After having a couple of days to contemplate the Byrd for Chavez trade that the "crafty" Ed Wade pulled off, here are some thoughts.
As many others have stated, what was the purpose of trading a spare centerfielder for another spare centerfielder? The Phillies already have a capable platoon in center, though at some point it would be nice to see Michaels play every day. Why can't he put up 20HR / 80BI / .280 numbers? Lofton is a nice OBP guy with speed, so it's not bad seeing him out there either.
During the off-season when the original F-Rod was traded for Lofton, it didn't make much sense. Byrd had the upside, Michaels was progressing nicely, and the Phillies could really have used another arm. Adams essentially replaced Rodriquez's lineup spot and has been a disaster. F-Rod hasn't been much better, but the point is, why not get an arm to help out in the struggling bullpen. Couldn't we have gotten Luis Ayala or something? A quality arm that can eat up innings without blowing games. For once, Wade should have made a trade for a relief pitcher during the season. Wade seems to make pretty decent moves in the off-season, but has yet to show the ability to help the team during the year. At this point, the Phillies struggles are hardly Wade's fault, but if he was trying to help, another arm is what they need now.
What of this Endy Chavez? He's been kicking around the majors since 2001, and his career stats over a 162 game period work out to 5HR / 45BI / 25SB / .263, so he's approximately a Doug Glanville. Nothing too special, but he has some speed. With a career OBP of .304, he really isn't suited to bat lead-off. JRoll is a career .322 OBP (.348 last year), so he stays at the lead-off spot for now. Chavez is basically a spare part that will be a pinch hitter/runner/defensive replacement.
The bottom-line, the Phillies pass on the upside of Byrd for Chavez who fills the same role.
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