Jack Torrance - contributing reporter
I liked how this format worked out so keeping it going. If a team traded away a player it received in a deal, they are not listed. Only starting players and ending roster is noted. 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.
Traders:
- 13 - Tucson
- 11 - Mexico City
- 10 - Atlanta
- 6 - Scottsdale
- 5 - Augusta, Tacoma
- 4 - Jacksonville
- 3 - Buffalo, Charleston, Chicago, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Washington DC
- 2 - Boston, Cincinnati, Columbus, Fargo, Montreal, Salem
- 1 - Austin, Colorado Springs, Dover, Hartford, Houston, Huntington, Minnesota, New York
- 0 - Helena, Oklahoma City, Santa Fe, Vancouver
All grades are just for this season alone, with the understanding that looking back in 4-5 seasons that grades could drastically change with prospects or one year rentals that didn't end in a championship or extended playoff run.
Anaheim (61-101) - Last year they dumped Lean Beck and Mo Workman as part of a rebuild, though prospect Alex Terrero wasn't protected prior to his Rule 5 selection, so they saw him walk from last year's B- trade rating. Hindsight definitely pushes that to a C at best. This season, no trades. Perhaps they had nobody left in the tank that was of value to help their rebuilding.
Atlanta (122-40) - Was Atlanta making up for last year's slow trading year? 10 trades this season! That seems high even for Atlanta. Arthur Howell and Jose Bazardo were just acquired last season and already shipped out of Georgia. Who even knew Atlanta had this many players worth something outside of their ML lineup. Is that farm not depleted yet? Louie Tapies, Bengie Ramirez, and Chi-Chi Soto were acquired and dealth within the same season. This is why you don't buy a home in Atlanta. You'll likely have to sell it before your first mortgage is even due. Looking at the final numbers, that's nearly $16M in cap space they acquired as well - unfortunately it couldn't be used to sign an IFA this season.
Traded: Cecil Henry, David Peterson, Omar Villano, Graham Ratterree, Arthur Howell, Charles Martin, Leonys Valdez, Ted McClain, Yasiel Otanez, Junior Morris, Vic Martinez, Mark Maurer, Jose Bazardo, Ted Nelson, Orel Acosta.
Received: $15.8M, Carl Jackson, Marc Olson, Ross Kennedy, Louie DeLeon, Henry Atkins, Adeiny Santana, Sam Cantwell, Jon Schwartz, Chad Gonzales, Santiago Guillon, Odalis Olivares
Grade - A
Augusta (82-80) - Last year's interesting trade with Fargo was nearly duplicated this year, 22+ year old players in Rookie Ball, however this year Fargo released their player about 10 days later. But this isn't about Fargo, see below for them; this is about a group of Alcoholics.
Traded: Onelki Johnson, Daryl Bruntlett, Emmanuel Villalona, Kes Baines, Dan Moyer, Takashi Kimura, Boone Campbell, Chad Gonzales, and Santiago Guillon
Received: Ralph Hillenbrand, Aneury Polanco, Johnnie Felsen, Stefan Helms, Ted Nelson
Grade - A
Austin (76-86) - First trade since S54 and it's a big one. Dealing a hefty AAA contract in Kuo along with former #4 picks from S59 and S60 draft for an aging Juancito Martin who was a former 200+ hitter. He made true to that stat and got there again this season, and he has a $7.5M option for next season. Austin also locked down a decent rotation piece in Greer who is signed through S64 at $5.4M per. Solid deal for his production. With early question marks about Santa Fe and a chance to lock down the division for the first time since S41; which was also their last winning season the Son's of Odin decided to gamble and go all in.
Traded: Albert Dykstra, JJ Durham, Alex Kuo
Received: $4.5M, Juancito Martin, Bonk Greer, Vic Shields
Grade - A-
Boston (77-85) - We were quite surprised with Boston decided to move Parrish - one of the top relief pitching prospects in the game today. I'm sure the club is hoping Folty ends up as a Type A or B FA to net them another draft pick; but we aren't thrilled with their return this year. And now knowing the team is up for sale, that's unfortunate that the new owner won't have the prospects to play with.
