Let's Make a Deal
(or, "Look! Joe Carter's Available!")

Dave Paisley

Here we are with a week to go to the trading deadline, and Monty Hall, er, I mean Brian Sabean, just couldn't wait. Having fallen way out of contention for the NL West, and in a dogfight for the NL wild card with the Cubs, Mets, and now the hated Dodgers, he pulled the trigger on two deals that will surely kill...I'm sorry, improve the Giants' chances.

Let's take a look at what's behind Door Number 1.

First we have Cleveland's former closer, Jose Mesa. The city of Cleveland and Jose Mesa just aren't getting along, and he really needs change of scenery. Standing just to his left, we see Shawon Dunston, the epitome of the veteran middle infielder (he's used to these trades, too!), and right behind him in the shadows is journeyman middle reliever Alvin Morman. A fine looking bunch, really.

So what are you willing to give up for these guys, Brian?

Only Jacob Cruz and Steve Reed, you say?

The Steve Reed with the 1.48 ERA, who gives up a hit every other inning and walks one every three? That Steve Reed? And a 25 year old middling AAA outfielder. You do realize that those gaudy stats in AAA this year are in the offensively inflated Pacific Coast League?

Sure, Brian, we'll think about it.

OK, we're done. We'll take them.

You do realize that you're getting one of the premier closers of 1995, and a real genuine journeyman left-hander? Also a proven veteran middle infielder who knows how to swing the bat and keep the guys loose in the clubhouse.
 

But wait, there's more! Let's see what's behind Door Number 2.

Oooh, look! It's Joe "Mr. RBI Vulture" Carter!

Brian, everyone in the known universe knows that Joe Carter is a proven, veteran leader who knows how to get those critical runs home. Sure, it's been tough this year in Baltimore, what with all the bad team chemistry, but a change of scenery should suit Joe just fine.

So what are you willing to give up this time?

Darin Blood?

Unexciting, but not bad. A 23 year-old pitcher for two months of Joe's free swinging power?

You're sure?

OK, I'll take that deal in a heartbeat!
 

So, summing up, for all your hard bargaining, you get:

Jose Mesa, basket case ex-closer.
Alvin Morman. Well, at least he's left-handed.
Shawon Dunston. .265 on base percentage. The only merit of that is that it makes...
Joe Carter look good. A sparkling .297 OBP and a super .424 slugging percentage.

And you coughed up:

Steve Reed, possibly the best bullpen guy not closing games for a team right now.
Jacob Cruz, medium outfield prospect, probably better than three of your four outfielders right now, including Carter.
Darin Blood, modest AAA starter who walks way too many guys.

I'm sorry, Brian, but if the ESPY's had a category for "bonehead trades of the year", you'd jump right to the front of the line.

As for the Giants chances for the playoffs this year... have you seen the movie "Titanic"?

Each and every day, Dave Paisley writes to Celine Dion, begging her to write and perform some sort of love theme for his screenplay: "3Com". Tell him he'd have a better chance with Puff Daddy at drdjp@strikethree.com.