Jack Torrance - contributing reporter
Hindsight is 20/20, while it will be a few seasons before we know how well these deals worked out for both teams, let's go ahead and take a look back at a few deals that were made this season, and there were many of them this year - 33 in fact!
All grades are just for this season alone, with the understanding that looking back in 4-5 seasons that grades could drastically change.
Portland (72-90) traded Erasmo James (SP) to Anaheim (64-98) for prospect Kenley Uribe (LF). Uribe saw some slight growth in his splits and contact, but also hit a set back with an injury. We'll monitor him in the coming years to see how valuable this deal was. Portland who wasn't expected to contend, shed James' multi year contract, who still has 3/$18M remaining and added a little depth. Anaheim picked up a back of the rotation arm who ended up 4-20 with a near 5.10 ERA. He was hit hard to the tune of a .290 OAV and 1.55 WHIP. Hopefully the next three years of that contract work a lot better for the Diablos.
Portland - A-. Anaheim - C-
New Orleans (114-48) traded diamond in the rough prospect Brandon Grim (SS) to Seoul (77-85) in exchange for $4M + Max Hernandez (SS) + Gabriel Martinez (C). Seoul felt Grim would be ready and gave him the starting SS job as their owner put the franchise into a rebuild but unfortunately he's top 5 in the league in errors. Hernandez's salary was only $5M so the extra money covered the majority of his salary this season, as a near All-Star the upgrade to the plus defender; Hernandez also still out hit the rookie Grim. On a $1.8M salary, Martinez offered the NOOFs a better backup than Chavez whose only playing time was down to pitch hits and giving starting first baseman James Kondou a rest; at least until the NOOFs later traded for a new starter, Keith Halter (see below). Hernandez and Martinez did not become league wide favorites, but many NOOF fans know how valuable they were to this season.
New Orleans - A. Seoul - B-, could be worse but they cleared future salary for S55/56 and that's huge for rebuilding teams.
Houston (106-56) traded a package of Derek Shaw (CF), Mikey Abbott (RP), and rookie Ron Hill (SP) to Monterrey (88-74) for Jasias Albaladejo (CF). Jasias has one more year of control, Arb3, so we'll see what Houston does with him; but I assume after giving up a package of players they will try their best to extend him. He ended up being one of roughly 20 players to hit 20+ 2B, 20+ HR, and 20+ SB. He also provided a slight upgrade from Shaw in CF with less errors and more plus plays. He ranked in the bottom half of CFers in errors and top half in plus plays. In return for the lesser CF in the deal, Monterrey also picked up Hill, who saw time both starting and in the bullpen to less than stellar reviews. Abbott on the other hand, in his Arb1 year became a solid valuable setup man for the Stoics. If future seasons hold to this year, Monterrey added a solid SuA and long reliever/spot starter for a slight downgrade in CF.
Monterrey - B. Houston - B+.
Vancouver (73-89) dealt Ron McDowell (2B) to Seoul (77-85) for Arthur Clippard (RP) in another deal to clear salary for the new owner. McDowell will fill a hole up the middle for Seoul in the years to come while they rebuild the franchise and at a minimum cost. He didn't see much growth this season, minus picking up his ability vR slightly. But his health and defensive ratings should be solid for years to come. Clippard on the other hand, was thankful to get out of Colorado, even if the franchise was leaving to Seoul anyways. He's turned out his best year, and in Canada none-the-less; and was rewarded with a 4/$23.2M front loaded extension.
Vancouver - A, Seoul - B
Houston (106-56) with another early off-season deal, this time sending Jhonatan Castro (SS) and Jeff Jones (RP) to Portland (72-90) for Norm Cunningham (SP) and Boone Maxwell (RF). This deal had a HUGE effect on each franchise this season and will for many years to come. It took $32M to sign Castro as an IFA last season and he's made his way up to AAA this year, continuing to grow as a player at the plate. Though he'll likely shift off SS at some point before making the majors, even with plus range for a SS his glove would be slow to make the play. Jones, a former 9th overall draft pick had a great season, closing out games for Portland. Even lead the NL in saves though just missed the Fireman of the Year award to reigning Fireman Ronnie Andrews of New Orleans. Jones was also nominated for NL Rookie of the Year. His rates haven't been the best, but he gets the job done. Heading back to Houston were Cunningham who hit a slight bump with an injury that took a bit off him; at just 23 yrs old he should still be fun to watch grow as Houston continues promoting their young players. Despite the injury, he still had a career year. Maxwell a former #22 pick was given the promotion to the big leagues after a short stint in AAA ball. He's provided power at the bottom of the order without giving away too many easy outs.
