In an article written by Mike Puma of the New York Post he quotes Mike Pelfrey to say,

“I understand that people look at the rotation and they have question marks. There should be,” Pelfrey said.

“Guys got hurt. I had a bad year, but guys are healthy now and I’m going to bounce back and have a good year. It’s amazing to me how big of a question there is about the rotation [by fans]. I hear about it and I just laugh.”

“I am glad to see that Pelfrey is confident I expect no less from him.  I don’t know if I find the fans concerns regarding the rotation funny but I like the confidence he shows I expect all the Met players to have the same attitude. “

Sphere: Related Content

A recent report out in Baltimore is that the Orioles could possibly look to move ex-Met Ty Wigginton.  I am intrigued by this and I’ll tell you why.  When Wiggy was here he was a crowd favorite and for good reason.  He was young at the time, energetic, aggressive, and hit for power.  He seemed like a winner, and if not a go getter.  A great 6th man on the NBA court.  We didn’t think he would ever be an All-Star, but we respected his game because the guy had some talent.    In 2004 we moved him in what Met fans considered at the time an acceptable move as we netted a big young right hander who showed some promise by the name of Kris Benson.  We know how that panned out.

Wiggy went on to have a solid career.  In fact, I was shocked when I looked at his numbers to see how solid they really were.  Three seasons of 20+ homers, and consistent .270-.280 for really all 8 seasons.  Not bad for a 6th man.  Yet, Ty’s been shipped around the league in the last few years, and that’s mainly because of his defense.  While you can respect his versatility being able to play all around the infield, without a true position Wiggy never could hold on to a steady job.

So why bring him back then?  Listen, I am not saying the guy will be our savior, but a guy like that can win us a few ballgames for sure.  Maybe that hard nosed attitude and that energy spreads in this clubhouse.  With guys like him and Francoeur, Wright, Reyes…these are high energy guys that need to start having some fun again on the field.  Maybe we platoon him at 2b with Castillo.  We know Castillo won’t play 162 games this year this is a given. 

In some ways his return to the Mets would resemble the way Sean Avery return6d to the Garden for the New York Rangers.  Avery wasn’t the most talented of the bunch but definitely had some unique assets:  his energy, his aggressiveness…similar to Wiggy.  Avery became a fan favorite in New York has his personality suited the city well, yet the Rangers moved him a few years back.  He is back with the organization this year, and the crowd and team feed off his energy.  

So, is Wigginton worth the $3 mill we’ll be taking on next year?  Might be worth bringing him back just to hear a few more cheers in Citifield. 

Who would we trade?  Can Wiggy make any difference?

Sphere: Related Content

You decide.  The way the current system of free agent rankings and compensation works the amateur draft and free agent signings are linked whether we like it or not.

Omar Minaya’s first amateur draft as GM of the New York Mets was the 2005 First-Year Player Draft.  Below is a brief look at how many picks each National League team has made, what picks have been impacted by free agent signings, how many of those picks have made it to the Major Leagues, who they are and what overall # pick those players that have made it were from their 2005-2008 drafts inclusive.  The 2009 draft is not included because no player taken that year has made their major league debut.  The American League is not included because they are not the main competition from day-to-day and because they have the DH which upsets me greatly (but truthfully because I just don’t have the time).

For those who don’t know, basically a team will have more overall picks as compensation for losing major league players via free agency (Type A or B free agents), and fewer if it signs players via free agency (Type A free agents).  These picks gained or lost are early round picks which is generally when the prime talent is considered to be available.

The teams are listed in descending order based on their total number of picks made in these 4 drafts.  A team which neither signed nor lost any free agents, or maintained a balance of both, would have 50 picks annually or 200 total during the period of time being examined here should they choose to exercise all their picks, but not all teams use their full allotment of picks as you’ll see if you actually read all this.  Whether the draft picks were signed or not is not a factor.  If more than one team made the same number of total picks those teams are listed alphabetically.

So please take a look at the information below, note how many picks some teams had and how few others had due to the way they utilize Type A & B free agents and/or the way they simply decide to stop drafting, and note what these teams have thus far produced with those picks and let us know your conclusions in the comments section.  Who is balancing free agency and the draft well?  Who is not?  Is Omar Minaya?

Braves: 209 total picks, 6 have reached the majors, 3%.

