July 24, 2005 at 8:33 PM
Top 5 Trade Deadline Casualties - Prospects
With the song "It's Most Wonderful Time of the Year" stuck in my head as the trade deadline looms, let's take a moment to look back and see which former Sox prospects were prematurely dealt away to other organizations. Note- I am not judging the trade itself, but merely the prospects involved in the trade. Here is my Top 5.
1. Jeff Bagwell (1990) Is there any doubt about this one? A future hall of famer, traded at the deadline for Larry Anderson. Bags goes on to smash 449 career HRs, over 1500 RBIs, and a career OBP (.408) that would make Boy Wonder's eyes glaze. Not to mention winning 1994 National League MVP. All without playing a single game for the Sox.
2. Curt Schilling (1988) Thank God we got him back. After trading him (along with #3 Brady Anderson) to the O's for Mike Boddicker, Schill went on to have a strong career with the O's, Philly, Arizona, and back to square one in Boston. Career 185-126 pitcher, with an ERA of 3.36. Needless to say a key component to the Sox World Series championship in 2004.
3. Brady Anderson (1988) Although he had one break-through season in 1996 where he hit 50 HRs, he always remained steady at the plate, and played very good outfield. Had a career .362 OBP, and a respectable K/BB ratio (.8).
4. Matt Murton (2004) Traded to Chicago in the Nomar deal, as of right now, we have only one word to go by: potential. Murton has shot up the Cubs farm system since being traded, and hasn't skipped a beat since joining the Cubs starting lineup, batting .412 with an OPS of .921.
5. Mike Maroth (2000) Traded to Detroit for Bryce Florie, Maroth tied an MLB record with 21 losses in 2003, but has been known to absolutely eat up innings, averaging nearly 7IP per outing while in Detroit. A solid lefty starter, Maroth could've fit nicely in Boston.