Yardbarker: Steve Trachsel

Soto Wins Rookie of the Year

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:07:59 -0500

As expected, the Cubs field general Geovany Soto took home the NL Rookie of the Year honors. He's the 5th Cub to win the honor and first catcher since Mike Piazza in 1993. He did it on the strength of a 285/364/504 batting line with 23 HR's, 86 RBI's and 66 Runs in the traditional baseball categories. He also created 6.6 Runs per game, had a 7.0 WARP-1 value and was 5 runs above average on defense, those last two numbers courtesy of Baseball Prospectus. That's quite a nice little season that was good enough to get 31 of the 32 possible first place votes, with one yokel probably from Cincinnati voting for Joey Votto.

Thanks to the legwork of reader WISCGRAD, here's the complete list of Cubs that have received a vote for the Rookie of the Year. The five winners are in bold (Geovany Soto, Kerry Wood, Jerome Walton, Ken Hubbs and Billy Williams).

Name	Year	Place
Geovany Soto	2008	A 1st
Mark Prior	2002	A 7th
Kerry Wood	1998	1st
Jeremi Gonzalez	1997	9th
Kevin Orie	1997	11th
Steve Trachsel	1994	4th
Chuck McElroy	1991	5th
Mike Harkey	1990	5th
Jerome Walton	1989	1st
Dwight Smith	1989	2nd
Mark Grace	1988	2nd
Damon Berryhill	1988	6th
Les Lancaster	1987	6th
Mel Hall	1983	3rd
Ryne Sandberg	1982	6th
Scot Thompson	1979	3rd
Manny Trillo	1975	3rd
Bill Madlock	1974	3rd
Randy Hundley	1964	3rd
Ken Hubbs	1962	1st
Billy Williams	1961	1st
Jack Curtis	1961	3rd
Ron Santo	1960	4th
Dick Drott	1957	3rd
Ernie Banks	1954	2nd
Bill Serena	1950	5th

Now that Soto has earned the ROY hardware, next up - OSCAR!

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Enter TCR's Free Agent Frenzy contest for a chance to win wonderful prizes (okay prize).

The 8/31 Exemption (and How to Use It)

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 05:30:36 -0500

August 31st is an important date for contending MLB teams, because that's the date that determines eligibility for post-season rosters.

To be eligible to play in the MLB post-season, a player must be on the club's 25-man roster or 15-day or 60-day DL as of 8/31. However, any player (regardless of position) who is a member of the organization on 8/31 is eligible to replace an injured player on the post-season roster as long as the injured player is placed on the DL prior to the start of the post-season series. (If the "replacement player" is not already on his club's 40-man roster, he must be added to the 40 before he can be added to the post-season roster). NOTE: If a player suffers a disabling injury DURING a post-season series, the club can (with approval of the MLB Commissioner) replace the player with any player who was a member of the organization on August 31st, although in this case (replacing an injured player DURING a post-season series), the replacement player must play the same position as the injured player, and the injured player is ineligible to return to the active list at any later point in the post-season.

Essentially, the more players a club can stash on its 15-day or 60-day DL on August 31st, the more post-season roster exemptions for the club. And more post-season roster exemptions gives a club greater flexibility to tweak its post-season roster from series-to-series.

Using post-season roster exemptions, a club can alter its LDS, LCS, and World Series rosters at the start of each series, adding players who were not on the 25-man roster or DL on 8/31. And since projected match-ups are one of the prime influences in determining how a post-season roster is to be constructed, the ability to add an extra lefty reliever in a series where the opposition has a left-handed heavy batting order, or an extra lefty bat off the bench when the opposition has a right-handed heavy bullpen, could give a club an edge. And in a short series involving two quality MLB teams, any little bit of an edge could make the difference between moving on to the next level and going home.

But to add a player or players to a post-season roster, a club needs post-season roster exemptions, and the only way to ensure having the exemptions when they are needed is to have a couple or three players riding the 15-day or 60-day DL on August 31st.

So how did the Cubs go about creating their post-season roster last season?

2007 CUBS 25-MAN ROSTER AS OF 8-31-07:

PITCHERS (11): Ryan Dempster, Scott Eyre, Rich Hill, Bob Howry, Ted Lilly, Carlos Marmol, Jason Marquis, Sean Marshall, Kerry Wood, Michael Wuertz, and Carlos Zambrano

CATCHERS (2): Henry Blanco and Jason Kendall

INFIELDERS (6): Mark DeRosa, Mike Fontenot, Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Ryan Theriot, and Daryle Ward

OUTFIELDERS (6): Cliff Floyd, Jacque Jones, Craig Monroe, Matt Murton, Felix Pie, and Alfonso Soriano

DISABLED LIST (4): Pitchers Angel Guzman (sprained elbow ligament), Roberto Novoa (fractured shoulder) and Mark Prior (shoulder surgery) on the 60-day DL, and outfielder Angel Pagan (colitis) on the 15-day DL

Because Guzman, Novoa, Prior, and Pagan were on the DL on 8/31, all four were eligible to be included on the Cubs 2007 post-season roster.

