Bobby Beat 2001 v2: Should J.F. Kellogg be Traded??

[jiminyhopkins]

Washington, DC--

Its been pretty much an aimless slog through the first half of the 2001 season for the Washington Bobwhites. Numerous injuries have taken their toll on the roster. And while the mostly mediocre farm system has a few notable prospects such as P Michael Ricks, LF Jim Wilson, 3B Paco Morales, and the recently drafted Chad Jordan and Allen Stephens, none are in a position to help the Bobs contend anytime soon.

Even as perennial MVP candidate Neil McKinney is in the midst of putting together another tremendous season, there are grumblings afoot that suggest trading away marketable chips may be the best option. Among the possible names being floated around, two Bobwhites starting pitchers are getting the most attention.
SP Jan $tarr is having a fine season at 6-5, 3.48 with 106 K's, but his oft-mentioned $15 million annual salary would make him a prohibitive add for practically any team in contention. His rotation mate, however, is making a far more palatable $9 million, and more importantly, is 10-4 with a 3.04 ERA and a 5:1 K/BB ratio.

Joshua Francis Kellogg is in the second year of a 3 year, $27 million pact he signed prior to the 2000 season. That year, he missed more than 2 months to injury and never found a groove otherwise. But this season, he seems a virtual lock to eclipse his career high of 14 wins, and though he no longer strikes out a ton as he did in Valencia, he has been the most stable member of Washington's rotation and still exhibits his well known control.

Thus far, no one has been placed on the trading block, and questions would be raised if the team was to suddenly reverse course and attempt to rebuild, especially after signing players to the tune of the MBBA's 5th highest payroll. But as the All Star Break approaches, the trade rumblings may only get louder.

[recte44]

If you shopped Kellogg, you should certainly receive something a bit more than you did for Christen who was a FA to be at the time of deal. LOng time bad luck pitcher finally getting some W's.

[jiminyhopkins]

Too late, INJURED, out for 8-9 weeks. SMH.

[recte44]

Well, there's always next year. /cubs