This is a trade I completed last week, prior to Martis’ rough second start. I dealt Shairon Martis ($2) and Brandon Morrow (not eligible to be kept) for John Maine ($5). Now, there were a few things I considered when pulling the trigger on this deal:
- Those who have been reading this site since the preseason know how high I was on Maine heading into the season. While he has stumbled a bit, he has shown signs of being fully recovered from the shoulder surgery he had in the offseason. If he can get things back on track, he’s a bargain, not only for this season but as a keeper in 2010 as well.
- Morrow is not only struggling, but was expendable for me. I already have Joakim Soria, Frank Francisco & Brian Wilson, so I am three strong in the closer department once Soria returns to the mound. Given Morrow’s inconsistency, even if he does resume closer’s duties, I don’t think I would use him over my other options. The way things are going, there really is no guarantee that he’s going to close again anyways. Obviously, I am a little bit concerned that I sold too low on Morrow, but given the situation I can’t worry about that too much.
- Maine gives me a ton of depth in the rotation. My top six starters are now Chad Billingsley, James Shields, Aaron Harang, Mark Buehrle, Clayton Kershaw & Maine. I also have Jeremy Bonderman (once healthy), Kyle Lohse, Gavin Floyd & Jordan Zimmerman as depth. I don’t think I could ask for much more out of my rotation at this point.
So, what do you think? Is this a trade I should have made? Did I sell too low on Morrow?
As a side note, this is a column I would like to do a little bit more of. If you have a trade that you want to hear the rest of the communities thoughts on, send it in to me at estashin@rotoprofessor.com and we’ll see what everyone has to say.
To read the previous article, click here.
Picture courtesy of Icon Sports Media, Inc.
Probably sold a bit low on Morrow. If he did get the closer’s gig back doesn’t he have value in that he is SP eligible as a closer? He can get you saves in one of your SP slots if you don’t have a starter to fill in there that day. Guess it depends on if you do weekly lineups or daily.
Chad, you are right, but I should have given more details on the league. It is weekly transactions and the pitching spots are not broken down by SP or RP. We just use 9 Pitchers.
I am from Seattle and follow Morrow big time since he WAS on my team for the first few weeks. This guy has the worst version of diabetes so his stamina is not so great. 2 weeks ago his pitching in Texas was absolutely horrible. Throwing 15 straight fastballs to Texas hitters is a quick recipe for homers down there. I don’t think he will be given the closer roll back anytime soon. IMO great deal for you. You get a pitcher who has potential to rack up great stats with Maine. Giving up Martis who pitches for the worst team and a struggling 7th inning mop up guy.
I think it’s a great deal for you. Solid keeper option for your league, great depth for this year, a trade piece if you need him to be, and for little cost to you.