Aug 01 2008
2008 Trade Deadline one to remember as Manny Ramirez and Ken Griffey Jr. pack their bags
Happy trails to Manny, a future hall of famer who will finish at least this season in a strange land.
It’s not everyday that two surefire hall of famers change teams, but that’s just what we had yesterday in the hours leading up to the trade deadline. With Manny Ramirez moving from the Red Sox to the Dodgers and Ken Griffey Jr. moving from the Reds to the White Sox over 1100 home runs packed their bags and headed for greener pastures.
Trade Breakdowns:
Manny Ramirez to the LA Dodgers
Jason Bay to the Boston Red Sox
Andy Laroche, Bryan Morris, Craig Hansen and Brandon Moss to the Pittsburgh Pirates
Winners:
Red Sox – This had to happen, obviously it became clear to those in the organization that Manny being Manny meant that he would do as he pleased to entertain himself. Whether that involved not running balls out, pulling himself out of the lineup so he wouldn’t face Felix Hernandez or Joba Chamberlain, pushing travel secretaries or whatever else entails “Manny being Manny,” it was time for him to go. Bay is a good player who should be able to produce runs, albeit not at the same level as Manny. It should be interesting to see how he responds to the monster.
Dodgers – Get Manny for a decent pitching prospect and a third baseman who never claimed the job. Also don’t have to pay him a cent which is a coup in itself.
Pirates – Give up Bay, who was likely headed out after 2009, and get a solid pitching prospect, a possible closer in Hansen, a maybe regular 3B in Laroche, and an everyday type player in Moss, who should fill an OF role until Andrew McCutchen is ready for everyday play.
Every other team in the American League – They’re all going to love not having to face Manny.
Losers:
Red Sox – Yes they are winners and losers, while it was a move they had to make, they gave up a future hall of famer, a power reliever and a possible everyday player in Moss. While Manny is the major loss, Hansen too could develop into a big time reliever. Moss is a 3rd outfielder type, but with the Red Sox never would have been the type of player who could be a presence in the lineup.
Ken Griffey Jr. to the Chicago White Sox
Danny Richar and Nick Masset to the Cincinnati Reds
Winners:
Reds – They finally get rid of Griffey’s contract, a contract they likely regret starting given his injuries on the Reds. They get Danny Richar who could develop into an everyday player. His development has been slow but he has shown flashes and was a highly regarded prospect. Masset has been a decent reliever, nothing special but won’t hurt.
White Sox – Only improve slightly as Griffey has been limited defensively and is not the hitter that he once was. He is an improvement over Paul Konerko who he will replace in the order most days.
