Matt Murton

>Righty Rich Harden
Righty Chad Gaudin

Oakland gets:

Righty Sean Gallagher
Outfielder Matt Murton
Infielder/outfielder Eric Patterson
Catcher Josh Donaldson

Harden and Gallagher were the key players in this swap, so we’ll look at them first. Unlike Sabathia, Harden is still under contract through next season, so this is no half-season rental—and the Cubs may have the money to resign him if they want. Nobody can deny that Harden’s got great stuff, but the knock on him has been his durability. He’s had problems with his elbow and shoulder the past two seasons, and crack 130 IP just once at the major-league level, in 2004. So in some ways, this may be a short-season rental, as Harden is a risk to toss a full season in ’08 or ’09. But when he’s in the game, he’s on, consistently logging a high strikeout rate with excellent control and a talent for keeping the ball in the ballpark. If he can stay healthy, he gives the Cubbies a great #2 pitcher behind ace Zambrano.

Continue reading "NL Central Trade Analysis, Part Two"

only 22 years old and will slide right into Oakland's rotation in the slot vacated by Harden.  Matt Murton is a typical "Moneyball" type of player; he gets on base often and does all the little things right.  Being a right handed hitter, he will probably split time with lefties Jack Cust and Ryan Sweeney in the outfield and get his share of at bats.

Continue reading "Pelfrey and the Mets Finally Make It Easy"

on Watch

  This is probably one of the stories that no one has been paying attention to, but Matt Murton is fighting for a spot on the ballclub. He is trying to make a spot on the bench or as a 4th or 5th outfielder.  He needs to play solid ball all spring to show he belongs.

Continue reading "What to Watch For"