Evaluating the Blanton Trade
-Dexter Sports
7:21 AM
Dexter-Sports Inbox
Good Morning, I thought there wouldn't be a better way to start our Friday than by looking at yesterday's transaction between the Oakland Athletics and Philadelphia Phillies. Let's get started with Oakland's side of the Deal.
Who They Got:
Adrian Cardenas, 2b (Phillies #2 Prospect in their system) - Cardenas is a fine young left handed hitter that Billy Beane can add to the recent stockpile of middle infield depth in his system. Cardenas was the 2006 high school player of the year and since then has moved from shortstop to second base. I wouldn't be surprised to see Beane move him there over the long term. One thing Cardenas will need to work on is his ability to get on base. Billy Beane and the system demand the ability to walk and take pitches, which isn't a strong suit of this lefty bat with great loft power to the gaps. Defensively he might be a step behind at short, and lack the footwork at second, but don't be surprised to see the organization whip him into shape. Honestly, this is great value for a pitcher like Blanton, at least in my opinion. Cardenas is hittin .309 with 16 SBs in HiA Clearwater.
Josh Outman, SP (Phillies #4 Prospect in their System) - Outman struggled in a promotion to double A Reading last season, but since then has responded. In 70 innings of work, the Lefty has only given up 25 earned runs but he has walked more than that amount, allowing 37 baserunners via the walk. For Outman his number one weapon is his deception. Whether it is his 90-94 MPH fastball, his changeup or his slider, Outman relies on setting up his pitches and working counts. Outman to me, seems like the perfect replacement for a Joe Blanton type in the future. A guy that can go a good amount of innings, wear down hitters, and keep his offense in the ballgame. Yet again, another steal by Billy Beane. You got to love what this guy is doing in Oakland.
Matt Spencer, OF - Spencer, who was drafted in the third round of the 2007 draft out of Arizona State, has struggled to find his way in single A ball so far in his young professional career. Hitting just .249 with 66 strikeouts in 84 games. Many think that Spencer could be moved to the bullpen as a reliever, which he did well with in college. I say it is too early to give up on this kid, and we could see him stay in the outfield for at least one more season. not a bad "talent" to throw in the deal as a throw away prospect.
Who They Got:
Joe Blanton, SP - So what his ERA has been in the sixes his last 9 starts, or that he has given up more hits than innings pitched. For some reason, the Phillies feel that Blanton will be the answer to beating the Mets in the NL East. Well, I'm sorry Mr. Gillick, I'm going to have to disagree with you on this one. I know his job is just to be a "workhorse" but to be honest, his numbers arent much better than Brett Myers. In fact, Meyers has a better K/9 ratio, and hitters are pulling the same average of .284 when he is on the mound. Ok, Ok those optimistic, you got me, it's not all about the numbers. Well let me tell you something, History tells me that Blanton is prone to giving up more than a hit per innings pitched in his career. So, why not go for the Burnett and Byrds of the world? I mean come on, at least they have control of their own destiny. All of that for a rental pitcher. It would of been a better option to bring back Freddy Garcia. All I can Say is ouch, and welcome back New York.
7:21 AM
Dexter-Sports Inbox
Good Morning, I thought there wouldn't be a better way to start our Friday than by looking at yesterday's transaction between the Oakland Athletics and Philadelphia Phillies. Let's get started with Oakland's side of the Deal.
Who They Got:
Adrian Cardenas, 2b (Phillies #2 Prospect in their system) - Cardenas is a fine young left handed hitter that Billy Beane can add to the recent stockpile of middle infield depth in his system. Cardenas was the 2006 high school player of the year and since then has moved from shortstop to second base. I wouldn't be surprised to see Beane move him there over the long term. One thing Cardenas will need to work on is his ability to get on base. Billy Beane and the system demand the ability to walk and take pitches, which isn't a strong suit of this lefty bat with great loft power to the gaps. Defensively he might be a step behind at short, and lack the footwork at second, but don't be surprised to see the organization whip him into shape. Honestly, this is great value for a pitcher like Blanton, at least in my opinion. Cardenas is hittin .309 with 16 SBs in HiA Clearwater.
Josh Outman, SP (Phillies #4 Prospect in their System) - Outman struggled in a promotion to double A Reading last season, but since then has responded. In 70 innings of work, the Lefty has only given up 25 earned runs but he has walked more than that amount, allowing 37 baserunners via the walk. For Outman his number one weapon is his deception. Whether it is his 90-94 MPH fastball, his changeup or his slider, Outman relies on setting up his pitches and working counts. Outman to me, seems like the perfect replacement for a Joe Blanton type in the future. A guy that can go a good amount of innings, wear down hitters, and keep his offense in the ballgame. Yet again, another steal by Billy Beane. You got to love what this guy is doing in Oakland.
Matt Spencer, OF - Spencer, who was drafted in the third round of the 2007 draft out of Arizona State, has struggled to find his way in single A ball so far in his young professional career. Hitting just .249 with 66 strikeouts in 84 games. Many think that Spencer could be moved to the bullpen as a reliever, which he did well with in college. I say it is too early to give up on this kid, and we could see him stay in the outfield for at least one more season. not a bad "talent" to throw in the deal as a throw away prospect.
Who They Got:
Joe Blanton, SP - So what his ERA has been in the sixes his last 9 starts, or that he has given up more hits than innings pitched. For some reason, the Phillies feel that Blanton will be the answer to beating the Mets in the NL East. Well, I'm sorry Mr. Gillick, I'm going to have to disagree with you on this one. I know his job is just to be a "workhorse" but to be honest, his numbers arent much better than Brett Myers. In fact, Meyers has a better K/9 ratio, and hitters are pulling the same average of .284 when he is on the mound. Ok, Ok those optimistic, you got me, it's not all about the numbers. Well let me tell you something, History tells me that Blanton is prone to giving up more than a hit per innings pitched in his career. So, why not go for the Burnett and Byrds of the world? I mean come on, at least they have control of their own destiny. All of that for a rental pitcher. It would of been a better option to bring back Freddy Garcia. All I can Say is ouch, and welcome back New York.
