Padres Trade For Scott Hairston
In a nice little move, the Padres sent 26 year-old Triple A reliever Leo Rosales to the Diamondbacks for 27 year-old outfielder Scott Hairston.
I've always wanted to see what Hairston could do with a healthy 500 ABs, but he's run into bad luck at the worst times. He was once very highly regarded; you can read a post I wrote on his history here. Hairston's only played outfield this year, but he broke in as a second baseman so he might be able to fill in for Marcus Giles if the Padres can put up with subpar defense. Otherwise he can help out at either outfield corner, especially against lefties. Hairston has proven himself time and again in Triple A; I think he can succeed at the big league level. He's also under control for quite some time in the event that he does hit for the Padres.
This looks like another smooth move by Kevin Towers - he bought low on Hairston and didn't give up much.
I just can't see this as being the answer for the Pads at 2B. I'm still hanging on to hope that they'll make a run at Loretta. I do like the move, though.
Posted by: WHIPit | July 27, 2007 at 07:20 PM
I actually like this approach by the Pads. They've made a lot of minor moves, not given up a lot, and upgraded their offense/bench in a variety of different places.
And Hairston could give dividends for more than just this season.
Posted by: mraver | July 27, 2007 at 07:36 PM
In response to your point Tim about Hairstons 2B defense in the Griffey/Dunn post, I was going off of a 972 FPCT but I disregarded the 11 errors, which all came in 85 games. Not spectacular at all but solid enough to provide more useful then Giles & Blum, in my opinion...
If they bring in Hairston & Hillenbrand, it'll be really interesting to see which Padre position players gets cut. I'd prefer Blum but I wouldn't be surprised to see Branyan leave as Black has never seemed that inclined to use him.
Posted by: WestCoastBias | July 27, 2007 at 07:56 PM
Excellent move by KT...PETCO isn't so bad on right handers, and Hairston gives them some flexibility...the Padres could redeem themselves from dealing Jack Cust with this move.
Posted by: zubes007 | July 27, 2007 at 08:34 PM
nice move by SD. I really like this kid. I even drafted him this year with one of my last picks as 2b backup. Granted, I dont know where he'd play but he should be able to contribute consitantly.
Posted by: BaLLooNNoT | July 27, 2007 at 09:59 PM
As a DBacks fan I hate this deal. Our front office has been jerking Hairston around for 3 years and now they trade him to a division rival for complete "toss in" player.
Well this is the same front office that let Uggla go due to rule 5 and traded Capuano and a bevy of other talent to the Brewers for 1 month of Sexson. I guess our fans should be used to the raping.
Posted by: tmar | July 28, 2007 at 01:00 AM
I like this move a lot for the Pads. Hairston obviously needed a change of scenery and gives them depth in OF.
Posted by: yoda | July 28, 2007 at 11:01 AM