10/13 Arizona Fall League Report

Posted by Jeremy on October 14, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

The 2009 Arizona Fall League season kicked off in grand fashion yesterday with several fine offensive performances.  Homeruns by Phillies top prospect Domomic Brown, Baltimore’s Brandon Snyder, Washington’s Chris Marrero, and Minnesota’s Rene Tosoni helped to fuel fine offensive outputs for their clubs but today’s top performance came from NY Mets 1B prospect and former 1st round selection Ike Davis.  The 6-5 son of former Minnesota Twins pitcher Ron Davis went 4-6 yesterday with his first Hr, six RBI and two doubles to pace the Surprise Rafters 17 run output against the Peoria Javelinas.

Davis had a big time bounce back over two levels in his first full professional season, hitting .298 with 20 HR 71 RBI and 31 doubles.  With Carlos Delgado’s time with the organization at a likely close, the focus for the next Mets 1B may turn to within the organization.  A short term salve may be Nick Evans but Davis’ long term potential is considerably better than Evans and current Rafter teammate Lucas Duda.  If Davis continues to tear the cover off of the ball this fall, thinks could get real interesting at that spot this coming spring.

AFL Player of the Day—IKE DAVIS

Other AFL Performances:

  Mesa Solar Sox 10

• Rene Tosoni—1-4 HR(1) RBI 2R 2 BB
• Starlin Castro—3-5 3 RBI R
• Mike Stanton—1-3 R 2 BB SB(1)
• Jose Iglesias—2-4 2B 2R 2 RBI BB
• Steve Singleton—2-5 2B 2R

 Phoenix Desert Dogs 6

• David Espinosa—1-4 3 RBI
• Brandon Snyder—2-5 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Chris Marrero—1-3 HR(1) RBI BB
• Jemile Weeks—1-4 2B R BB

  Surprise Rafters 17

• Ike Davis—4-6 HR(1) 6 RBI 2 2B 2R
• Bryan Anderson—3-5 3R RBI BB
• Lucas Duda—2-5 2B R 2 RBI BB
• Brandon Laird—4-6 3 RBI 2R
• Ruben Tejeda—2-5 2B 2R RBI SB(1)
• Colin Curtis—3-6 2B 2 RBI R
• Ian Kennedy—4 IP 2H eR 4K W (1-0)

  Peoria Javelinas 4

• Casper Wells—2-3 2B RBI
• Lucas May—1-4 HR(1) RBI
• Lorenzo Cain—1-3 2B R BB

 Scottsdale Scorpions 8

• Domonic Brown—1-5 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Darin Holcomb—2-3 R
• Brandon Crawford—2-4 2B 2 RBI BB
• Jose Tabata—1-2 2R RBI 2 BB SB(1)
• Hector Gomez—2-4 2B R RBI

  Peoria Saguaros 4

• Jason Heyward—2-5 2 2B R RBI SB(1)
• Chris Heisey—2-4 3B R RBI

Pirates/M’s and Cliff Lee Trade Analyses

Posted by Jeremy on August 3, 2009 under Market Watch | Be the First to Comment

The Cardboard Connection has posted my article I wrote in the wake of the Matt Holliday deal.  While the trade is now old news, here’s the link to the article for your viewing pleasure.

I also stayed up late last night tapping out similar articles for the Pirates/M’s trade and the Cliff Lee to Philly deal.  I think the Pirates added some significant depth to their system as did the Indians.  The M’s filled a couple of holes in their roster, but not spectacularly so.  The Phillies may have purchased a couple more trips to the World Series while keeping their trifecta of elite prospects (Kyle Drabek, Dominic Brown, and Michael Taylor). 

I will link to the Pirates/M’s trade article and Cliff Lee to Philly articles once they are posted on the Cardboard Connection.  If you haven’t checked out that site yet, do so today.  It is rapidly becoming one of the best sports card info sites on the web.

7/20 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 21, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Pedro Alvarez is red hot right now.

