This just came in from the Dallas Morning News.
The Rangers agreed in principle to a deal with San Diego that will bring them right-handed starter Adam Eaton and hard-throwing setup man Akinori Otsuka and a minor league prospect in exchange for pitcher Chris Young, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and outfielder Terrmel Sledge, major league officials confirmed.
Out: Chris Young, Adrian Gonzalez, & Termel Sledge
In: Adam Eaton, Akinori Otsuka, & Billy Killian
Adrian Gonzalez I figured would bring more of a blue chip than being involved in this trade.
Termel Sledge is no big loss. My thinking there is “well, it’s not Mench”.
Chris Young? Going into this offseason, our rotation was Young, Loe, ?, ?, & ?. Now it’s Eaton, Padilla, Loe, ?, & ?. I don’t see trading him as a particularly good thing at all. Course I didn’t think moving Drese was good either, and he has been a bust in Washington for the most part.
Adam Eaton: Could be OK, but he’s a flyball pitcher if I remember right, plus he’s not the healthiest of pitchers. Could be OK, but this is a big wobbly question mark.
Akinori Otsuka: I don’t know anything about him, but the initial press says he’d be the primary setup man. We could use one of those, as Francisco probably won’t be really healthy again until 07, assuming he’s still with us then.
Billy Killian: Was the Padres third round pick in 2004. Is a catcher. We could probably use a good young one, although I thought we already had Gerald Laird?
I probably would be OK with this if it wasn’t for the inclusion of Chris Young. Young probably will really benefit by this move, going to Petco Park (a big non wind tunnel place), as wel as the NL (no DH).
Contract Status:
Chris Young:
Due $1.1 Mil total in 2006 & 2007, plus 2008 team option. Not sure of 06/07 breakdown.
Adrian Gonzalez:
Arbitration Eligible in 2006, made $316,500 in 05
Terrmel Sledge:
Arbitration Eligible in 2006, made $345,000 in 05
Adam Eaton:
Arbitration Eligible in 2006, made $3.325M in 05; fa after 06
Akinori Otsuka:
Signed through 06 – gets $1.75M
Billy Killian:
In Minor Leagues. Doesn’t really apply to this.
Otsuka is really a nice addition…he had a strong start but then started to wear down by season’s end