After adding to their bullpen all offseason, the Cubs felt it was time for a change of scenery for reliever Michael Wuertz. After five major league seasons with the Cubs, Wuertz tallied a career 13-7 record and a 3.57 ERA. The Cubs get two minor leaguers for Wuertz and of the two, Robnett is the only one who could get some roster time this season. He's headed to Spring Training Camp after five minor league seasons. His last stop was at Triple-A, but his 2008 playing time was cut short because of a tumor that was removed from his stomach. Sellers is likely to stay in the minors and hone his skills, especially defensively where he excells. Sellers has played both shortstop and second. Both of these minor leaguers could pan out for the Cubs but it will be a while before we see them in the majors. If the change of scenery is good for Wuertz, the Athletics would get an edge here because Wuertz will have the most impact in 2009.
This is the second trade of the offseason for both Heilman and Olson. Seattle acquired Heilman when they sent J.J. Putz to the Mets. Throughout his six major league seasons, Heilman has been a starter but recently he's been exclusively used in middle relief. Heilman has wanted to return to a starter role and this move gives him a chance to join an already solid rotation in Chicago. Olson also has a chance to start in Seattle, but there will be many competitors. And, Seattle still has a big question mark at closer. Olson may be needed to fill a roll in the bullpen. Cedeno is young and versatile with lots of potential if he could only figure out how to duplicate his success in the minors. Both Heilman and Olson's role won't be defined until they show their stuff during spring camp. Chicago's rotation is solid, so they're not depending on Heilman. Seattle's GM Jack Zduriencik said that Cedeno will compete for a job at second base and shortstop. And, Cedeno has experience playing third and can even be used in the outfield if needed. Cedeno's versatility gives Seattle the edge in this deal.
Mariners
Cubs
Jan. 19: The Baltimore Orioles get SP/RH David Pauley from the Boston Red Sox for RP/RH Randor Bierd.
Pauley
One of the Orioles' top priorities all season was to beef up their rotation. Pauley may get a shot at a spot in the O's rotation, but he has yet to be successful in the majors after some success in the minors. Pauley tallied a 11.68 ERA in 12.1 innings pitched for the Sox last season. In 2008, he went 14-4 with a 3.55 ERA in 25 starts with Triple-A Pawtucket. Bierd has a shot at making the bullpen in Boston.
Orioles
Red Sox
Jan. 18: The Baltimore Orioles acquired OF Feliz Pie from the Chicago Cubs for LHP Garrett Olson and RHP Henry Williamson.
Pie
Felix Pie, once a top prospect, never really played up to the Cubs' expectations. Last season, Pie hit .241 in 43 games, bringing his career average to .223. With plenty of options in the outfiled in Chicago, Pie was dispensable. In Baltimore, he could platoon in left field but also see time in center and right. To get Pie, the Orioles had to give up Olson, who had 33 starts for the O's last season with a 6.87 ERA. He has a chance to land a spot in Chicago's rotation, but his absence leaves another hole in the already empty rotation in Baltimore. Pie could turn out to be a big addition if he can finally live up to his expectations but, the Orioles rotation questions could end up really holding them back.
Orioles
Cubs
Jan.7: The Colorado Rockies acquired SP/RH Jason Marquis (and cash) from the Chicago Cubs for RP/RH Luis Vizcaino.
Marquis
Both of these pitchers are entering the last year of their contracts. Vizciano struggled with Colorado last season, going 1-2 with a 5.28 ERA in 43 relief appearances. With Carlos Marmol taking over as Chicago's closer, Vizciano will be used in the seventh and eighth innings. In Colorado, Marquis is almost guaranteed a spot in the back end of the rotation, a much different picture than if he stayed in Chicago. Marquis, 11-9 with a 4.53 ERA last season, has been mediocre the past few seasons but he has managed to pitch over 190 innings for four of the last five seasons. The release of Marquis frees up some some money for Chicago to land a quality left-handed hitter who can play right field. The Cubs get the edge if they manage to use the leftover dollars to sign Milton Bradley, their top target.
· It's no secret the Mets' bullpen failed them terribly and needed a major revamping. Francisco Rodriguez will help improve their 29 blown saves in 2008 and Putz, a former closer, will be his setup man. Because of injury, Putz underperformed in 2008, but rebounded in the second half and should be productive in his new role. The Mets also add Green to the bullpen and Reed as a fourth outfielder.
