Oakland A’s Send Matt Murton to the Rockies

Posted by Jeremy on February 5, 2009 under MLB Trade Analysis | Be the First to Comment

  

Yesterday, the Oakland Athleteics dealt 27 year old OF Matt Murton to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for speedy 2B prospect Corey Wimberly.    On the surface, this deal seems quite minor, yet it could show us just a little bit more about each club’s plans in 2009.  From a prospecting perspective, here is my take on the deal and how it affects each piece (directly or indirectly) involved.

Matt Murton: Murton’s move to Colorado and the National League is like fertilizer to his withering Oakland-choked statistics.  However, he will still be a reserve outfielder and, at age 27, he has officially made the transition from prospect to journeyman–a kiss of death to rookie card values. 

Corey Wimberly: A super utility guy in the mold of Angels spark plug Chone Figgins, Wimberley can play 2B, 3B, SS, and all three OF positions.  He has blazing speed and a power-free line drive bat.  From a collecting perspective, he is not ever going to be a hobby hot list favorite, but there are several opportunities for Wimberly to work his way into Oakland’s lineup as Bobby Crosby and Eric Chavez are sure bets to spend time on the DL at some point in ‘09.  He is a good candidate to be a top of the lineup speed demon that Oakland has lacked for several years.  His 1st year cards are in the various 2006 Bowman sets.  If you can find a refractor or serial numbered card for cheap (under 5 bucks), it could see a short term value bump at some point in 2009. 

Eric Young Jr.: Wimberly’s departure shows that the Rockies are quite confident that the terror of the Arizona Fall League is quite ready to be their future second baseman.  Young’s power spike and 20 SB this past fall demonstrates that he is a.) has the strength to drive the ball with more authority and b.) has fully recovered from his hamstring injury.  Young has the speed and base running wisdom (thanks to daddy) to be a league leader some day.  Stolen bases, while not as sexy as power numbers, do generate hobby buzz and demand.  Many base thieves tend to be “Punch and Judy” hitters, but Young’s stellar fall numbers gives me optimism that he can be a force to be reckoned with atop Colorado’s young lineup…perhaps as early as April.  Young’s 1st year cards can be found in various Bowman Products as well.  He’s close to being a member of the Rockies’ everyday lineup and, once he makes it, his cards should start to take off.