Jim Hendry surprised just about everyone by trading for Kevin Gregg. But when word got out that the Cubs were looking into a trade for Royals outfielder Mark Teahen, I was left speechless.
What would the acquisition accomplish?
The Cubs main concern is the lack of a left-handed bat in the middle of the lineup. They need someone to hit in the midst of Aramis Ramirez, Derrek Lee, Mark DeRosa, and (if he stops leading off) Alfonso Soriano. Can Teahen really provide that bat?
In four years with the Royals, he has averaged just under 12 home runs in about 489 at bats per year. That's one home run for every 41 at bats.
The 2003 book Moneyball tagged him as the next Jason Giambi for his ability to get on base. But in the big leagues his OBP is only .332 and he has had only one season in which he racked up more than 50 walks (55 in 2007).
Compare that to Adam Dunn (.380 OBP, 112 BB average over the same span), who the Cubs wouldn't have to trade anyone away for.
While we're at it, let's compare Teahen's 2008 season with some left-handed outfielders that are already with the Cubs.
- Mark Teahen: 623 PA, .255 AVG, 15 HR, 59 RBI, 46 BB, 131 K, .313 OBP, .402 SLG
- Kosuke Fukudome: 590 PA, .257 AVG, 10 HR, 58 RBI, 81 BB, 104 K, .359 OBP, .379 SLG
- Micah Hoffpauir: 393 PA, .358 AVG, 27 HR, 108 RBI, 23 BB, 70 K, .394 OBP, .707 SLG (Iowa/Chicago)
- Felix Pie: 461 PA, .278 AVG, 11 HR, 65 RBI, 30 BB, 83 K, .327 OBP, .437 SLG (Iowa/Chicago)
- Tyler Colvin: 602 PA, .256 AVG, 14 HR, 80 RBI, 44 BB, 101 K, .312 OBP, .424 SLG (Tennessee)
- Sam Fuld: 473 PA, .264 AVG, 6 HR, 52 RBI, 58 BB, 52 K, .353 OBP, .315 SLG (Tennessee/Iowa)
comments (7) write a comment »
write a new comment
about 1 month ago
Go for ichiro!
from about 1 month ago
Mariners fan I assume?
about 1 month ago
You convinced me with your great article and research that Teahen would be an awful move. The Cubs already made one bad move with the Kevin Gregg situation.
Hopefully Jim and co. can find a different lefty to sign.
Side note: Could Pie be the new lead off hitter? Then leave Fukes in right. (but, what about when Reed plays CF? Ah, dammit!)
Look forward to more articles, Matt.
from about 1 month ago
If Pie can learn to make adjustments at the plate at the major league level, then he might be able to take over the centerfield position and maybe even take over the leadoff spot. That's really his biggest problem at this point. Unfortunately, that problem factors into everything else offensively.
Thanks for the feedback Craig.
about 1 month ago
This is a great article. Pretty much everything I wanted to say in my responses to the "Cubs Trading for Teahan" articles that have been posted.
Their motto should be "If we are going to upgrade, then lets upgrade." I think this would be a moot trade and the Cubs would regret it.
from about 1 month ago
I completely agree with you. Unless Teahen has a break out season and is able to maintain that status over the long haul, the Cubs would regret it. With what I've heard about Marshall and/or Fontenot being mentioned as possible guys to give up, I'm ready to pull my hair out.
Apparently, Hendry sees something that I am nowhere near seeing. But I guess there is a reason that he's the one with the job and I'm the one writing about it.
Thanks for the feedback, Ricky.
from about 1 month ago
No problem, I agree with you. I just wrote an article about Felix Pie, check it out if ya got time.
write a new comment