Winter Meetings: Day Deux
Miguel Gets Cabrera Traded, Decides Not to Be a Fatty
The Tigers pulled off the blockbuster move of the day, acquiring Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis for Andrew Miller, Cameron Maybin, and a slew of minor leaguers.
I like the move for the Tigers because people still don’t realize how good Cabrera is. He’s had four seasons in which he’s averaged about 31 home runs, 115 RBIs, and a .320 batting avg.—-and he’s only 24 (and losing weight!!!).
Scouts love Maybin and Miller, but that’s exactly the problem. They’re both toolsy guys and the drool coming from the mouths of scouts has prevented them for seeing that both are far from sure things. Entering 2008 Maybin has only played 30 games above class A, Miller has played 28, and both players struggled in the majors last year.
Still, the key to the deal will be Willis. Over the last three years his BB/9 IP have gone from 2.1 to 3.4 to 3.8. A move to the American League will only make things more difficult, but if Willis can win 15 games and keep his ERA under 4.00 it will be a great deal for the Tigers. If he keeps pitching like he did last season the Marlins will have themselves quite a haul for just one good player.
The Blue Jays Need to Pull the Trigger
One deal that has to be made (if you’re Toronto) is the rumored Alex Rios for Matt Cain or Tim Lincecum swap. The Giants are reportedly willing to part with Lincecum for Rios, but would want an additional player in return for Cain. Regardless of which pitcher they acquire, this is a deal the Blue Jays have to make. Rios is a nice outfielder, but both Cain and Lincecum have the chance to be aces. The Blue Jays glut of outfielders means they’ll basically be adding a front-of-the-rotation starter with little drop off in their lineup.
Bedard to Stay Put?
My one winter meeting prediction: Erik Bedard will remain an Oriole
So far teams haven’t met the steep price the Orioles are asking for, and once Johan Santana is dealt that price could get even steeper. Last year Bedard had a better year than Santana, and he’s signed through 2009. Based on that the O’s could make a reasonable case that Bedard is more valuable than Santana.
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