|
DECEMBER 14, 1953 . . . At the winter meetings I made a huge trade with the Philadelphia Phillies that could wind up blowing up in my face, but I think it helps us build both for the present and the future:
Chicago Sends: SP Don Newcombe (Ret: 50%), SP Bob Rush (Ret: 50%) and 3B Randy Jackson and $20,000 in cash
Philly Sends: 3B Ken Boyer, LF Bob Addis, RF Roy Weatherly, LF Jack Graham and SP Karl Drews
Ken Boyer is their top prospect, having averaged .306/.367/.455 with 28 doubles and 14 homers in AA before going to Korea. He’s progressed nicely and should be a solid fit in the place of Jackson in the starting lineup, with a ton of upside and he’s just 22 years old. Karl Drews will be able to step into our starting five, with Hacker and Klippstein leading the way, Saul Rogovin in the fourth spot, and 20-year-old up and comer Herb Score spot starting from the fifth spot. Addis and Weatherly will start out in AAA Los Angeles, giving us depth at their positions. But Jack Graham is ready to jump into the main roster at LF as Baumholtz’ main backup. They’re both on the old side, but experience matters when we’re going to be playing as many young players as we will be. We’re still looking for our young left fielder of the future, but I think this deal helps us in more than enough areas to be worth what we gave up.
That doesn’t mean the fans (or the owner) are convinced yet, but it’s my job to take the risks needed to push our program where we need to go. I’m willing to take the heat.
|