Note that the Cubs went with 11 pitchers for four days (8/28 through 8/31), as LHP Carmen Pignatiello was optioned to Iowa on August 28th, when OF Alfonso Soriano (strained quad) was activated from the DL. But then RHP Sean Gallagher and LHP Will Ohman were recalled from Iowa on September 1st, and RHP Steve Trachsel (acquired from the Baltimore Orioles on 8/31) was also added to the Cubs active roster on 9/1, giving the Cubs 14 pitchers right at the beginning of September (increased to 16 pitchers when Pignatiello and Kevin Hart were brought up on 9/4).

Trachsel was acquired from the Orioles on 8/31 but was not added to the Cubs active roster until the next day, so he was not automatically eligible for the post-season roster. However, he was eligible to be a post-season "replacement player" because he was a member of the Cubs organization on 8/31.

During September 2007, the Cubs recalled pitchers Sean Gallagher, Will Ohman, and Carmen Pignatiello, catcher Geovany Soto, infielder Ronny Cedeno, and IF-OF Eric Patterson from AAA Iowa (Patterson was subsequently optioned to AA Tennessee for disciplinary reasons), and selected RHP Kevin Hart and OF Sam Fuld from AA Tennessee, as Hendry & Piniella opted to go with a 34-man roster over the last month of the season. (Neal Cotts, Jake Fox, Juan Mateo, Billy Petrick, and Jeff Samardzija were not recalled from their minor league optional assignments).

Because Guzman, Novoa, Prior, and Pagan remained on the DL through the balance of the 2007 season, their roster slots became available as post-season roster exemptions, allowing the Cubs to add Kevin Hart, Geovany Soto, and Ronny Cedeno to their NLDS roster. (Hart, Soto, and Cedeno were brought up from the minors in September, so they would not have been eligible to be included on a post-season roster if not for the roster exemptions).

But adding Hart, Soto, and Cedeno to their NLDS roster meant the Cubs had to deactivate three players who had been on their 25-man roster on 8/31, and so they dropped pitcher Sean Marshall, catcher Henry Blanco, and outfielder Craig Monroe. (Marshall stayed "stretched-out" as a starter during the NLDS, throwing 70+ pitches for the Cubs AZ Instructional League team in a "Camp Day" intrasquad game at Fitch Park while the Cubs were in Phoenix to play the Diamondbacks at Chase Field, and Monroe kept active by taking early-morning BP every day that week at Fitch).

Marshall, Blanco, and Monroe, plus Will Ohman (who also threw an inning in the Camp Day intrasquad game at Fitch while the Cubs were in Phoenix) and Sam Fuld, remained with the Cubs throughout the NLDS (Trachsel, Pignatiello, and Gallagher did not), serving as potential "replacement players" in case of a season-ending injury to somebody during the NLDS, and as potential Plan "B" options in the NLCS and World Series (if the Cubs had gotten that far). For instance, Marshall could have been an alternative to Marquis as the #4 starter in an NLCS, or Hart could have been exchanged for Ohman, or Fuld could have replaced Pie or Murrton, or Murton or Pie could have been switched with Monroe.

So knowing what the Cubs did with their September call-ups and post-season roster last year, what are Hendry & Piniella likely to do this year?

If Hendry & Piniella once again go with a 34-man September roster, I would think pitchers Angel Guzman and Jon Lieber will be reactivated from the DL, catcher Koyie Hill will be brought up from Iowa to be the 3rd catcher (the Cubs always add a 3rd catcher in September) and post-season fall-back in case Soto or Blanco were to suffer a disabling injury, and pitchers Michael Wuertz and Kevin Hart, 1B-OF Micah Hoffpauir, and outfielder Felix Pie will be recalled from Iowa. That leaves two spots for a right-handed power bat off the bench (probably either 1B-OF Jason Dubois or OF Jake Fox) and another bullpen arm (probably either Jose Ascanio or Randy Wells).

At present, the Cubs have three players on the DL, with pitchers Chad Fox (sore elbow) and Jon Lieber (sore foot) on the 15-day DL, and pitcher Angel Guzman (TJS surgery rehab) on the 60. Guzman and Lieber will likely be activated from the DL in September, so probably only Chad Fox will provide the Cubs with a ready-made roster exemption for the post-season. (Fox could be transferred to the 60-day DL if an additional spot on the 40-man roster is needed in September).