Houston - A+. Portland - A
Seoul (77-85) continued to deal, this time sending Sammy Beltre (SS) and Posiedon Duran (SP) to Minnesota (85-77) for Humberto Polonia (RP) and Jeremy Choice (SP). Duran saw some growth at AA but still requires a lot of improvement before he's useful at even the AAA level. Beltre was solid as a shorts, not creating too many errors and giving up 0 minus plays. He also provided a bit of speed and a .290+ average on the season over 400 ABs. What Seoul really added was two minimum level salaries for their pitching staff. Choice was the better...choice, as he even started quite a few games. A near 4.30 ERA means he was slightly below average. Polonia on the other hand saw little to no innings and an even higher ERA.
Seoul - C. Minnesota - B-.
Seoul (77-85) sent Gonzalez Ramirez (RF) to Chicago (107-55) for rookie Adalberto Ontiveros (C/DH). In a change of events, Seoul looked to acquire ML talent rather than thinking about the future. In a strange twist Chicago ends up waiving the player just a few days later. AO would have seen more time but Seoul followed up with another Catcher trade. Monterrey wins the trade for picking up the 19 yr old Ramirez on the waiver. He shows great power, Chicago's MO, but lacks eye.
Seoul - B. Chicago - F.
Augusta (66-96) sent Cliff Calderon (C) packing to Seoul (77-85) for Toby Service (SS). Another deal where Seoul was adding ML talent rather than waiting for the future. Calderon immediately replaced the newly acquired Ontiveros, starting behind the plate. And likely for a few more years, as he's signed at $5M per through S56. Service seems your prototypical defensive SS, but we'll have to come back to this deal in the future to see what true value Augusta got out of it, besides clearing salary for a team that wasn't looking to compete during Cliff's contract. Decent add for Augusta if Service can work on that glove; which he did quite well this season. He should be ML ready after a productive off-season, well at least in the field he'll be ready.
Seoul - B+. Augusta - B+.
Top powerhouse Hartford (105-57) and New Orleans (114-48) find another way to continue making trades together. This time with Hartford sending prospect Omar Villano (RF) to the NOOFs for Victor Ortega (SP/RP). Hartford immediately started stretching Ortega out to be used in their rotation compared to the NOOFs bullpen where he had found plenty of success. In a quick flip, Villano didn't stay a NOOF for long, likely didn't even get to visit Bourbon Street before he was shipped off to Atlanta (103-59) along with Alejandro Latos (2B) for aging S52 & 53 AL Cy Young winner William Thompson. The deal shifted Danys Solis from the rotation back to the bullpen. Thompson was immediately signed to a 3 yr extension, but S54 hasn't been kind to him. This contract will likely look like a Fat Cat by year 2, if not sooner due to his major injury. Given their training program, the NOOFs ownership has been very surprised to see the drops, even at the age of 36. Atlanta on the other side, got something for Thompson before his decline and with their pitching depth; they haven't seen many issues continuing their top of the division ways. Latos has the speed, averaging 80 stolen bases a year in the minors but he's been held to a supportive role on the bench. While you can't plan for injuries, even when your training staff and doctors are top notch; this deal gets worse for the NOOFs after losing Thompson for the rest of the year and at least half of next year. If his ratings are able to recover, some of this deal might be salvaged. Unlikely to win, Thompson was still said to have been on quite a few Cy Young ballots leading up to his injury.
Hartford - A. New Orleans - B+. Atlanta - A
Seoul (77-85) sent Edgmer Fernandez (RP) to Hartford (105-57) for Lenny Fond (2B). Fond was a part timer who saw occasional time in CF and barely hit his weight; and likely only found time on a major league team with the rebuilding/rebranding Seoul Bears. Hopefully his Korean is better than his bat. I wouldn't expect too much out of him in the years to come. Heading back to Hartford was Fernandez, who finally got promoted to the major league club the last few games of the season. He was demoted in AAA, after giving up 4 runs in 6 2/3rds. On the bright side, he did strike out 8 and only walked 1. Perhaps he'll find himself and come back strong next season.
