| Authored by Rich Cea - 27th December, 2008 - 2:56 pm
 Let's take a look back to last year's offseason and see which moves turned out to be the best for the teams involved.
5. Atlanta Braves ? Acquired pitcher Jair Jurrjens and outfielder Gorkys Hernandez from the Detroit Tigers for shortstop Edgar Renteria and cash considerations
Many thought the Tigers had added another piece to a possible World Series run. As it turned out, Renteria had a mediocre season (.270 AVG, 10 HR, 55 RBI, 60 R) finishing behind Braves' shortstop Yunel Escobar in nearly every relevant offensive category. In addition to clearing the way for Escobar, the Braves added the 22-year old Jurrjens who put together an impressive campaign (188.1 IP, 13-10 W-L, 3.68 ERA, 139 K) and looks to be a mainstay in the rotation for years to come.
4. Tampa Bay Rays - Acquire pitchers Matt Garza and Eduardo Morlan and shortstop Jason Bartlett from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for outfielder Delmon Young and Jason Pridie and shortstop Brendan Harris
Matt Garza (184.2 IP, 11-9 W-L, 3.70 ERA, 128 K) came up big when he was needed most in game 7 of the ALCS by earning the win by pitching seven brilliant innings and only giving up one run to the Red Sox lineup. He earned the ALCS MVP with two wins and an ERA of 1.38. Jason Bartlett was also a contributor to the Rays' magical season. In trading Delmon Young the Rays unloaded a talented, but troubled outfielder whose production (.290 AVG, 10 HR, 69 RBI) was disappointing. Brandan Harris had a decent year, and Jason Pridie was a non-factor. Garza's season was solid, but not outstanding. However, his post-season performance in the ALCS combined with Young's disappointing power production makes this a big win for the Rays.
3. Chicago White Sox - Acquired outfielder Carlos Quentin from the Arizona Diamondbacks for first baseman Chris Carter
This was a terrific trade for the White Sox. Carlos Quentin (.288 AVG, 36 HR's, 100 RBIs) was on his way to the AL MVP before injury prematurely ended his season. He finished one home run behind Miguel Cabrera for most in the AL despite only playing in 130 games. At age 26, he promises to be the cornerstone of the White Sox lineup for years to come. On the other hand, the Diamondbacks struggled with the 10th best offense in the NL and got very little production from their outfield. Carter was promptly dealt to the Red Sox in a 3-team deal that landed the Diamondbacks Emiliano Fruto, whom they designated for assignment and is now a free agent.
2. Texas Rangers & Cincinnati Reds ? Texas acquired Outfielder Josh Hamilton from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for pitchers Edinson Volquez and Danny Herrera
Often times the most notable trades are one-sided, but that was not the case with this deal. The Rangers landed Josh Hamilton (.304 AVG, 32 HR's, 130 RBIs) whose regular season performance was only rivaled by his Ruthian display of power in the home run derby at Yankee Stadium. Hamilton finally realized his potential, which made him the number 1 pick in the 1999 draft. On the other side of this trade, the Reds received a potential ace in right-hander Edinson Volquez (196.0 IP, 17-6 W-L, 3.21 ERA, 206 K). At 25, the Reds are looking to the young strike-out artist to be the anchor of a starting rotation they have been lacking. Both players' production tapered off during the second half of the season last year after arguably performing the best at their respective positions before the All-Star break. If the Rangers or the Reds are going to improve this season they will look to these stars to put it together for the whole season.
1. Philadelphia Phillies - Acquired pitcher Brad Lidge and infielder Eric Bruntlett from the Houston Astros for pitcher Geoff Geary, outfielder Michael Bourne, and third baseman Mike Costanzo
Brad Lidge (69.1 IP, 41/41 SV, 1.95 ERA, 92 K) may have had the most dominant season of any closer in the history of baseball. Despite Francisco Rodriguez breaking the single season saves record, Brad Lidge should be the closer from 2008 that everyone remembers. Including the post-season, Lidge saved all 48 of his opportunities, most notably the decisive game of the World Series. Considering the funk that Lidge had been in for the past few seasons, the Astros seemingly had to trade him, but the only contribution they got from any of the players they acquired was from middle reliever Geoff Geary, which has to leave them wondering what might have been with a little more patience.
Honorable Mentions
Baltimore Orioles - Acquired outfielder Adam Jones and pitchers George Sherrill, Chris Tillman, Kam Mickolio, and Tony Butler from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for pitcher Erik Bedard
The 23 year old Adam Jones was the centerpiece of the package that the Orioles received in exchange for Erik Bedard. Jones (.270 AVG, 9 HR's, 57 RBIs, 61 R, 10 SB) showed signs of being a five tool outfielder. The best on the field performer in the package was George Sherrill who saved 31 games for the Orioles last year. Bedard's season was marred by injuries, and the Mariners flirted with trading him around the all-star break. Primarily due to Sherrill's production and Jones's potential, this trade looks like a good one for the Orioles.
Florida Marlins - Signed infielder Jorge Cantu to minor league contract
Jorge Cantu (.277 AVG, 29 HR, 95 RBI, and 41 doubles) was one of the Marlins most productive hitters last year, leading the team in RBIs. This type of cost-effective production is what the Marlins need to stay competitive.
Arizona Diamondbacks & Oakland A's ? The Diamondbacks acquired pitchers Dan Haren and Connor Robertson from the Oakland Athletics for pitchers Brett Anderson, Dana Eveland, and Greg Smith, outfielders Aaron Cunningham and Carlos Gonzalez, and infielder Chris Carter
Pairing Dan Haren with Brandon Webb gave the Diamondbacks a lethal 1-2 punch in their starting rotation, and they finished 5th in the NL in ERA. Haren (216.0 IP, 16-8 W-L, 3.33 ERA, 206 K) certainly delivered despite the Diamondbacks missing the post-season. For the A's this trade paid dividends, as well, by increasing the depth of their young players and paving the way for the Matt Holliday trade, which sent both Greg Smith and Carlos Gonzalez to Colorado. |
