Sticking Points 2034.4: Rockville Deals for Dusty Rhodes

[aaronweiner]

Ever since he was drafted, Pikemen GM Aaron Weiner has had a thing for Dusty Rhodes. After eight major league seasons, the wait is over for the veteran GM. Rockville dealt reliever Sean Spits and backup infielder Oliver Burrell to Madison for the veteran first baseman.

"I think I used 'could be the best player in baseball' about Rhodes a few years back," laughed Weiner. "But, seriously, we're picking up a guy with a lifetime .322 career batting average. Not so easy to find those."

Rhodes is coming off his worst major league season, the only full season in which he didn't hit at least .300 and only the second season in which he didn't hit at least .317 for a full year. The two-time batting champion broke a streak of six consecutive seasons finishing in the top ten in batting average, four of those years in the top three.

"Listen, I feel like I'm going to a great park for my talents," said Rhodes. "Rockville is one of the better places to get a base hit in the league, and that's what I'm one of the best ever at doing, and that should work out really well for both of us."

Rhodes, still just 29 years old, is well-renowned for his bat speed and his ability to put the bat on the baseball. In 5246 career at bats, Rhodes has struck out just 219 times, or about once every five games. Rhodes is also a better defensive first baseman than current 1B Mario Guerrer, who will likely move to DH in 2034.

"We have this huge speed contingent at the top of the order in Yi-ke Zang and Jin-song Xuan (combined 129 SB last year) and we envision a lot of games starting with a Zang or Xuan single or double, a stolen base, and a Rhodes base hit to drive them in," said manager Chet Rouse. "And then maybe Mario Guerrer hits a two-run homer. Pretty exciting stuff."

Rhodes certainly couldn't be worse than Frank Thomas III was last year for the Kraken. Little Hurt, who was allowed to leave in free agency, had a very surprising .624 OPS for the Kraken after coming over in trade (more on that later).

[7teen]

I'll be quietly pulling for Rhodes AFTER the first week of the season. I want to see him get to 3,000 hits.

I'll be interested to see what he does with his player option at the end of the season.

His WAR may increase as a 1B. He hasn't played there over the last few seasons.

[aaronweiner]

I'm thrilled to have Rhodes. He's perfect for my high-average/low power park too.

[ae37jr]

I was a little surprised by this move. It kinda blocks Marino. But it was a good price so I guess it frees up Moreno to be used as a chip to fill a future need.