The former #2 overall pick of last year’s draft was decent in his stint with High-A Lynchburg and got off to a molasses-like start after his promotion to Altoona, but the last 10 games has seen Alvarez post a .368 BA with 3 HR 6 RBI and 9 runs scored.  Alvarez is a highly potent all-star hitter in the making, but his high K rates, low batting average and spotty defense has detracted from his overall performance.  All told, the sum is greater than its parts.  Alvarez is clicking right now offensively, and his 19 HR and 67 RBI are on par with expectations.  I believe that he will continue to raise his average from its current .255 level to finish around .270-.280. 

Will he earn a September callup?  Tough to say.  My gut says yes, but it was the Pirates that were so glacially slow in giving Andrew McCutchen his debut.  While that worked to McCutchen’s benefit, I think they will not exercise the same patience with Alvarez.  His collegiate resume and immediate power impact keeps him on the fast track to Pittsburgh and nothing that Andy LaRoche or Neil Walker can do will stop it.  Alvarez has a major league contract and it makes complete sense for the Bucs to get a first hand look at exactly what they have in the former Vanderbilt superstar.  Expect him to be one of the September callups unless injury or a complete collapse in his performance happens before then.

Today’s top AA prospect is Boston Red Sox catcher turned first baseman, turned outfielder, turned eventual DH Jon Still.  The Red Sox slugger blasted two HR and drove in seven runs yesterday in Portland’s 16-1 massacre over New Britain yesterday.  Despite his career day, Still has been a big disappoint me to me this year.  The former 2006 draftee is hitting .239 with 13 HR 61 RBI and 26 doubles this year, but his 27 BB/103 K’s is far and away his worst showing in his professional career.  Despite hitting .302 with 16 RBI over his last 10 games, Still has struck out 18 times and has failed to draw a walk during the same timeframe.  I think that he is going to continue to decline in his production as he progresses until he joins the Jeff Bailey, Aaron Bates and Chris Carter ranks of the organization as a player who makes the frequent treks between Pawtucket and Boston.  Look to see if the market for his stuff jumps after a few good performances and sell accordingly.

AA Player of the Day—JON STILL

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Michael Daniel—3-4 BB
• Brennan Boesch—1-4 HR(18) 2 RBI
• Mike McBryde—1-4 HR(4) 3 RBI 2R
• Ike Davis—2-4 HR(12) 2 RBI 2 RBI BB
• Josh Thole—2-5 2B 2R 2 RBI
• Ruben Tejada—3-4 2R
• Josh Reddick—3-6 HR(13) 2 RBI 3R
• Ryan Khoury—3-5 4R BB
• Jon Still—3-6 2 HR(13) 7 RBI 3R
• Ryan Kalish—2-5 HR(9) 2B 2 RBI BB
• Jorge Jimenez—3-5 HR(10) 4 RBI 2 2B 4R BB
• Argenis Diaz—2-5 2B RBI
• Pedro Alvarez—3-4 2 2B 2 RBI 2R
• Brian Friday—1-3 HR(7) 2 RBI BB
• Jim Negrych—2-4 2 2B 2R
• Quentin Berry—2-4 R 2 SB(34)
• Reegie Corona—2-3 R 2 BB
• Jesus Montero—2-4 HR(15) RBI BB
• David Cooper—1-3 2B 2 RBI 2 BB
• Jeremy Moore—2-3 HR(8) 2 RBI 2R
• Mark Trumbo—2-5 R RBI
• Jarrod Dyson—2-4 2R 3 SB(21)
• Drew Locke—2-4 2B 2R
• Matt Spencer—3-5 2B 2 RBI R
• Josh Horton—2-5 2B 2R
• James Rapoport—2-5 2B R 2 BB
• Tyler Henley—3-5 2B R RBI

Pitching:

• Blake Beavan—6.1 IP 8H 2 ER K L (6-7)
• Corey Kluber—6 IP 4H BB 6K W (8-9)
• Adam Mills—7 IP 5H Er 2 BB 5K W (7-5)

