2021/2022 Offseason Trading Review

[Ted]

Yup, all of em. If you want to pm me to get a word in edgewise, I'll edit what I have based on your comments. Each team will get two grades for each trade. One for the talent swap (i.e. a comparison of the talent going each way, NOT the talent of the players received), and another for the impact on the organization. As a note, I'm a harsh grader. When I was in school, maybe 5 kids in a class of 30 got an A, and they didn't give trophies to everyone just for showing up. So don't take your non A's and C's and D's and maybe even F's too hard. Also keep in mind I'm a build through the draft guy, and hate paying vets. I'll try to realize there are other ways to build teams, but my tendencies will color my vision somewhat.

Huntsville/Seattle
Huntsville receives:
3B Trey Williams
SP Jose De La Cruz (pospect)

Seattle receives:
RP Grey Street
SS Daniel Silva

This had to be a tough move for Seattle, but it was smart, or at least ruthless. Williams was on his way down. Scouts have noticed him losing some bat speed the last couple years and his performance really fell off the cliff last season. He no longer has any pop, and is a defensive liability at 3rd. His remaining 36 mil over two years (I don't see any way he declines his player option in 2023) could have been crippling for a Seattle franchise that was hovering around the .500 mark, losing money, and in need of some retooling.

To facilitate this trade they had to give up SP prospect Jose De La Cruz. That's a tough pill to swallow. De La Cruz is a 20 year old with a ton of endurance, velocity that has jumped from the mid 80's to high 90's since his teenage years. He appears to have a much better chance of continuing to progress into an ace for Huntsville than he does regressing into an unusable player. Most likely he ends up an innings eater in the 2 spot in the rotation, maybe 3.

Seattle did get a little bit back to soothe the blow. Grey Street is a 5th starter/decent bullpen option. He does have some command issues but is signed cheaply for a couple years. Dan Silva is a terrific defensive SS, but has very little bat. He makes 9 million, but at least it's off the books this year so Seattle still saves some money. However he doesn't have a role on a team loaded with younger, cheaper middle infield talent.

This is a sell from Seattle. You wonder if they had to give up to much to clear the books, but it's hard to tell. Having a negative cash flow is crippling. Huntsville is clearly acquiring talent for the future while mortgaging the present, but needs to be careful about losing too much money while doing it.

Grades:
Huntsville: Talent B+, Organizational A-
Seattle: Talent D+, Organizational B-

Huntsville/Des Moines
Huntsville receives:
SP Mike Davis (prospect)

Des Moines receives:
C Jeremy Carter (prospect)
3B Maxim Knight
RP Reynaldo Garza

Mike Davis is young, but he sure looks like an ace. He fits right in to Huntsville's rebuilding plan. Jeremy Carter is average behind the plate at best. He has some offensive upside, but he's a bit right handed and that could really impact him. Maxim Knight is a decent third baseman, but like Carter struggles hitting R handed pitching. Garza is probably gonna end up in the pen, at 25, he's still rather raw. He may never reach his potential. If he does, he's closer material.

I don't like this deal for Des Moines. They got older, and while they got a quantity of guys that can contribute on a competing team, I'm not sure they are ready to compete, and they gave up a guy who could frontline their rotation in the future to do it. Reverse these statements for Huntsville. They are rebuilding and got a blue chip to do it with.

Grades:
Huntsville: Talent A-, Organizational A-
Des Moines: Talent B, Organizational C+

Huntsville/Tuscon
Huntsville receives:

SS Bill Murray
RF Paul Holden (prospect)
RP Mark Watson (prospect)
RP Bob 'Turtle' Sanderson (prospect)

Tucson receives:
No players or cash

In a deal that has already sparked some debate, Tuscon paid with some organizational depth for relief from Murray's 42 million in guaranteed money. Murray is a defensive whiz, but at this point in his career is a 8th or 9th place hitter. Holden is a decent left handed bat, but can't field. On a poor team he could platoon DH. Watson WAS a promising starting pitching prospect, but doesn't seem to have the life in his arm he was demonstrating last summer and now there is some question as to whether Tuscon knew he was damaged goods. Sanderson seems to be the prize here. He appears to have gotten a bit stronger over the winter. It remains to be seen if he can start. If not, he's a good closer option.

The Phantoms again take on a bad contract to acquire some talent, while Tuscon pays a bit to make up for a mistake. Unloading Murray's contract is nice for Tuscon. It's unclear at this point what they gave up. An optimist looks at those three players and sees two starters and a platoon bat. A pessimist sees a setup/closer, a mop up bullpen guy, and a AAA DH.

