Wickman traded for a Class A low prospect

by rlpete on Jul 20, 2006 2:34 PM CDT

Cleveland traded Bob Wickman to Atlanta for a Class A catcher. While Wickman has struggled at times, he still has closed in the past. He's definitely a better option than Williamson and you could argue Howry based on salary and the history of closing. Wickman might be a similar choice to Dempster except for the contract (Thanks Hendry). It does show the current market price for relievers. Not very high.

The prospect, Maximiliano Ramirez, is hitting .285 with 9 homeruns. He is a prospect but not on Atlanta's top 10 per BA.

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It's sad that

this qualifies as the biggest trade Hendry has made since May.

by colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jul 20, 2006 2:37 PM CDT reply actions

I wish I had read the whole thing

instead of skimming, but being lazy pays off just the same.

by colossus @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jul 20, 2006 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions

This is an odd trade

in light of the Washington and Cincinnati trade. The valuation for relievers is all over the place, it'll be interesting how the industry digests this in the coming two weeks.

by Santos Sorrow @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jul 20, 2006 3:28 PM CDT reply actions

Salary dump

Wickman is making 5.5 million this year, so about 2.6 or so for the rest of this season. Get rid of the salary and pick up a decent catching prospect in the process, doesn't seem all that odd, I think.

by Scott @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jul 20, 2006 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions

I agree with you but ...

Cincinnati paid quite a bit for getting two OK middle relievers from Washington

by cubz1963 on Jul 20, 2006 4:25 PM CDT reply actions

Reds/Nationals

Krivsky, the Reds GM, admitted he gave up a lot. The Cubs should hope they can find another one as generous. The two guys Washington gave up are good. Better than Williamson and Ohman, in the same class as Howry/Eyre. Bray is also a lot cheaper and younger.

One hidden thing in that deal is that I think Cincy really wanted to get rid of Lopez and get a better defender. Their infield defense has been bad.

by rlpete on Jul 20, 2006 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't know...

how much the Cubs want to throw it in on this year (I think they should) but if they want to keep the bullpen in tact then Eyre Howry and dempster remain. Even if they want to hold things together they still might be willing to deal Howry or Dempster. I'd like to see them deal all three if the market values them highly, we'll find out in over the next 11 days...

by DudeVf1 on Jul 20, 2006 8:26 PM CDT reply actions

Fluctuating

The market's all over the place. Watch the NL West teams as the deadline approaches. They're all pretty much in contention, and all need bullpen help in big ways.

"If it takes forever."

by JDay on Jul 21, 2006 2:15 AM CDT reply actions