In 2005 the Braves received the 41st overall pick (supplemental) and the 77th overall pick from the Yankees signing of FA P Jaret Wright.  In 2006 they received the 38th overall pick (supplemental) and the 72nd overall pick from the Yankees signing of FA P Kyle Farnsworth, and the 43rd overall pick (supplemental) and the 51st overall pick from the Dodgers signing of FA SS Rafael Furcal.  In 2007 they received the 33rd overall pick (supplemental) and the 69th overall pick from the Orioles signing of FA P Danys Baez.  In 2008 they received the 40th overall pick (supplemental) from the Royals signing of FA P Ron Mahay.  Thus the 9 extra picks.  None of their compensation picks have reached the majors.

• Year drafted 2005 overall pick # 27, Joey Devine
• 2005 # 75, Yunel Escobar
• 2005 # 107, Jordan Shafer
• 2005 # 677, Tommy Hanson
• 2005 # 1077, Tyler Flowers
• 2006 # 310, Kris Medlen

Cardinals: 207 total picks, 13 have reached the majors, 6%.

In 2005 the Cardinals received the 28th overall pick and the 43rd overall pick (supplemental) from the Red Sox signing of FA SS Edgar Renteria, and the 46th overall pick (supplemental) and the 70th overall pick from the Giants signing of FA C Mike Matheny.  In 2006 they received the 42nd overall pick (supplemental) and the 54th overall pick from the Giants signing of FA P Matt Morris, and the 76th overall pick from the Phillies signing of FA 3B Abraham Nunez.  In 2007 they received the 36th overall pick (supplemental) and the 71st overall pick from the Brewers signing of FA P Jeff Suppan.  In 2008 they received the 39th overall pick (supplemental) from the Rays signing of FA P Troy Percival.  The Cardinals chose not to exercise their final 3 picks of the 2005 amateur draft.  Thus the net of 7 extra picks.  3 of their compensation picks have reached the majors (Colby Rasmus, Chris Perez & Clayton Mortensen).

• 2005 # 28, Colby Rasmus
• 2005 # 30, Tyler Greene
• 2005 # 170, Mitchell Boggs
• 2005 # 230, Nick Stavinoha
• 2005 # 380, Daniel McCutchen
• 2005 # 650, Ryan Rohlinger
• 2005 # 680, Jaime Garcia
• 2006 # 42, Chris Perez
• 2006 # 166, Shane Robinson
• 2006 # 346, P.J. Walters
• 2006 # 856, Luke Gregerson
• 2007 # 36, Clayton Mortensen
• 2007 # 82, Jess Todd

Diamondbacks, 207 total picks, 10 have reached the majors, 5%.

In 2005 the Diamondbacks received the 31st overall pick (supplemental) and the 83rd overall pick from the Mariners signing of FA 1B Richie Sexson.  In 2006 they received the 34th overall pick (supplemental) and the 86th overall pick from the Giants signing of FA P Tim Worrell.  In 2007 they received the 50th overall pick (supplemental) from the Brewers signing of FA SS Craig Counsell and the 61st overall pick (supplemental) from the Mariners signing of FA P Miguel Batista.  In 2008 they received the 43rd overall pick (supplemental) from the Twins signing of FA P Livan Hernandez.  Thus the 7 extra picks.  1 of their compensation picks has reached the majors (Micah Owings).

• 2005 # 1, Justin Upton
• 2005 # 83, Micah Owings
• 2005 # 171, Greg Smith
• 2005 # 411, Rusty Ryal
• 2006 # 11, Max Scherzer
• 2006 # 55, Brett Anderson
• 2006 # 387 John Hester
• 2006 # 897, Clay Zavada
• 2007 # 223, Bryan Augenstein
• 2008 # 26, Daniel Schlereth

Marlins, 207 total picks, 9 have reached the majors, 4%.

In 2005 the Marlins received the 22nd overall pick and the 34th overall pick (supplemental) from the Giants signing FA P Armando Benitez, the 29th overall pick and 44th overall pick (supplemental) from the Yankees signing FA P Carl Pavano,  and the 79th overall pick (supplemental) from the Twins signing of C Mike Redmond.  In 2006 they received the 36th overall pick (supplemental) and the 90th overall pick from the Blue Jays signing of FA P A.J. Burnett.  Thus the 7 extra picks.  4 of their compensation picks have reached the majors (Ryan Tucker, Sean West, Brett Hayes & Chris Coghlan).

• 2005 # 16, Chris Volstad
• 2005 # 34, Ryan Tucker
• 2005 # 44, Sean West
• 2005 # 79, Brett Hayes
• 2005 # 126, Gaby Sanchez
• 2005 # 216, Christopher Leroux
• 2005 # 246, Aaron Bates
• 2006 # 36, Chris Coghlan
• 2006 # 305, Graham Taylor

Phillies, 205 total picks, 5 have reached the majors, 2%.

