I think the decision to place Greg Zaun on waivers, and trade him to Tampa for a player to be named could be a mistake.
Obviously this was a calculated decision the O’s were making. Reports are the Orioles will save about $800k on the deal.
If that money is used to help sign the Orioles 2nd-round pick SS Mychel Givens, then this was worthwhile. Same thing if it allows the O’s to sign the Dominican SS Miguel Sano.
If the player to be named from Tampa, is unexpectedly a player of the caliber of SS Reid Brignac, then this was a tremendous deal for Baltimore.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsppos=SS&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=458582
If the money is revinested into Player Development, or Scouting, that also is a tangible benefit.
If the O’s believe this trade was actually necessary to give Wieters more at-bats, and just to save $800k, then this was a poor deal.
If the O’s made this deal to save $800k, and to give Zaun the opportunity to play for a contender; then this was a classy mistake.
Zaun signed with the O’s knowing that his playing time would decrease tremendously once Wieters quickly ascended to the Majors. He signed here with that knowledge. It is hard to believe he now found that arrangement undesirable. Zaun knows he was exposed earlier in the year playing everyday, and responded to playing once or twice a week.
Zaun off the bench for the O’s the remainder of 2009, and into 2010 was a bonus for the O’s, and an upgrade over Chad Moeller.
2009 was always about gaining experience for the players that can comprise the future core. While that will continue into 2010, there are enough players on the roster that you now want to move forward with; that wins and losses will matter next year.
To allow Zaun to leave now, the Organization has to get value back equal to what they are giving-up.
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Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.