WHIV 2002 Vol 7- Looking at the Vanilla Ice deal

[recte44]

It dawns on me, as we worked a couple of deals the last two weeks, that we never really looked at the Vanilla Ice deal with Louisville. So, here goes.

Louisville sends:

Rob Van Winkle
Jay Burns
Bob Fife

To Las Vegas for:

Mike Sims
Marcos Romero
Alex Wolfe

1. Van Winkle is a hell of a hitter. .322 now after a slow start with the Hustlers. At age 33, he's essentially lost all of his range over the last two years and is best used at first base. He's a free agent at the end of the year and the Hustlers will allow him to explore the market, however, with all the injuries, the RVW move was a necessary one and he's sparked the teams' upswing.

2. Speaking of lifesavers, the addition of Burns to this deal was an afterthought. He has protected the Hustlers thin outfield through injuries. Though he's cooled back to replacement level, Burns was a big help through the dog days of summer.

3. Fife hasn't lived up to expectations.

4. Sims is a great prospect but underdeveloped, and on a major league contract, decision time is coming far too soon for a contender. Louisville can treat him like a Rule 5 player and let him develop in a major league bullpen.

5. Romero gets a shot to play in the bigs! He was unimpressive and then sent back down to the minors.

6. Wolfe was a minor league free agent signing that had some promise. A 19.29 ERA in Louisville isn't helping his cause.

In the end, the trade comes down to Sims. If he has a long term successful career, Louisville still wins this deal.

[LambeauLeap]

Burns is scary as a defender anywhere other than LF, but a good 4th or 5th OFer.

[aaronweiner]

This deal is all about the Benjamins...$50 million Benjamins.