Jack Of All Trades: Dave Kingman
Last month in this space, we detailed the career of Rusty Staub, beloved by many, but a frequently-traded commodity nonetheless. Dave Kingman, it is safe to say, did not share that beloved label in many of the places he played. Still, for a player who hit 442 home runs in his career – a remarkable total given the parks and era he played in – Kingman knew how to pack a suitcase, especially in 1977.
After signing with the Giants as a top draft pick in 1970, Kingman rocketed through the minor leagues, getting to San Francisco by 1971 after hitting 41 home runs in 602 minor league at bats. Despite the power, Kingman did not hit for any kind of average or draw walks, and his batting line reflected that in four seasons with the Giants. He hit .224/.304/.469, which was still good for an OPS+ of 112.
But between the low batting average and poor fielding, the Giants decided to cut their losses just before his age-26 season, selling him to the New York Mets for $150K. This turned out reasonably well for New York.
The Mets got 36 home runs from Kingman in 1975 and 37 home runs in 1976 (including 30 by the All Star break). Even with his absurd 28 walks and 135 strikeouts in 510 plate appearances, Kingman still posted a .238/.286/.506 and an OPS+ of 128 in 1976.
Then came Kingman's odyssey year: 1977. He began with the Mets, but struggled mightily, hitting just .209/.263/.370. On June 15, the Mets traded him to the Padres for Paul Siebert and Bobby Valentine, neither of whom turned into much for New York.
He was decidedly Kingman-esque for San Diego, hitting .238/.292/.488 for the Padres, with an OPS+ that matched his career mark of 115. Nevertheless, San Diego put him on waivers, and the California Angels selected him on September 6. One hopes he didn't buy a place in Anaheim because, the Angels traded him to the Yankees for Randy Stein and cash nine days later. Kingman then had the odd experience of playing for the Yankees in September without the chance of making the postseason roster. He was ineligible for the playoffs, since he joined the team after August 31.
After Kingman's busy 1977, his salad days quickly arrived and he signed a free agent contract with the Chicago Cubs. His OPS+ went from 131 to 146 to 128 in 1978-1980, and 1979 was by far his best season. Kingman hit .288/.343/.613 with an astounding 48 home runs. But while his OPS+ was strong in 1980, his health limited him to just 280 plate appearances. As a result, Kingman was traded again.
This time, it was back to the Mets for a second tour in Queens. New York acquired him on February 28, 1981 for Steve Henderson and cash. Kingman's batting average dipped lower and lower with the Mets, falling from .221 to .204 to .198 in three seasons. He did lead the National League with 37 home runs in 1982, but his OPS+ of 99 was actually below average. Overall, his OPS+ with the Mets over three seasons was just 102.
After the Mets released Kingman, the A's picked him up and enjoyed the last great Kingman season. In 1984, the slugger hit .268/.321/.505 with 35 home runs before adding 30 home runs in 1985 and 35 more in 1986. Despite those totals, he was unable to find a job in 1987, which is more understandable when you examine his 1986 season line: .210/.255/.431.
Overall, Kingman probably stands as the least expensive source of home runs ever made available on the trade market. For the teams that took advantage – and there were quite a few – the results were often exactly what they should have expected. And only the Cubs, who got him via free agency, can be said to have truly prospered from the collaboration.
Cardinals Sign Nate Robertson
The Cardinals signed Nate Robertson to a minor league deal, according to B.J. Rains of FOXSportsMidwest.com (via Twitter). The Marlins released the left-hander last month after an extended stint in Florida's rotation. Now, Robertson will report to Triple A Memphis, though it's not clear what his role will be with the Redbirds.
Robertson struggled through 18 starts with the Marlins, posting a 5.47 ERA with 5.5 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9. The Cardinals will have considerable rotation depth if and when Kyle Lohse (forearm) and Brad Penny (shoulder) return from the injuries that have sidelined them. The Cards recently acquired starter Jake Westbrook, so they could consider using Robertson as a reliever.