In 2005 the Phillies lost their 1st round pick for signing FA P Jon Leiber.  In 2006 they received the 18th overall pick and the 37th overall pick (supplemental) from the Mets signing of FA P Billy Wagner, and lost their 1st round pick for signing FA P Tom Gordon.  In 2007 they received the 37th overall pick (supplemental) and the 107th overall pick from the Indians signing of FA OF David Dellucci.  In 2008 they received the 34th overall pick (supplemental) and the 51st overall pick from the Giants signing of FA OF Aaron Rowand, and the 110th overall pick (supplemental) for failure to sign a previous draft pick.  Thus the net of 5 extra picks.  None of their compensation picks have reached the majors.

• 2005 # 97, Matt Maloney
• 2005 # 307, Josh Outman
• 2005 # 367, Mike Zagurski
• 2005 # 577, David Huff
• 2006 # 65, Andrew Carpenter

Nationals, 203 total picks, 7 have reached the majors, 3%.

In 2005 the Nationals lost their 2nd round draft pick for signing FA 3B Vinny Castilla and their 3rd round draft pick for signing FA SS Christian Guzman.  In 2006 they received the 22nd overall pick from the A’s signing of FA P Esteban Loaiza and the 70th overall pick from the Angels signing of FA P Hector Carrasco.  In 2007 they received the 31st overall pick (supplemental) and the 67th overall pick from the Cubs signing of FA OF Alfonso Soriano, and the 49th overall pick (supplemental) for the Mariners signing of FA OF Jose Guillen.  Thus the net of 3 extra picks.  1 of their compensation picks has reached the majors (Jordan Zimmermann).

• 2005 # 4, Ryan Zimmerman
• 2005 # 114, Justin Maxwell
• 2005 # 174, Marco Estrada
• 2005 # 324, John Lannan
• 2005 # 354, Craig Stammen
• 2007 # 6, Ross Detwiler
• 2007 # 67, Jordan Zimmermann

Reds, 202 total picks, 8 have reached the majors, 4%.

In 2007 the Reds received the 34th overall pick (supplemental) and the 104th overall pick from the Giants signing of FA 1B Rich Aurilia, and the 53rd overall pick (supplemental) from the Mets signing of FA P Scott Schoeneweis.  In 2008 they lost their 2nd round draft pick for signing FA P Francisco Cordero.  Thus the net of 2 extra draft picks.  None of their compensation picks have reached the majors.

• 2005 # 12, Jay Bruce
• 2005 # 182, Jeff Stevens
• 2005 # 332, Carlos Fisher
• 2005 # 362, Adam Rosales
• 2005 # 1259, John Axford
• 2006 # 8, Drew Stubbs
• 2006 # 204, Justin Turner
• 2006 # 294, Josh Roenicke

Rockies, 202 total picks, 2 have reached the majors, 1%.

In 2005 the Rockies received the 32nd overall pick (supplemental) and the 52nd overall pick from the Nationals signing of FA 3B Vinny Castilla.  Thus 2 extra draft picks.  None of their compensation picks have made the majors.

• 2005 # 7, Troy Tulowitzki
• 2006 # 2, Greg Reynolds

Pirates, 200 total picks, 3 have reached the majors, 1%.

• 2005 # 11, Andrew McCutchen
• 2005 # 121, Brent Lillibridge
• 2005 # 241, Steven Pearce

Brewers, 199 total picks, 5 have reached the majors, 3%.

In 2005 the Brewers lost their 2nd round pick for signing FA C Damian Miller.  In 2007 they lost their 2nd round pick for signing FA P Jeff Suppan.  In 2008 they received the 32nd overall pick (supplemental) and the 53rd overall pick from the Reds signing of FA P Francisco Cordero, and the 35th overall pick (supplemental) and the 54th overall pick from the White Sox signing of FA P Scott Linebrink.  The Brewers chose not to exercise their final 3 picks in the 2007 draft.  Thus the net loss of 1 pick.  None of their compensation picks have reached the majors.

• 2005 # 5, Ryan Braun
• 2005 # 115, Mat Gamel
• 2005 # 205, Michael Brantley
• 2005 # 475, Andrew Bailey
• 2007 # 7, Matt LaPorta

Cubs, 199 total picks, 3 have reached the majors, 2%.

