Add new comment

I agree it was a solid trade.
I agree that Yuni is a bottom half SS.
I agree that Cortes is a nice prospect.
But, I think there is a lot of chicken counting in regard to Cortes ultimate value.  He *MIGHT* turn into a solid reliever.  But, this optimism is based on what -- watching some video this year where his delivery goes Jeckyl/Hyde and back during the same batter and ... 12 innings in AAA?!?
THIS YEAR - in West Tenn, his final tally was: 9.1-K/9 and 5.7-BB/9;
Okay - who are the valuable relievers with the 5.7 walk rates?  I need some comps here, 'cause I can't find 'em.
Aardsma has largely worked out with similar numbers.  But Aardsma was doing those numbers in the majors.  In AAA, Aardsma had 9.5 Ks and only 4.0 walks. 
You compare complete minors lines:
Aardsma: 8.7-K; 4.1-BB; 0.6-HR in 244-IP;
Cortes: 8.3-K; 4.3-BB; 0.6-HR in 652-IP;
Same ballpark - except Aardsma fanned more and walked less - and Aardsma ADDED a walk per inning after he made the bigs for several YEARS until he reached Seattle.
Not suggesting Cortes will fail.  I'm just saying - even if Cortes washes out - it was STILL a good trade, because it gave the club a CHANCE at getting something special in exchange for something very not.