Grades:
Huntsville: Talent B-, Organizational:B-
Tuscon: Talent N/A, Organizational C+

At this point it's a good time to talk about Huntsville's off-season moves as a whole. Normally I wouldn't give an organization these high of grades for taking on other teams bad contracts, but they've gotten some good talent, and more importantly have at this point appeared to maintain a positive cash flow. It's no good being a dumpster if you can't handle the waste buildup, but the Phantoms have.

Hunstville/Brooklyn (Dammit Kyle I want to write about someone else)
Huntsville receives:
RF Cody Smith (prospect)
3B Eugene Russell (prospect)
CF Toyaoki Mizuno (Prospect)

Brooklyn receives:
SP Bingo Long

Brooklyn is gearing up for a big playoff run and traded some middling prospects for a mid to back of the rotation guy in Long. Long is a pitch to contact guy, and will need a good defense behind him. This is a good, cheap depth pitcher pickup for Brooklyn.

This is somewhat more of a traditional trade for the rebuilding Phantoms, who gave up a starter they aren't using to get three good looking (not blue chip, but respectable) prospects. Smith is the currently the most promising bat in the group of prospects the Phantoms acquired. He's a decent looking 18 year old left handed bat, but his extremely poor speed means he may end up at 1B or DH. Any kind of regression and he's a minor leaguer. Russell is a serviceable 3B already and the most likely to stay on a big league roster, who gets a little bump from being a lefty. Mizuno has career backup or AAA All star CF written all over him, but if he learns to get the bat on the ball a bit better, could end up being the prize in this deal.

Grades:
Huntsville: Talent C+, Organizational A-
Brooklyn: Talent: C+, Organizational A-

Calgary/Las Vegas
Calgary receives:
SP Allen Kennedy

Las Vegas receives:
1B/3B Pedro Tujillo
SS Sixto Berroa (prospect)
SP Bill Harris (prospect)

In an interesting deal, Las Vegas figures it has the pitching depth to shave a little salary, while Calagry adds a depth starter to shore up their rotation in an attempt to beat out the Hustlers. This will be fun to see how it plays out. Kennedy is a bit in decline, but Calgary obviously thinks he has enough left in the tank, and are probably right. In return, Las Vegas gets a AAA 1B/3B in Tujillo, who could conceivably be called up in an emergency and get a few walks, a backup middle infielder in SS Berroa, and a probable AAA reliever in P Harris.

Calgary gambled (probably one they will win) on Kennedy, but he has lost some velocity and who knows where he will be by the end of the season. Las Vegas apparently took the under, and got some minor league fodder in return for cutting salary.

Grades:
Calgary: Talent B, Organizational B+
Las Vegas: Talent D, Organizational B (could be as low as F if Kennedy turns in a good year and makes Vegas pay)

Brooklyn/Las Vegas
Brooklyn receives:
LF Daniel Labrie, Jr.

Las Vegas receives:
C Sam Adams
P Miguel Dezgado

Another trade where teams continue their previous themes. Brooklyn beefs up on offense by adding 3 time all star and 5 time Yogi Zimmer Diamond Glove Award winner (hereafter referred to as YZD Glove or something else shorter because typing all that is insane seriously what were you guys thinking) Labrie Jr. Apparently scouts in Las Vegas feels he is not the hitter he once was, and while they may be right, he's still likely good for .310/.350/.490 and super defense. Brooklyn knows it's time is now.

This is clearly another cost cutting move by the Hustlers who again had the depth to make it. The add C Adams, who may not be a good enough hitter to justify his average presence behind the plate (and apparently has a freaking legendary mustache) and RP Miguel Dezgado, who needs some improvement but has a decent shot at being a bullpen contributor at some point.

Grades:
Brooklyn: Talent A, Organizational A
Las Vegas: Talent C+, Organizational A

Greenville/California
Greenville receives:
C Juan Alvarado

California receives:
RP Julio Valle (prospect)
SP Gerardo Castillo (prospect)

Alvarado gives Greenville either an all star AAA catcher, or a power hitting, decent OBP platoon DH (lefty half). He is a terrible catcher. California trades him because of their organizational log jam at 1B/DH, and get some minor prospects in return. Valle likely is a career AAA guy, but has an outside shot a big league career as a left specialist, really outside. Like down the street outside. Castillo is a bit better. He lumped out of high school, but has bumped since. He's got a long way to go, but could be a back end starter or long reliever some day. Basically one team had too many hitters in the minors and one had too many pitchers.

