Offseason trading begins, Nats move Castilla to Padres

[Frayed Knot]

Phils -----> Jason Michaels ----> seriously, I just used a racist word when I really meant "Guardians"

seriously, I just used a racist word when I really meant "Guardians" -----> Arthur Rhodes -----> Phils

[Guest Johnny Dickshot]

seriously, I just used a racist word when I really meant "Guardians" win!!!!

I guess this greaases the skids for the Coco traade

[Guest Johnny Dickshot]

]The Coco Crisp trade is done, pending the approval of baseball Commissioner Bud Selig. Left-hander Arthur Rhodes' physical was the only thing delaying the three-team deal, but the Phillies were expected to make the acquisition of the veteran reliever official at 8 p.m. The Indians received outfielder Jason Michaels in exchange for Rhodes.That allowed the Indians to send Crisp, switch-hitting catcher Josh Bard and right-hander David Riske to Boston for third base prospect Andy Marte, catcher Kelly Shoppach, right-hander Guillermo Mota, cash and a player to be named. Boston right-hander Manny Delcarmen was not included in the deal. The Indians will receive at least $1 million from the Red Sox. The exact amount is not known, but the commissioner must approve any deal in which more than $1 million in cash is involved. The trade, which stalled in midweek, regained momentum Friday morning when Rhodes flew to Philadelphia for a physical. The Associated Press reported the Indians agreed to Rhodes for Michaels portion of the trade pending his physical.Michaels will replace Crisp in left field. The Indians believe Marte, scheduled to open the season at Class AAA Buffalo, will be their third baseman of the future. They think he could develop into the middle-of-the-order right-handed hitter they've lacked. Shoppach hit 26 homers at Class AAA Pawtucket last year. He will compete to be Victor Martinez's backup.The player to be named would come from a list of prospects made available to the Indians.

[metirish]

WOW, are Boston giving up a whole lot to get Crisp?

[Guest Rockin' Doc]

Makes me wonder what Cameron could have been worth now had we not traded before Damon went to the Yankees.

The Indians got a lot of young prospects. This could turn out to be a great trade for them in the future.

[metirish]

True Doc, Cleveland has one of the best General Managers going, he's done some job rebuilding that team.

[nymr83]

CLE ripped the red sox off big time. sucks that we traded cameron so soon

[MFS62]

Marte is one of the best third base prospects in the game.
And Shopach is a very highly regarded lefty hitting catching prospect. He is supposedly a good defender, and has shown power. Doc is right.

I wonder what Cameron would have brought in return. Either one of those prospects probably has at least a higher upside than Nady. But both of them together?
For a centerfielder?

Echhhhh!

Later

[Frayed Knot]

Keep in mind also that Crisp is 26 y/o and will be under club control for at least another 3 years at arb-determined prices -- as opposed to Cameron who's in his 30's at a FA salary and could up and leave after just a year.

There are also two other players going to Boston in the swap; the reliever Riske turned in almost 80 IPs last year of 3.10 ERA and has had 2 of his last 3 seasons w/a sub-1.00 WHiP. That's better than a mere throw-in.

[smg58]

We probably could have traded Cameron for Shoppach and Mota, avoided having one right-handed hitter too many, and we'd still have Gaby Hernandez and either Seo or Benson.

Riske is no slouch, though, and is probably a significant upgrade over Mota. Jason Michaels is no slouch, either; his number have always suggested he could be an everyday player somewhere. Rhodes had a terrific year last year, but at his age I wouldn't bank on him doing it twice. I'd say it's a good deal for the Sox and a great one for Cleveland.

But do the Indians have room for both Shoppach and Ryan Garko?