· Seattle needed a total revamping and this trade is a good start. In Cleveland, Gutierrez had his struggles and ended the season in a reserve role, but if revived by a move to Seattle he will likely land a spot in the starting lineup. With the addition of Gutierrez and Chavez, the Mariners upgraded their defense, another priority. Chavez can play all three outfield spots and Gutierrez will likely take over in center. Heilman never really settled into his role as a setup man in New York and made it no secret that he wanted to be a starter. He could have a shot at the rotation in Seattle but his role is not yet defined. Vargas could be a starter or work out of the 'pen, while Carp has an outside shot at getting the starting job at first.
· In Cleveland, Gutierrez saw his role diminish during 2008, so acquiring some young talent in return was a good move. Smith will head straight to the bullpen as a situational lefty and Valbuena is a strong prospect who could make the roster out of spring - giving the Indians a few more options in the infield.
This was the mega-trade of the winter meetings with a lot of young talent swapping hands, but clearly the Mets filled a huge need and will see the most immediate return in 2009.
Mets
Seattle/Indians
Dec. 10: Tampa Bay Rays acquired OF Matt Joyce from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for SP/RH Edwin Jackson
Joyce
The Tigers needed pitching help and the addition of Jackson helps the rotation. That leaves Nate Robertson and Dontrelle Willis fighting for the fifth spot - both of whom are trying to rebound from a terrible season. Rays GM Andrew Friedman called Joyce an "above-average defensive rightfielder." Now both teams can move on to other needs.
Rays
Tigers
Dec. 10:The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired C Jason Jaramillo from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for C Ronny Paulino.
Paulino
With this trade, the Phillies get some catching depth. Carlos Ruiz will remain the starter, but Chris Coste and Paulino will take turns backing him up. Paulino lost his starting job in Pittsburgh to Ryan Doumit and Jaramillo will likely make his first appearance in the majors as Doumit's backup. The switch-hitting Jaramillo hit .266 with eight homers and 39 RBI in 115 games for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. With this trade, it's likely the Phillies get a few more options at the position so they get a slight edge.
Pirates
Phillies
Dec. 9: The Baltimore Orioles acquired INF/OF Ryan Freel, INF Brandon Waring and INF Justin Turner from the Cincinnati Reds for C Ramon Hernandez and cash considerations.
Hernandez
Both Freel and Hernandez are experienced players who could benefit from a change in scenery. One of the Reds' top priorities this offseason was to acquire a catcher and Hernandez was always on their list. After an injury-played 2007, he finally seemed to get back into his groove in the second-half of 2008. Reds GM Walt Jocketty said, "Ramon was a perfect fit for our club because he provides good leadership -- got very good reports that sent several scouts out to watch him this year. He provides good defense, handles a staff well, and will give us a good offense. And in our park, we think he'll have a very good year." The Reds hope Ryan Hanigan, a young catcher who will be a strong backup, will learn a lot from Hernandez. Back in Baltimore, this trade clears the way for 22-year-old catching prospect Matt Wieters, who seems ready for an everyday role. Freel, an injury-prone utilityman, leaves Cincinnati after six seasons. Orioles GM Andy MacPhail said that adding Freel provides depth and a quality right-handed bat. In 2008, he was limited to 48 games and 2007 wasn't much better with a total of 75 games. Over eight major-league seasons, he's played all three outfield positions in addition to third and second base. As for the prospects, they were hard to part with but the Reds think Hernandez will have a major impact in 2009.
Orioles
Reds
Dec. 9: The Texas Rangers acquired RHPs Guillermo Moscoso and Carlos Melo from the Detroit Tigers for C Gerald Laird.
Laird
Top on the Tigers' to-do list this offseason was to get a new starting catcher to replace Ivan Rodriguez, who was dealt to the Yankees in July. In Texas, Laird shared time at the plate with the Rangers' three other catchers but in Detroit, he will hold the post on his own. The Tigers like Laird's experience, versatility, speed and production at the plate. Now, the Tigers can turn to their next task - finding a shortstop and upgrading the bullpen. Of Texas' remaining catchers, Jarrod Saltalamacchia is the most experienced, with Taylor Teagarden as a solid backup and Max Ramirez staying mostly in the minors. The Rangers needed to build up pitching prospects and Moscoso and Melo fit the bill. Rangers manager Ron Washington said he saw lots of potential, with 17-year-old Melo needing more time to evolve. Each team filled a very specific need with this trade, but it is the Tigers that will see the most upside in 2009.
