The Astros have claimed Brandon Laird off of waivers from the Yankees, according to Chad Jennings of The Journal News (via Twitter). The move essentially works as a trade between the two clubs as the Yankees acquired Steve Pearce off waivers from the Astros earlier this week.
The Yankees designated Laird for assignment on August 27th to make room on the roster for Pearce. Laird, 24, posted a .254/.307/.414 slash line with 15 home runs and 31 doubles in 550 plate appearances for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this year.
If OOTP is any omen, then he will turn out to have 350 home runs and 2400 hits.
@twitter-476243012:disqus – I have played OOTP before and by all accounts, Brandon Laird has never done that good in the times I have simulated it. In fact, he never really even got a chance in the Major Leagues and was pretty much minor league fodder in every single simulation (and being the statistic projection fanatic I am) trust me when I tell you I have done a lot of OOTP simulations) In my opinion, that games trumps a ton of other baseball games and is entirely realistic. It’s predictions when I have played in the past for Matt Kemp were pretty much spot on. A great tool for fans who like the game and it has actually helped me understand 10/5 rights as well as give me a clearer perspective on trades and what teams look for in deals. Fans will always list baseball america top prospects A, B, and C in a mock trade scenario, but in OOTP you really learn how Major League teams look deeper into the system for the true talent. That is where it lies.
In regards to this move, It is technically a Steven Pearce for Brandon Laird swap. Pearce got his first hit as a New York Yankee today and helped spark a 7th inning rally along with Eduardo Nunez. Last year I was in attendance for the game where Brandon Laird got his 1st ML Hit in a blow out against the Athletics. Personally I think Luhnow has done a solid job bringing in depth for the 3B position following the Chris Johnson trade with Matt Dominguez and now having Laird will only add to that. If he can put something together down the line, he’s a AAA player possible bench piece filler. Not a bad waiver claim.
Baseball Mogul > OOTP
Good swap. Yankees can use Pierce in the interim, and the Astros pick up a 24-year old with a future. Neither is star material, but useful parts.