After talking about this deal for weeks, it finally went through. Bedard joins Felix Hernandez at the top of the Mariners' rotation to solifiy the top of the rotation, something that was severely missing in 2007. The addition of Bedard relieves a bullpen which was overworked last season and gives the Mariners a chance to take the top spot in the AL West. But, the Mariners did give up a huge amount of talent to the Orioles, a team clearly in rebuilding mode. Jones batted .314 with 25 HR and 84 RBIs in 101 games at Triple-A last season. When combined with Nick Markakis and the other young talent they acquired from the Astros in the Tejada deal, the Orioles can look beyond 2008 as their players develop.
There is little doubt that with this deal, the Mets landed one of the best pitchers in the majors in the prime of his career. They also needed him to fill a hole left by Tom Glavine's departure and to help avoid the September downward spiral they experienced in 2007. The Mets' also managed to keep their top prospect, 19-year-old outfielder Fernando Martinez, out of the package but depleted the rest of their farm system. What is in question here is did the Twins benefit at all, or merely enough, in a trade for the ace? Whether they chose the deal they wanted or waited too long, the Twins reportedly left deals on the table which included the Yankees' top three young pitchers, OF Melky Cabrera, Boston's Jacoby Ellsbury and Jon Lester. Only time will tell if the Mets' four prospects will pan out for the Twins, but there is potential -- likely beyond 2008 when the Twins will be able to compete again.
Mets
Twins
Jan. 17: The Braves sent infielder Willy Aybar to Tampa Bay for Jeff Ridgway and minor league infielder Chase Fontaine.
Aybar
Evan Longoria's fate as the opening day third baseman is still in question and the Rays' now have Willy Aybar if Longoria isn't ready. Aybar also adds depth to the roster, switch-hits and can play three infield positions and Rays' EVP Andrew Friedman has said Aybar may also find time in the outfield. However, he's high risk because he missed all of last season from injury and a stint at a rehab facility for substance abuse. Ridgway is another bullpen candidate for the Braves. He pitched most of last season at Triple-A and went 2-3 with a 3.06 ERA and four saves in 54 games with the Bulls before getting called up to the majors. The Braves like what they saw in Triple-A but he struggled in his three major-league appearances for the Rays.
Braves
Rays
Jan. 14: The Braves traded right-handed reliever Joey Devine and minor league pitcher Jamie Richmond to the A's for veteran center fielder Mark Kotsay.
Kotsay
The A's continue to replenish their farm system by adding Joey Devine and minor-leaguer Jamie Richmond with this trade. The A's are also absorbing over $5 million of Kotsay's salary. Kotsay was long on the radar of Braves' GM Frank Wren, who was looking to bridge the gap between Andruw Jones and top prospect Jordan Schafer. Kotsay is strong defensively and should be a nice fit in Atlanta, if he returns to his form after recovering from back surgery. At the same time, the A's also had their eye on Devine since 2005 when he was pretty high up on their draft list. Devine could be a future closer in Oakland but will spend some time in the setup role first. Devine has been strong in the minors, 78 strikeouts in 57 innings last season, but has yet to pan out in the majors.
It's no secret Scott Rolen was unhappy in St. Louis and his feud with manager Tony LaRussa left his asking for a change in 2008. Rolen has battled a series of shoulder operations but perhaps a move to Toronto will be good for him. Rolen has five 100-RBI seasons and four seasons with 30 or more homers but his offensive and defensive production have been on the decline. Glaus also was hampered by injury last season but playing on grass in St. Louis rather than artificial turf in Toronto could benefit Glaus, who has battled several leg injuries. While change could be good for both of these infielders, it really depends on how they recover from their injuries to see who ends up ahead.
A few weeks after the A's traded ace Dan Haren for a well-rounded group of prospects; they trade fan-favorite Nick Swisher to the White Sox for another group of top prospects. With this trade, the A's add Gio Gonzalez and Fautino De Los Santos, who were considered top pitching prospects, to the farm system and Sweeney, who has major league experience. Sweeney could help fill the gap left by Swisher's departure while Gonzalez and De Los Santos will start in the minors. The White Sox needed the switch-hitting Swisher to boost their lineup and is signed through 2011 with an option for 2012. He will spend most of his time in center field. It's clear that Swisher's addition to the Sox gives them the edge for now, but the A's will see a big boost from these young players later in 2008 and into 2009 when the efforts of their rebuilding take effect.