The Braves needed to revamp the rotation and the addition of Vazquez is a start. He was 12-16 with a 4.67 ERA in 33 starts and surpassed 200 innings pitched eight times in nine seasons. The question remains is who else will the Braves add to a revamped rotation? As for Logan, he will be added to the bullpen as a situational lefty but he's coming off a terrible second half of 2008. To add the pitching help to the roster for 2009, the Braves parted ways with several top prospects. Highlighting the deal is Flowers, who will eventually replace A.J. Pierzynski after 2010, but is not expected to play immediately. GM Ken Williams called Flowers a "future All-Star catcher" and also note that his offensive production in the minors is impressive. The only player likely to see roster time in 2009 is Lillibridge, and he could be the new everyday shortstop or second baseman. As for the hole left by Vazquez, Jeff Marquez, Clayton Richard and Lance Broadway will battle it out. As of this trade, the White Sox picture for 2009 and beyond seems a little clearer and the Braves appear to have a few trades ahead of them still. If all these prospects pan out as expected, the White Sox could stay on the top of the AL Central.
Braves
White Sox
Dec. 4: The St. Louis Cardinals acquired SS Khalil Greene from the San Diego Padres for RP/RH Mark Worrell and a player to be named later.
Greene
The Padres acquired Greene to replace Cesar Izturis, who will not stay with the club after hitting one home run and 24 RBI in 414 at-bats this season. In comparison, Greene had down year offensively in 2008 but could be revitalized with a fresh start in St. Louis. His defense, though, has not faltered with just 28 errors over the past three seasons. Greene's frustrations were evident when he struck a storage unit and broke a bone in his left hand, forcing him to miss the final two months of the season. However, that injury is not going to be an issue in 2009. Worrell spent most of 2008 in the minors with 5.2 major-league innings pitched and tallied a 7.94 ERA. Trading Greene relieves the Padres of $6.5 million, but it remains to be seen if that will help to retain Jake Peavy. The Padres still have many holes, including who will replace Greene and what will happen with Peavy, so without seeing what other moves the Padres make, the Cardinals have the edge here.
Cardinals
Padres
Nov 19: The Kansas City Royals acquired CF Coco Crisp from the Boston Red Sox for RH/RP Ramon Ramirez.
Crisp
The Royals needed some speed at the top of the lineup and they got it with Crisp. David DeJesus, Crisp's predecessor in center and at the top of the order, will be moved to make room. Ramirez will head to the bullpen as an early-innings reliever after a solid season in Kansas City (2.64 ERA in 71 games).
Royals
Red Sox
Nov 13: The New York Yankees acquired OF/1B Nick Swisher and minor league RHP Kanekoa Texeira from the Chicago White Sox for INF Wilson Betemit and minor leaguers SP/RH Jeff Marquez and Jhonny Nunez.
Swisher
Swisher is versatile player with some power and the Yankees plan to use him mostly at first base. He could also see some time filling in the corner outfield positions when needed. He is coming off a down year, hitting career lows in average (.219) and RBI (69) but he has still managed to hit more than 20 home runs in each of his major league seasons. In Chicago, he was not happy in his reserve role and he welcomes the chance to be an everyday player. The Yankees can now focus on another big need, pitching. Chicago will use the switch-hitting Betemit in a utility role or he could land an everyday spot in the infield. He played mostly at first base in 2008 with time at shortstop and third base as well. Marquez is a top-ranked prospect from the Yankees farm system and he has a shot at getting the last spot in Chicago's rotation. If Swisher can bounce back from his down year, the Yankees could make out best in 2009.
Yankees
White Sox
Nov. 13: The Chicago Cubs acquired RP/RH Kevin Gregg from the Florida Marlins for RP/RH Jose Ceda.
