Transaction Analysis: Matt Holliday to the A's
Well, we knew that Holliday would be traded, but the destination comes as a surprise.
The Rocky Mountain News reports that the A's will recieve Carlos Gonzalez, Greg Smith and Huston Street, and this newspaper is pretty good with Rockies news. Assuming that's correct, the Rockies did very well for themselves, in giving away a guy who has one year left on his contract and will not sign a long-term deal under any conditions.
Street gives the Rockies a closer (and takes away one of the Mets' options), Smith fills into their rotation and Gonzalez gives them an up-and-coming outfielder. In the weak National League, they all should fare better.
The A's, if nothing else, ensured that they'd be relevant in 2009. If they're bad, they'll have a high-profile auction in July. But if they bring back Jason Giambi, there are certainly worse, middle-of-the-order duos than Holliday and Giambi. In the weak American League West, Oakland could compete once again.
As baileywalk mentioned, the 28 other teams are winners here, because they get to evaluate Holliday away from Coors Field for a year.
Another big winner? Scott Boras, who represents not only Holliday, but Manny Ramirez. Since the A's were extremely unlikely to enter the Manny Sweepstakes, Boras doesn't lose a suitor there.
UPDATE, 8:53 p.m.: Busy day, as the Marlins and Nationals have made this trade. As usual, the Marlins a) work quickly in the offseason to move salary and b) don't mind dealing within their own division.
The Nationals desperately need quality, major-league talent. Willingham is a decent, run-producing, corner outfielder, while Olsen is a back-end starting pitcher. In other words, both were expendable. So the Marlins gain much-needed payroll flexibility while adding second baseman Emile Bonifacio _ maybe he can play late-inning for Dan Uggla in the next All-Star Game _ and a couple of lower level minor leaguers.
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Comments (5)
Ken, Scott Miller on his blog on CBSSports.com said that the Rockies will turn around and traded Huston Street. You think the Rockies will do that?
Man oh man, Dennis, does anything get by you? That's an interesting one. I'll have to check it out.
If the A's do have Holliday and get Giambi, at least they'll be trying to get back to making OBP important again. Holliday's OBP has been over .400 the last 2 seasons, and in 2008 it was over .400 both at home and on the road. Giambi's career OBP is wonderful, but his numbers faded in the past few years and in the past few months of 2008.
I am still amazed that the former A's strength and conditioning coach from 1993-2001 and then personal trainer for Giambi in NYC (Bob Alejo) has been rehired. If Alejo can be hired with his baggage of being present at Ground Zero of steroid use....why can't Barry Binds get a job in MLB?
Ken, did MLB sign off on this?
Ken - this comes out of left field but do you monitor the Arizona Fall League results...?
If so are there any surprises so far this season....?
Yes, Bob, MLB signed off on the Alejo rehiring. You know why: He's Bob Alejo. He's not the symbol of the Steroids Era, as is Mr. Bonds.
Gerry, I've spoken with some scouts about AFL. Nothing shocking from our local clubs. Hughes has been up and down. Murphy was so-so at second base.