7/19 AA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on July 20, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Mitch Moreland continues to put up big numbers since his promotion to AA Frisco.  Yesterday the former Mississippi State star went 2-5 with his 13th HR, a double and five RBI.  Since being drafted, all Moreland has done is hit the snot out of the ball, batting .324 with 18 HR and 99 RBI and 37 doubles in ‘08 at Low-A Clinton.  He’s well on his way to exceeding those numbers this year, producing a .333 BA with 13 HR 65 RBI and 31 doubles so far at two levels.  Though he is an smooth fielding 1B, the Rangers have moved him to the outfield as Chris Davis and Justin Smoak have created a formidable log jam at first.  Moreland’s a year away from making his debut and to date does not have a first year card from a major manufacturer.  I have to think that that will change with the upcoming Bowman Chrome set slated to come out at the end of August.  Long term, his power potential in an excellent hitter’s ballpark makes him a solid value buy from the get go.  Expect him to finish out the year at AA and keep an eye open to see if Texas send him to Arizona in the offseason for a stint in the AFL.  If so, it will indicate a fervency by the Rangers to include him in their 2010 plans at some point next year.

Today’s top prospect from the AA ranks is Cincinnati Reds southpaw Travis Wood.  The undersized 2005 2nd rounder was not very good last year, but has turned things around in a big way in ‘09.  Yesterday’s seven innings of four-hit, nine-strikeout ball was good enough to elevate him to a 9-3 record this season.  Though this is his second go around at AA, Wood is looking more like the frontline pitcher that he was touted to be as a prep star.  He’s not overpowering, with a fastball that ranges between 87-90 MPH, but his changeup is the best in the system and he’s scrapped his mediocre curvball for a low to mid 80’s cutter with good late life.  Couple that with improve command and voila!  You have an 180 degree turnaround.  To date, Wood has a miniscule 1.21 ERA with 37 BB/103 K in 119 innings.  He’s commanded the zone well, holding hitters to a .189 BA and just 2 HR.  Wood seems ready for a promotion to AAA Louisville in the very near future.  Wood currently has first year cards in just one set, 2005 Bowman Draft and Chrome.  Despite his success, sales for Wood’s non-refractor cards have been quite low.  Chromes can be found for 75 cents to $1.25 each and his non-chrome editions range from 25-50 cents. 

Despite his good numbers, Wood will be hard pressed to earn a promotion to the big club this season.  He’s got to prove that he can duplicate his success at the next level and he’ll always have his demure size (5-11 165 lb.) and finesse stuff causing skepticism of his ability to sustain a heavy workload at the major league level.  Ultimately, he’s got the ability to be mid to end of the rotation starter at the major league level.

AA Player of the Day—TRAVIS WOOD

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Rene Tosoni—3-4
• Luke Hughes—2-4 HR(8) RBI
• Tim Kennelly—2-5 HR(5) 3 RBI 2B 2R
• Brad Emaus—3-4 2B R
• Travis Jones—3-3 HR(4) 4 RBI BB
• Michael Stanton—3-4 2R RBI
• Logan Morrison—1-2 2R 3 BB
• Gorkys Hernandez—2-4 3B RBI
• Jose Tabata—2-3 2 RBI
• Mike McKenry—1-4 HR(10) RBI
• Mitch Moreland—2-4 2B HR(13) 5 RBI BB
• Drew Locke—1-3 HR(13) 2 RBI BB
• Christian Marrero—3-4
• Dayan Viciedo—3-4 R
• Logan Forsythe—1-4 HR(10) 3 RBI
• David Lough—2-4 HR(10) RBI 2R BB SB(10)
• Tyler Henley—2-5 HR(10) 2 RBI BB

Pitching:

• Nick Hill—6 IP 2H BB 5K W (3-3)
• Cesar Carrillo—7 IP 6H ER BB 3K W (8-4)
• Michael Stutes—5.1 IP 5H 5 BB 3K W (7-5)
• Ryne Lawson—6 IP H 3 BB 4K
• Travis Wood—7 IP 4H 8K W (9-3)
• Daniel Moskos—6 IP H 4 BB K W (7-7)

