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"

;  I would like to see Lou Piniella bring up 2 players specifically.  Micah Hoffpauir and Matt Murton.   There had been some talk of Eric Patterson who does have the speed element that Soriano has but Patterson is another left handed bat like Hoffpauir.   Murton being right handed gives Lou the option of a Murton-Reed Johnson- Kosuke Fukudome outfield against lefties.   Lou could shuffle DeRosa to left and play Cedeno in the infield if he wants.  Hoffpauir is a given with the way he has swung the bat in the spring and in his short callup.  

Continue reading "Soriano breaks hand - out six weeks. ..."

It is a solid signing and now the next question is what to do with Matt Murton. There is no place for him on this team at this point with Johnson on board. A trade may be coming in the next few

Continue reading "Let's welcome Reed Johnson"

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"