May 18, 2011

Transaction Analysis Blog

Soriano to the DL, Gutierrez Back, and Galarraga Out

by R.J. Anderson

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NEW YORK YANKEES Team Audit | Player Cards | Depth Chart

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New York Yankees
Placed RP Rafael Soriano on the 15-day disabled list. [5/17]
Recalled OF Chris Dickerson from Triple-A Scranton. [5/17]

Steve Goldman has a theory about the Dickerson promotion: the move is not about Dickerson at all, but creating a buffer between the Jorge Posada controversy and Jesus Montero’s arrival.  

Goldman’s thought process makes sense, as the 21-year-old Montero is hitting well in Triple-A (to the tune of .331/.365/.433), however his power production is down from last season despite the boost in batting average. Somewhat nitpicky—especially in light of Posada’s non-existent production—but if the Yankees want to keep him down for a little longer and avoid Super Two status (if there is Super Two status) then they do have a legitimate gripe with his performance to present.

You have to feel a little bad for Dickerson, as nobody really wants to talk about him here. The conversation is either about the Yankees next move or what a mess the Soriano signing looks like just two months into the season. Nevertheless, Dickerson will provide an extra outfielder capable of drawing a walk and playing solid defense for however long he is around.

SEATTLE MARINERS Team Audit | Player Cards | Depth Chart

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Seattle Mariners
Activated OF Franklin Gutierrez from the 15-day disabled list. [5/17]
Optioned RP Tom Wilhelmsen to Double-A Jackson. [5/17]

Death to Flying Things returns after missing the Mariners first 41 games with irritable bowel syndrome. In Gutierrez’s absence,  Michael Saunders and Ryan Langerhans staffed center field and combined for an aggregate line of .173/.261/.295 (amazingly, the Mariners have sub-.200 batting averages at three other positions too). Gutierrez may have disappointed offensively last season, but he should be a clear upgrade in the field and at the dish.

The Mariners have a center fielder now, but their left field situation is wide open. Saunders and Carlos Peguero are both 24 and figure to have some future with the team. Neither has hit well this season though and sending one or the other down to develop further is a logical option. At the same time, the Mariners have Mike Wilson sitting on the bench too, and have 11 arms on their pitching staff, so keeping the youngsters and swapping Wilson for another reliever might be the move to make.

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS Team Audit | Player Cards | Depth Chart

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Arizona Diamondbacks
Designated SP Armando Galarraga for assignment. [5/17]

Galarraga just couldn’t cut it in Arizona’s rotation as he made eight starts and allowed 13 home runs in 42 2/3 innings pitched. That kind of performance is a quick way out of the majors and such is the result with the D-Backs needing a roster spot for Willie Bloomquist. Fans in the desert will have two takeaway memories from Galarraga’s time in Arizona: 1) when he gave up eight runs to the Padres (five earned), and 2) when the D-Backs had to pay him $2 million for the rest of the season as he passed through waivers unclaimed in May. Perhaps some team will bail Arizona out and acquire Galarraga through trade or waiver claim. It seems unrealistic, but even Detroit got two arms for him in January.

R.J. Anderson is an author of Baseball Prospectus. Follow @r_j_anderson
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