Trade Analysis: Arthur Rhodes

Marlins get: Arthur Rhodes
Mariners get: Gaby Hernandez

The Marlins were really aggressive at the deadline, and seemed on the verge of pulling in the biggest “fish”. But when it was all said and done, all they came away with was Arthur Lee Rhodes.

Florida’s bullpen has been shaky this year, so it made sense for them to pick up a veteran arm. And they didn’t give up much. Many Mets fans remember Gaby Hernandez as central to the trade that put Paul LoDuca in the orange and blue. Some went as far as to say the Mets were crazy to “empty their farm system” of “top prospects”, especially when they could have signed Bengie Molina or Ramon Hernandez (and thus been stripped of a draft pick). In the end, Gaby never quite lived up to the hype. He had an underwhelming season in AA last year, and struggled mightily in AAA this season. (Funny how those “can’t miss” prospects miss sometimes.) Still, he has age on his side, and perhaps a change in scenery will help turn him around. The Mariners will give him every opportunity to find himself, and could come up with a gem. And they got him for a soft-tossing LOOGY who likely would not have been brought back in 2009.

I can’t get on Omar for “missing out” on this deal. Rhodes is strictly a LOOGY at this point in his career, despite reports to the contrary. He would not have been an upgrade over Scott Schoeneweis, and even if Scho were dealt separately, there are other, better, available lefties out there to choose from. In fact, I’d prefer to promote Ricardo Rincon from the Mexican League before giving up a warm body for Rhodes.

Nice deal for both sides.

Next analysis: Ken Griffey, Jr.