6/18 AAA Minor League Report

Posted by Jeremy on June 19, 2009 under Minor League Ball today | Be the First to Comment

Texas Rangers OF prospect Julio Borbon went 3-5 with an RBI and two runs scored yesterday.  His trifecta of base knocks marked the fourth consecutive multi-hit game for the former Tennessee Volunteer.  June has been a great month for Borbon as he has hit .373 so far, raising his season average to .307.  Last year, Borbon torched the basepaths for 66 SB and showed decent power over two levels, hitting seven HR’s.  Though he hasn’t rendered the same results through the midpoint of this season, his 18 SB and 10 doubles has helped to make him an intriguing prospect for a regular spot with the Rangers in 2010 or, perhaps a valued trading chip for a resurgent Rangers team vying for a post season nod.  Either way, Borbon’s days as a minor leaguer are numbered.  He presents a highly polished blend of speed, plate discipline, hitting ability and defense desired of a top tier leadoff hitter. 

Today’s top prospect comes from the Oakland A’s farm system.  Hard throwing lefty Gio Gonzalez mowed down 10 hitters through 5.1 shutout innings, allowing four hits and only one walk.  Gonzalez’s career course has been frustrating to those that have invested in his cards as he has been shuttled from Oakland to Sacramento several times over the last two seasons.  Control has been the key determinant in the 24 year old’s level of success.  When it’s on, Gonzalez has a mid-90’s heater and an upper-70’s yakker that baffles hitters at any level.  When he’s off, Gonzalez racks up walks at a copious rate and gets hit hard with misplaced fastballs.  Gonzo was awful during his stint with the A’s once again, racking up a 7.27 ERA in his 8.2 innings, allowing seven walks and striking out seven.  His performance yesterday marks the second consecutive one in which he has not allowed a walk and, therefore, has not allowed a run.  He’s still very young and has a chance to refine his command.  With the depth of quality arms in Oakland’s farm system and the probability that the A’s will be sellers at the trade deadline, the need for Gonzalez to compile a greater semblance of consistency is greater than it has ever been.  Watch his next couple starts carefully, but more importantly, keep tabs on his next stint with the A’s.  I think it will speak volumes about his future.

AAA Player of the Day—GIO GONZALEZ

Other Notable Performances

Hitting:

• Allen Craig—2-4 HR(7) RBI
• Brett Wallace—1-4 HR(8) RBI
• Jarrett Hoffpauir—1-4 HR(9) RBI
• Steve Clevenger—2-4 2B 2 RBI
• Joe Koshansky—2-6 2B RBI
• Angel Salome—2-5 HR93) 2 RBI 2R
• Cole Gillespie—1-3 3B R BB
• Julio Borbon—3-5 2R RBI BB
• Joaquin Arias—3-6 RBI
• Jose Vallejo—2-5 HR(2) 2  RBI
• Chris Johnson—1-4 HR(2) RBI
• Cameron Maybin—3-4 2B 3R RBI 2 BB
• Jai Miller—2-5 2B R 3 RBI
• Brian Bogusevic—2-4 RBI
• Jamie Hoffmann—2-4 2B 2R
• Michael Saunders—1-5 HR(8) RBI
• Kevin Frandsen—2-4 HR(7) RBI 3B 2R
• Kyle Blanks—1-3 HR(12) 3 RBI BB
• Cliff Pennington—1-2 3b R 4 RBI BB
• David Winfree—1-1 2B 3 RBI
• Michael Brantley—3-5 R
• Brandon Jones—2-5 2 2B 2R
• Steven Pearce—1-4 HR(11) RBI

Pitching:

• Chris Tillman—6 IP 4H 3 ER 2 BB 4K L (5-4)
• Carlos Gonzalez—5.1 IP 4H BB 10 K W (2-1)
• Carlos Torres—5 IP 0H 5K W (5-4)
• Anthony Swarzak—7 IP 8H 2 ER 2 BB 2K

