Trades

Detroit and Green Day made a blockbuster deal the other day. Detroit, in contention and unhappy with the unrealized potential of BJ Lewis, traded him to Green Day for Willie Dixon and closer Jeff Beck. Lewis and Dixon, both 2B and jawas, are similary opposite. On paper, Lewis is the superior talent and player. In reality, he will be salary arbitration eligible for the next 2 years and is no longer a bargain contract. Dixon is having a fine season setting the table in Green Day and is a bargain player with 1 year and 1.5 million left on his contract. Beck, a 10X reliever, is one of the better relievers on the market and will help shore up the Detroit bullpen for their playoff push. In Green Day, they now have 3 young jawas (Jek Lewis, Ezekial Duke, and now BJ Lewis) to form the nucleus of their team. Expect Lewis to be called up soon to spur fan interest. Once he starts, he may not relinquish the role for the next 15-20 years.

Hollywood and Toronto also struck a deal. Toronto, looking to get younger, trade 2B Andy Stewart and OF Dave Cronin to Hollywood for 3 prospects and one utility infielder. The prospects are 2B Chris Batista, OF Dante Henderson, and SP Ryan Bordenick. The throw in utility infielder is Michael Curtis. With this deal, Hollywood strengthens to weak spots in their lineup for a playoff push and Toronto gets younger. The prospects are all solid but none are considered to be grade "A" prospects. Batista at 24 will probaby start for Toronto the rest of the year, while the other two prospects are 2 years away from reaching the majors.