surprised when the Braves dealt [Jose] Capellan to the Brewers, as well – but they seem to have a knack of knowing just when to deal arms. Meyer was the best lefty in their system and I like him a lot.
Matthew Cerrone…
He seems to be the gem in the deal.
Kevin Goldstein, general manager of Baseball America…
Meyer is a very good prospect. But, I wouldn’t have given up on Cruz.
Chris Kline…
Juan Cruz is a good young arm, but he’s more of a project – pitched mostly in relief last year in some spot starts.
Matthew Cerrone…
Man, I respect Schuerholz, but those are a lot of arms to part with in a week…
Chris Kline…
like I said, I didn’t like the Capellan deal, in part because I was blowing him up since last April – before he hit the map at the futures game. But, for whatever reason, they know when to deal guys.
Matthew Cerrone…
Overall, what kind of grade would give this trade, for the Braves and for the A’s?
Kevin Goldstein…
A for the Braves, B for the A’s.
Chris Kline…
Hudson has only one year left on his contract, so you have to weigh that in. I’d give the Braves an A-, just for the one-year deal and whether they’ll be able to re-sign him; and the A’s get a C for what they got in return – a future lefty who projects as a no. 2 or no. 3, a platoon OF/pinch runner; and a guy not even the braves could fix.
The Oakland A’s have traded RHP Tim Hudson to the Braves for OF Charles Thomas, RHP Juan Cruz and LHP Dan Meyer.
More on this to come…