3/3 Spring Training Report

Posted by Jeremy on March 5, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Yesterday marked the first day that the teams from the World Baseball Classic were in action as many of them squared off against MLB teams.  The Bruce got loose yesterday with his first spring HR, Jason Heyward continued to make us prospectors salivate with his first HR of the year as well.  Tommy Hanson continued to shine surrendering an unearned run in 3 IP en route to his first victory of the year, but it was a former top draft pick that stole the stage yesterday as Jeff Niemann threw 3 innings of 2 hit ball striking out 5 and making a strong case to be considered for a rotation spot for the Rays.

Youngster of the Day—JEFF NIEMANN

Other Notable Performances:

• Chris Valaika—1-2 RBI R
• Jay Bruce—1-1 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Carlos Fisher—1.2 IP 2H 2K SV(1)
• Josh Reddick—1-1 R
• Chris Carter (Red Sox)—1-1 HR(1) RBI
• Mark Wagner—1-3 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R
• Jed Lowrie—2-3 R 2B
• Zack Daeges—1-1 RBI
• Junichi Tazawa—IP K
• Jeff  Niemann—3 IP 2H ER BB 5K
• Reid Brignac—1-3 HR(1) RBI
• Bud Norris—2 IP K
• Allen Craig—2-5 HR(1) 2B 3 RBI
• Joe Mather—3-4 2B RBI 2R
• Jake Fox—2-4 HR(2) 2 RBI 2B
• Yung Chi Chen—1-2 2B R
• Aaron Cunningham—1-1 2B BB
• Corey Wimberley—1-1 R BB SB(1)
• Scott Campbell—2-3 RBI
• Adam Loewen—1-3 2B RBI
• Phillippe Aumont—IP H BB K
• Nelson Cruz—2-3 2R 2 BB RBI
• Chris Denorfia—2-3 2B RBI
• Ian Desmond—2-3 2R 3B
• Greg Halman—2-3 HR(1) RBI
• Hanley Statia—2-2 2B 2R BB
• Donald Veal—IP H 3K
• Garrett Jones—2-4 3 RBI R
• Tommy Hanson—3 IP 2H UER BB 3K (W)
• Jason Heyward—1-1 HR(1) 2 RBI BB 2R
• Diory Hernandez—2-2 BB
• Brett Gardner—3-3 2B R SB(1)
• Phil Coke—2.1 IP H 2K
• Blake DeWitt—2-3 HR(1) 2 RBI 2B 2R
• Mitch Jones—2-3 HR(3) RBI
• Matt Antonelli—1-1 BB 2R
• Kyle Blanks—2-3 R 2B
• Nick Hundley—2-2 R
• Eric Young Jr.—1-3 RBI
• Seth Smith—1-3 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Yovanni Gallardo—3 IP H 5K
• Casey McGehee—1-2 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Carlos Rivero—2-2 2B 2R RBI
• Justin Upton—1-2 3B 2R RBI BB SB(1)
• Eugenio Velez—2-4 HR(1) 2 RBI 2R
• Pablo Sandoval—1-3 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Jesus Guzman—1-1 2B RBI R

3/4 Spring Training League Report

Posted by Jeremy on under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

Today marks the official beginning of the World Baseball Classic. Yesterday’s spring training games offered up some decent performances from our beloved prospects, but none that really dropped my jaw. Koji Uehara continues to impress, throwing three two-hit innings en route to a win, John Mayberry Jr. belted another HR, as did Dayan Viciedo and Justin Smoak. The youngster of the day, however, is Pablo Sandoval whose 3-3 afternoon included his second HR of the spring. Sandoval is proving that his bat is the real deal and not a one year wonder.

