The Orioles have just traded Koji Uehara to the Texas Rangers for starting pitcher Tommy Hunter and first baseman Chris Davis. Hunter is a 25 year old starter who was 13-4 with a 3.73 ERA last season, and 1-1 with a 2.93 ERA out of the bullpen this year. Hunter was injured to begin this year and because of the stability of the Texas rotation there was no room for him to be in the rotation. Hunter has plenty of upside, experience, and looks to be a solid #2-#3 starter at the big league level. He has great stuff and doesn’t give up many runs. He is not a strikeout pitcher, but has good command.
Chris Davis was considered to have 40 homerun power 2 years ago. He was a big time prospect and sleeper, but has struggled to reach expectations in Texas. He has never really been given the chance to start for an entire year to try to break out. Davis is still only 25 years old and if he reaches potential he is an Adam Dunn type of player. He has a whole lot of power, hits for a low average, and strikes out a lot. His tremendous upside for power makes this a huge win for the Orioles. In 2009 he already reached 21 homeruns in only 113 games. When he hits his prime he should be a lock for 30+ homers.
Davis isn’t very good defensively so you have to imagine the Orioles will still target free agents in the offseason like Prince Fielder. Davis could be a potential DH in that situation.
Very good deal for the Orioles getting an established pitcher who already had success, and a high upside powerful young 1B. (Did I mention I speculated on both of these guys this past week in my trade articles? Here and Here)
Confirmed by MLBTradeRumors
There goes Fielder,,,,,,,,,baseball is dead in Baltimore…..
Spot on @SPY… Chris Davis will be the starting 1st sacker next year so you all can stop dreaming of Fielder. If you think Fielder was even going to come here.
But at least we will get that Fielder is contemplating a 7 year $160mil offer from another team and hear the Orioles came in at the 11th hour with a 5 year $80mil offer…
Always great to see that every year…
Did either of you read what I wrote above? I said that Davis isn’t good defensively and would make a nice DH so that the Orioles can still target Fielder. The O’s made a large contract offer to Teixeira so what makes you think they won’t for Fielder? That doesn’t make any sense. They will attempt to get him and they are willing to spend. That’s exactly why they are looking to save on Vlad’s salary for the rest of this year and moved Derrek Lee. Some people are too optimistic, both of you are too pessimistic, I am realistic.
@ The Fantasy God,,,,,,,,,wake up , the only thing Angelos has that is doing well is his trust fund………..