Hawkins

by David Bloom on May 28, 2005 1:37 PM CDT

whats with this trade of Hawkins for two young Giant pitchers. Who would be the closer now. I guess Jerome Williams slots into the rotation, but what abou Aardsma? Is he the new closer...

Aardsma at one time was the future closer for Giants, but this year has been sent to AA to work as a starter.

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Trade

The Cubs got the edge of this trade, actually.

Williams, 23, a Hawaii native, was a huge prospect for the SF Giants before he breaked into the Majors at age 21 going 7-5 with a sub four ERA, 3.30. Last year, he won ten games and lost seven, going with a 4.24 ERA and sporting a nice 0.83 HR/9 and 1.28 WHIP. This year, he has seen regular action with the big club.

Aardsma, also 23, is a four star prospect who is in his third professional season; he has gone 13-7 with a 2.86 ERA in 71 Minor League games. He's a first round pick. Last year, he was rather disappoiting with the big club and went 1-0 with a 6.11 ERA; this year he was converted into a starter.

Michael Wuertz cheerleader.

by Carlos on May 28, 2005 2:15 PM CDT reply actions

Aardsma

I kept the post-game show on in the background, and Hendry was quoted as saying that the Giants had Aardsma starting mainly to get more innings under his belt - same as the Cubs did with Wellemeyer earlier - but still projects as a reliever.

"If I knew what was going on, I'd really be indignant!" - Crow T. Robot

by thomsirveaux on May 28, 2005 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm assuming

Dempster is still the closer. He has been for two weeks and has converted his last four saves easily.

The Cubs may return Aardsma to the bullpen (where he pitched in college) but I'd seriously doubt that he'd be handed the closer job over Dempster. They may also leave Aardsma as a starter, although I think team needs dictate him returning to the pen.

Williams will go into the rotation, either here or at Iowa.

Get in touch with your inner Neifi

by Josh Timmers on May 28, 2005 3:09 PM CDT reply actions

Good Deal

This is a good deal for the Cubs. Hawkins is one of those players that might just need a change of scenery.
I do not know much about Williams, but I am excited about picking up Aardsma. If you take a look at his college and minor league stats, he looks very promising. Maybe a few too many walks, but with time maybe he will acquire that control.
One of the great quotes I saw last year was by Aardsma. Historically, David Aardsma became the first player in major league history. Alphabetically. He replaced Henry "Hank" Aaron for that distinction. When a reporter asked him what he thought about it, Aardsma replied "I give all the credit to my parents."

Aardsma stats:
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/david_aardsma.shtml

MissouriKev

by MissouriKev on May 28, 2005 3:40 PM CDT reply actions

I'm probably one of the few

who isn't sending LaTroy off with the customary good wishes. I've never been able to stomach the guy or his selfish, self-agrandizing statments to the media, not to mention his history with the umpires. I never felt sorry for him, and found his woes of the past two years to be further evidence of his warped mental state. So as for me, I'll just say goodbye, LaTroy, and don't let the door hit you on your way out.

Hey-Dawson backwards is Noswad!---Harry Caray

by cubbiejulie on May 28, 2005 6:29 PM CDT reply actions