Youngster of the Day—PABLO SANDOVAL

Other Notable Performances:

• Andy LaRoche—1-2 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Wilson Ramos—1-2 2B RBI
• Evan Meek—IP 2K SV(3)
• Luke Montz—1-2 R BB
• Jordan Zimmerman—3 IP 0H 3K
• Jeremy Slayden—1-1 HR(2) 3 RBI
• John Mayberry Jr.—2-3 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Koji Uehara—3 IP 2H 2K (W)
• Matt Albers—2 IP 4H K
• Mike Costanzo—1-4 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Logan Morrison—2-2 2B RBI BB
• Francisco Cervelli—2-2 R SB(1)
• Scott Campbell—1-1 R RBI BB
• Travis Snider—3-3 R
• Matt Brown—3-4 2 RBI 2R
• Peter Bourjos—2-4 2R SB(2)
• Sean Rodriguez—1-2 2 RBI
• Chris Pettit—1-2 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Jay Bruce—2-3 HR(2) RBI
• Justin Upton—2-2 RBI
• Luke Hughes—2-3 2 2B 3R
• Garrett Olson—2 IP 2H 4K
• Jeff Clement—1-2 2R BB
• Richie Robnett—1-1 2R BB 2 SB(2)
• Aaron Poreda—3 IP 3H ER
• Pablo Sandoval—3-3 HR(2) RBI
• Buster Posey—2-2 R RBI
• Emmannuel Burriss—2-5 RBI R SB(1)
• Jesus Guzman—1-2 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Xavier Paul—1-2 2 RBI
• Chin-Lung Hu—2-4 R BB
• Delwyn Young—2-2 2B R RBI
• Justin Smoak—1-1 HR(1) 3 RBI
• Jarrod Saltalamacchia—1-2 2B RBI
• Derek Holland—2 IP 2H ER K
• Luke Hochevar—3 IP 2H 2K
• Beau Mills—2-4 HR(1) 2 RBI
• Michael Brantley—1-2 RBI SB(1)
• Brad Snyder—1-3 2 RBI
• Nate Spears—2-2 2R
• Dayan Viciedo—1-3 HR(2) 2 RBI
• Jordan Danks—2-4
• Yung-Chi Chen—1-1 2 RBI 3B
• Aaron Cunningham—1-3 R BB
• James Simmons—2 IP 2H 3K

A.J. Burnett Likes Pinstripes Too

Posted by Jeremy on December 18, 2008 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

The Yankees signed another top-tier free agent hurler to join C.C. Sabathia when they shelled out $82.5 million to retain A.J. Burnett’s services for the next 5 seasons.  Last year, Burnett was fully healthy and won 18 games while striking out 231 hitters in 221 IP playing second fiddle to Roy Halliday.  Since saying yes to the pinstripes, Burnett’s 1999 Topps Traded Autos have experienced a slight jump in eBay market value from $35 to $45 each. 

My take: Burnett is a great #2 starter and htere is no reason to believe that he won’t be a 15 game winner with the Bronx Bombers.  However, C.C. Sabathia is still the headliner of this rotation and will likely be the one that draws the most market love from the vast contingent of Yankees fans.  Sell ‘em if you’ve got ‘em.

Update on Sabathia 1999 Topps Traded Autos.  Last week I projected that these cards would be selling in the $150-200 range by this time.  Currently, the eBay market shows a price range of $100-110 each.  I was waaaaaaay off!  This may be due, in part, to a tumultuous economy or to the fact that Yankees fans are quite used to signing big ticket free agents.

Next big question for the drunken sailors…will they let Manny be Manny?

WGR 550 AM’s “The Hobby”

Posted by Jeremy on December 4, 2008 under Readers Mailbag | Be the First to Comment

 For those of you who have not yet heard of this show, “The Hobby” is a weekly radio show that airs on Buffalo’s WGR 550 AM on Saturday mornings from 8-9 AM EST.  There are also archives available for your online listening pleasure.  The show is hosted by Mike Schopp and it covers various elements of the sports card collecting industry.

