Analysis:
Pena began the season as the D-backs top setup man but recent struggles, especially against left-handed hitters, he was available. with money now more of an issue, Pena could turn out to be a good deal if he rebounds. Allen spent time at Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte this season and will be assigned to Triple-A Reno. The first-base prospect could get a September call-up, but he'll also be a part of the offense in the future.
Monday, July 6
San Diego Padres get:
Oakland Athletics get:
Minor league RHPs Ryan Webb and Craig Italiano
and a player to be named later
Analysis:
With Hairston, the A's add a much-needed bat to the lineup. He has 34 starts in center and 14 in left this season and in Oakland he'll remain the starter in center, with OF Ryan Sweeney moving from center to right. The Padres get two strong arms in the minors.
Analysis:
Jeff Baker had only 25 at-bats before a right hand sprain sent him to the DL. Baker had trouble getting regular at-bats in Colorado because he was blocked at third by Garrett Atkins. Baker will return to third in Chicago to cover for Aramis Ramirez. Baker hit .257 with 22 HR and 88 RBI in 231 games with the Rockies from 2005-09. To make room on the roster, the Cubs designated (and later dealt) INF Ryan Freel. Alburquerque will have more time to develop in Double-A.
Analysis:
The Indians continue to add arms to their bullpen in hopes of getting outs late in games. Abreu was strong in the minors, but failed to produce when called up by the Rays and was designated for assignment after only two appearances. John Meloan has pitched 9.1 major league innings over two seasons with the Dodgers and Cleveland. He has not yet pitched in the majors in 2009. Both of these pitchers could benefit from a fresh start with new teams.
Analysis:
With Xavier Nady out for the season, the Yankees needed another outfielder. Hinske, the 2002 ROY, can provide depth in the outfield, serve as a backup corner infielder and supply a little pop off the bench. He was disappointed with the lack of playing time in Pittsburgh where he played six games at first, three at third and 13 in the outfield. The Pirates will add Fryer and Erickson to their farm system, which has been unproductive.
Analysis:
Hanrahan was in and out of the closer's role in Washington and will likely move into the primary setup role in Pittsburgh. Milledge will join the Pirates' rookie-level Gulf Coast League to continue his rehab from a broken right ring finger he injured on May 11. Milledge's behavior on and off the field has been criticized by both of his former teams, and he struggled at the plate this season. As Milledge continues his reahab, he could rebound and serve an important role when eventually called up. Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said the club views Morgan "as a speed-type" with "above-average defense." He'll be the new leadoff man and center fielder in DC. Burnett will be a middle reliever.
Analysis: With Seattle having lost Endy Chavez, their primary left fielder, the Mariners needed to add another outfielder for the long haul. It is expected that Ken Griffey could play some time in left, Mike Sweeney would move to DH and Langerhans would be used as a fourth outfielder. Morse played 107 games in the majors for Seattle from 2005-08 however, he has not made it to the majors yet this season. He'll start in Triple-A for the Nats and could get a call-up because of his versatility.
Analysis: With this trade, both teams filled holes on the rosters that badly needed addressing for the long haul. St. Louis has been trying to fill the spot at third since Troy Glaus went out with an injured shoulder. DeRosa is a versatile veteran and he strengthens the Cards lineup, especially against lefties. DeRosa can play all over the infield and the corner outfield positions but manager Tony La Russa has said DeRosa would spend most of his time at third. In Cleveland, DeRosa was already being phased out with Jhonny Peralta at third and Luis Valbuena at short so they already have infield coverage. Perez brings a much-needed power arm to the Indians' bullpen to help the Indians in the eighth. Perez could develop into the Indians' new closer, especially if Kerry Wood continues to struggle.
