1. Billy Hamilton Isn’t Good…But Teams Want Him?
In the midst of all-star talent and veterans on rebuilding teams being traded for, one name has risen to the top of teams apparent wish lists, and that’s Billy Hamilton. If you’re not familiar with Billy Hamilton and his game, he’s fast. That’s about it if we’re being honest. MLB.com wrote an article touting Hamilton as The Secret Weapon teams should be trading for, which is somewhat laughable given the stats Hamilton has put up during his time in Cincinnati where he’s been his whole career.
“Billy Hamilton has been in the big leagues for nearly five full seasons now, and it’s become clear that he’s never going to be even an average Major League hitter. In over 2,500 plate appearances, he’s put up a line of .245/.299/.331, which is one of the 10 weakest lines of qualified hitters since 2014. It’s worse than 96 percent of hitters with as many plate appearances in the last 50 years. With Hamilton’s salary likely to go north of $5 million in arbitration next offseason, he’s very possibly a non-tender candidate.” Via Mike Petriello of MLB.com
Billy Hamiltons call to fame has been his stolen base stats he has put up in his career:
I get that being the annual leader in stolen bases is great, but without that tool, he’s one of the worst hitters in baseball in just about every other statistical category. There are a ton of much cheaper options out there in the stolen base market, and teams shouldn’t be giving away prospects or talent for a one trick pony.
2. I Don’t Hate To Say I Told You So
In a previous edition of First To Third, I outlined why it wouldn’t be the worse move for The Nationals to entertain trading Bryce Harper as they likely can’t afford to keep him next season, and as Lebron laid out in Cleveland, not getting any assets for your franchise player can cripple a franchise. I also outlined why LA made the most sense due to their prospects. Well…would you look at this:
Multiple sources have told me that the #Dodgers have checked in on availability of Bryce Harper. #Nats are still undecided on if they want to sell, but if they do, LA is a likely destination.
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) July 27, 2018
LA provides the best potential haul of returns in that any deal would have to include Julio Urias, Walker Buehler, Alex Verdugo (#5 on top 100 MILB pipeline), and Keibert Ruiz (#27) which would instantly give The Nationals top end young pitching prospects under team control and possibly even make them a better team from the jump, as Bryce Harper is probably one of the most overrated players on planet earth, if we’re being honest.
3. The Annual Sellers Have Become Buyers
The hottest team in baseball since June 1st? Well, it’s the Boston Red Sox, but right next to them tied for the best record in baseball is The Colorado Rockies and Oakland A’s. Oakland aquired Mets closer Jeurys Familia to go along with Lou Trivino and Blake Treinen in a back end of the bullpen that is only rivaled by The Yankees honestly. Oakland needs cheap young talent that can play today, which is usually expensive, but if anyone can make it work it’s Billy Beane.
Colorado finds themselves looking to add at the deadline for the first time in a while as well, asthey are linked to the above mentioned Billy Hamilton. Starting pitching and relief help won’t hurt either but it’s a tricky situation finding a pitcher who can survive Coors Field. That being said they have over 60 home runs on the left side of the infield, and their team is finally coming together.
