Haren to Indians? More Rumor Mongering from a Minor League Perspective
In Ken Rosenthal’s latest column on FoxSports.com, the reliable reporter of rumors muses that the Indians may be the top team to try and pry Dan Haren away from the A’s. According to Rosenthal, the Indians would be offering a package that includes Aaron Laffey and Adam Miller. Asdrubal Cabrera is rumored to be the third player in that package.
So who are these guys?
Aaron Laffey - LHP -22 years old - AA/AAA/MLB in 2007
Laffey went 13-4 in 131.1 innings spent mostly in AAA, striking out 99 and walking 30. His ERA of 2.88 in 21 starts, along with his good WHIP of 1.13, saw him promoted to Cleveland for nine starts. With the big-league club, Laffey went 4-2 with a 4.56 ERA and a 25:12 SO:BB ratio in 49.1 innings. That’s pretty effective for anyone, let alone a rookie starter.
Laffey’s best pitch is his sinker, which he used to post a groundball-to-flyball ratio of nearly 3:1 last season. He was named the Indian’s minor league pitcher of the year by the organization after the season. As a starter, Laffey is probably a No. 4 or No. 5 guy right now, but he could top out at No. 2 or No. 3 in the rotation.
Adam Miller - RHP - 22 years old - AAA in 2007
Were it not for recurring elbow inflammation, Miller might have made his Major League debut late in 2006, and be entrenched in the Indians rotation by now. The hard-throwing right-hander has been one of the top pitching prospects in baseball since 2005, but has been sidetracked by injury twice. In 2005, his stats suffered due to a sore elbow, but 2006 saw him rebound to be named one of the best two or three pitching prospects in baseball by no less an authority than John Sickels. At the end of July 2007, an MRI revealed more inflammation in his elbow, and he was shut down. Rehab went well, and he pitched in the Arizona Fall League.
Miller reminds me, in many ways, of Rich Harden. Talented right-handers who work in the mid-to-upper 90s, but who have been set back by injury. Harden’s best pitch — other than the fastball — is his “spluckle”, while Miller’s best pitch is his excellent slider. If Miller can overcome his elbow soreness issue, he projects as a No. 1 starter, or a closer — much the same as Harden. I’d hate to see the A’s trade away a pitcher with great talent and rock-solid health (Haren) for another questionably healthy guy, though.
Asdrubal Cabrera - SS/2B - 21 years old - AA/AAA/MLB in 2007
Cabrera came onto the scene late in the year, but made a big impact for the Indians down the stretch, and in the playoffs. In 159 MLB at-bats, the Venezuelan hit .283/.354/.421/.775 with nine doubels, two triples and three home runs. In the minors last year, he hit .310/.380/.448/.828, with 26 doubles and eight homers. In addition, he stole 25 bases while only being caught seven time, and had an encouraging 47:50 BB:SO ratio.
Don’t let his offensive capabilities fool you, though… he’s not a one-dimensional middle infielder. Cabrera has an excellent glove, good range, and a strong arm. Think Gregorio Petit, but with a little more offensive pop. If you’re not familiar with the A’s AAA SS, I’d compare Cabrera to a shortstop version of Mark Ellis. He’ll hit for a bit of power, put up a good .280/.360/.440 line, and play outstanding defense.
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3 Responses to “Haren to Indians? More Rumor Mongering from a Minor League Perspective”
December 12th, 2007 at 1:39 am
Hey Ryan,
I too share your concern with regards to Adam Miller, but the other players seem like they are great prospects. The SS especially would seem like a great fit concidering the consistent struggles and injury history of Crosby. This definitely sounds like a better deal than the ones that the D-Backs are offering, Right? I mean maybe this is all playing into the hands of Billy. The D-Backs now know they have been out bid, and know now to get Haren that they need to come back with something better. What do you think? All part of Billy’s plan? A better offer than the D-Backs? Thanks Man!
OakFoSho
December 12th, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Well, being a Clevelander, I’d love to see the Tribe get Haren, but the asking price of Cabrera may be too much. I think the Tribe would be more willing to part w/ Barfield and Perralta, than Cabrera and whatever pitchers Oakland wants, we have a few great prospects in Laffey, Sowers, Cliff Lee, and Adam Miller. I think if Cabrera is included in the deal, then the Tribe would ask for Huston Street or Joe Blanton too, which the Indians would really, really, really have to do to contend in the Central Division!!
December 12th, 2007 at 1:13 pm
I think you may be overselling Cabrera’s value, Matthew. Three years of Dan Haren for Cabrera, Laffey and Miller is pretty even, especially considering Miller’s health issues. Joe Blanton is worth Cabrera by himself, and Huston Street is arguably one of the top five closers in the AL. To get Haren and Blanton/Street, the Indians would have to part with Cabrera, Peralta or Barfield and one of Laffey/Miller/Sowers.
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