In 2005 the Cubs received the 108th overall pick from the Red Sox signing of FA P Matt Clement.  In 2006 they lost their 2nd round pick for signing FA P Bobby Howry, their 3rd round pick for signing FA P Scott Eyre and their 4th round pick for signing FA OF Jacque Jones.  In 2007 they received the 48th overall pick (supplemental) from the Dodgers signing of FA OF Juan Pierre, and lost their 2nd round pick for signing FA OF Alfonso Soriano.  In 2008 they received the 41st overall pick (supplemental) from the Brewers signing of FA C Jason Kendall.  Thus the net loss of 1 pick.  None of their compensation picks has made the majors.

• 2005 # 68, Donald Veal
• 2006 # 13, Tyler Colvin
• 2006 # 149, Jeff Samardzija

Giants, 199 total picks, 12 have reached the majors, 6%.

In 2005 the Giants lost their 1st round pick for signing FA P Armando Benitez, their 2nd round pick for signing FA C Mike Matheny, and their 3rd round pick for signing FA SS Omar Vizquel.  In 2006 they received the 33rd overall pick (supplemental) and the 89th overall pick from the Cubs signing of FA P Scott Eyre, and they lost their 2nd round pick for signing FA P Matt Morris and their 3rd round pick for signing FA P Tim Worrell.  In 2007 they received the 22nd overall pick and the 43rd overall pick (supplemental) from the Dodgers signing of FA P Jason Schmidt, the 29th overall pick and the 32nd overall pick (supplemental) from the Mets signing of FA OF Moises Alou, and the 51st overall pick (supplemental) from the Reds signing of FA P Mike Stanton, and they lost their 2nd round pick for signing FA P Barry Zito, their 3rd round pick for signing FA 1B Rich Aurilia, and their 4th round pick for signing FA OF Dave Roberts.  In 2008 they received the 37th overall pick (supplemental) from the Phillies signing of 3B Pedro Feliz, and they lost their 2nd round pick for signing FA OF Aaron Rowand.  Thus the net loss of 1 pick.  2 of their compensation picks have made the majors (Emmanuel Burriss & Conor Gillaspie).

• 2005 # 372, Joe Martinez
• 2005 # 462, Alex Hinshaw
• 2005 # 852, Sergio Romo
• 2006 # 10, Tim Lincecum
• 2006 # 33, Emmanuel Burriss
• 2006 # 176, Ryan Rohlinger
• 2006 # 266, Brian Bocock
• 2006 # 1076, Matt Downs
• 2007 # 10, Madison Baumgarner
• 2007 # 284, Dan Runzler
• 2008 # 5, Buster Posey
• 2008 # 37, Conor Gillaspie

Astros, 192 total picks, 3 have reached the majors, 2%.

In 2005 the Astros received the 38th overall pick (supplemental) and the 89th overall pick from the Mets signing of FA OF Carlos Beltran.  In 2007 they lost their 1st round pick for signing FA OF Carlos Lee, and their 2nd round pick for signing FA P Woody Williams.  In 2008 they received the 38th overall pick (supplemental) from the Rays signing FA P Trever Miller, and the 109th overall pick (supplemental) for failure to sign a previous draft pick.  The Astros chose not to exercise their final 4 picks of the 2005 amateur draft and their final 6 picks of the 2007 amateur draft.  Thus a net loss of 8 picks.  1 of their compensation picks has made the majors (Tommy Manzella).

• 2005 # 89, Tommy Manzella
• 2006 # 129, Chris Johnson
• 2006 # 189, Bud Norris

Mets, 191 total picks, 9 have reached the majors, 5%.

In 2005 the Mets lost their 2nd round pick for signing FA P Pedro Martinez and their 3rd round pick for signing FA OF Carlos Beltran.  In 2006 they lost their 1st round pick for signing FA P Billy Wagner.  In 2007 they received the 42nd overall pick (supplemental) and the 77th overall pick from the Indians signing of FA P Roberto Hernandez, and they received the 47th overall pick (supplemental) and 99th overall pick from the Orioles signing of FA P Chad Bradford, and they lost their 1st round pick for signing FA OF Moises Alou.  In 2008 the Mets received the 18th overall pick and the 33rd overall pick (supplemental) from the Braves signing FA P Tom Glavine.  The Mets chose not to exercise their final 10 picks in the 2007 draft.  Thus a net loss of 9 picks.  1 of their compensation picks has reached the majors (Eddie Kunz).

• 2005 # 9, Mike Pelfrey
• 2005 # 209, Jonathon Niese
• 2005 # 269, Bobby Parnell
• 2005 # 389, Josh Thole
• 2006 # 62, Kevin Mulvey
• 2006 # 94, Joe Smith
• 2006 # 394, Daniel Murphy
• 2006 # 484, Tobi Stoner
• 2007 # 42, Eddie Kunz

Padres, 187 total picks, 10 have reached the majors, 5%.