Odds & Ends: Lowell, Cardinals, Mets
On this date in 2001, the Cardinals acquired Woody Williams from the Padres for Ray Lankford. Lankford was useful for the rest of that season, but Williams went on to have an excellent Cardinals career. Links for Monday…
- WEEI's Alex Speier runs through Boston's options with Mike Lowell.
- SI's Jon Heyman lists 31 players he expects to clear waivers.
- The St. Louis Post-Dispatch gathers the opinions of many journalists on the deal that got the Cardinals Jake Westbrook but cost Ryan Ludwick.
- Joel Sherman of the New York Post describes various types of deals the Mets could have considered.
- The Pirates are likely to cover $750K in bonuses for traded players, tweets Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. They also chipped in $500K in the Octavio Dotel deal.
- Tom Krasovic gives background on pitching prospect Corey Kluber, who the Padres used to facilitate the deal for Ryan Ludwick.
Minor League Transactions: Lumsden, Red Sox
The latest minor league transactions from Baseball America's Matt Eddy…
- The Padres acquired lefty Tyler Lumsden from the Astros for future considerations. The former first-round pick has already tossed over ten innings for the Double A San Antonio Missions. Lumsden was well-regarded a few years ago, ranking fifth among Royals' prospects in BA's '07 Handbook.
- The Red Sox released pitchers Randor Bierd and Kason Gabbard. Bierd came to the Sox in the January '09 David Pauley trade, while Gabbard was sent to Texas in July of '07 in the Eric Gagne deal and later reacquired.
- The Diamondbacks released reliever Saul Rivera. He'd been designated for assignment on June 8th.
Brewers Have Discussed Extension With Weeks
Asked whether he's discussed an extension with Rickie Weeks, Brewers GM Doug Melvin replied in the affirmative. Melvin added that he told Weeks last night about Corey Hart's new deal. Weeks' agent Lon Babby was recently named president of basketball operations of the Phoenix Suns, but Melvin said that situation is between Babby and Weeks.
Weeks, 28 in September, has finally combined performance and health in 2010. He's got a .276/.375/.488 line on the season, and with 22 home runs he trails only Dan Uggla among second basemen. Weeks is earning $2.75MM this season, and should get a big raise for his final arbitration year in 2011 if an extension is not reached beforehand.
Brewers Extend Corey Hart Through 2013
The Brewers announced today that they've extended right fielder Corey Hart through 2013. ESPN's Buster Olney tweets that the extension is worth $26.5MM. The contract covers Hart's final arbitration season and two free agent years. Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel tweets the details: a $1MM signing bonus, $6.5MM in 2011, $9MM in '12, and $10MM in '13 plus a limited no-trade clause.
Hart wasn't far from being a non-tender candidate after a disappointing 2009 season. The Brewers retained him but lost an arbitration hearing regarding his 2010 salary ($4.8MM). Hart bounced back in a big way, making the All-Star team and posting a .288/.346/.565 line so far. He's tied for sixth in the NL with 23 home runs. His name was a rumor mill staple last month until a wrist injury sidelined him, though GM Doug Melvin implied today that discussions did not get to a serious stage. Just yesterday Hart talked about his desire for an extension; it turns out assistant GM Gord Ash had been hammering out the deal over the past week or so with Hart's agent Jeff Berry.
Also in Hart's service time class: Prince Fielder and Rickie Weeks, who are under team control through 2011.
Waiver Trade Candidates: NL East
The current NL East situation: the Braves and Phillies are in contention, the Marlins and Mets are in the gray area, and the Nationals are out of it. Waiver trade candidates:
The Braves would have to consider letting Derek Lowe's contract go if he's claimed. Kenshin Kawakami is more likely, as he has a more modest $6.667MM salary for 2011 and is currently in the bullpen. The Braves tried to trade Kawakami over the past month, reports MLB.com's Mark Bowman. Nate McLouth's stock is way down, as he's trying to rebuild value in Triple A. He's getting $6.25MM next year, plus another $1.25MM for a 2012 buyout.
Raul Ibanez and Brad Lidge are two Phillies who'd likely clear waivers. I also wouldn't be surprised to see Danys Baez and Greg Dobbs make it through. The Phillies' attempts to free up payroll might have to wait until the offseason though.