Athletics
White Sox
Dec. 21: Rangers acquired OF Josh Hamilton from the Reds for RHP Edinson Volquez and minor leaguer LHP Danny Herrera.
Hamilton
The Rangers needed a center fielder and with a surplus of outfielders in Cincinnati, Josh Hamilton was on the market. Rangers' GM Jon Daniels described Hamilton as a much-needed "impact bat" for the club. Hamilton's story is touching. After being out of baseball from 2003-06 to battle drug abuse problems, he made an impressive comeback in 2007, hitting a .292 with 19 homers and 47 RBI in 298 at-bats for the Reds. He overcame his drug problems, but suffered several other health issues and missed 72 games. But, after his physical tests Hamilton got a clean bill of health and if he can put those aliments behind him like his drug abuse, he can be a power player for the Rangers. Volquez was considered a top pitching prospect in Texas. He was 2-1 with a 4.50 ERA in six starts for the Rangers last season and was honored as their top minor league pitcher. He will compete for a spot in the starting rotation in '08 while Herrera will start in the minors and needs some more time before hitting the majors.
The Astros complete their bullpen overhaul by acquiring Jose Valverde, the 2007 saves leader. He follows the additions of Doug Brocail and Oscar Villarreal who will help in the seventh and eighth innings. In 2007, Valverde was 1-4 with a 2.66 ERA and 47 saves. The Diamondbacks felt they no longer needed Valverde after adding Dan Haren, so they traded Valverde for Qualls, who has the potential to be the new closer or a setup man in Arizona. Burke will likely continue in a utility role and Gutierrez, one of the Astros' better pitching prospects, will compete for spot starts and a relief job.
A busy weekend of trades for the Diamondbacks included a deal to acquire Billy Buckner for additional pitching help. Buckner could play out of the bullpen or be in the mix for the No. 5 starter spot. Buckner had his major league debut in 2007 and went 1-2 with a 5.29 ERA for the Royals. The Royals get Callaspo, who is a solid defensive infielder and is very versitle. He can switch-hit and can play at all three infield positions. He hit .215 with eight doubles and seven RBI in 56 games for Arizona this year.
After weeks of rumors and speculation, the Athletics finally traded ace Dan Haren to the Diamondbacks. The move signals the start of rebuilding the A's farm system, while the Diamondbacks now have a one-two punch of Brandon Webb and Haren at the top of their rotation. The D-backs clearly are looking to defend their NL West title and advance even further in 2008. Haren has won at least 14 games in each of the past three seasons and had a career-best 3.07 ERA last season. He's owed $4 million in 2008, $5.5 million in 2009 and the option for 2010 is $6.75 million -- a bargain on the current market. The A's get a well-rounded group of prospects. Gonzalez, Smith and Eveland could get roster spots relatively quickly.
The Astros gave up a lot of young talent for Miguel Tejada with hopes that he will be a major offensive producer, especially at hitter-friendly Minute Maid Park. The Astros also liked his durability, but his glove is a downgrade. It's still unclear where he'll play for Houston after hitting a 296 with 18 home runs and 81 RBI in 2007. The Orioles get a lot of prospects who could make the roster in 2008. Constanzo will be the clubs new third baseman and this trade gives them depth for a trade to replace Tejada at shortstop. It's clear the Astros liked this trade for immediate benefits in 2008 but major questions remain about their rotation, where Patton and Albers were candidates to be starters in Houston and will be in Baltimore, too.
Orioles
Astros
Dec. 12: Mariners acquired minor league INF Tag Hulett from the Rangers for 1B Ben Broussard.
Broussard
Shortly after the Rangers added Chris Shelton for a right-handed option at first, the club traded for Ben Broussard, a left-handed hitter. The Rangers had their eye on Broussard who will likely become their primary first baseman, sharing time there with Shelton. Broussard, who could also DH for Texas, hit .275 with seven homers and 29 RBI in 99 games this season for the Mariners. Hulett hit .275 with 11 homers and 67 RBI in 132 games at Triple-A Oklahoma last season and is not expected to reach the majors in 2008.
