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Robertson Trade Makes Sense
The Tigers trading Nate Robertson to the Florida Marlins makes sense on a number of different levels.
One is they might be saving money, although how much is unclear at this point. It's doubtful the Marlins are picking up anywhere near all of Robertson's $10 million salary for the coming season. Also, Jay Voss, the pitcher acquired from the Marlins, is being developed as a left-handed situational reliever. He isn't that far from the major leagues, having done well in Double-A ball last season (3-0 record, strikeout per inning, not that many walks, opposing hitters batting just .200 against him).
He has a good arm, touching in the low 90s with his fastball, and more importantly he throws a couple different versions of a slider, which makes him more effective against left-handed batters. It allows the Tigers to begin the season with Dontrelle Willis in the rotation, but also for a couple backup plans in the bullpen should there be a need to move left-hander Phil Coke into the starting rotation.
One thing is apparent: Robertson isn't effective out of the bullpen. He also had some trade value. Willis has none.
The Tigers still would have plenty of lefty depth if Coke is moved into the rotation with Fu-Te Ni, Daniel Schlereth and Voss - despite the injury status of Bobby Seay.
Transcript of my live chat today at theoaklandpress.com: http://tinyurl.com/yl3bge5
One is they might be saving money, although how much is unclear at this point. It's doubtful the Marlins are picking up anywhere near all of Robertson's $10 million salary for the coming season. Also, Jay Voss, the pitcher acquired from the Marlins, is being developed as a left-handed situational reliever. He isn't that far from the major leagues, having done well in Double-A ball last season (3-0 record, strikeout per inning, not that many walks, opposing hitters batting just .200 against him).
He has a good arm, touching in the low 90s with his fastball, and more importantly he throws a couple different versions of a slider, which makes him more effective against left-handed batters. It allows the Tigers to begin the season with Dontrelle Willis in the rotation, but also for a couple backup plans in the bullpen should there be a need to move left-hander Phil Coke into the starting rotation.
One thing is apparent: Robertson isn't effective out of the bullpen. He also had some trade value. Willis has none.
The Tigers still would have plenty of lefty depth if Coke is moved into the rotation with Fu-Te Ni, Daniel Schlereth and Voss - despite the injury status of Bobby Seay.
Transcript of my live chat today at theoaklandpress.com: http://tinyurl.com/yl3bge5
Labels: Nate Robertson Dontrelle Willis Jay Voss Phil Coke Bobby Seay Fu-Te Ni Daniel Schlereth
posted by Pat Caputo at
1:49 PM
4 Comments:
There was nothing surprising about this move with Robertson.
You're completely right that he is the one with trade value - but I don't know if paying most of his salary (assumption) to Florida is really trade value.
I'm not sure though if this is the end of an era.I wouldn't define Nate's experience with Detroit as a significant factor - save part of 2006.
I wish Nate luck - but I won't say I'll miss his ineffective presence.
Gum time Dontrelle, get your wad going.
Pat, it looked like Robertson pitch the best of all three. That probably helped his trade value. I not worried about the bullpen but the 4 and 5 starter I do worry somewhat. I hope they hurry Turner or Crosby along so one of them can be close to Majors next year. I hope Figaro pitches well and is ready just in case. Looking forward to seeing Bonderman throw.
Fred Brill,
It turns out the Tigers are paying virtually all of Robertson's salary. It's called cutting your losses. They got something for him, perhaps a piece to their team in the near future.
Caputo
Barry,
They have plenty of righthanders in the bullpen and their lefties were a strength until Seay got hurt. Coke might be needed for the rotation. Schlerth the key in that regard.
Caputo
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