January 10, 2007
Welcome Keppinger
By
Amanda
Posted at 10:07 pm
The Reds acquired IF Jeff Keppinger from the Royals for RHP Russ Haltiwanger, and designated for assignment Ray Olemdo.
Keppinger was traded to the Royals last season from the Mets. HE hit .300 in 87 games for Class AAA Norfolk and .354 in 22 games for Omaha. He hit .267 with 2 HR and 8 RBI in 22 games for the Royals last season. Haltiwanger, 22, appeared in 40 games, starting five and had a 0-4 record with 4.15 ERA and a save.
If Olmedo doesn't clear waivers and end up back in the organization, I'll miss the little fella.
Will he be going to Louisville? Or will they try to trade him, like they did with Brendan Harris? I would think they could get something for a guy like Olmedo.
And does he have to accept a minor league assignment if he clears waivers, or can he become a free agent?
I am no expert on this stuff, but I believe he would have the opportunity to become a free agent. Kriv-dawg could try to trade him, but I imagine he’d prefer to trade another pitcher instead.
Yeah, the transaction rules can be pretty byzantine. How much time he’s got at the major and minor league levels, and whether he’s ever been outrighted before, etc.
The discussion over at Marc’s blog is interesting. Apparently, they are mocking this move over at Rotoworld, because “Brendan Harris and Jeff Keppinger are basically the same player.” I dunno. They may be the same age, with similar major league stats, but that’s a pretty small sample size. If you look at their minor league numbers, Keppinger’s better. He’s got a better bat. And his defensive number look better, too (though of course, defensive stats are always debatable).
It might be best for Olmedo if he is traded. He’s kind of blocked in Cincinnati. Maybe another team will give him his big chance.