Cincinnati traded outfielder Josh Hamilton to the Texas Rangers in return for pitchers Edinson Volquez and Daniel Herrera. Hamilton goes to a better situation, leaving a crowded Reds' outfield for a certain full-time gig in center with Texas. A great story in his comeback last year, Hamilton only had 298 at bats. He did not play a lot right away, but was slowed by injuries after he did earn more playing time. That's probably the biggest issue with him. Will he stay healthy? That we don't know. I'd bump him up a few places on my draft board since he'll have all the playing time he can get, however.
Volquez seems like he's been around a little longer than you'd expect, since he got trials at age 21 and 22 in 2005 and 2006. He seemed to start to put it together in six starts as a 23 year old and seems like a sure bet for the Cincinnati rotation. A definite pick in NL only formats, he's worth a shot in keeper leagues too, but you may want to let someone else gamble in an MLB Universe.
Herrera will start the year in the minor leagues and should be of no consequence on draft day.
Comments