It has not been an active year for trades, with only a single transaction between the Squirrels and Donkeys in the offseason, but what better time for the first in-season deal than when things are coming down to the wire? King Friday has traded Joe Markos to the Squirrels for Mike Merlo, nine new balls, and a twelve pack of beer (brand TBD based on Markos' performance?). Added phrasing in the contract gives King Friday the rights to Merlo for the 2013 season, while Markos will be eligible for free agency after 2012.
On the surface this trade seems one-sided, with Merlo having spent all of 2012 on the DL ("Daddy Leave") and Markos supplying Friday's best stick at the plate. However, Hurd has made it very clear that what Friday needs more than anything is pitching help. Now, with the 2012 season effectively all about swinging the bats for fun and posterity, gambling on a sub-1.00 ERA and WHIP pitcher for next season with a good hitter (who may likely have left in free agency after the season) is a smart move for the future of King Friday.
It is no surprise to see Coffee working on this deal, and it is a great move for his Squirrels as well. Coffee dealt away a reliable and capable player in Matt Murtha before the season, because his team looked to have a surplus of players. However, the Squirrels have had trouble fielding a consistent roster, and lately even a complete roster. Markos is a guy you can count on to not only show up, but to put the ball in play while on the field, as well. Joe's .220 AVG and .390 SLG will find many more RBIs on a team with an OBP of .599, which will come as a big boost to Squirrel lineup that is in need of a spark with Ducks on their tail for the Garcia Division crown. Chalk sees .500 ball over the final six games as enough to earn that title and the number-two seed, and Coffee sees Markos as piece that can get his team there.
** Housekeeping: Games Played are a measure of commitment of the player to the game, the league, and his team. Therefore, a players' Games Played for playoff eligibility stay with him when his team is different than yesterday.
On the surface this trade seems one-sided, with Merlo having spent all of 2012 on the DL ("Daddy Leave") and Markos supplying Friday's best stick at the plate. However, Hurd has made it very clear that what Friday needs more than anything is pitching help. Now, with the 2012 season effectively all about swinging the bats for fun and posterity, gambling on a sub-1.00 ERA and WHIP pitcher for next season with a good hitter (who may likely have left in free agency after the season) is a smart move for the future of King Friday.It is no surprise to see Coffee working on this deal, and it is a great move for his Squirrels as well. Coffee dealt away a reliable and capable player in Matt Murtha before the season, because his team looked to have a surplus of players. However, the Squirrels have had trouble fielding a consistent roster, and lately even a complete roster. Markos is a guy you can count on to not only show up, but to put the ball in play while on the field, as well. Joe's .220 AVG and .390 SLG will find many more RBIs on a team with an OBP of .599, which will come as a big boost to Squirrel lineup that is in need of a spark with Ducks on their tail for the Garcia Division crown. Chalk sees .500 ball over the final six games as enough to earn that title and the number-two seed, and Coffee sees Markos as piece that can get his team there.** Housekeeping: Games Played are a measure of commitment of the player to the game, the league, and his team. Therefore, a players' Games Played for playoff eligibility stay with him when his team is different than yesterday.
