Monday, April 5, 2010

Starting Pitching, Star Infielder Available

Having finally accomplished my year-end review of my roster, I have identified two players available to good homes. Not free, but a reasonable offer can definitely get them.

The first is starting pitcher Jimmy Matthias. He's 27 years old and is coming off a 15-7, 2.96 ERA season. Just to show it's no fluke, his career ERA is 3.47. He's good. Why deal him? I have pretty good starting pitching depth, at least I think. More relevantly though, he's a free agent after this season. While he only wants $9 million per year to resign, I have some salary concerns going forward and can't commit the cash to him. I'm willing to sign him before a trade, if that's someone's preference.

Starting pitching seems tough to find in the league right now, so hopefully someone will want to give Matthias's proven track record a home.

The second available player, once he finishes healing from injury, is second baseman Duane Gerhardt. He's been great his whole career. Career OPS of .823 (#49 in league history). The only player to swipe 100 bases in a season. Has at least 70 steals in his four full seasons. Very Popular with the fans. Only makes $8 million this year and $8.5 next year in a team-friendly contract. So, why trade him? I've got a young second baseman in Richard Bender that I think needs to start. I also think I have good infield depth.

What am I looking for in return for these players? I could use a starting outfielder in one of the corners. Maybe a good reliever. Draft picks and prospects otherwise. Let me know if you're interested.

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