Gregg
With the addition of Gregg, the Cubs fix the weakest link in the pitching staff - middle relief. If Kerry Wood stays, Carlos Marmol and Gregg will share setup duties and if Wood goes, Marmol will close. Ceda, who is only 21, will start in the minors where he went 4-3 with nine saves and a 3.83 ERA in 2008 in Class A Daytona and Double-A Tennessee. It is possible that he could be called up midseason to close some games. Again, the Marlins choose youth over proven talent. Gregg will have an immediate impact on the Cubs so they get the edge.
The A's are in serious rebuilding mode and added Holliday to boost a lineup that ranked last in the AL in several offensive categories. The A's desperately need the Holliday of 2007, who was the NL batting champion, NL RBI leader and NL LCS MVP. They get him for 2009, and then he hits the free-agent market. Gonzalez, who just finished his first season in the majors, could be an option to replace Holliday in the outfield however, it is more likely he will see time in the minors first. Smith is another young player just off his first major league season. He could be an option in the 2009 rotation, which did not pan out as expected for the Rockies in 2008. He is coming off surgery on his pitching elbow and is expected to be ready for Spring Training. As for Street, he lost his job as Oakland's closer but could get another chance to close in Colorado. He was replaced by Brad Ziegler midseason. If these young players pan out for Colorado, they could have the edge but, if the free-agent year motivates Holliday to match his 2007 stats, the A's could have a huge boost.
Rockies
Athletics
Nov 11: The Washington Nationals acquired pitcher Scott Olsen and OF Josh Willingham from the Florida Marlins for 2B Emilio Bonifacio and two minor leaguers (pitcher P.J. Dean and INF Jake Smolinski).
Olsen
Once again, the Marlins opt for youth over proven everyday players and the Nationals opt for talent over a history of personal problems. Of the Marlins' three acquired players, Bonifacio will likely be the only one to make the roster. He could be in the mix as leadoff, like he was for the Nats before losing his job to Anderson Hernandez. His position in Florida depends on what the club does with 2B Dan Uggla. Bonifacio could remain at second or change to third if Uggla is retained. As for Washington's acquisitions, Olsen was 8-11 with a 4.20 ERA and has 30 or more starts for the past three seasons. He has a shot at getting the Opening Day nod, but he has to steer clear of personal problems that have hindered him in the past. However, remember Elijah Dukes and Dmitri Young? The Nationals have proven they can turn around players plagued by personal issues. As for Willingham, he joins an already crowded outfield (Dukes, Lastings Milledge and Austin Kearns) so it's not yet clear what his role will be. Washington could trade some outfielders for help at first or in the bullpen. If Olsen turns around his personal problems and the Willingham trade leads to another trade for more help, Washington could have the edge with the proven talent.
Nationals
Marlins
Trade Analysis
Oct 30: The Kansas City Royals acquired 1B Mike Jacobs from the Florida Marlins for RP/RH Leo Nunez.
Jacobs
This is probably the first of many trades for both teams. For the Royals, Jacobs is the much-needed power hitter for the middle of the lineup. The Royals certainly lacked power as no player on their roster hit more than 20 homers last season. His power vs. lefties is questionable, with 25 of his 32 homers last season coming against righties. The Royals now have a jam (Ryan Shealy, Ross Gload and Kila Ka'aihue) at first, so it's likely there are more trades to come at that position. They could be chips for replacements in the bullpen, which needs an overhaul. The Marlins won't keep Kevin Gregg around, so Nunez could be in the mix for the closer role, but it's more likely the job is Matt Lindstrom's to lose. Nunez was 4-1 with a 2.98 ERA last season and tallied no saves in three chances. To replace Jacobs, the Marlins will use Jorge Cantu, who split time between first and third last season.
Royals
Marlins
Other deals:
Feb. 19: The Cleveland Indians get RP Juan Salas from the Tampa Bay Rays for minor league 2B Isaias Velasquez.
Feb. 2: The Baltimore Orioles get SP/LH Rich Hill from the Chicago Cubs for a player to be named later.
Jan. 20: The Seattle Mariners get RP/RH David Aardsma from the Boston Red Sox for minor league LHP Fabian Williamson.
Dec. 31: The Cleveland Indians get 2B Mark DeRosa from the Chicago Cubs for three minor league pitchers -- RHPs Jeff Stevens and Chris Archer and LHP John Gaub.