Traded: Todd Parrish, Elmer Basile, Woodie Yarnall
Received: Brook Page, Harold Foltynewicz, Kenley Uribe, David Calderone
Grade - B-
Buffalo (91-71) - I don't think Buffalo has ever done a deal with Atlanta where they didn't give up money as well - check the books Mr. Accountant. - We left the first comment from last year as it still applies this season. Buffalo shed some contracts and improved their future with some prospect adds. The team started slow but really turned it on the second half of the season.
Traded: $1.5M, Louie Tapies, Endrys Morris, Albert Mayberry
Received: Cecil Henry, David Peterson, David Huang, Todd Jay, Oscar Lowell
Grade - A
Charleston (84-78) - This season was a big change for Charleston - doubling the amount of trades in a single season, since taking over the franchise. Will be interesting to see where they go from here. The overall feel is that they made a push to improve now; perhaps with the ownership changes in Santa Fe they stand a chance to take over the division next season. We'll see how Austin adjusts as well.
Traded: Sven Peters, Hooks Belt, Odalis Olivares
Received: William Phillips, Harry Javier, Orel Acosta
Grade - B
Chicago (60-102) - Some interesting deals as the team looked to stay above 55 wins this season, and rightfully so coming off a 48 win season where they routinely trotted AA/AAA players out on the field; while he was proving his point.
Traded: KJ Coolbaugh, Emil Trevino, Kaleb Niese, Brandon McDill
Received: Josh Hannemann, Brad Vernon, Yoervis Roque
Grade - B+
Cincinnati (108-54) - The team goes from the #1 pick to the #1 NL team, mostly due to promotions and FA signings; but the trades they made filled some holes as well.
Traded: Williams Phillips, Ross Gross
Received: Sven Peters, David Andrus
Grade - A
Colorado Springs (81-81) - Another year of ho hum trades - no comment from the blog on the two failed trades as the blog navigate the new commissioner's office and find out what to bribe them with; Tim Horton's doesn't seem to be a thing in Houston. Maybe BBQ or Tacos will work!
Traded: Albert Lopez, Josh Paulson
Received: Rio Guerrero
Grade - C
Columbus (66-96) - Perhaps this signals a longer rebuild for Columbus rather than the 3 year turn around in S53-55. The team cuts payroll and picked up some aging upcoming FAs.
Traded: $2M, Paxton Matheson, Miguel Park, Eugene Smalling, Jeff Jones
Received: Jhonatan Nieves, Nick Shackelford, Derrin Stark, Andy McLaughlin
Grade - B+
Dover (60-102) - DITR Lowell made some decent growth this season but the team added an every RF as they compete in the weakest AL division. He's also signed through next season with a $5.6M mutual option. Sometimes you never know how a late bloomer will end his career so Dover was taking a bet on what was a sure thing, although pricey for his production.
Traded: Oscar Lowell
Received: Albert Mayberry
Grade - B-
Fargo (64-98) - None of the players Fargo traded for ended the season on their roster. Campbell was released 10 days after being acquired. Terrero was waived 8 days later and claimed by Mexico City. And Guerrero was waived 18 days later and claimed by Chicago. Thankfully they didn't really give up much either. Perhaps Fargo knows something we don't know - very likely!
Traded: Jim Taylor, Stefan Helms
Received: Alcides Terrero, Bernie Guerrero, Boone Campbell
Grade - F
Hartford (78-84) - Clifton was a glove only type player who sees innings in the field during the end of the 9th inning. Has some use, but very limited. Clark offers a slightly better bat though limited in the field. not sure if his glove every makes it to league average and his arm strength has some ground to make up before becoming a league average CF. If he can't manage that, he'd at best a backup 2B if he was actually right handed. Otherwise, shift him to the COF.
Traded: Bennie Clifton
Received: Darwin Clark
Grade - C+
Helena (104-58) - Another quite season for the Hot Dogs. If they get kicked out of the playoffs, their media might start grilling ownership about not making trades. Having a Hot Dog is great, but it's the condiments that really make the meal; otherwise you're just a toddler eating a plain hot dog. Even a Coney Dog has chili, onions, and yellow mustard on it!
