The Runner Sports
Home / Cities / Anaheim / Padres Post Trade Recap - Street And Headley Find New Homes

Padres Post Trade Recap - Street And Headley Find New Homes

headley

With all the wheeling and dealing that the Padres have accomplished in the first week since the All-Star game, I am left with one word to describe my reaction: ecstatic. Allow me to dissect both of the trades that have transpired thus far and get down to the bottom of why I am so besides myself in elation that the Padres have been able to complete these moves.

1) Huston Street (RHP/closer) & Trevor Gott (RHP/minor league) traded to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in exchange for 4 minor league prospects: R.J Alvarez RHP, Taylor Lindsey 2B, Elliot Morris RHP, Jose Rondon SS.

At first glance, many Padres fans were up in arms when the news of Street’s trade reached San Diego. People were upset that Padres’ management were willing to part with one of the only consistent performers on the squad this year. On the other hand, I was stoked to see the Padres be able to pull the trigger and get it done.

It never made much sense to have the amount of money San Diego invested in the back end of the bullpen to close out games, if they were seldom being utilized since the offense has historically shown its inability to produce runs on a consistent basis. To date the Padres have played 100 games this season. In 2014, Street has pitched in 34 games - 25 of which have come in save opportunities. To pay a guy that kind of money, where he is effectively utilized in his role in less than a quarter of the games you are playing - from a business standpoint - makes absolutely no sense.

From a financial standpoint, combined, Street ($7 million this year) and Benoit ($6.2 million this year) represented 15% of the Padres total $86 million payroll. (*** SPOILER ALERT *** due to his salary and potential whispers around the league begging for help with their respective bullpens, I would not be surprised to see the front office move Benoit before the trade deadline as well). Moving Street’s salary off the books was a definite priority for San Diego, not only this year, but moving forward as Street owns a $7 million option for 2015 that he can still execute as an Angel. Freeing up that kind of money will allow the Padres to potentially pursue help to improve the ballclub in 2015 via free agent acquisition.

Street’s value was never higher during his three season tenure with the Padres. Because of his prowess this year on the mound (24/25 in save opportunities with a 1.09 ERA), we were able to command not only the highest rated position player in the Angels system (2B Taylor Lindsey) but we were able to pull off a haul of competent minor league talent that will compete for the opening day roster as early as next season. That immediate impact and surge of talent, combined with the departure of an assumed incumbent veteran, will only create more competition throughout the organization.

By clearing salary, stockpiling talent, and allowing Street to move to a contender (literally right up the freeway just a few hours away) where he has a potential to flourish, San Diego’s front office made a phenomenal move.

2) Chase Headley 3B and $1 million cash traded to the New York Yankees for Yangervis Solarte IF and minor league pitcher Rafael De Paula.

First off, you have to realize that the way things were playing out, Chase Headley would not have been back with San Diego next year. Period. Getting anything in return by dealing him, would be better than letting him walk away in free agency at the end of the season - being left empty handed.

The Yankees were in desperate need of help to fill the gaping void left in their lineup at third base with the suspension of Alex Rodriguez. Solarte showed flashes of stardom in April until his production steadily declined, ending with his designation for assignment (aka demotion to the minor leagues). Hoping to rely on statistics that reflect that he finishes a season much stronger than he starts it, the Yankees dealt for Headley. Judging by his Tuesday night heroics, providing the game winning single in the bottom of the 14th inning, Chase is off to a good start.

2012 aside, Headley was never the player that San Diego had hoped to develop in-house. I can understand the frustration of many fans who still have aspirations to one day keep talent that we develop within our system, with our team at the big league level, and throughout that player’s career. However, Headley was never even a shell of the player that showed flashes of brilliance (defensively winning a Gold Glove and offensively winning the Silver Slugger award) that lead the league in RBI’s at the end of the 2012 season.

Whether it was injuries, the pressure of playing for a long term deal, lack of communication from the front office and his agent during the season to continue negotiations, or a combination of some or all of the aforementioned factors, Headley was never the player that showed superstar potential a few seasons ago. Failing to produce results while commanding a $10.5 million salary ultimately proved that Headley would inevitably be shown the door.

On a positive note, Headley (also like Street) was dealt to a contender in the Yankees. Being able to contribute while not being expected to carry a team, a literal change of scenery, playing in a hitter friendly ballpark, and finishing the season during a contract year in a large market with his next deal looming, I expect Headley to finish the 2014 campaign strong.

On a frustrating note, looking back on the way things developed, I wish that the Padres had dealt Headley back in 2012. Imagine the haul of talent and/or draft picks he would have commanded when he was at his pinnacle to begin the second half of that season. Hindsight is always 20/20, but you have to shake your head and wonder what could have been if the Padres showed a little more grit - especially considering the way the rest of it played out. Not willing to commit to a long term deal and then seeing Headley’s productivity flounder (for a myriad of reasons discussed earlier) only made his stock/trade value plummet - along with his batting average.

All in all, I have to commend the Padres’ front office for being able to negotiate these deals in the absence of a general manager. Yes, all of this was accomplished while San Diego’s general manager position is still vacant. Being able to get value in exchange for pieces that other clubs were willing to take on shows a commitment towards the future. On the same token, it is time we collectively come to realize that by making these moves, the Padres have thrown in the proverbial towel on the 2014 season. When the dust settles I still expect San Diego to make a few more moves (Denorfia and/or Benoit) before the trade deadline hits. As for now, looking back on the deals that have taken place, I couldn’t be happier with the direction that we’re heading.

 

Author: Guest Writer