Seoul - B. Hartford - B.
Atlanta (103-59) continued to make waves per usual on the trade market, this time with Montreal (76-86), exchanging prospects Don Peterson (LF) and Reid Jackson (1B) for Sidney Houston (LF) + $4.8M; basically covering all of his salary. Peterson progressed a bit during the season, gaining points in nearly every hitting category, but unless he greatly improves in the field, he's nothing but a DH on the NL team. Jackson on the other hand made little progress since coming over to the FPPs. It's one thing to trade away the contract of a major leaguer and a different one to cover his contract; but Canada should have gotten more for this return. In true fashion, Houston wouldn't stay long in Atlanta, being traded a bit later to Tokyo (68-94) for Odalis Navarre (DH). In a strange twist, thinking Tokyo was adding Houston to a run at the division; Houston received his walking papers just a week later and funny enough, Montreal grabbed him off waivers.
In the end, taking waivers into account, these two deals ended up being:
Atlanta gave prospects Peterson and Jackson and received $4.8M + Navarre
Montreal gave $4.8M and received Peterson and Jackson
Tokyo gave Navarre and received Houston's salary but not his service.
Atlanta - A. Montreal - C. Tokyo - F
Seoul (77-85) continuing to make deals, sent two prospects, former #34 overall pick in S52 draft Chris Gore (CF) and former #44 overall pick in S53 draft Lawrence Hutch (RP) to Austin (70-92) for former #12 overall pick in S53 draft Fausto Silverio (P). Strangely Silverio hasn't seen much action this season in A- ball; only making 3 starts before landing on the DL with TJ Surgery. We'll need a few more seasons before we see how this one pans out but it was promising for Seoul until the injury. Hutch made some progress in A+, while Gore slipped a bit from last season in AAA. An injury took a bit out of him.
Seoul - N/A. Austin - N/A.
Philadelphia (86-76) looking to get back to the World Series, sent prospect and diamond in the rough Delvi Campbell (SP) to Tacoma (65-97) for $500k + Nestor Merced (SS). Merced, a slightly above average shortstop has performed about as expected minus the drop he took in the power department. Tacoma sheds next year's contract of Merced while looking to do a little rebuild. Campbell made it up to AAA for a single start, throwing 7 innings of 1 run ball.
Philadelphia - B. Tacoma - B
In one of the largest deals of the season, Philadelphia (86-76) sent three players; Sal Judge (CF), Otto Alston (RF), and Dernell Rollins (2B) to Augusta (66-96) for three players; Cody Ramsey (LF), Pinky Salazar (CF), and prospect Yusmeiro Del Rosario (SS). Del Rosario was slotted into a starting spot in AA and made slight improvements with his glove and accuracy over the course of the season. Could we see him up to the majors next year as a ultra cheap defensive replacement? Pinky was no brain, and offered below replacement level value at the plate and about average in the field. Ramsey wasn't much to write home to mom either, hitting .253 with 3 HR and 2 SBs for Philly (.236 and 6/5 on the season). Returning to Augusta was Rollins, who saw decent improvements in A+ ball improving in nearly every category. The jury is still out if he will continue and actually make it to the big leagues. Alston did similar in A- ball, and Judge continued to see his first look at the majors; hitting .247 with 0 HR and 17 SB for Augusta. Defensively he picked up time all over the field with success. The real key was dropping salary for Augusta in years in which they won't be competitive.
Philadelphia - B-. Augusta - A.
In another turn of events for Seoul (77-85), they dealt their power hitter, Josmil Velazquez (1B) + $2M + former $7.8M IFA prospect Leonel Romano (LF) to Milwaukee (69-93) for former #12 overall S52 draft pick Benny Ward (LF) + former #8 overall S53 draft pick Fred Russell (SP). Velazquez was having a HUGE down year but that's expected after leaving the thin air of Colorado. Luckily he now finds himself back home in a slight hitter's park. His numbers have taken a slight tick up but not anywhere near the MVP numbers he was putting up in Colorado. We'll wait to see how the prospects pan out, but return looks good for Seoul.
Seoul - A. Milwaukee - B+.