The Marlins might be able to move Cody Ross, depending on which team wins a claim. Wes Helms is another trade candidate.
Though he's not going anywhere, Mets pitcher Johan Santana should clear waivers. Carlos Beltran, Francisco Rodriguez, and Jason Bay are similar stories, though Bay can't pass through waivers until he returns from the DL. Oliver Perez, Luis Castillo, Jeff Francoeur, Alex Cora, and Ryota Igarashi should clear with ease. Rod Barajas, Henry Blanco, and Pedro Feliciano are trade candidates with value who could go if the Mets fall further out of contention, though Barajas would have to return from the DL first.
Could the Nationals trade Adam Dunn, especially if he slips to Type B status? Dunn's been dealt in August before, but the Reds didn't seem to value him the way the Nationals do. The Nats should see Jason Marquis, Willie Harris, and Wil Nieves clear waivers, while Ivan Rodriguez, Adam Kennedy, Miguel Batista, and Livan Hernandez could land with contenders.
For our primer on the waiver trade rules, click here.
Waiver Trade Candidates: AL West
The current AL West picture: the Rangers hold a wide lead, the Angels and Athletics are on the fringe of contention, and the Mariners are out of it. Waiver trade candidates:
The Rangers could consider moving Rich Harden, though the righty came off the DL on Saturday and had a fine start. Even with Derek Holland lurking in Triple A, though, I think it makes sense to maintain the depth. Scott Feldman, recently shifted to the bullpen, could clear waivers.
Angels veterans Bobby Abreu, Brian Fuentes, Hideki Matsui, Fernando Rodney, Scot Shields, and Juan Rivera could all clear waivers, in my estimation. The relievers could generate interest, though.
Athletics assistant GM David Forst recently told ESPN's Jayson Stark they're seriously considering "bringing back the same 25 guys next year." Forst may not have meant that literally, but it doesn't appear they'll dump contracts.
As for the Mariners, Milton Bradley figures to clear waivers if he returns from the DL this month. Chone Figgins might clear too, but if he's claimed the Ms have to at least consider bailing on his contract. Jack Wilson might get through, with $5MM owed next year. Same goes for Casey Kotchman, a non-tender candidate after the season. Jose Lopez isn't too expensive, so he might be claimed. I imagine Russell Branyan would be claimed as well. Various lightly-paid Mariners veterans could be moved in minor deals: Jamey Wright, Mike Sweeney, Josh Bard, and Ryan Langerhans come to mind.
For our primer on the waiver trade rules, click here.
Waiver Trade Candidates: AL Central
The current AL Central picture: the White Sox and Twins are contenders, the Tigers are in the gray area, and the Royals and Indians are out of it. Waiver trade possibilities:
It's been an up-and-down year for White Sox closer Bobby Jenks; would he be claimed despite a $7.5MM salary? Would the Sox pull him back? I'd expect Scott Linebrink and Mark Teahen to clear waivers, although deals seem unlikely. Mark Kotsay and Tony Pena could be expendable in minor trades.
Twins such as Nick Punto, Nick Blackburn, and Brendan Harris should clear waivers, though Punto can't pass through until he returns from the DL.
Brandon Inge may return from the DL from a broken hand this week, and probably would clear waivers. Carlos Guillen, dealing with a calf strain, should clear if he returns from the DL this month. Jeremy Bonderman, Johnny Damon, Jhonny Peralta, Gerald Laird, and Brad Thomas are others who might make it through waivers. If the Tigers are out of it and one of these players is claimed, trimming a few hundred thousand dollars might be appealing.
Royals righty Gil Meche will attempt to finish the season as a reliever rather than undergo shoulder surgery, but it's hard to say if he'll return from the DL this month. Jose Guillen is a lock to clear, and perhaps a deal can be worked out. We'll be curious to see what happens when Yuniesky Betancourt, Brian Bannister, Kyle Davies, Willie Bloomquist, Wilson Betemit, and Bruce Chen hit the wire. Bloomquist may go.
The Indians' Travis Hafner will clear waivers and stay put, if he's activated from the DL for should inflammation later this month.
For our primer on the waiver trade process, click here.