The Brewers entered the offseason needing to rebuild their bullpen after a season with lows in offensive and defensive production in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings. They also needed to replace Francisco Corder and Scott Linebrink. The Brewers get Torres who, in 2006 made a major league-leading 94 appearances after pitching in 78 games in 2005 and 84 in 2004 and never had an ERA above 3.28 during those three seasons. However, 2007 saw a decline in his production (only 56 appearances) and eventually lost the closer role in Pittsburgh. Torres had problems with his elbow and fuded with Pirates management but could be a better fit in Milwaukee where they're looking for relievers who can pitch often and in multiple innings at a time. As for the Pirates, they get to young relievers who will provide depth and closer options for years to come. Salas had 17 saves and a 2.77 ERA in 51 appearances with Double-A Huntsville and Triple-A Nashville last season. He could even make the roster in 2008 and eventually challenge for the full-time closer role. Roberts was 6-3 with four saves and a 3.44 ERA in 45 games with Single-A Brevard County. For Milwaukee, rebuilding the bullpen was a necessity but Torres' production is in question. Pittsburgh still has a solid closer and can now back him up with two solid, young and promising arms.
The Tigers' 2006 World Series appearance was followed by a disappointing season and this blockbuster trade puts the Tigers back in contention. Cabrera, a future Hall of Famer, played in 157 games for Florida, batting .320 with 34 homers, 119 RBI and a .401 on-base percentage (eighth in the NL). And in this stellar lineup, he's certain to get a lift. The addition of Cabrera means 3B Brandon Inge or LF Marcus Thames will likely be traded. Willis had a disappointing season with a 10-15 record and 5.17 ERA but he also could be lifted by this all-star lineup and a change in scenery. The Marlins are getting a handful of young and talented players. Only Andrew Miller, who will likely land a spot in the rotation, and Cameron Maybin will play in 2008. For next season, the trade moves the Tigers closer to another World Series appearance while the Marlins will need a couple years to see the true benefit of the swap.
Will Ohman fills the Braves' need for a left handed relief pitcher. His 2.32 ERA on the road was attractive to the Braves, not his 6.63 mark at Wrigley Field. The Braves also filled another offseason need by getting Omar Infante as a utility infielder. Infante was acquired by the Cubs from Detroit in November for Jacque Jones and played all three outfield positions and second base, shortstop and third base last season. He finished with two homers and 17 RBI in 166 at-bats. The Braves no longer need Yunel Escobar in a utility role so he'll likely take over at shortstop. The Cubs get Ascanio, a talented young power arm that manager Lou Piniella said can be used as one of his primary set-up men. Ascanio has had some back issues and went 1-1 with a 5.06 ERA in 13 relief appearances for Atlanta this season, his first appearance in the majors. The Cubs also free up some money to fill their remaining needs. Ascanio could prove to be a good pickup for the Cubs' bullpen where the closer role always seems to be in flux.
Jose Capellan has bouned around during his four seasons in the majors but the Rockies are hoping another change of scenery could help him develop into a valuable setup man for reliever Manny Corpas. Capellan went a combined 0-3 with a 5.54 ERA in 17 relief appearances this season for Milwaukee and Detroit. Bautista converted from a starter to relief last season and went 2-1 with a 12.46 ERA in nine games for Colorado. Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd described the deal as "one good arm for another good arm" which will hopefully benefit both players.
Rockies
Tigers
Dec. 3: Nationals get OF Elijah Dukes from the Rays for minor league lefty Glenn Gibson.
Dukes
The Nationals added more depth to their outfield with the acquisition of Elijah Dukes. He had a strong start in 2007, his rookie year, but his personal problems got in the way and lost his starting gig at center. Dukes said he's excited about the opportunity to start fresh with the Nationals but he'll have to fight for a starting spot. He has huge potential only if he can drop is bad boy image. LHP Glen Gibson will likely spend 2008 in the minors and went 4-3 with a 3.10 ERA in 12 starts for Class-A Vermont. His father, Paul, pitched in the majors from 1988-96 for the Tigers, Mets and Yankees. Like the trade for Lastings Milledge, the Nationals will see big numbers from Dukes only if he can stay out of trouble.