Houston (103-59) - Just a single trade for one of the top AL teams, picking up RP Lee, who actually spent some time in the minors before getting called up where he rarely warms up in the bullpen these days. But hey, he's enter Arb3 next season and might be cheap enough to retain for another year if needed. Chuck was a solid bat and signed through S63; so Houston sheds a little money for a possible FA next offseason.
Traded: Chuck Herndon
Received: Jeimer Lee
Grade - A
Huntington (97-65) - The Tropics missed out on resigning Bromberg so they looked to reacquire him via trade from New Orleans, who is signed through next season. Given the talent gave up, this was a Freebie. Martin will be lucky to make the majors - even on a rebuilding team - he's just bad. Solid move for Huntingtin.
Traded: Olmedo Martin
Received: $2.4M, Rip Bromberg
Grade - A+
Jacksonville (73-89) - Added quite a bit of contract money and traded a bit of money, filled some needs so that's always a win.
Traded: Jeimer Lee, Gene Newson, Jiovanni Poole, Cecil Bates, Miguel Caminero, Russell Zavada.
Received: $3M, Chuck Herndon, Ricky Kirk, Fernando Dominguez, Vinny Febles
Grade -B+
Mexico City (54-108) - Perhaps they made one too many trades as they fell 1 win short of the newly implemented MWR. We could cover this more in depth but it doesn't really matter - the owner failed to do the one thing he had to accomplish. Lots of prospect coming back though; good luck to the new owner to sort through them all.
Traded: $21.9M, Carl Jackson, Bob McDade, Giancarlo Gutierrez, Neo Lecuona, Junacito Martin, Gareth Griffin, Roscoe Nicholas, Marc Olson, Aneury Polanco, Louie DeLeon, Henry Atkins, Bengie Ramirez, Derek Ducey, William Martin, Jon Schwartz, Yoervis Roque, Ronald Yearwood, Darron Andrews
Received: Omar Villano, Graham Ratterree, Arthur Howell, Marwin Villarreal, Allen Roberts, Alden Allen, Butch Goodwin, Larry O'Brien, Rosell Perez, Onelki Johnson, Eduardo Guardado, Wil Wilkins, Charles Martin, Emmanuel Villalona, Kes Baines, Junior Morris, Vic Martinez, Dilson Romero, Jose Bazardo, Chi-Chi Soto, Brandon McDill, Turner Donovan, Al Cabez.
Grade - F - as they missed 55 wins.
Minnesota (81-81) - Not a very compelling trade, though at least Minny kept the player they received unlike Fargo, so there's that. Taylor lacks power but has solid speed, but we'll see how he develops; looking half way decent so far for barely being a top 100 draft pick in S60.
Traded: Alcides Terrero, Bernie Guerrero
Received: Jim Taylor
Grade - B-
Montreal (88-74) - Gotta love the "SS" for SS trade, that was clear win for the Poutines; even if Ramsey is up on the trade block this season. And Morris came up huge for the team as well. Smart trading from our Canadian friends (this side of Canada is okay, but you can forget about that Vancouver side - BOO!!!). Huang was a $25M IFA signing but you gotta give to get and Montreal was in the playoff hunt this season.
Traded: David Huang, Todd Jay, Raphael Sanchez
Received: Endrys Morris, Henderson Ramsey
Grade - A
New Orleans (68-94) - Ramsey hasn't gotten expensive so that's an odd deal, and while we weren't the ones shopping Rip - surely he could have fetched more than just Martin back. And Flash is what he is for a rebuilding team - 1.35 whip + 4.20 era.
Traded: $2.4M, Henderson Ramsey, Del Alvarez, Rip Bromberg
Received: Raphael Sanchez, Flash Eveland, Olmedo Martin
Grade - C-
New York (79-83) - New York picks up a defensive shortstop who hit SURPRSINGLY much better than his ratings show. Expect a downturn next season and might - MIGHT hit his weight as an average. Darwin hasn't evolved much, but handles lefties well with a TON of speed.
Traded: Darwin Clark
Received: Bennie Clifton
Grade - B+
Oklahoma City (83-79) - They took back the NL West and didn't even need to make another deal. Their team was aging and we heard rumors of them rebuilding but they held strong.
Philadelphia (71-91) - End of the season fire sale started of their rebuild. Looking forward to see where Philly goes next.
