Entering what is likely to be his swan song year, Willie "The Dutch God of Walks" Klopp was returned to the Seattle organization today in a swap of minor leaguers. Seattle sent outfielder Leo Huggins to Los Angeles for Klopp.
Willie Klopp is the all-time SDMB OOTP leader in walks, more than 200 bases on balls ahead of the closest competitor. He is also fifth in runs scored and 19th in hits. Most of his career was spent with the Monarchs, as he was Seattle's ninth round pick in the inaugural draft. He left Seattle as part of the huge offseason deal with then-South Bay before the 2009 season, a deal that some have credited with changing Seattle's fortunes in the Cecil Cup.
Klopp had rejected Seattle's offered minor league contract with this offseason, preferring to re-sign with Los Angeles. However, his attitude softened as buyer's regret took over, and owners Mack Shultz (Seattle) and Michael Weintraub (Los Angeles) quickly reached agreement on a trade to bring Klopp home.
Interestingly, another key piece to the 2009 trade, pitcher Albert Garcia also returned to Seattle this offseason, signing a one-year, $5 million contract. Garcia previously spent 3 1/2 year with the Monarchs, including throwing a no-hitter.
Funny how signing Klopp raised my fan interest 2 points to 100, but trading him dropped it down 1 point to 99.
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