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Originally Posted by djtestudo
So the Tigers cut a good bit of payroll while gaining some nice prospects. Jackson was the Yankees top prospect last year and is likely headed for Granderson's spot in center field this season. Scherzer had 174 strikeouts in 170 innings last season; he and Verlander are going to be scary. Plus, Coke and Schlereth are nice young arms.
The Yankees replace Damon at the top of their lineup, and the Cabrera-Gardner combo in center field, and at a comparably cheap rate ($25.75 million over the next three years including the $2 million buyout of his 2010 $13 million option).
The Diamondbacks appear to have been pretty well fleeced. Edwin Jackson struggled mightily in the second half last season, and since his overall numbers were pretty good he's going to get a nice raise in arbitration. Kennedy was a guy who the Yankees wouldn't give up for Johan Santana, but is coming off Tommy John surgery.
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As a DBacks fan I'm on the fence. Dealing Scherzer means the DBacks either viewed him as an injury risk, a reliever, or both. There is no doubt the kid has great stuff but he throws way too many pitches and lacks a third pitch. It is tough for him to make it out of the 5th inning each time out. He also has a very violent throwing motion with a head jerk. He's young and may get the third pitch but that could take a few years to develop.
For the next two years, Edwin Jackson is the better pitcher. He benefits by switching leagues where Scherzer takes quite a hit by moving to the AL.
Schlereth is a good reliever, but he's a reliever. Ian Kennedy looks good on paper. He could be their 4th or 5th starter next season.