Fantasy Baseball: Taveras trade a vote of confidence for Stubbs
Reading the Associated Press story about Willy Taveras‘ trade from Cincinnatti to the Athletics last night was kind of funny.
Among other things, they claim the Reds left themselves without a leadoff hitter and highlighted Taveras at the top of the story.
Once they acquired him, the As promptly designated the great speedster Taveras to start the season elsewhere. They were more concerned about getting utility infielder Adam Rosales.
Rosales is now the No. 2 player at second, third and short for the Athletics. The As gave up Aaron Miles, who is penciled in as the No. 2 at second and third for his new team, and a player to be named.
Rosales is seven years younger and, apparently, more versatile. On paper it looks like Oakland got the better of this trade, but the move helps alleviate some questions in Cincinnatti, too.
The Reds, fresh off signing Orlando Cabrera to start at short, already had their leadoff hitter in Drew Stubbs. Stubbs proved a better leadoff batter and defensive outfielder than Taveras last season, according to a story at mlb.com. He was expected to steal some bases in 2010, we can bump that up to steal excessive bases in 2010 now.
Cincinnatti will be a contender in not only the NL Central but the National League this year. And Reds players — like Stubbs, Cabrera, Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, Edinson Volquez, etc. — will make fantasy waves in 2010.
