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Durham Sent to Millwaukee

With a little less than 2 weeks before the July 31st trade deadline, the Giants have made the first of what hopes to be a string of moves in order to rid their roster of their veteran players.

Ray Durham had been scouted by the Brewers for the last 2+ weeks and on Sunday night after they finished their 3 game series, the Giants and Brewers agreed on a deal that sent Durham to the Brew Crew for a couple of minor leaguers. The guys the Giants got in exchange for Durham aren't 4 or 5 star prospects, but I am at least little bit intrigued by 22 year-old Darren Ford who was playing for the Brewers high-A affiliate. Ford was ranked as the best defensive outfielder and base runner in a Brewers' system that featured some big time talent before the year. He is only hitting .237, but has 48 stolen bases which ranks second in all of minor league baseball. He also has scored 57 runs which isn't bad and made the FSL all-star team in June. Ford's bat looks like it has the potential to improve. Last season, he hit .335 with 5 home runs, 33 rbi, 31 steals and 48 runs in only 51 games at the low-A level. Most likely, the Giants have themselves a younger version of Rajai Davis, an extremely fast athletic outfielder with a below average bat, but he has upside and the Giants are finally giving players with upside and still has time to develop at 22.

The other guy the Giants acquired in the trade is 26 year-old lefty, Steve Hammond. I'm not too intrigued with Hammond outside of the fact that he's left handed. He was a former 6th round pick, so he he's got ability, but he's never really done much since being drafted. He has an era in the 7's with the Brewers AAA affiliate, but he was throwing well in AA earlier in the year. I don't expect to ever see Hammond dawn a Giants uniform, but I have no complaints at all about his deal. Ray Durham was a solid Giant, and outside of his huge fall off last season, and a few too many trips to the disabled list, he has been one of the Giants most consistent offensive performers during his tenure here. However, he's 36, a free agent after the year and there's no way the Giants were bringing him back. Now they open the door at second for the likes of Eugenio Velez, Travis Denker and Emmanuel Burris to soak up at-bats and see if any of these guys can claim that spot heading into next season. I have to say, job well done by Sabean on this deal, but I would still like to see Omar Vizquel, Rich Aurilia and Randy Winn moved before the 31st.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Not a bad deal for the Giants. Probably nobody who will ever amount to anything, but Durham was worthless to us. I wish we could have gotten Weeks somehow.
11:36 PM
Anonymous said…
What ever happened to Kevin Frandsen? Is he not playing this year or is he in the minors or what????
6:44 PM
Anonymous said…
I think he's still injured and prolly out for the year. Not sure though.
2:30 AM
Trevor Cole said…
There is an outside chance that Frandsen comes back for a few weeks in September, but that's doubtful. He still should be very much in the second base mix heading into next season though. The Giants won't be looking to add anyone via free-agency there, so it likely will come down to either Jose Castillo, Eugenio Velez or Kevin Frandsen with Travis Denker also in that mix. I think they're going to want Burris at short.
12:44 AM
LJ said…
The Ray Durham, Giants / Brewers trade was the best thing for all parties.

Ray Durham is probably sorry to leave SF, but pleased to be going to a contender.

Brewers received a solid defensive player with a carrier .293 batting average and .385 on-base percentage. While in the Bay Area, Durham, when his legs are health had been a solid performer for the Giants. This had been especially important this year as constant offence has been an ongoing issue for the Giants.

Giants can continue with the there youth movement. In return for Durham the Giants received a lefty pitcher, young outfielder. Even if they never make the big leagues, and I am not saying they will not, Sabean deserves credit for attempting to rebuild both the Giants and it’s minor league affiliates. A daunting task to be certain.

I would be surprised if Omar Vizquel, Rich Aurilia, Dave Roberts and Randy Winn are moved before the 31st.
2:18 PM
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