In 2005 the Padres received the 35th overall pick (supplemental) and the 76th overall pick from the Red Sox signing FA P David Wells.  In 2006 they received the 35th overall pick (supplemental) and the 53rd overall pick from the Orioles signing FA P Roberto Hernandez.  In 2007 they received the 40th overall pick (supplemental) and the 81st overall pick from the Astros signing FA P Woody Williams, they received the 46th overall pick (supplemental) and the 134th overall pick from the Giants signing FA OF Dave Roberts, they received the 57th overall pick (supplemental) from the Mets signing FA P Chan Ho Park, they received the 63rd overall pick (supplemental) from the A’s signing FA P Alan Embree, and they received the 64th overall pick (supplemental) from the Giants signing FA 1B Ryan Klesko. In 2008 they received the 42nd overall pick (supplemental) from the Brewers signing FA OF Mike Cameron, they received the 46th overall pick (supplemental) for the Astros signing FA P Doug Brocail, and they received the 111th overall pick (supplemental) for failure to sign a previous draft pick.  The Padres chose not to exercise their final 5 picks in the 2006 draft, their final 15 picks in the 2007 draft and their final 7 picks in the 2008 draft.  Thus a net loss of 13 picks.  2 of their compensation picks have made it to the majors (Cesar Ramos & Nick Hundley).

• 2005 # 18, Cesar Carrillo
• 2005 # 35, Cesar Ramos
• 2005 # 66, Chase Headley
• 2005 # 76, Nick Hundley
• 2005 # 98, Josh Geer
• 2005 # 218, Will Venable
• 2006 # 17, Matt Antonelli
• 2006 # 61, Wade LeBlanc
• 2006 # 73, David Freese
• 2006 # 333, Mat Latos

Dodgers, 186 total picks, 4 have reached the majors, 2%.

In 2005 the Dodgers received the 40th overall pick (supplemental) and the 51st overall pick from the Mariners signing of FA 3B Adrian Beltre, and they lost their 1st round pick for signing FA P Derek Lowe.  In 2006 they received the 26th overall pick and the 31st overall pick (supplemental) from the Angels signing FA P Jeff Weaver, and they lost their 2nd round pick for signing FA SS Rafael Furcal and their 3rd round pick for signing FA 3B Bill Mueller.  In 2007 they received the 20th overall pick and the 39th overall pick (supplemental) from the Red Sox signing FA SS Julio Lugo, and they lost their 1st round pick for signing FA P Jason Schmidt.  In 2007 the Dodgers chose not to exercise their final 11 picks of the draft and in 2008 they chose not to exercise their final 5 picks.  Thus a net loss of 14 picks.  1 of their compensation picks has made it to the majors (Luke Hochevar).

• 2005 # 40, Luke Hochevar
• 2005 # 166, Jonathan Meloan
• 2005 # 196, Brent Leach
• 2006 # 7, Clayton Kershaw

Sphere: Related Content

According to Metsblog:News: Mookie and Melvin join Mets

Mookie will return to the Mets as a their minor league OF and base-running coordinator.

“It’s good to be back,” said Wilson, in a team press release.  “This is where I started and I’m anxious to do whatever I can for the young kids in our system.”

Cerrone also points out that the Mets announced Bob Melvin will join the organization as a professional scout.

Sphere: Related Content

Hi everyone! I hope you don’t mind my interruption, I just have a small request from this community of Met fans.

As you all know, almost a month ago, there was a terrible earthquake in Haiti and now millions of people are living a life that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. As a father of two young girls, my heart goes out to the families of Haiti.

I recently learned of ShelterBox, an organization that provides disaster relief by delivering boxes of aid to those most in need. Each box supplies an extended family of up to 10 people with a tent and essential equipment to use while they are displaced or homeless. Here is a recent article by TIME magazine, featuring the work of ShelterBox. Please see this video of Shelter boxes being delivered and used in Haiti.

I know times are rough for many of us, but if you can, please go to my donation page and help me donate one shelter box. Donations are tax deductible. Thank you for your help!

