Xavier Nady – A Trade To Regret

December 3, 2009 · Paul Raymond · Jump to comments

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You can add me to the list of New York Yankees fans that is really regretting the trade that brought Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte over from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Yes, Marte was clutch in the World Series against Ryan Howard, but I really wonder if all the pieces that the Yanks gave up was worth under two innings of work. Why do I say only worth that? Well, the Pittsburgh Pirates and now free agent Xavier Nady have had preliminary talks.

Here’s what the original deal was.
Yankees received Nady and Marte.
Pirates received Ross Ohlendorf, Jeff Karstens, Daniel McCutchen and Jose Tabata.

If the Pirates talks with Nady get serious, then the Yankees will really have nothing to show for this deal. What would make it worse is to see Nady wind up back in Pittsburgh and Tabata become the perennial All-Star many assumed he can one day be.

The key to the deal was Tabata, who was once one of the Yankees top hitting prospects. He’s now close to breaking into the majors and being a solid producer at the age of only 21. He played at Triple A Indianapolis this past season at the age of 20, batting .276 with 3 homers and 10 rbis, with 7 doubles in only 134 at bats. Not overwhelming but when you consider his age you see the talent is there.

Tabata should be in Pittsburgh by mid-season and most likely team with Andrew McCutchen to form one of the best young outfields in baseball.

Ohlendorf and Daniel McCutchen had mild success in Pittsburgh. The two of them might actually have solid major league careers by Pittsburgh standards if they stay there. Karstens didn’t have a good season at all and was recently out righted to Triple A.

I’ve never doubted the moves Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has made. He’s always done what he’s felt is best for the Yankees, so its hard to argue with him as he has had success. Even with having to give up Tabata this deal could of been very beneficial to the Yanks if Nady was what Cash thought he was getting.

Unfortunately he wasn’t and this could now wind up on the list of Yankee trades that us fans really regret.

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