Milwaukee (69-93) then moved former #7 overall S50 draft pick Antonio Lincoln (3B) and Guillermo Tavarez (RP) to Portland (72-90) for former $5.2 IFA prospect Aramis Ramirez (3B) and long time AAA prospect Yoslan Padilla (RP). Ramirez saw little growth in the minors for Milwaukee and Padilla made 20 appearances for the major league club with near 5.00 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP. The K an inning showed some promise. Tavarez on the other hand, made 60 relief appearances to a slightly lower ERA and nearly identical WHIP. Lincoln on the other hand, spent all year in AAA but made a few ticks of improvement.
Milwaukee - C+. Portland - B-.
Already a lot of trades of the season, saw even more when Columbus (60-102) went on their fire sale; which we covered on the blog. But now that the season is over, let's rate some of these trades. The initial deal that set it off was sending Keith Halter (1B) to New Orleans (114-48) in return for Gonzalez Liriano (CF) + Chris Sinclair (RP) + Hooks Mateo (SP). The NOOF add the power bat they were looking for, while also providing themselves with a quality pitch hitter. Of all the Columbus deals, this appears to be the best return he got in all the packages. Halter hit career high avaerages across teh board while playing for the NOOFs. The three prospects all spent time in AAA, but I'd expect to see them next year at the ML level since they've all reached their development peaks.
Columbus - N/A. New Orleans - A+.
Next Columbus (60-102) sent Alan Street (SP) + $5M to Atlanta (x-x) for Ruben Saurez (SP) and rookie Javier Uribe (RF) who was immediately given a promotion to the majors. If the previous deal wasn't his best return, then it has to be this one. Saurez made some interesting progress this season and likely is added to the rotation next year; but we'll see if he's every able to handle righties. Uribe was immediately promoted to the majors where he hit 17 home runs over 450 at bats and a .250 average. He makes great contact but will always struggle against righties and doesn't run very well. Street on the other hand after a few injuries made quite a few improvements while on the DL. He replaced Thompson in the rotation who the Expos had dealt earlier. We'll see if he's back in time for the playoffs this year. He'll be on the final year of his contract next season, but I'd suspect with those improvements he signs an extension with Atlanta sometime within the next 365 days.
Columbus - B+. Atlanta - A.
Columbus (60-102) moved both of their big bullpen arms, Brooks Bonilla (RP) + Marcos Owen (RP) + $5M. Initially deciding not to trade them to the NOOFs and received a package of Alberto Lopez (CF) + Boots Blake (SP) + Felipe Teheran (C) + Kendrys Espinoza (SP) from Hartford (105-57). While Espinoza made improvements and we'll see if he can get his splits up to acceptable to be serviceable at the ML level. The other prospect in the deal was Lopez, who had very minor improvements and saw time in A- ball. Blake started 24 games for Columbus, going 4-7 with a 5.02 ERA and 1.64 WHIP. I'd expect slightly better results but not much better next year. Teheran at age 31 had a career year, but I'd expect him to regress a bit next year. Columbus definitely could have gotten more for their two bullpen aces; especially for the one who is #2 all-time in OAV currently; even if he did land on the 60-day DL. We'll have to see how he recovers. Bonilla has been his typical self, though seemed to have more success in the closer role than the setup role.
Columbus - C. Hartford - A+
Columbus (60-102) went on to unload even more talent, this time trading Nefi Sierra (3B) + $4M to Oklahoma City (91-71) for Giancarlo Pinzon (2B) + Tsubasa Maeda (LF) + Babe Benincasa (SS). Another big injury to a former Columbus player that saw him play in only 18 games for OKC. He's signed through S58 so still plenty of time for this deal to pan out. Pinzon enters his Arb3 year next season and only offered replacement level production. Columbus would likely target 2B Shea Crowe or save the money for a rebuild towards prospects. Either way he's likely released. Benincasa is a high defensive guy but we'll see if his arm strength improves enough to stay at Short; but he's slightly above what you'd find in the Rule 5 draft. Maeda saw the most improvement about of the returning players, but his bat is likely average as well.
Columbus - C. Oklahoma City - A.