Remembering The 1998 Trade Deadline
Ah, 1998. McGwire and Sosa chased Maris. The Seinfeld finale disappointed 76 million viewers. And Titanic won the Oscar for Best Film. Seriously! Titanic! Hard to believe.
As for the deals made leading up to the trade deadline, some teams plugged the holes in leaky ships. For others, the season floated away like I presume Kate Winslet, or possibly Leo DiCaprio did in that ridiculous movie. Never saw it.
Let's take a look at those sink-or-swim deals:
A key deal happened relatively early in the process. On June 20, the Boston Red Sox traded Ethan Faggett and Jim Leyritz to San Diego for Carlos Reyes, Mandy Romero and Dario Veras. Of the three players Boston received, only Reyes provided much value- and only as a middle reliever. Meanwhile, Leyritz hit .266/.384/.420 with San Diego in the regular season, then added four home runs in 35 plate appearances during the playoffs as the Padres reached the World Series.
In one of those win now or win later exchanges, Cincinnati traded closer Jeff Shaw to the Dodgers for Paul Konerko and Dennys Reyes. While Reyes went on to a continuing career as an inspirational figure for full-figured men everywhere, Shaw continued his work as an elite closer for Los Angeles, posting a 2.55 ERA and 25 saves after the deal. Konerko, however, was just a season away from beginning more than a decade of consistent power hitting. Incidentally, he didn't do it for Cincinnati, either- the Reds traded him that winter for Mike Cameron.
Adorably, the Texas Rangers thought they could address their pitching needs by trading Warren Morris and Todd Van Poppel to the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 18 for Esteban Loaiza. In 14 starts with Texas, Loaiza posted a 5.90 ERA. The Rangers, as was their destiny at the time, lost in the ALDS to the Yankees. Morris, on the other hand, had a solid 1999 for the Pirates- .288/.360/.427 at second base- but never approached those numbers again.
The San Francisco Giants made a tremendous stretch-run pickup on July 23, trading minor leaguer Darin Blood to Baltimore for Joe Carter's final two months in the Major Leagues. And what a two months they were – in his final 115 plate appearances, Carter hit .295/.322/.562, helping the Giants reach a one-game playoff against the Cubs for the NL Wild Card.
Finally, on deadline day (which back then, meant deals until midnight), there was plenty of movement. The Diamondbacks traded Willie Blair, Jorge Fabregas and cash to the New York Mets for Nelson Figueroa, Bernard Gilkey and cash. Why both teams needed to trade cash in the deal will forever remain a mystery. The Giants acquired Ellis Burks from Colorado for Darryl Hamilton and Jim Stoops; Burks was very good for the Giants in 1998 (.860 OPS after the trade), then exceptional in 1999 (.964 OPS) and 2000 (1.025 OPS). Who remembers Burks being so good?
Two trades really stand out, however. The Rangers made a five-player deal with the Cardinals, acquiring Royce Clayton and Todd Stottlemyre for Fernando Tatis, Darren Oliver and Mark Little. Stottlemyre was effective- a 4.30 ERA, and a terrific Game 1 start against the Yankees in the ALDS. Royce Clayton became a defensive mainstay for Texas at shortstop, and hit 14 home runs apiece in 1999 and 2000. But the legacy of the trade quickly became Fernando Tatis and his 1999 season: .298/.404/.553 with 34 home runs.
The biggest deal involved the Big Unit. The Astros acquired Randy Johnson for Freddy Garcia, John Halama and Carlos Guillen. It is hard to say who got the most value here. Johnson was ridiculously good for Houston after coming over, posting a 1.28 ERA in 84.1 innings, striking out 116. But the Astros lost in the NLDS to the Padres, even though Johnson pitched well in both postseason starts. Garcia, Halama and Guillen all went on to productive careers, particularly Garcia and Guillen. All three are still active, Garcia and Guillen in the Major Leagues.
With Johnson signing with Arizona after the season, this serves as a case study in the value limits of a rental. Cliff Lee fans, take note! The Diamondbacks received picks #42 and 55 as compensation, but neither Mike Rosamond nor James Perez made it to the bigs.