Nationals
Rays
Dec. 3: The White Sox acquired OF Carlos Quentin from the Diamondbacks for minor league 1B Chris Carter.
Quentin
The White Sox, in need of help in the outfield, added OF Carlos Quentin to the roster. Quentin has only proven himself in the minors and has yet to last a full season in the majors. In 2007, he lost his starting job and suffered various injuries so he is a risk. But, he's young and can rebound and may land a starting job in 2008. Chris Carter is more of an investment for Arizona and will not be seen in the majors right away. If Quentin rebounds nicely, the White Sox could benefit from this trade in 2008.
The Nationals have needed help at center field for a few seasons and Milledge fits the bill. He's young and can add some stability there if he's able to stay out of trouble. He had a storied past with the Mets but Nats manager Manny Acta is aware of it, especially from Acta's stint as the Mets' third-base coach. Mets GM Omar Minaya is also familiar with the players he gets from his time as GM of the Montreal Expos. Schneider, who was acquired shortly after the Mets acquired catcher Johnny Estrada, has better defensive abilites. Church might be the opening day right fielder but keep in mind the Mets still need a starting pitcher.
In an effort to improve their offense, the Twins get outfielder Delmon Young who they've been targeting since the end of the season. As a hyped outfield prospect, his first full season was a little disappointing but he should help fill the hole in the lineup left by Torii Hunter. The Rays get Garza, one of the game's top prospects, to fill a spot in the rotation behind Scott Kazmir and James Shields. Garza made 10 appearances for the Twins including 15 straight scoreless innings after he was promoted from Triple-A. Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman said he also expects Barlett to be the opening day shortstop .
This trade is a one-for-one swap that filled a need for both teams. The Mets needed depth at catcher and get the switch-hitting Estrada, who is batted .278 last season and has two 70-plus RBI seasons. The Mets will be his third team in as many years, and there is an injury risk; the 31-year-old had surgery on his knee and elbow after the season. Mota started 2007 serving a 50-game suspension for a banned substance. After he returned, he finished the disappointing season with a 2-2 record and 5.76 ERA, allowing 63 hits without converting any of three save opportunities. The Brewers will use him out of the bullpen as a set-up man to pitch multiple innings.
The White Sox get an offensive and defensive infield upgrade with Cabrera. He'll likely bat second, and GM Ken Williams said he'd like to sign Cabrera to a long-term deal. His defense landed him a second Gold Glove, and he finished with a .301 average and 86 RBI (compared to Juan Uribe's .234 and 68). Garland's stats declined in 2007 (10-13 with a 4.23 ERA in 32 starts) after finishing 2005 and 2006 with 18 wins. In 2008, he should pitch out of the No. 3 spot for the Angels.
Braves needed prospect Josh Anderson to help fill the void left by veteran Andruw Jones who will not return after 12 seasons with the club. The speedy outfielder finished 2007 with 41 stolen bases at Triple-A Round Rock and led the Double-A Texas League in stolen bases for two years, topping all of the minor leagues with 78 steals in 2005. The Astros get Villarreal to fill a need for a late-game innings eater. He finished the 2007 season 2-2 with one save and a 4.24 ERA.
Jones fills the need for a left-handed bat in the Tigers' lineup. The solid veteran finished the past two seasons batting .285 and will likely see a platoon situation in Detroit. Infante has spent the past few seasons as a utility player and last season he played all three outfield positions and second base, shortstop and third base. He finished with two homers and 17 RBI in 166 at-bats. Although he won't be a starter in '08, his versatility makes him valuable.
Tigers
Cubs
Other deals:
Feb. 5: The Tigers acquired RHP Armando Galarraga from the Rangers for non-roster OF Michael Hernandez.
Jan. 28: The Red Sox acquired RHP pitcher David Aardsma from the White Sox for righthanded pitchers Willy Mota and Miguel Socolovich.
Jan. 5: The Mets acquired OF Angel Pagan from the Cubs for OF Corey Coles and RHP Ryan Meyers, a pair of minor leaguers.
Jan. 2: The Orioles acquired OF Chris Roberson from the Phillies in exchange for cash considerations.
