I was looking for a trade that helps both Clubs address issues – and part ways with talent that hasn’t pan out. I am partial to the Cubs, but the Orioles might get the better of it, short term.
My blockbuster trade:
Baltimore Orioles
Kerry Wood (SP) –27 yr. old
Corey Patterson (CF) – 25 yr. old
Mike Remlinger (RP) – 37 yr. old
Eric Patterson (2nd/SS) – 21 yr. old
Jermaine Van Buren (Setup/Closer at AAA) – 25 yr. old
Chicago Cubs
Sidney Ponson (SP) – 29 yr. old
Steve Kline (RP) – 33 yr. old
Larry Bigbie (OF) – 28 yr. old
Chris Ray (RP) – 23 yr. old
David Haehnel (RP – High A) – 23 yr. old
Chris Britton (All-Star in High A) – 23 yr. old
Wood gets injured often, and thought I think he has great potential yet, the Cubs need to move him while he can still draw some value. Patterson is the same. He might help the Orioles – this year and in the future, but Chicago is over for him. Eric Patterson has good numbers (.330 + BA) and trading him along with Corey makes sense. No sense harboring a family member that might think Corey got screwed. Remlinger is older than Steve Cline – but he has some abilities the Orioles could use in a stretch run. Van Buren is doing well at Triple A (2.11 ERA with 15+ Saves)– is only 25 – and could be a future RP for the Orioles.
29 yr. old Ponson has potential too as a #4-#5 starter. Might need a change of scenery to work out right. 33 yr. old Steve Kline is a St. Louis expert (after playing for them) and might be useful for the Cubs as a lefty out of the pen. Larry Bigbie is a NW Indiana native and can play ball. Give the Cubs another decent, if not above average, OF. Chris Ray is the piece that gives the Cubs an advantage. He’s young and shown great potential. Baltimore might lose out because of his development into a solid RP guy will help the Cubs. Haehnel is a 23-yr that might work out in the future. He’s old for his level – but his numbers might continue to improve. Chris Britton is 22 yr. old RHP with a 4 to 1 SO to walk ratio and a 1.45 ERA in 56 IP. He was on the High A All Star team.
Contracts aside – I don’t know the specs – this helps Baltimore acquire a #1 pitcher and get another OF that might blossom in Baltimore. Cubs get 4 MLB players that can help in a stretch run. 2 relievers, an OF, and a mediocre SP (right now) that could improve in a NL park. Prospects are thrown in to sweeten the deal for the Cubs, since they gave up Wood.
So far, a few Cubs fans hate it. But they hate any trade that involves moving Wood or Patterson. But I feel that Chris Ray, David Haehnel and Chris Britton will one day be quite helpful from the pitching side of things.