Of course Lieber has the type of chronic foot problem that probably would allow the Cubs to place him on the DL any old time, so if the Cubs wish to replace a struggling and ineffective Bob Howry with Michael Wuertz and 5th starter Jason Marquis with Micah Hoffpauir, they should be able to do it just by leaving Chad Fox on the DL for the rest of the season and by placing Jon Lieber back on the DL before the start of the NLDS (since Lieber is unlikely to be on the Cubs post-season roster).

Also, LHP Rich Hill (on the Iowa DL with a back problem) and RHP Adam Harben (on the Daytona DL while on extended rehab from 2006 TJS) are both on the Cubs 40-man roster, so either (or both) could be recalled from his optional assignment on August 31st and then be immediately placed on the 60-day DL, giving the Cubs another post-season roster exemption (or two), as well as opening up one (or two) more slots on the 40 in September. (While Harben could get outrighted to the minors at any time, he would have greater value spending the rest of the season on the 60-day DL as a post-season roster exemption than he would by getting outrighted right away).

LHP Carmen Pignatiello and RHP Billy Petrick could also get outrighted if additional slots are needed on the 40-man roster in September, but it's more likely that they will be removed from the 40 after the season.

Time To Do Something With Perez?

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:27:32 -0500

The Mets designated Claudio Vargas for assignment after last night disgraceful 11-0 loss to the lowly Seattle Mariners. Carlos Muniz was recalled to take his spot on the roster. I don't think this move had much to do with his disappointing performance in last night's game as Vargas had been pitching pretty well before that. Rather I think the Mets may finally be preparing to do something with the starting rotation. Vargas has been primarily a starter throughout his career so it would make sense to me to send him to AAA New Orleans to make a few starts and then add him in the rotation somewhere. Maybe move Oliver Perez to the pen. Perez is a guy that everyone was hot on after his 15 wins last season. Apparently everyone has forgotten his history. The 16 wins wasn't a positive turning point. It was an indicator to trade him before he returned to his normal, inconsistent self. It's time to make a move with Perez. Move him to the pen, send him to the minors for a while (like they did with Steve Trachsel several years ago) or even, dare I say, release him. He's a prime example of a guy who is in the league based on 2 things: potential and the fact he's a lefty. My answers to those reasons are that the potential has been mostly unrealized and that my wife is a lefty too. I wish this wasn't the case because I like his potential too. When he's got it he's really got it. But there's a time when potential isn't enough and you need to put up the numbers. And going into free agency this offseason you'd figure he wouldn't need any additional motivation.

No need for a panic move

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:38:16 -0500

David Wells. Sidney Ponson. Freddy Garcia. Steve Trachsel. Roger Clemens. Yes, Roger Clemens for crying out loud! With Chien-Ming Wang gone for at least two months and maybe the rest of the season with his injured foot, the amateur GMs are in overdrive. Everywhere you look there are suggestions for how the Yankees can fill the [...]

End of the Rain Delay

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:12:25 -0500

Just about two weeks ago, we talked about the possibilities of Steve Trachsel losing his roster spot with the Baltimore Orioles. Well as of last night, its official, Steve Trachsel is no longer a Baltimore Oriole. Trachsel was designated for assignment, so the team has 10 days to trade, release or outright him to the minors. Trachsel has no trade value and won't accept a minor league assignment so expect him to be released very soon. Looking more into the situation thou, Trachsel's career might be over, as well.

No more of these Human Rain Delays

Sat, 31 May 2008 14:55:49 -0500

It looks like the days of the human rain delay are finally coming to an end. No I'm not talking about Major League Baseballs enforcement of the pace of game rules (hate to say it but I do agree with their position, but thats another story). I'm talking about Baltimore Orioles pitcher Steve Trachsel.

MLB Busts of the Week - Week 8

Tue, 27 May 2008 07:50:31 -0500

Which fantasy studs dropped the ball last week? And which "sleepers" fall short of their hyped billing? Screaming Sports' Kevin Collazo runs down a four-player (Mets-associated) list of fantasy bombs.

Millwood, Gabbard Fuel Rangers Doubleheader Sweep

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:47:53 -0500

For the first time in over 18 months, the Texas Rangers have managed to surpass the .500 barrier.

Non Roster Invitee: Steve Trachsel

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:10:16 -0500

The Baltimore Orioles looking for a veteran pitcher signed Trachsel on February 12, 2007 after Kris Benson was diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff. Trachsel was 6-8 with the Orioles with a 4.48 ERA before being sent to the Cubs for minor leaguers Rocky Cherry and Scott Moore. He finished the year 1-3 with a 8.61 ERA while with the Cubs. The Orioles reached out to him and gave him a minor league contract on February 11th this year. While he's not guaranteed money it looks safe to say that the Orioles will give Trachsel every chance to make the rotation. He'll compete with Troy Patton, Garrett Olson and Matt Albers for the final two rotation spots. Injury concerns about the shoulder of Patton and the inexperience of Olson make a perfect storm for Trachsel's chances. Should he make the team his 409 career starts would be roughly twice as many as the rest of the rotation combined.