Read the rest of this entry »

Sphere: Related Content

This is Part 3 of a series, the trades are chronological and are numbered from the start of Part 1 and continue through Part 2

20.  June 29, 2000 - The Cleveland Indians traded OF David Justice to the New York Yankees for P Zach Day, OF Ricky Ledee and P Jake Westbrook.  At the time of the trade Justice was in his 12th ML season.  He was the 1990 AL Rookie of the Year, a 3 time All-Star, 2 time Silver Slugger and had received MVP votes in 5 different seasons.  For 10 seasons he had a .284 batting average while averaging 23 HR and 80 RBI, numbers that look less imposing because they include his 1996 season in which he played only 40 games, otherwise it’s more like 26/90.  Prior to the trade Justice had appeared in the post season 7 times with Atlanta and Cleveland, including 3 NL Pennants with 1 World Championship, and 1 AL Pennant.  After the trade he appeared in 3 more post seasons including 2 AL Pennants and 1 World Championship with the Yankees and a Division Series appearance in his final ML season with Oakland.

Day was traded again before reaching the majors and made his ML debut with Montreal in 2002.  His career lasted 5 seasons during which he pitched in 86 games, making 60 starts and compiling a record of 21-27, 4.66.  His last ML season was 2006 and he last appeared in pro ball in 2008 at the Advanced A level in the Minnesota Twins system.  Ledee had appeared in 192 ML games over 3 seasons prior to the trade batting .258 with 17 HR and 83 RBI in 520 at bats.  Less than a month after the trade he was traded again, to Texas.  His ML career lasted 10 seasons ending in 2007 when he batted .222 in 36 at bats for the Mets, his last season in pro ball.  Westbrook had made his ML debut with the Yankees prior to the trade, totaling 6 2/3 innings.  He both started and relieved for Cleveland becoming a mainstay in their rotation when he made 30 starts which included 5 complete games in 2004.  He has battled injuries, making only 5 starts in ‘08 and none in ‘09.  As he tries to regain his health and return to the Indians rotation his career mark stands at 63-64, 4.31.  During Westbrook’s tenure the Indians have made the post season twice, and he appeared for them in the 2007 AL playoffs.

21.  July 11, 2003 - The Texas Rangers traded P Ugueth Urbina to the Florida Marlins for OF Will Smith, P Ryan Snare and 1B Adrian Gonzalez.  Perhaps I’m stretching the definition of a star a bit to accommodate Urbina but heck Heathcliff Slocumb made the cut and if you’ll notice the date it’s been over 3 years since our last star for prospects trade so I’m getting a bit antsy.  Urbina was a 2 time All-Star in his 9th ML season who at the time of this trade had exactly 200 career saves including 26 for the season and had eclipsed the 34 save mark in 3 previous seasons.  He saved 6 more after the trade in the regular season and had 4 post season saves en route to the 2003 World Championship.  His career ended after the 2005 season, his 11th, and he retired with 237 career saves.

Smith never made it to the majors and was out of professional baseball after spending ‘07-’08 in an independent league.  Snare’s major league career consisted of 3 1/3 innings for Texas in 2004.  His 6 season professional career ended following a stint with Kansas City’s AA team in 2006.  Gonzalez you are probably more familiar with.  He reached the majors for a cup of coffee in 2004 then had a slightly larger cup in 2005 before Texas traded him to San Diego January 6, 2006.  As a 24 year old he became the Padres starting 1B in 2006 and has averaged 32 HR and 100 RBI in his 4 seasons there to go with his .285 career batting average, 2 All-Star appearances and 2 Gold Gloves.

22.  July 16, 2003 - The New York Mets traded P Armando Benitez to the New York Yankees for P Ryan Bicondoa, P Jason Anderson and P Anderson Garcia.  With the star bar set low by Slocumb and Urbina, Benitez sneaks in.  In his 10th ML season at the time of the trade, 1 time All-Star Benitez had a career total of 197 saves including 21 that season.  He had appeared in 4 post seasons and been a part of the 2000 NL Pennant winning Mets.  He pitched in a lesser role for the ‘03 Yankees and helped them to the post season with a 1.93 ERA but did not pitch for them in the post season as they lost the World Series.  Benitez’ 15th and final season in the majors was 2008 with Toronto, and he pitched at the AAA level for Houston in 2009.  He has 289 career saves good for 23rd all time, 6th most among technically active players.

Bicondoa never made it to the majors and was out of pro baseball after 2008.  The last 2 of his 7 pro seasons were spent in independent leagues.  Prior to the trade Anderson had appeared in 22 MLB games for the Yankees all in relief.  He appeared in 6 for the Mets and had an ERA of 5.06 in 10 2/3 innings before being waived April 8, 2004.  His 3rd and final ML season was 2005 and he spent it back with the Yankees.  He is still in professional baseball having spent the last 4 seasons primarily moving back and forth between AA & AAA in the minor league system of the Phillies.  Garcia’s major league career consisted of 1 appearance of 2/3 of an inning in 2007 for the Phillies.  2008 was Garcia’s last in pro ball and he spent that splitting time between the Advanced A and AA teams of the Seattle Mariners.