Houston (106-56) was the next to take advantage, sending Ted Nelson (2B) + Harry Beliveau (LF) + Enrique Santana (RP) to Columbus (60-102) for Anibal Castillo (CF) + $5M. Leaving Columbus, Castillo had a great season down in Houston, hitting career highs across the board in AVG, OBP, and SLG. Houston's young roster can easily manage the 2/$40M he's still owed and with a possibility to sign a cheaper extension he could be manning CF at Minute Maid for quite a few seasons. Santana finally got a full season in and while he pitched better for Columbus than he did back in Houston, he wasn't fantastic results. 4.12 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP over 57 games, saving only 2 of his 6 opportunities and going 4-5 for the new home team. He'll be cheap roster filler for the next 2-4 seasons. Beliveau didn't see any progress down in AA; we'll see if he's brought up next season or not. The biggest prize for Columbus was Nelson; who may not have much power but offers a ton of speed, great contact and a fantastic eye. He was covered a few year's back on the blog after being drafted #11 last season, S53.
Columbus - B-. Houston - A+.
To not be outdone, New Orleans (114-48) reached out to Columbus (60-102) sending Tim Timmons (SP) + Kolten Gonzalez (SP) for $4M + Edgardo Boscan (SP/RP). The money covered the majority of Boscan S54 salary, though the NOOFs are on the hook for his $6.3M next season. He offers some injury insurance and pitching depth but likely comes out of the pen. Kolton was doing great in AAA but was sent all the way down to A+ in Columbus, perhaps to work on his control that most don't think will come around. Timmons was finally given the chance to start, being lost behind names like Cortes, Bonilla, Swann, among others in recent seasons. Timmons is a slightly lesser Boscan but he struggled a bit in his first year with the new club as its SP1. Lots of controllable years so we'll see how he pans out. Boscan isn't a top name and wouldn't expect the prospect return as the others traded just days earlier.
Columbus - B-. New Orleans - B-.
In a surprise follow up deal, Tokyo (68-94) who had shopped Omar Gonzales (1B) around during the offseason, electing to hold on to him finally found a partner in Hartford (105-57), sending him + $3M and received Spud Campbell (1B) back. The Potato is an Omar-lite, and given off-season on previous offers; I think Tokyo should have sold earlier in the off-season with a stronger deal. For Hartford their previous deal with Columbus put their bullpen on equal ground with the NOOFs and now they added another power bat to their lineup of already mashers. Any pitcher facing this lineup better know how to keep the ball down. Assuming Gonzales doesn't resign with Hartford, we'll see how much he ends up going for in Free Agency next season. There's a chance Tokyo or even Columbus make a play for him.
Tokyo - C+. Hartford - A+
Seoul (77-85) tired of not being in the trade headlines, dealt Akinori Yoshii (DH) to Philadelphia (86-76) for Sven Peters (2B) + Flash Eveland (RP) + Edgmer Romero (RP). Seoul would later send Romero (RP) + Davey Perez (P) to Monterrey (88-74) for Gerry Holt (C) + Ehire Cruz (1B) + Reymond Osoria (RP). In Philly Yoshii turned it on, going .303 with 21 HR over the course of 98 games. He's signed up through a mutual option on S57. He's a DH but his $4.8M shouldn't hurt the big budget of Philly much. Heading to Seoul were Peters, who made slight improvements in his 4th pro season down in AA. Eveland didn't see a ton of improvement but saw 42 games out of the bullpen to the tune of a 3.00 ERA and .098 WHIP as a rookie for the Bears. He'll be relatively cheap the next few years and hopefully can continue at his current pace. Romero who was flipped to Monterrey is a future closer if he can handle lefties. I'd expect him called to the majors next season. In the deal with Romero, Seoul also sent Perez who started 10 games and came out of the pen for another 14 for Monterrey. Though I wish we could report he had success, but his 5.58 ERA and 1.63 WHIP say otherwise. Perhaps the season ending injury will have him back fresh next season. Holt remained at AAA and should see time next year for the big league club. While in Seoul, Cruz hit well, going .275 with 20 HR and 7 SBs over 94 games. He's signed up for another 3 years with S57 being a mutual option. The production should be good, but I wouldn't be surprised if he's moved next season. Osoria didn't really make much improvement and was stuck in AAA where he closed out 18 of 18 games with a .091 WHIP and matching 0.91 ERA.
Seoul - B+. Philadelphia - B+. Monterrey C.
