The Sports Journal

It promises to be a big off-season in Major League Baseball, with Alex Rodriguez negotiating another record-breaking deal, the possibility of young superstars like Miguel Cabrera being traded and the upcoming release of the findings from the Mitchell investigation, which will implicate many players for using performance-enhancing substances.

So far, as is often the case, New York and Los Angeles have dominated the off-season talk, with Joe Torre leaving the Bronx and eventually signing with the Dodgers, and the Yankees hiring Joe Girardi as his replacement.

However, there have been a couple of trades already that have gone a little under the radar, and both could be very significant next season.

The Detroit Tigers trade two prospects to the Atlanta Braves for shortstop Edgar Renteria.

For Detroit: This looks like a great deal for the Tigers. They gave up a couple prospects, but no one they can’t live without. In landing Renteria, they get a proven shortstop that allows them to move Carlos Guillen to first base. Renteria’s first foray into the American League with the Red Sox was a disaster, but he comes into Detroit with a lot less pressure, and that alone could be a difference maker. If they can resign Gary Sheffield to keep a big power threat in the lineup and improve their bullpen depth, the Tigers looked poised to make a run next year.
For Atlanta: This isn’t a bad deal for Atlanta either, since trading Renteria frees up room for the talented Yunel Escobar, much younger and much cheaper than Renteria, to start next year. I do think they might have been able to get a little more in return for Renteria, but they unload some salary, perhaps freeing up enough money to sign Tom Glavine and other targets, and get some nice prospects in the process.

The Philadelphia Phillies trade Michael Bourn, Geoff Geary and Mike Costanzo to the Houston Astros for Brad Lidge and Eric Bruntlett.

For Philadelphia: Lidge is the key player in this deal. Just two years ago, he was probably the best reliever in baseball, proving himself as a dominant closer for the Astros. Then, he gave up a game-winning monster home run to Albert Pujols in Game 6 of the 2005 NLCS, and he hasn’t been the same since. Still, it’s not like the talent isn’t still there. He still throws hard and has the stuff to be dominant again, and while Philly is certainly a hitters’ park, the change of scenery could do him well. Considering the upside, Philly didn’t have to give up too terribly much to get him. Just as importantly, gaining Lidge means the Phillies can move incumbent closer and former starter Brett Myers back to the rotation, which is a better addition than anyone they’d get on a weak free agent market. And though he was little more than a throw-in, the backup Bruntlett gives them good infield depth, as he can play shortstop, third base and probably even second base. Really good deal for Philadelphia.
For Houston: You can make the case that the Astros have given up too soon on former All-Star Lidge, and that the value they got in return isn’t equal to that of the pitcher they gave up. Geary is a weak middle reliever, and Constanzo is a good but not spectacular third-base prospect. Bourn is the significant addition. He has great speed and can play all three outfield spots. He could develop into a nice lead-off hitter, but it’s too soon to tell. As one analyst said, we don’t know yet which speedster path he’ll follow, whether he’ll be the next Willy Taveras (an emerging star for the Rockies), or the next Joey Gathright (a bust for the Devil Rays and Royals). I like his potential, but I think Houston could have waited a little longer and gotten more from Lidge. There’s also the matter of who will close now for the Astros with Lidge gone. Former set-up man/closer Dan Wheeler was also traded away, going to Tampa Bay last July. Chad Qualls is probably the best bet in Houston now, but while he was a good middle reliever, I’m not sure he has great closer stuff.