I started June 6-7 while losing both Munson and Doug Radar for at least 5 weeks each. I also started making deals and signing players that never should have been placed on waivers.
Former 1st round pick Ruppert Jones was our 4th/5th OF but I am not sure how much more he would develop, so I dealt him along with Dennis Lamp, who has been stuck in AAA for 3 years to Atlanta who is rebuilding. In exchange we received 32 year old SP John Glass. He is a pending UFA who has averaged 3.3 WAR a season. He has gone 2-0 with a 2.2 ERA in his first 2 starts for us.
30 year old Doug Rau was 3-5 with a 2.60 ERA for the Cubs, who for some reason put him on waivers despite being paid the minimum. He is on pace for a 4.3 WAR and will go into the rotation as well.
While I was at it, I claimed 27 year old Mike Krukow from the Padres. He was on pace for a 3.8 WAR and went 13-10 last season with a 4.2 WAR. I don't like taking advantage of stupid AI moves, but I am in last place.
I then dealt Dick Drago straight up for 24 year old Ken Landreaux. Landreaux hit .297/.343/.443 with 9 HR with a 3.4 WAR in his first season as a starter. He has hit 2 HR in his first 4 games for us while hitting over .500.
The only good thing about the injury to Reggie Smith was that we promoted 22 year old Vernon Armstead from AAA and he has been really good. He's hit .299/.407/.468 with 2 HR and 2 SB in 80 AB's since promotion. He was a 2nd round pick 4 years ago and this was his first season at AAA and is the #93 prospect.