Grades:
Greenville: Talent C-, Organizational C+
California: Talent C-, Organizational C+

Louisville/Califonia
Louisville receives:
SP Gabriel Campos

California receives:
SP Jesus Tonche (prospect)
RP Francisco Torres (prospect)

Louisville reacted to the pressure being put on by a tough division, Brooklyn especially, by getting the best pitcher available. They stepped up and offering the best prospect in their organization. No real need to describe Campos.

California had to turn a big profit this year, which meant they couldn't pay Campos. In return for selling the best pitcher the franchise has had, the Crusaders get a pretty good SP prospect in Tonche, who has improved since the trade. He does have some endurance question marks, and is young enough to flop. Torres is likely AAA filler, but has room to get stronger and could develop into a decent reliever. They should have asked for cash along with prospects, and probably could have gotten more talent. It's tough to know. Certainly better prospects moved this offseason.

Grades:
Louisville: Talent A+, Organizational A
California: Talent C- (I just can't give myself a D guys), Organizational B-

Louisville/Huntsville
Louisville receives:
Nothing quite yet . . .

Huntsville receives:
SP Brad Welsh
6 mil cash

This is actually a pretty good move by Louisville. Welsh is declining, he''s expensive, and he won't play until mid season. Huntsville does this for the cash, which allows them to keep their waste management program solvent.

Grades:
Louisville: Talent N/A, Organizational A-
Huntsville: Talent B-, Organizational Legen- wait for it . . .

At this time gentlemen we will skip ahead a trade or two just for funsies

Huntsville/Brooklyn
Huntsville receives:
another 6 million

Brooklyn receives:
The above mentioned Welch, who I suppose is a depth second half starter for them
A vigorous windup

Louisville receives:
*SLAP*

Grades:
Huntsville: Talent N/A, Organizational DARY!
Brooklyn: Talent B-, Organizational Super fun and not too damaging

Brooklyn/California
Brooklyn receives:
SP Luis Mendez

California receives:
No players or cash

Mendez is a 5th starter. Maybe a 4th in a good year. He's paid too much to be one on a team in the red. On a team in the black like Brooklyn, that's another story. Also, Brooklyn at this point should be able to field a 10 man rotation. California should have asked for cash.

Grades:
Brooklyn: Talent C-, Organizational C
California: Talent N/A, Organizational C

Atlantic City/Halifax
Atlantic City receives:
C Lewis Stephens

Halifax receives:
P Jesus Paez (prospect)
P Robert Hansen (prospect)

Atlantic City gets a middle of the order bat to stay in the race in very competitive division. Stephens is not the best behind the plate, but his talent with the lumber more than makes up for that. He is a bit old for a hitter at 31, but should remain solid this year, and probably won't decline so much that his 2023 salary isn't palatable. His option will likely be declined.

In return Halifax gets a couple relief pitching prospects. While technically a starter, Paez has RP conversion written across his forehead. At least if he doesn't, Halifax should Sharpe it there so they don't forget. He currently projects as a mediocre starter, but could be a lights out with a little more velocity and a better 2 pitch combo. Hansen already has end of the bullpen stuff. Solid pickups for a team in Halifax position (which appears to be slightly worse due to attrition and in a division with a beefed up Louisville and Brooklyn)

Grades:
Atlantic City: Talent B+, Organizational B
Halifax: Talent B+, Organizational B+

Greenville/Carolina
Greenville receives:
RP Jeremy Ginley

California receives:
RP Angel Rivera (prospect)

Has California mentioned it's not competing this year? The Crusaders sell their best reliever for another prospect. This time it's RP Angel Rivera. The 19 year old has done nothing but bump. At this point projects as a middle reliever, could improve, could suck.

In Jeremy Ginley the Crusaders had a solid bullpen guy, on a decent deal, who might not be productive that much longer. He'll be a predictable addition to Greenville's pen.

Grades:
California: Talent C+, Organizational A-
Greenville: Talent B-, Organizational B

Vancouver/California
Vancouver receives:
CL Patrick O'Malley

California receives:
P Pancho Roman (prospect)

Patrick O'Malley has had an up and down career. He should be better than he has been. He's paid a reasonable amount, and may benefit from Vancouver's solid pitching culture.

