Analysis of Post Deadline Baseball Moves: Pavano, Giambi, Smoltz and Rios

Carl Pavano to Twins

The Minnesota Twins announced the acquisition of starting pitcher Carl Pavano, 9-8, 5.37 ERA from the Cleveland Indians. Pavano is struggling this year, and most his reputation is based on one big season in 2004 when he was 18-8 for the Florida Marlins. In four very poor seasons for the New York Yankees, he was lambasted by teammates who referred to his as "American Idle" for all the games he missed due to injury.

Move Analysis: Poor

Why the Twins think Pavano will help them pick up the 4 and a half games they are behind Detroit is a mystery. This guy is 33 and on the downside of a one hit wonder career. He's likely to be a .500 pitcher for them.

John Smoltz Released by Red Sox

The writing was on the wall for the one time ace of the Atlanta Braves. At 42, he wasn't fooling anyone. In 8 starts, he was 2-5, 8.32 ERA and had not pitched well in the major leagues since 2007.

Move Analysis: No Brainer

A's Release Jason Giambi

At 38, Giambi was not helping the struggling Oakland A's this year with his .193 average. He hit 32 home runs last year for the New York Yankees, so someone may take a chance on him as a DH or pinch hitter to help a contender down the stretch.

Move Analysis: No Brainer for small market A's

Rumors Suggest Alex Rios Claimed Off Waivers

Reports indicate that Toronto outfielder Alex Rios was claimed off waivers. Buster Olney of ESPN suggests that it may be the Chicago White Sox who have claimed him, which means they could either be allowed to take him or to work out a waiver trade with Toronto.

Move Analysis: Exceptional move for Toronto, Incredibly Boneheaded Move for whoever takes Rios

Alex Rios is a mediocre baseball player. In his contract, he will be paid up to 12 million a year through 2014. That is just stupid money for a guy with a lifetime OPS+ of 104. Rios has only once hit more than 20 home runs. He will be 33 by the last year of that contract and still making 12 million. I just do not see the reason any team would pay him big money, but especially not a contract through 2014. If Toronto dumps him, J.P. Ricciardi is the best magician in major league baseball and he deserves a big raise.

Sources:

Buster Olney, "Sources: Jays Face Choices on Rios," ESPN.com.

"Major League Baseball Transactions," MLB.com.