The Yankees have been feverishly trying to manufacture a trade that suited them and they did just that. No, they didn’t pull of the trade for Johan Santana, but somehow between negotiating with the Twins, Brian Cashman was able to pull off a trade on the side with the Washington Nationals, sending right handed starting pitching prospect Tyler Clippard to Washington in exchange for reliever Jonathan Albaladejo Yes, while the Tigers are acquiring Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis, the Angels signing Torii Hunter, and the Red Sox potentially trading for Johan Santana, the Yankees are busy trading for the great Jonathan Albaladejo. Still, some times the small trades are the ones that end up paying dividends. It’s no secret that the Yankees bullpen needs help, so Albaladejo becomes an instant option for the bullpen next season, ready to compete with many other young arms for a spot. Albaladejo posted a 1.88 ERA in 14.1 innings last season for the Nationals as a September call up (also his only major league experience), but also has a minor league ERA of 3.54. Albaladejo was converted full time into a reliever in 2006 and has succeeded in his new role with his highlight being a 1.13 ERA with AAA Columbus last season before his call up. Albaladejo throws a low to mid 90’s fastball, a decent change, and a decent slider which the Yankees may attempt to dispose of in favor of a curveball. He has good command, but is a minor injury risk after suffering from some forearm problems and does potentially have a shoulder problem that could require major surgery sometime in the not so distant future.
Tyler Clippard, on the other hand, saw his stock drop tremendously during the 2007 season. Entering the season, Clippard was considered the Yankees second best pitching prospect behind Phil Hughes, but that was before Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy became house hold names. Clippard’s 3.35 ERA for AA Trenton in 2006 as well as his good strike out rates and relatively low walks had the Yankees very high on him. Unfortunately, Clippard struggled mightily during his first stint in the majors, posting a 6.33 ERA despite a 3-1 record and despite his excellent debut outing vs the Mets. Clippard then struggled further upon returning to the minors to the tune of a 5.40 ERA in Trenton and 4.15 in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He then fell behind Chamberlain, Kennedy, and others in the pecking order, making it seem unlikely all along that he would make another appearance in pinstripes. Clippard may actually be happy about the trade, as he has landed in a tremendous situation to maximize his performance. With the Nationals, he’s likely to spend time in their rotation during 2008 even if he does not make the rotation out of spring training. A move to the NL and out of the AL east can only help his value as well. For the fantasy baseball players, Clippard should be a good deep sleeper for the 2008 season given his new situation.
Tyler Clippard, on the other hand, saw his stock drop tremendously during the 2007 season. Entering the season, Clippard was considered the Yankees second best pitching prospect behind Phil Hughes, but that was before Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy became house hold names. Clippard’s 3.35 ERA for AA Trenton in 2006 as well as his good strike out rates and relatively low walks had the Yankees very high on him. Unfortunately, Clippard struggled mightily during his first stint in the majors, posting a 6.33 ERA despite a 3-1 record and despite his excellent debut outing vs the Mets. Clippard then struggled further upon returning to the minors to the tune of a 5.40 ERA in Trenton and 4.15 in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He then fell behind Chamberlain, Kennedy, and others in the pecking order, making it seem unlikely all along that he would make another appearance in pinstripes. Clippard may actually be happy about the trade, as he has landed in a tremendous situation to maximize his performance. With the Nationals, he’s likely to spend time in their rotation during 2008 even if he does not make the rotation out of spring training. A move to the NL and out of the AL east can only help his value as well. For the fantasy baseball players, Clippard should be a good deep sleeper for the 2008 season given his new situation.
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