Traded: $4M, Fernando Dominguez, Brad Vernon, Teoscar Zurbaran, Olrando Lopez, Jim Fien
Received: Jiovanni Poole, Cecil Bats, Miguel Caminero, Emil Trevino, Kaleb Niese, Gene Newson, Rubi Tavarez, Brutus Pendleton
Grade - B+
Salem (78-84) - The season didn't quite pan out like Salem had hoped but they get a better draft pick and picked up one of the best RP prospects in the game (Parrish).
Traded: Harold Foltynewicz, Kenley Uribe, David Calderone, Harry Javier
Received: Todd Parrish, Elmer Basile, Hooks Belt
Grade - A
Santa Fe (94-68) - The replacement owner took the approach as to not make any trades, he said it was in case the original owner came back; but I'm guessing that's just his MO - he's a replacement owner with a max of 3 seasons if the team has young talent. If it didn't, he's out after 1 year; hence the team being up For Sale this season.
Grade: F
Scottsdale (66-96) - You can forget about half the trades as they were just minor league depth; though the last one with Washington DC actually shed the buy-out of Lowry, which was smart. DC ended up dropping Lowry and immediately added the buy-out to their next season salary. Goodwin + O'Brien + Perez + Santana for Dysktra, Baez, and Durham should receive at least an A in our book - but then again the blog is HUGE fans of a good Sazerac.
Traded: $1.5M, Josh Hannermann, Butch Goodwin, Larry O'Brien, Rosell Perez, Emilio Santana, Bonk Greer, Vic Shields, Vinny Febles, Grayson Lowry
Received: KJ Coolbaugh, Jerome Baez, Albert Dykstra, JJ Durham, Alex Kuo, Russell Zavada, Jhoulys Escalona, Buzz Piper, Avery Witte
Grade - B+
Tacoma (99-63) - They started out with a HUGE trade with lots of talent changing sides. Adding McDade and Gutierrez with reigning MVP Page was major. And Jeff Jones was fantastic down the stretch.
Traded: Marwin Villareal, Allen Roberts, Alden Allen, Rio Guerrero, Ross Kennedy, Vince Saarloos, Nick Shalelford, Derrin Stark, Andy McLaughlin, Al Cabez
Received: $4M, Bob McDade, Giancarlo Gutierrez, Neo Lecuona, Albert Lopez, Josh Paulson, Leonys Valdez, Ted McClain, Yasiel Otanez, Flash Ochinko, Chris Anderws, Kennys Arias, Miguel Park, Eugene Smalling, Jeff Jones, Darron Andrews
Grade - A-
Tucson (92-70) - See Mexico City, just better at it. Tons to take in but includes many smart moves that improved the team, they even made it out of the first round against favored Houston.
Traded: Jhonatan Nieves, Ralph Hillenbrand, Eduardo Guardado, Will Wilkins, Adeiny Santana, Sam Cantwell, Chi-Chi Soto, Dilson Romero, Flash Eveland, Flash Ochinko, Chris Andrews, Kennys Arias, Ricky Kirk, Johnnie Felsen, David Andrus, Gene Newson, Rubi Tavarez, Brutus Pendleton, Turner Donovan
Received: $3.6M, Paxton Matheson, Daryl Brunlett, Gareth Griffin, Roscoe Nicholas, Louie Tapies, Bengie Ramirez, Mark Maurer, Derek Ducey, William Martin, Del Alvarez, Vince Saarloos, Gene Newson, Dan Moyer, Takashi Kimura, Ross Gross, Teoscar Zurbaran, Orlando Lopez, Jim Fien, Ronald Yearwood
Grade - A-
Vancouver (70-92) - Apparently nobody want to take Vancouver's fake money or fake players. No trades this season.
Washington DC (82-80) - We were very surprised that Santana never got the call up to the majors, especially since the team was competing this year. Adding Yarnall was smart and they picked up Lowry for next to nothing - though when they released him, they automatically took on his option for payment for S62.
Traded: Jerome Baez, Brook Page, Jhoylys Escalona, Buzz Piper, Avery Witte
Received: Emilio Santana, Woodie Yarnall, Grayson Lowry
Grade - B-
That about does it for S61's trades.