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November 30, 2012

Transaction Analysis

Nats Finally Get Span

by R.J. Anderson and Mark Anderson

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American League

Minnesota Twins
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MINNESOTA TWINS
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Acquired RHP Alex Meyer from the Nationals for OF-L Denard Span. [11/29]

Alex Meyer is an absolutely massive guy with an imposing presence on the mound. His long, lean frame can be difficult to keep in check throughout his delivery, but he made strides in 2012 with his consistency. With that improved consistency, Meyer’s fastball that sits in the 94-95 mph range found the strike zone more frequently. He can run his fastball up to 98 mph and there are times when his fastball plays up a grade because his long extension gets the ball on hitters more quickly than they expect when it comes out of his hand. Backing up his fastball, Meyer has a true plus slider that can miss bats and helps him maintain a high strikeout rate. His changeup is well below average and he rarely shows feel for throwing it.

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12 comments have been left for this article.

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HalfStreet

(51017)

I think that a better comp for Span might be Michael Bourn, and I would say that Span provides a cheaper, younger alternative who could provide what Bourn did last year within a couple of seasons. Except for the number of stolen bases, of course.

+1/2St.

Nov 30, 2012 04:17 AM

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rating: 1

Lindemann

(852)

I like the trade for both teams. Nats get cost certainty, plus defense, and decent offense at the CF position for two years with a third year as an option, enough time to see whether Goodwin can hack it in the majors. It also gives the Nats a backup plan if LaRoche wants to pursue riches elsewhere (shift Morse to first, as they did when LaRoche was injured in 2011). Twins get a blue-chip starting pitching prospect - and one who throws hard! It's a good trade given where both teams are.

Nov 30, 2012 05:51 AM

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Ric Size

(42432)

The Nats got one of the most under-rated players in baseball, with his team-friendly contract. The Twins received a mid-rotation/late bullpen pitching prospect who starts 2013 in AA. I say it's a steal for Mike Rizzo. Time will tell.

Nov 30, 2012 06:00 AM

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rating: 1

thegeneral13

(32625)

As a Twins fan I'm happy with this trade. Span is a valuable player but one can't discount the risk that another concussion sidelines him for half a season or more, or ends his career entirely. It wasn't that long ago that his symptoms sounded an awful lot like Morneau's, or Corey Koskie's before him. I'm happy that he bounced back and happy for him that he's going to a contender. But I am also happy that the Twins traded him. The benefits of cost control are greater for contending teams, and by the next time the Twins contend Span will be at or near the end of his cost-controlled years anyway. And finally I'm encouraged that the Twins targeted one high upside arm instead of a package of 2-3 arms with back-of-rotation upside to try to fill current holes on a team that will be terrible anyway. I think that offers a positive signal about what they're trying to do. I'd like to see the same thing done with Willingham.

Nov 30, 2012 06:00 AM

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rating: 6

Eddie Bajek

(19796)

Where would Meyer slot in your Twins top 10?

Nov 30, 2012 06:07 AM

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Mark Anderson

BP staff

(13354)

I'm a pretty big Meyer fan and he probably would have slotted in about fourth on that list for me.

As we noted during the release of that Twins list, it gets pretty jumbled once you get past the top two, maybe the top three. Meyer, even with his considerable risk, presents a high-ceiling arm that isn't matched in the Twins system.

Nov 30, 2012 06:20 AM

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edr577

(67171)

Won't the Nats just play Morse at 1b?

Nov 30, 2012 07:26 AM

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juiced

(41014)

Win win trade

Nov 30, 2012 07:43 AM

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jfranco77

(64578)

Are there any whispers that the Nats are in on Josh Hamilton? Having Span as a strong 4th OF would offer some insurance against Hamilton getting hurt. If they can't land Grienke, what other elite players are out there? Hamilton on a short, high-AAV deal might make more sense than Michael Bourn.

Nov 30, 2012 07:57 AM

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rating: -2

Greerbr

(68758)

Hamilton wont be signing for a short, high avb. Hes holding out for a longer contract and pretty sure some team will give him 4-5 years. I

Nov 30, 2012 08:17 AM

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suterhawk

(70292)

U dont trade a top 50 prospect for a 4th of'er

Dec 01, 2012 21:52 PM

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Patrick

(26006)

I would think this means the Nats won't re-sign Laroche. With Werth, Span, and Harper in the OF, Morse will move to 1B.

Dec 03, 2012 20:12 PM

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