Every winter, a crop of free agents receive fat paychecks from new teams (most of the time it is about the money, despite what the players say). Others are involved in blockbuster trades. This article seeks to assess the impact of these moves to a new team, a new ballpark, and possibly a new league.
Alfonso Soriano (OF-CHC)
The move from cavernous RFK Stadium to hitter-friendly Wrigley Field means great things for Soriano owners. Alfonso’s power wasn’t affected too much by RFK, so expect his power numbers to stay in the same range, if not increase. The lineup offers Soriano much better protection, which should lead to an increase in runs. New Cubs skipper Lou Piniella is a manager who likes to run, so expect at least 30 SBs. Verdict: Rising
Barry Zito (SP-SF)
A huge contract landed the former Oakland A’s lefty for the San Francisco Giants. Both cities’ stadiums are pitcher-friendly, so there shouldn’t be a big difference in ballpark effects. However, Zito gets to move to the NL, thus avoiding the DH. Facing a pitcher in the batter’s box could breath new life into Zito’s ever increasing ERA and WHIP. Expect him to show flashes of his Cy Young form. Verdict: Blast from the Past
Carlos Lee (OF-Hou)
Lee changed cities, but not states, moving from Arlington to Houston. Lee should enjoy an abundance of RBI opportunities, now that he has Lance Berkman hitting in front of him. Houston has a friendly hitting ballpark, especially for righties. And Lee never really got in the power groove with the Rangers. Verdict: Promising
Gary Sheffield (DH-Det)
A trade brought Sheffield from New York to Detroit. He can expect to play more games at DH, which might help keep him healthy. However, the lineup in Detroit is much weaker than the Yankees’. At his age, a big rebound season seems difficult. Verdict: Questionable
Andy Pettitte (SP-NYY)
A return to the Bronx means Pettitte loses the benefit of facing a pitcher in the batter’s box. However, Pettitte has proven that New York doesn’t faze him. With better run support and a rejuvenated pitching arm, expect Pettitte to win 16+ games with the Yankees. Verdict: I left my heart in New York
J.D. Drew (OF-Bos)
Drew’s problem has never been a question of talent. It’s that the guy can’t ever stay healthy. The Red Sox recently finalized Drew’s five-year deal. The delay was due to concerns over a shoulder injury. The Red Sox were concerned about Drew’s health; you should be too. Verdict: Enjoy his production while it lasts
Julio Lugo (SS-Bos)
Like Drew, he joins a lineup that includes Big Papi and Manny Ramirez. Hitting in front of those two giants should increase Lugo’s run totals. However, expect a big drop-off in stolen bases, as Boston won’t be playing small ball when they have a 3-4 combo that can hit 100 HRs combined. Verdict: Mixed
Juan Pierre (OF-LAD)
The speedy Pierre is taking his game to L.A. The ballpark shouldn’t affect him, since power has never been his game. His lineup is weaker, though, as Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez won’t be knocking him in. Verdict: Taking his thievery to L.A.
Randy Johnson (SP-Ari)
After two disappointing seasons in the Bronx, the Big Unit is moving back to the desert. His ERA, WHIP, and K numbers should all improve, while his wins figure to decrease. Pitching in the NL should help Johnson and his bad back return to form. Verdict: High upside
Jason Schmidt (SP-LAD)
The San Francisco Giants ace took his game to archrival L.A. The ballparks are comparable, as are the lineups. Expect Schmidt to post numbers similar to the last few seasons. Verdict: A wash.