This week’s show features my good friend Mario Alejandro from Wax Heaven discussing the world of sportscard blogging.  If you haven’t read Mario’s blog by now…what are you waiting for?  Mario recently passed 500,000 visitors to his site in just a little more than a year’s time.  For a podunk blogger like me who gets excited when I reach 500 daily page views, this is quite an accomplishment.

Take some time to enjoy “The Hobby”.  Mike Schopp has worked very hard to present our exciting hobby in a positive light to new audiences.  Mike is always open to receiving emails for future show ideas and concepts.

Braves/White Sox Trade Analysis

Posted by Jeremy on December 3, 2008 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

The Chicago White Sox sent 12 game winner Javier Vazquez and LHP Boone Logan to the Atlanta Braves for SS/OF Brent Lillibridge, C Tyler Flowers , 3B Jon Gilmore, and LHP Santos Rodriguez.  Here’s a closer look at the parties involved.

Vazquez gives the Braves a consistent 200 inning pitcher who will win 10-14 games with an era between 4.25-4.75.  He strikes a bunch of guys out and doesn’t walk too many hitters.  The Braves are making a concerted push to catch up to the Phillies and Mets in their division.  The Braves decided to make this move once the Peavy talks disintegrated.  Vazquez has rookie cards in the 2007 Bowman Chrome set, but don’t expect to see much market change for them.  His career at this point is pretty well estabished and headed for the home stretch.

Boone Logan

While Logan is an apparent toss-in for the Braves, they are excited about the hard throwing 24 year old southpaw.  He should provide some nice lefty depth to the bullpen.  While this may please the Braves, don’t expect to see any market movement out of his cards.

Tyler Flowers

For the past couple of weeks, I have been trying to think of just what role the Braves had in mind for Flowers.  With McCann firmly entrenched behind the plate and Freddie Freeman as the heir apparent at 1B, Flowers seemed to be just too good to pass on.  The Braves sold his stock high and now Flowers’ future as a catcher seems to be much brighter.  A.J. Pierzynski and Paul Konerko both become free agents after the 2010 season giving Flowers a nice cushion of time to develop his skills behind the plate or at 1B.  Flowers has a special bat that is just breaking out and his power potential plays well at any position on the diamond.  Look for his 2008 Donruss Threads autos to continue to be hot commodities on the eBay market.

Brent LIllibridge

 Lillibridge seems to be, like Flowers, a player that could benefit from a change in scenery.  After a sterling 2005 season, Lillibridge has struggled mightily to replicate the success he enjoyed with the Pirates organization.  Lillibridge can play both SS and 2B as well as the OF.  Lillibridge has great speed on the basepaths and gap power that produces many line drives to the alleys.  Lillibridge needs to be more selective at the plate and put less pressure on himself to perform.  The Sox are pretty set at SS with studs like Alexei Ramirez and future superstar Gordon Beckham, but the competition at 2B (Chris Getz, Wilson Betemit) is far less formidable.  Look for LIllibridge to get an ample opportunity to get back on track as the everyday 2B or a speedy 4th OF.  Either way, the more playing time that Lillibridge earns, the better off the values of his 2005 first year cards will be.

I recently wrote about Gilmore in one of my Daily Value posts.  Gilmore has tons of projectible upside but is still at least two or three years away from being ready.  Gilmore struggled at full-season Rome before being very successful after a demotion to short-season Danville.  Gilmore immediately becomes the top young 3B prospect in the White Sox.

Santos Rodriguez

Rodriguez is a 20 year old 6-5 180 lb. LHP who pitched exclusively in relief last season going 1-2 with a 2.79 ERA and 5 saves in 14 games.  Rodriguez pitched just 29 innings but struck out 45 while walking 13.  Rodriguez is very projectible and is one to watch as a possible late inning reliever down the line.

My spin on this deal is that the White Sox got a treasure trove of talent in this deal for a mid-rotation starter.  Vazquez will pitch well in the NL, but come 5 years from now, the White Sox will be very pleased that they made this trade.

Let me know what you think of this deal?  Which team came out ahead?  How will the market respond to these moves?