The LaRoche Loot is Underwhelming
The Boston Red Sox acquired veteran first baseman Adam LaRoche from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday for two minor league prospects: shortstop Argenis Diaz, and right-handed pitcher Hunter Strickland. Make no doubt about it, this was a salary dump by the Pittsburgh Pirates (and another shrewd move by a very smart organization… Boston).
Diaz, the better of the two prospects acquired by Pittsburgh, has the upside of… Jack Wilson. Now, if the Pirates can avoid paying him $6 or $7 million a season, than he might have some value. Truthfully, though, his value is tied solely to his glove, as he’s an above-average defensive player. With the stick, he’s probably going to produce Ramon Vazquez or Adam Everett numbers. Diaz doesn’t hit for power (.058 ISO), he doesn’t hit for average (.253 average in ’09), he doesn’t walk (7.0 BB%) and he doesn’t steal bases (His seven steals this year are a career high). Yes, he’s only 22 but there is really nothing to build on. Not one of those four categories I mentioned has seen an improvement in four pro seasons.
Strickland is a right-handed starter who doesn’t throw overly hard and relies on command and control to succeed. His fastball ranges 87-91 mph and he can add a couple more miles per hour when needed. He also has a slider and changeup. His numbers over the course of the past two seasons have been respectable. In 2009 in low-A, Stickland has allowed 85 hits in 83.1 innings of work, while posting a walk rate of 1.40 BB/9 and a strikeout rate of 5.51 K/9. Homers have been a problem with 11 leaving the yard (1.19 HR/9). He has a 3.35 ERA, but a 4.34 FIP.
The truth is that this trade probably won’t help you if your a fantasy baseball manager. Diaz’ bat is about a year away from the Majors, but he does provide some depth if (when) Pittsburgh accepts what Wilson’s true trade value is and he’s dealt in another salary dump. Strickland is a long way away from reaching his ceiling as a middle reliever, or maybe a No. 4 starter.
Where this move helps fantasy owners is in the playing time that this should free up for Steve Pearce in Pittsburgh. It’s about time that he receives a fair (and extended) shot at playing regularly in the Majors. I hope this trade is not a move to free up first base for Garrett Jones, who is significantly playing over his head right now (Hello, Kevin Maas). At the age 28, Jones’ ceiling is limited.
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What would you say Pearce’s power cieling is over a full season?
I’m curious why you assume Garrett Jones is playing over his head? Obviously the .507 ISO will come down, but he’s been raking at AAA for 2.5 years, significantly and steadily lowering his once-huge K% the whole time. Haven’t we seen too many players shed the Quad-A label recently to automatically discount him? I don’t see much in his peripherals over the last couple years, majors and minors, that would suggest he can’t stick.
The LaRoche Loot is underwhelming but then again so is LaRoche.
Hey Mark–nice article.
I was thinking today about the Mets, and how David Wright has only 5 home runs. 5. yes, 5 Home Runs. It is almost August. That is pitiful. Now, why is this? Does his ballpark reallllyyy??? have this much effect on his home run totals. Is he hitting most of his fly balls to around average length as years past? Has he lossed some of his power??? I feel like he should be at least in double digits by now, even 10 would be alright, but 5 Home Runs from DAVID WRIGHT??? What is up with him?? I mean he could be considered a 40hr threat in a season, at least 25-20, and right now he is on pace for less than 10!!
25-30** hr’s
Hmmm…I thought Diaz was an all-glove, no hit shortstop whose ceiling was as a utility infielder, while Strickland was a decent prospect who could be a decent middle reliever or backend starter down the road.
Guess I’ll politely disagree with you, but good article nonetheless. :)
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