MLBTR reports that the Cubs announced that they have traded outfielder Tony Campana to the Diamondbacks in exchange for minor league right-handed pitchers Erick Leal and Jesus Castillo. The Cubs designated Campana for assignment last week to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Scott Hairston. The Cubs had 10 days to trade Campana or put him on waivers.
As MLBTR report stated, Campana, 26, finished 2012 with a slash line of .264/.308/.299 in 192
plate appearances. The speedster also racked up 30 stolen bases last
season, good for ninth in the National League. The Diamondbacks are
already more than set in the outfield, so its not clear what kind of
role they have in mind for Campana.
Venezuelans Leal and Castillo are both just 17-years-old and spent
time with the D'Backs Dominical Summer League affiliate in 2012. Leal
posted a 2.44 ERA with 9.0 K/9 and 1.4 BB/9 in 12 starts and two relief
appearances. Meanwhile, Castillo had a 5.40 ERA with 7.9 K/9 and 3.3
BB/9 in eight starts and six games out of the bullpen.
The bottom line: trading a pinch runner gets you two very raw young international players does not yield much in terms of talent or immediate help.
Showing posts with label Campana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Campana. Show all posts
February 18, 2013
February 11, 2013
CAMPANA DFA
Scott Hairston's contract was finalized, so a move had to be made on the Cubs 40 man roster. Tony Campana was designated for assignment.
Hairston becomes the third/fourth platoon outfielder for the team. Dave Sappelt, who current management traded for in the Sean Marshall deal, stays over Campana for the fifth outfield slot.
Campana, 26, batted .262 with nine doubles, one home run, 54 stolen bases, a .306 on-base percentage and a .300 slugging percentage in 184 games with the Cubs over the last two seasons. He totaled 30 stolen bases last season, tops on the Cubs and ninth most in the National League. However, he had trouble getting on base, even with his speed.
The Cubs now have 10 days to trade Campana or place him on waivers. He could return to the team if not claimed. It is possible that no team is running to pick up a mere pinch runner, base stealer prior to spring training. Campana will probably land back at AAA Iowa for this season.
The choice shows that the Cubs offensive philosophy is still a station-to-station grind. None of the projected starters are base stealing threats. That means the club needs to generate more walks to move base runners into scoring position. This is something that the club did not do well last season, even with Campana on the roster.
It would be fine if the Cubs have an old Earl Weaver, Oriole lineup where the three-run home run was the offensive weapon of choice. But the Cubs only have two recognized home run hitters: Soriano and Rizzo. The push for Starlin Castro to hit with more power will hurt his batting average and on-base percentage. Wellington Castillo has just HR potential at this point since he has not caught a full season at the major league level. Ian Stewart is still living off five year power numbers and he is not expected to contribute much this season.
UPDATE:
Bruce Levine, ESPN reports that last August, the White Sox made a waiver claim on Campana. However, the Cubs pulled Campana back off waivers when the two sides failed to agree on a trade.
Levine thinks it appears unlikely that a deal will be made at this time. The Cubs and Sox have not had conversations about Campana as of Wednesday, according to his report.
In August, the Sox were looking for a speed player in hopes of winning close games with a stolen base or a forced defensive mistake. Campana stole 30 bases with the Cubs in 2012 despite a reserve role. The White Sox did bring back DeWayne Wise to bolster their outfield last season. But the Sox are looking for a real lead off hitter, and Campana does not meet that criteria because he does not get on base enough.
If Campana is not traded, he will go on waivers. If he goes unclaimed, the Cubs can offer him a minor-league contract.
As Levine noted, trades between the Cubs and Sox are uncommon due to the possible negative result from a lopsided deal.
Hairston becomes the third/fourth platoon outfielder for the team. Dave Sappelt, who current management traded for in the Sean Marshall deal, stays over Campana for the fifth outfield slot.
Campana, 26, batted .262 with nine doubles, one home run, 54 stolen bases, a .306 on-base percentage and a .300 slugging percentage in 184 games with the Cubs over the last two seasons. He totaled 30 stolen bases last season, tops on the Cubs and ninth most in the National League. However, he had trouble getting on base, even with his speed.
The Cubs now have 10 days to trade Campana or place him on waivers. He could return to the team if not claimed. It is possible that no team is running to pick up a mere pinch runner, base stealer prior to spring training. Campana will probably land back at AAA Iowa for this season.
The choice shows that the Cubs offensive philosophy is still a station-to-station grind. None of the projected starters are base stealing threats. That means the club needs to generate more walks to move base runners into scoring position. This is something that the club did not do well last season, even with Campana on the roster.
It would be fine if the Cubs have an old Earl Weaver, Oriole lineup where the three-run home run was the offensive weapon of choice. But the Cubs only have two recognized home run hitters: Soriano and Rizzo. The push for Starlin Castro to hit with more power will hurt his batting average and on-base percentage. Wellington Castillo has just HR potential at this point since he has not caught a full season at the major league level. Ian Stewart is still living off five year power numbers and he is not expected to contribute much this season.
UPDATE:
Bruce Levine, ESPN reports that last August, the White Sox made a waiver claim on Campana. However, the Cubs pulled Campana back off waivers when the two sides failed to agree on a trade.
Levine thinks it appears unlikely that a deal will be made at this time. The Cubs and Sox have not had conversations about Campana as of Wednesday, according to his report.
In August, the Sox were looking for a speed player in hopes of winning close games with a stolen base or a forced defensive mistake. Campana stole 30 bases with the Cubs in 2012 despite a reserve role. The White Sox did bring back DeWayne Wise to bolster their outfield last season. But the Sox are looking for a real lead off hitter, and Campana does not meet that criteria because he does not get on base enough.
If Campana is not traded, he will go on waivers. If he goes unclaimed, the Cubs can offer him a minor-league contract.
As Levine noted, trades between the Cubs and Sox are uncommon due to the possible negative result from a lopsided deal.
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