I’m told the #STLCards have done due diligence on #SFGiants lefty Tony Watson, probably signaling some interest. Of concern are escalator clauses of $500k each for 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th (which he already has reached), 45th, and 50th appearances. Could make as much as $10.5m.
The advanced stat guru’s have numbers to show that lefty relievers do not make a big difference in winning or losing a ball game – the LOOGYs anyway. Basically the numbers show that there is not enough difference in success against lefty hitters by trying to match-up late in games.
The best approach is to have quality arms in your bullpen, regardless of them being a left or right hand pitcher.
With that, acquiring Watson is not a big difference maker in my opinion. Right now we look to be pretty good as constructed, but then everything has been clicking since the break. What I would focus on is acquiring a good left-handed starter, but would not gut the system to get one. I wish Gomber had been healthy this year. He might be just the guy to fill the bill.
Watson hasn’t been great against lefties this year but is he better than Webb or Mayers? The answer to me is definitely yes so I’m not totally against trading for him. If we are going for a rental I’d still rather target Smith but the cost for Watson will surely not be too painful. If we could clear a 40 man spot by trading Adolis Garcia or someone similar that would be a fine trade.
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First-hand news and commentary on the St. Louis Cardinals™ and their minor league system for 25 years