Orioles: Keep or Pitch

Sat, 30 Jun 2007 02:59:11 -0500

In this article I am going to decide whether or not which players should stay(keep) and which players should get traded or released(pitch). Okay well I will start with the Keepers. Keep Erik Bedard- Hes really reliable compared to the other pitchers. Daniel Cabrera- Throws the heat. Jeremy Guthrie- There best Starter right now. Ramon Hernandez- He could be a great DH when Mathew Wieters gets here. Chris Gomez- He's a backup for every position basically. Brian Roberts- One of the best 2nd basemans right now. Freddie Bynum- Steals like no other. Melvin Mora- Offensivly and Defensivly amazing. Jay Payton- Solid player. Corey Patterson- One of the best Outfielders defensivly I have seen in a while. Nick Markakis- He is getting better every year! Miguel Tejada- If he doesnt demand a trade he is such a good member for the O's Chris Ray- Cant release em all or they will just get more that are bad. Pitch Steve Trachsel- He needs to retire. Brian Burres- He needs to be in the minors still atleast AAA ball. Paul Bako- He's not bad but with the number one draft pick a Catcher he wont be seeing anytime so he's just a waste. Aubrey Huff- Horrible pickup. Kevin Millar- Orioles fans hate him so just pitch him already. Jay Gibbons- He's probably having his worst year and he's never been good just alright. Jamie Walker- Doesnt fit well with the organization. Chad Bradford- He's horrible where did they get him? Scott Williamson- I just dont like him. John Parrish- He's not producing just release him. so a AA team picks him up. Rob Bell- 118 homeruns against him in 123 games thats pretty bad. Paul Shuey- He's getting old. Danys Baez- He's sucking this year and he's injured. Jon Leicester- 21.60 ERA he just sucks whats wrong with our owner?! Adam Loewen- He could develop into a good pitcher but they will just end up doing the same thing they did to BJ Ryan and trade him when hes good so they might as well do it now,plus hes on the 60 day DL. Jaret Wright- He's Injury prone. What they need from chronological order: 1. 2 Good Starting Pitchers 2. 2 Relievers that are Amazing or atleast Good 3. A first Basemen 4. 2 Relievers that have potential. 5. Bring up Mathew Wieters

Future News: Top of the 4th, Yankees 11 - Baltimore 2

Fri, 16 Feb 2007 12:18:41 -0500

The Orioles have just signed Steve Trachsel to a 1 Year Deal.

The Baltimore Orioles: Where Old Mets Pitchers Go To Die

Tue, 13 Feb 2007 05:32:20 -0500

In a move that assures that their pitching staff will maintain the same level of mediocrity despite losing Kris Benson, the Baltimore Orioles have agreed in principle to a deal with former Met, Steve Trachsel, which is a plus, because if you're like me, you found yourself last season thinking "Man, I wish Orioles' games were longer." No word yet on whether Trachsel's wife is a whore. Stay tuned.

That's What You Get for Being Named Kristin

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 20:07:56 -0500

Kristin (Kris) Benson, wife, I mean husband of Anna Benson is done for the year with a torn rotator cuff and now it looks as if the Orioles might have to look into the services of Steve "The Trashbag" Trachsel. Well atleast they can take solice in the fact that they really had no chance of being better than the Sox, Yanks or Jays anyway.

Free agent pitchers...Not a pretty site

Thu, 08 Feb 2007 02:20:25 -0500

I hope your home town team has its starting roster set, cause if they don't, whats left on the menu would make you consider starting Jose Canseco on the mound. After Clemens, talent drops off a cliff....Mark Redmen, Steve Trachsel, Chan Ho Park and Bruce Chen. Sure you can convince yourself that you remember each of these guys having a good season way back, but if you think about it too long you may question whether it actually happened or not. Desperate for sports news before pitchers and catchers report, here is a write up on each of these guys with some potential options for their final destination.

Steve Trachsel Hits Rock Bottom

Mon, 13 Nov 2006 19:05:31 -0500

It appears Steve Trachsel's marital problems may have forced his leave from the team on October 1st. When he returned after 12 days between starts, he was shelled against the Dodgers in the NLDS and then the Cardinals in the NLCS. Due to his performance in the playoffs, the Mets are not likely to re-sign him. Sarah, his wife, filed for divorce on Thursday. Is it just me, or is Steve Trachsel always being kicked around for some reason? I hope he latches on with a team and can enjoy one last productive season without being shit on. He was 15-8 with a 4.97 ERA last season with the Mets.