23.  July 31, 2003 - The New York Yankees traded 3B Robin Ventura to the Los Angeles Dodgers for OF Bubba Crosby and P Scott Proctor.  Ventura was in his 15th ML season at the time of the trade.  The 2 time All-Star and 6 time Gold Glove winner had with the exception of an injury marred 1997 averaged 24 HR and 92 RBI for the 11 seasons prior to the trade.  He had made 4 post season appearances including the 2000 NL Pennant.  In 2004, his final ML season he helped the Dodgers reach the post season.  His 132 career intentional walks rank 59th all time.

Crosby had 1 hit in 12 career MLB at bats before the trade.  He was out of MLB after the 2006 season after a career total of 250 at bats over 4 seasons.  His last professional season was 2007 which he spent with the AAA affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds.  Proctor made his ML debut in 2004 and by 2006 had become Joe Torre’s go-to guy out of the bullpen, leading the league with 83 relief appearances in 2006.  He made 52 appearances in ‘07 before being traded to Los Angeles for whom he made another 31, giving him back-to-back seasons with 83 relief appearances.  Determined to destroy Proctor, Torre left New York and took over as skipper of the Dodgers, subjecting Proctor to 33 appearances through June 21 in 2008 when he finally succumbed to the abuse and began a 2 1/2 month stint on the disabled list.  Proctor returned from the DL in early September and Torre thrust him into 8 more games before Proctor was re-injured and he missed all of 2009.

24.  August 26, 2003 - The Pittsburgh Pirates traded OF Brian Giles to the San Diego Padres for P Cory Stewart, P Oliver Perez and OF Jason Bay.  Giles was in his 9th ML season at the time of the trade.  He was a 2 time All-Star who had received MVP votes every season from 1999-2002 inclusive during which time he averaged 37 HR, 109 RBI and 10 SB to go with his .309 batting average.  Giles has been with the Padres since then.  His power slowly evaporated but he helped the Padres to unprecedented back-to-back post season appearances in ‘05 & ‘06, leading the league in walks with 119 in 2005.  He currently ranks 60th in the history of MLB in total bases-on-balls and 59th in career OBP with an even .400 mark.

Stewart never reached the major leagues and was out of pro ball after his 6th minor league season in 2005.  Perez joined the Peace Corps in 2008 eschewing a 3 year, $36 million offer from the New York Mets and hasn’t been heard from since.  We wish.  The enigmatic Perez currently pitches for the Mets and after 8 ML seasons has a career mark of 58-64, 4.54 and 2 years to go on that contract.  Prior to the trade Bay had 2 hits, a double and a homer, in 8 career ML at bats.  In 2004 Bay won NL Rookie of the Year honors establishing himself as an everyday OF and has been one since for the Pirates, Red Sox and now the Mets who hope the trend continues.  Bay has won a Silver Slugger award, is a 3 time All-Star and 3 time MVP vote receiver.

25.  November 3, 2003 - The Houston Astros traded P Billy Wagner to the Philadelphia Phillies for P Ezequiel Astacio, P Taylor Buchholz and P Brandon Duckworth.  Wagner was in the 9th season of his ML career at the time of the trade.  He was a 3 time All-Star and had received MVP votes in 1999 when he won the NL Rolaids Relief Man award.  He was coming off a 44 save season and had at least 30 saves in 5 of his previous 6 seasons.  With the Astros he had taken part in 4 post seasons.  He spent 2 seasons with the Phillies saving a total of 59 games and making another All-Star appearance before leaving via free agency after 2005.  The Phillies did not make the post season during his stay.  As of the end of 2009 Wagner is still going, has appeared in 2 more post seasons and has a total of 385 career saves good for 6th all time.

