MLB Trade Rumors: Breaking Down the Javier Vazquez Trade

by Ray Guilfoyle on Dec 23, 2009 1:07 PM EST in Baseball

I am sure you have read that the Yankees response to the Red Sox signing of John Lackey was to deal a 4th outfielder type in Melky Cabrera in a package to the Braves for Javier Vazquez and Boone Logan. Vazquez was coming off perhaps his bext season in the majors by going 15-10-2.87-1.03 with a K/9 of 9.77 and a K/B of 5.48 in 2009. He also had the lowest xFIP-2.82-of all major league starters in 2009.

Vazquez will be the Yankees 3rd or 4th starter in a rotation that includes CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, and Andy Pettite, but based on his 2009 season stats, he would be their #1, but we know that won't happen. He pitched with the Yankees back in 2004 with poor results. In 2004, he went 14-10 with a 4.91 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, but only struck out 6.82 batters per 9 innings and had a K/BB ratio of 2.50. Since 2004, his K/9 has not been lower than 8.01. and his K/BB ratio has not been lower than 3.28.

Vazquez had a problem with the longball in 2004 as he gave up 1.50 HR/9 while giving up 33 homers. He gave up 35 homers in 2005 as well, but since then has controlled the longball as he has given up 23, 29, 25 and 20 homers since 2005. That may change pitching in Yankee stadium in 2010.

Like I said the Braves got Melky Cabrera, along with pitching prospects Arodys Vizcaino and Mike Dunn. Cabrera should start in right field for the Braves, with Nate McLouth in center field and Matt Diaz in left field. But, once right field prospect Jason Heyward is ready, Melky could platoon with Diaz in left field. Melky went 13-68-.274-.336-.419 hitting in Yankee Stadium in 2009. Not the definition of the big bat the Braves were talking about getting in return for one of their starting pitchers.

Vizcaino is years away from making the big leagues, but was the Yankees number 2 prospect behind Jesus Montero. Dunn could see time as the Braves set-up guy behind Billy Wagner or could close for them in 2011, so he is one to watch in 2010.

Poll

Did the Braves get enough in return for ace Javier Vazquez?

Yes, Cabrera will do fine in Atlanta, and Dunn will be solid in the pen.

111 votes

No, Cabrera is a 4th outfielder and has no power. He is not the BIG bat I was expecting.

200 votes

311 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Love it

That 1st line is exactly what I thought. The Red Sox appear to be betting a lot on their internal metrics. Given the unreliability of defensive ones, this has all the appearances of a coming train wreck.

by faketeams on Dec 23, 2009 1:32 PM EST reply actions

could very well happen

what do you think of the young Rays pitching staff. Although they don’t have the name recognition that the Yankees or Red Sox starters have, can they compete in the AL East in 2010?

raygu

by Ray Guilfoyle on Dec 23, 2009 1:42 PM EST up reply actions

Rays

I don’t see how their 15 minutes hasn’t passed. They will retain positive press because the team gives access to the vangaurd of opinion shapers in the internet press. However, their financial constraints don’t disappear because Baseball America or Baseball Prospectus or ESPN.com says nice things about them.

The Rays looks like the 10’s version of the naughts Blue Jays.

by faketeams on Dec 23, 2009 1:47 PM EST up reply actions