LA Story: Piazza sent Packing

Jason Michael Barker

I don't know about you, but I just can't picture Mike Piazza in teal and black. But don't worry, he probably won't have to wear it for long. The All-Star catcher has been sent to Florida along with Dodgers 3B Todd Zeile, but the two shouldn't bother unpacking, as they'll soon be dealt yet again. Meanwhile, the Dodgers have four new bodies wearing Dodger blue: Gary Sheffield, Charles Johnson, Bobby Bonilla, and Jim Eisenreich. What are the consequences for the two teams involved? Never fear, Strikethree.com is here to break it down for you.

Mike Piazza
G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	SB	AVG	OBP	SLG
137	512	91	178	22	0	36	107	63	83	2	.348	.419	.602
Todd Zeile
G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	SB	AVG	OBP	SLG
145	539	72	140	24	0	23	80	67	97	3	.260	.343	.434
Gary Sheffield
G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	SB	AVG	OBP	SLG
120	392	83	114	21	1	26	79	106	63	15	.292	.450	.550
Bobby Bonilla
G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	SB	AVG	OBP	SLG
151	570	93	173	34	5	24	104	67	86	2	.376	.511	.304
Charles Johnson
G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	SB	AVG	OBP	SLG
114	372	39	89	18	1	14	46	49	90	0	.239	.330	.408
Jim Eisenreich
G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	SB	AVG	OBP	SLG
121	336	42	108	22	2	5	43	33	35	7	.320	.379	.441

What it means to the Marlins

Florida gets two players who almost surely will be traded in the near future. C Mike Piazza, in the final season of a two-year, $15M contract, is a free-agent at the end of the year, and is reported to be asking for a seven-year deal worth upwards of $100M. It should be obvious to everyone that the Marlins have no intention of re-signing Piazza. Florida tried all winter to trade OF Gary Sheffield in order to trim payroll (most notably to the Mets), but were unable to find a team willing to take over his 6-year, $60M contract. Piazza, on the other hand, commands much more in trade, due to both his relative value (he's the best player in baseball at his position) and his relatively low salary. Contenders in both leagues will no doubt be bidding for Piazza's services even if only for the stretch drive and the postseason. The Yankees and Orioles seem like good bets in the AL, while any possible NL suitors seem less obvious.

3B Todd Zeile, the other player heading to Florida in this trade, is signed through 1999 at $3M per season. It is doubtful that the Marlins are willing to pay the balance of his salary this season, let alone the $3M more for next season. The 32 year-old Zeile is far from being a superstar, but considering his contract, many teams should be interested in his offensive production at the hot corner. Look for both he and Piazza to be dealt before the July 31 trading deadline, with the Marlins receiving a bevy of prospects to help their rebuilding cause.

What it means to the Dodgers

For the Marlins, this deal has fairly simple consequences: a lowered payroll (once Piazza and Zeile are dealt). For the Dodgers, things aren't so simple. Sheffield played right field in Florida, a position already filled in LA by Raul Mondesi. With Roger Cedeno in center, that leaves Sheffield in LF, meaning Bobby Bonilla taking over at 3B. Sounds simple, doesn't it? Not so fast. The Dodgers have the best 3B prospect in baseball, Adrian Beltre, in the minors. Beltre is ready for the majors, but up until now he's been blocked by Zeile. Now he's blocked by Bonilla, who's signed through 2000. Look for Bonilla to be traded this off-season (if not sooner) to make room for Beltre, who's younger, better, and most importantly, cheaper.

Charles Johnson, the best defensive catcher in baseball and well-regarded for handling a pitching staff, should fit right in with the Dodgers top-notch rotation. While the Dodgers' starters have struggled somewhat this season, it has been rumored that Piazza's contract grumblings have upset the chemistry between he and the Dodger pitchers. That should be no problem with Johnson, a quiet leader who truly plays for the love of the game.

Utility outfielder Jim Eisenreich, the forgotten man in this deal, probably won't see very much action with the Dodgers, but he brings a veteran presence to the clubhouse, as well as the experience of many a postseason, including last year's World Series run with the Marlins.

Winners and Losers

Both teams benefit greatly from this deal. The Dodgers add a solid left fielder in Sheffield, and rid themselves of Piazza, a potential clubhouse cancer. Meanwhile, the Marlins will have dumped over $20M once they deal Piazza and Zeile for even more prospects. The biggest losers? Marlin fans, who will have even fewer reasons to go to the ballpark.

Jason Michael Barker was rumored to be the "Player to be Named Later" in the Florida - LA deal, but reportedly refused to waive his no-trade clause, much to the chagrin of his friends and family. If you've got any more brilliant pieces of career advice, send 'em to jmb@strikethree.com.