Astacio made his ML debut with Houston in 2005.  He last appeared in the majors in 2006 and his career mark is 5-6, 6.02 in 28 games, 14 starts.  In 2009 Astacio threw 7 innings over 3 appearances to a 10.29 ERA for the Chicago Cubs AAA affiliate.  Buchholz made his ML debut for Houston in 2006, making 19 starts among 22 appearances for a record of 6-10, 5.89.  The Phillies traded him December 12, 2006 to the Colorado Rockies for whom he still pitches.  He missed the entire 2009 season due to injury and his current ML career record stands at 18-21, 4.42.  Having been in the majors for 3 seasons prior Duckworth’s inclusion in this trade makes it a borderline candidate for consideration similar to Chris James’ presence in trade # 1 in this series and you may discard it if you wish.  Ultimately I included this deal because I felt in my opinion that like James prior to the trade, Duckworth’s presence in the majors was hardly clear cut.  At this time he had a 15-18, 4.87 record in 65 games, 58 starts and had spent time in the minors in both 2001 & 2003.  His 2 seasons with Houston after the trade also included time in the minor leagues and his ML record with Houston was 1-3, 8.08 in 26 games, 8 starts.  He left Houston as a free agent following the 2005 season and last pitched in the majors for Kansas City in 2008.  He spent 2009 in the starting rotation of Kansas City’s AAA affiliate.  The Astros made the post season in both 2004 & 2005 and Astacio did participate in ‘05.

26.  November 28, 2003 - The Arizona Diamondbacks traded P Curt Schilling to the Boston Red Sox for OF Mike Goss, P Casey Fossum, P Brandon Lyon and P Jorge de la Rosa.  Schilling was in his 16th ML season at the time of the trade.  He had been a 5 time All-Star and had received both Cy Young and MVP votes in 3 different seasons.  He was a 2 time 20 game winner who had struck out over 300 batters in a season 3 times and had a 4th season in which he came up 7 K’s short of that mark.  His career mark was 163-117, 3.33, his K/BB ratio an excellent 4.22-1 and he had made 3 post season appearances including the 2001 World Championship.  His 1st season in Boston the Red Sox ended an 86 year drought with a World Series title and in 2007, his 20th and final season in the majors Boston won another title.  He retired with a record of 216-146, 3.46, 20 career shutouts and his career mark of 8.6 K/9 ranks 15th all time.

Goss never made it to the majors.  He spent 7 seasons in the minors never making it above AA and his last 4 seasons were spent in various independent leagues.  Fossum had spent the 3 seasons prior to the trade shuttling back and forth between Boston and the minor leagues.  His ML career mark at the time was 14-11, 4.42 in 75 games, 33 starts.  He is still in professional ball but the only 2 seasons he has not spent any time in the minors were 2005-2006 which he spent with the then Tampa Bay Devil Rays which at that time were considered by many to be an extension of the minor leagues.  Through 9 ML seasons his career mark stands at 40-53, 5.45.  Like Fossum, Lyon had spent the 3 seasons prior to the trade moving between the minors and majors.  At the time of the trade he was 10-14, 4.99 in 75 games, 21 starts.  He spent 5 seasons in Arizona but missed all of 2004 due to injury.  In 2008 he was the Diamondbacks‘ primary closer making 26 saves.  He left Arizona via free agency after 2008 and his record for them was 11-15, 4.03 with 42 saves overall.  In 2009 he was a mainstay in the Detroit Tigers bullpen in a set up role.  At the time of the trade de la Rosa had not yet appeared in the majors and he never would for Arizona as they traded him again 3 days later to the Milwaukee Brewers in a 9 player swap.  He made his ML debut for the Brewers in 2004 and went 4-7, 6.23 for them over the next 2 1/2 seasons in 61 games, 8 starts until they traded him to Kansas City who after 1 1/2 years traded him to Colorado where he seems to have found a home going 26-17, 4.60 as a regular in their starting rotation the last 2 seasons.

That brings us to the end of the series.  While some of the traded stars elicited decent returns, more often they brought back at best marginal major leaguers and at worst players that never made it above AA.  So it seems based on these examples the chance of getting a solid return for trading a star is not great, getting a star back is incredibly unlikely, and holding onto them either for the purpose of attempting to re-tool around them or to gather extra draft picks when they leave via free agency looks like a better course of action at least to this observer.

Some may wonder why the Roberto Alomar to the Mets or Bartolo Colon to the Expos trades are not here.  My stated goal here was to look at trades that included returns for the stars that were not “established major league talent” and while I admitted along the way to skirting that by including Chris James and Brandon Duckworth in trades # 1 and 25 respectively, I couldn’t bring myself to treat Matt Lawton (a 7 year vet and 5 year starting OF in the Alomar deal) and Lee Stevens (a 10 year vet and 5 year starting 1B in the Colon deal) with the same lack of respect I showed to James and Duckworth.

Perhaps if we’re all still here doing this little thing in 2015 I’ll take a look at the similar trades made in the 2005-2009 period.  Until then, keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars!

Sphere: Related Content