For the price of the rental Vancouver send to California throw away prospect Pancho Roman. Twenty year old Roman has three pitches and keeps the ball on the ground, but has a long way to go if he's ever going to crack a big league roster.

Grades:
Vancouver: Talent C+, Organizational B-
California: Talent D+, Organiational C+


Whew. That's it. Fun though. Hope that was enjoyable, and there are even way mroe A's and B's than I expected. Lots of sensible, solid moves. If no one minds, I may just analyze every trade from here on out.

[aaronweiner]

Have I mentioned how glad I am you're here? Oh yeah, only about a dozen times.

I agree basically with all of this (and have said so about Des Moines often). I disagree with the precise take for Des Moines, however; I think the talent they got was pretty good. I just wouldn't have done it, especially if I'd just lost 109 games.

[crobillard]

This is awesome. I agree with a lot of this. Good work.

[Ted]

Finished

[c-mitch]

Sanderson can never start with "1" stamina. He'll always be a reliever, even with all those pitches, but he should be a good one.

[Ted]

Sanderson can never start with "1" stamina. He'll always be a reliever, even with all those pitches, but he should be a good one.

One of the best starters I ever saw had "1" stamina, for the second half of his career anyway. Of course, he was 10/10/9 with 4 pitches rated 9 or higher.

An who knows, Sanderson may toughen up and get all the way to "2".

[crobillard]

This was fantastic. Very well done. I was concerned how the Stephens trade would be viewed. I thought I got a decent return on him but he's a pretty good hitter so who knows. We'll see how Paez turns out. Right now I'm just collecting pitchers and hoping for the best. The group needs a top to bottom makeover and I'm still at the beginning stages. I think this team could still take the division regardless of what Louisville and Brooklyn are up to. The Hawks offense has always been strong and will remain strong this season. The pitching is okay on a good day, but if they can string enough of those okay days together then this team is tough to beat. The Stephens trade was more about money than anything. I needed to drop payroll so I could increase depth and I was desperate for solid depth.

[avery]

Great stuff

[agrudez]

So how does a handful of A's, a B and a "legendary" average out? Fantastic write-up, bud... sorry I made you work for the PP with how many trades I pulled off, though - heh.

[Ted]

So how does a handful of A's, a B and a "legendary" average out? Fantastic write-up, bud... sorry I made you work for the PP with how many trades I pulled off, though - heh.

No worries about the work. Now I just know about 30 more players and the habits of ten or so teams, as well as their rosters, financial situations, etc. All a part of the evil plan.

[c-mitch]

Sanderson can never start with "1" stamina. He'll always be a reliever, even with all those pitches, but he should be a good one.

One of the best starters I ever saw had "1" stamina, for the second half of his career anyway. Of course, he was 10/10/9 with 4 pitches rated 9 or higher.

An who knows, Sanderson may toughen up and get all the way to "2".

In all the leagues I've ever been in over the last 10 years since OOTP 6.5, I have never seen one owner use an "SP" with 1 stamina.

I have seen 3 stamina as the lowest in a regular system, maybe 5 on a 20 point scale, and I have seen guys use a 40-pitch count in an exploit system, but never have I seen a traditional starter with 1 stamina.

[Ted]

Sanderson can never start with "1" stamina. He'll always be a reliever, even with all those pitches, but he should be a good one.

One of the best starters I ever saw had "1" stamina, for the second half of his career anyway. Of course, he was 10/10/9 with 4 pitches rated 9 or higher.

An who knows, Sanderson may toughen up and get all the way to "2".

In all the leagues I've ever been in over the last 10 years since OOTP 6.5, I have never seen one owner use an "SP" with 1 stamina.

I have seen 3 stamina as the lowest in a regular system, maybe 5 on a 20 point scale, and I have seen guys use a 40-pitch count in an exploit system, but never have I seen a traditional starter with 1 stamina.

I was remember incorrectly. Looked. 1st half career, 3 stamina, second half, 2, but could never get out of the 5th inning. Career 2.3 era, 0.98 WHIP.

[agrudez]

I dislike SPs with <= 6 stam and hate guys with <=4, so I think it is safe to say that Sanderson would need a miracle to occur with his stamina for me to consider him in the rotation. Luckily for me; however, a miracle has already happened with his potential ratings and he projects to be an elite closer now.

[Blue]

Buddings stamina is very low, as at least one other owner loves to remind me.