Anaheim (64-98) snuck in and made a deal with Columbus (60-102) on their own, former #32 overall S52 draft pick Gerlad Garcia (2B) + former $7M IFA Jeurys Torres (SP) for $1M + Alan Harris (SS/3B). Being a weak defender, Anaheim quickly shifted Harris to the hot corner. He's just 31 and has one more year on his current contract. As Anaheim continues to build, he could easily be extended if he can get his bat to come back around. He finished with a slight dip across the board. Columbus sheds more future contracts and adds a few potential pieces that are a couple of seasons out. Both showed decent growth in their 3rd professional season.
Anaheim - B. Columbus - B-.
Colorado Springs (83-79) found it time to start making a few changes, sent Randall Rolison (SP) + Juan Iglesias (RP) to Tacoma (65-97) for $200k + Arismendy Butera (1B) + Danys Oviedo (2B). Oviedo was sent backing to AAA as depth and is a minimum contract. He seems the prototypical role player for CS, highly rated defensive fielder to use around the diamond. Butera offered a solid bat versus lefties with a great eye, though he's a DH at best. Iglesias is 39 and his S55 contract is a mutual option; given his dips this season, he will not be renewed at $5M. Rolison has some potential to show and might see some back of the rotation or LRB role for a rebuilding franchise.
Colorado Springs - B. Tacoma C+.
Colorado Springs (83-79) then chased after another bat, sending $5M + Fausto Cruz (SP) + Alfredo De Aza (RP) to Huntington (91-71) for Grayson Lowry (3B) + Francisco Martinez (SS) + Ed Lewis (3B). Lewis was soon waived by CS and claimed by Tacoma. While it was rumored CS was looking to move pitching in favor of some power hitting, one has to wonder if there's a hidden agenda with this deal as it freed up the remaining Cruz 4/$30M and De Aza's 3/$22M contracts. Newly available money that may start to get shifted back into scouting budgets. Lowry's a low level commitment, who enters Arb2 next season. Martinez lacks power, speed, and doesn't hit righties, and barely touches lefties; but he's a plus defender whose arbitration years should be kept low; once he gets through his rookie contracts first. De Aza's makeup is great, but he's 37 and has guaranteed money through his age 39 season; with his age 40 season being a mutual option. Huntington has some quality young players, perhaps this is the leadership that team needs as they come out of their rebuild. Cruz slotted into the SP1 role for the Tropics and made the Cy Young ballot this season. Solid deal for both teams.
Colorado Springs - B+. Huntington - A.
Two playoff teams then found some common ground, Monterrey (88-74) sent former #60 overall S53 draft pick Tom Newfield (SP) + former #40 overall S52 draft pick Chris Morgan (2B) to Buffalo (90-72) for Willie Golub (1B). Golub filled the DH vR for the Stoics and should have one more year of Arbitration control remaining. We'll wait to see if the two prospects turn into anything at the ML level; both seemed to make decent growth this season but project as minimal usage and likely AAAA players. But if there is anyone who can get use out of them it's Buffalo's owner.
Monterrey - C. Buffalo - N/A.
Anaheim (64-98) send Charley Roberts (RF) to Oklahoma City (91-71) for Rico Campos (2B) + former #53 overall S49 draft pick Roy Lennon (RF). Campos was immediately thrown onto the major league club as a role player. Lennon at 23 yrs old is likely done progressing with Wandy Latos as a notch or two ceiling above his. Campos was shifted out to RF for the Diablos but didn't have a very solid season at the plate. Interesting add for OKC, gains a power bat with a low average and walks once every 2.75 strikeouts; but the kid has speed.
Anaheim - B. Oklahoma City - B.
In the final deal of the year, Chicago (107-55) sends $1.7M + Seth Buford (RP) to Houston (106-56) for former $12.5M IFA prospect Bengie Ramirez (DH). Buford was having a great year closing for the Gunslingers but now strengthens the Space Cowboys bullpen as they aim to match up against the Expos for the playoffs in a best of 7 game series. Normally I'd reserve Ramirez for the AL, but hey it's Chicago and he's exactly their type of player; power bat that can play any positions and not because he's rated for it because they have big aspirations of playing any position they want. Ramirez made great strides during the season, let's see how he progresses in the offseason.
Chicago - B. Houston - B+.