I had planned on discussing the Phillies’ bullpen situation for this off-season today, but the organization just announced a deal that may have a profound affect on the way things will play out with Pat Burrell in left field. An agreement has been made with the Texas Rangers to trade Phillies former first round pick Greg Golson (Drafted 21st overall in 2004) for Rangers prospect and former first round pick John Mayberry (19th overall in 2005).
From most angles, this trade favors the Phils. For the most part Golson was thought to be a weak prospect overall. He is often described as a Michael Bourne with a bit more pop. While this is by no means a bad thing, the Phillies are looking for somebody who can develop into a solid starter in left field, and by most accounts Golson is not it, or at least will not be soon enough. He is also a natural center fielder. He did, however, put up solid numbers in Double-A Reading last year batting .282 with 13 homers and a very respectable 60 RBIs over the course of 106 games. These numbers may have enhanced his value enough to make this trade possible.
Mayberry is thought to be a prospect with greater upside, especially when it comes to power. His swing is a bit long right now, but in time he could develop a very dangerous stroke. Last season he hit .263 with 16 longballs and 58 RBIs over a 114 game period in Triple-A Oklahoma City. In all likelihood, we will not see Mayberry starting out this season in left field, but he is probably the long term solution to the problem.
The move does not, by any means, explain what is going on with Pat Burrell. It does, however, shed some light on the situation. The overarching rumor is that the Phils are trying to sign Pat to the absolute shortest contract possible. If Burrell’s willingness to stay in town is strong enough, he could be kept around to take hold of the position until Mayberry is ready to step in. If they cannot keep Burrell (Which is probably more likely at this point), it seems likely that the Phillies will attempt to play a platoon in left field and hope that Mayberry will be ready to come up part way through the year. He could even be working the platoon by opening day if he really impresses during spring training.
The big thing this move does is remove any significant hope that the Phillies will try and make a major signing or trade for a left fielder this winter. Mayberry is, in all likelihood, the left fielder of the future at this point, and acquiring a major player in that spot may hurt his development. However, if a one season rent-a-player kind of deal arises, the Phillies may jump at it.
Keywords: Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers
Comments
I don't know if I'd count on Mayberry as the left fielder of the future. Scouts have been skeptical of his abilities; he wasn't even on of the Rangers' top 10 prospects according to Baseball America entering the year. He also has only put up only OK numbers in the minor leagues while playing in some very friendly hitter's leagues.
I think this trade is interesting; it's rare when minor leaguers are traded for each other, but I think it's a net loss for the Phillies. Even if Golson turns out to be a bust, at least he's fast and can be a 4th OF type, whereas if Mayberry can't hit big league pitching, he's useless.