From the Nationals …
The Washington Nationals today acquired shortstop Anderson Hernandez from the New York Mets in exchange for right-handed reliever Luis Ayala. Nationals Senior Vice President and General Manager Jim Bowden made the announcement.
The switch-hitting Hernandez—once ranked among the Mets’ top 10 prospects, Hernandez peaked at No. 8 entering the 2006 season according to industry-insider Baseball America—has swiped 166 bases at the minor-league level. Originally signed by Detroit in 2001, Hernandez rated as the best defensive infielder, and as owning the top infield arm, in the Tigers’ system two years later by Baseball America.
Last season, Hernandez earned the Mets’ Sterling Organizational Player of the Year award after hitting .301 with 28 doubles, five triples, five home runs, 42 RBI and 16 stolen bases in 128 games with New Orleans of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League. His 167 hits in 2007 ranked second in the 16-team PCL.
In 2005, Hernandez was named Double-A Binghamton team MVP en route to hitting .315 with 35 stolen bases at the two highest levels within the Mets’ chain. The 25 year-old Hernandez has played in 35 games for New York (NL) the last three seasons, and was a member of the Mets’ Opening Day 25-man roster in 2006.
The 30 year-old Ayala has posted a 5.77 ERA in 62 games with the Nationals this season. He was the franchise’s longest-tenured player.
Here is BBA’s last capsule on him from 2006
Strengths: A switch-hitter, Hernandez is adept from both sides of the plate. He has learned to focus on using the whole field and to make use of his plus speed. Defensively, he has very soft hands, above-average range and an average, accurate arm. He has excellent body control and lateral mobility.
Weaknesses: For a player with very little power, Hernandez doesn’t control the strike zone, and he needs to do a better job of making contact. For all his defensive gifts, he gets himself into trouble when he tries to be flashy.
The Future: Hernandez isn’t going to move Jose Reyes off of shortstop, but the disappointing Kaz Matsui is vulnerable at second base. Most likely, Hernandez will wind up becoming a dependable utilityman.
#1 by Pilchard - August 17th, 2008 at 12:26
How many above-average defensive and below average offensive middle infielders do the Nats feel that they need?
Looks like that Nats are set at the MI spots for 2009: a bunch of interchangeable players with no power and low OBP…. Riveting.
#2 by Garrett Trump - August 17th, 2008 at 12:28
I am excited to finally get rid of Luis Ayala, but im not excited about Hernandez. He’s batting .203 with a .262 OBP. To me he is a lighter hitting shortstop than gonzalez.
#3 by J. Cole - August 17th, 2008 at 12:30
What’s up with all the backup middle infielders? Yea, I know we’re weak in the middle infied, but weak with real players, good players. We can use any bum for backup. My guess though is that they are getting these guys as cheaper replacements for Boone and Belliard next year. Get rid of the higher paid veterans and bring in cheaper youngsters. Good move I guess, but we need relief pitchers on the big club more than utility players right now, does this mean we are down to 10 pitchers. I’m a firm believer in carrying 12 pitchers, so I dislike that they cover 11 anyways, but now 10?
#4 by Garrett Trump - August 17th, 2008 at 12:35
There is some positive news…finally. The Nats brought up Marco Estrada. At least they are giving the young gus a chance.
#5 by Andrew - August 17th, 2008 at 12:50
Good news in that we got something for Ayala. This is honestly more value than I thought for him. That being said, I think we now have the market cornered on light-hitting, quick, middle-infielders.
#6 by SlowPitch63 - August 17th, 2008 at 13:23
Works for me. First starters Second relivers Third Defense Fourth Offense
Trading the Opener for some defense is ok, since no matter who we bring up will be an improvement. We improve our bullpen (addition by subtraction, plus whomeever is brought up)and our defense. We had one major league MI a month ago now we have three. Not future HOF but competent ballplayers who apparently care as much as we do.
The signings were a C- when we needed, and the Plan called for, an A+, but the FO has made some trades I support.
Let’s play two!
#7 by NeedANatsFix - August 17th, 2008 at 13:36
This move makes me wonder if a deal for Belliard with the Dodgers is still possible…
#8 by Andrew S. - August 17th, 2008 at 17:19
More of the same. Hernandez was described to me today as “a poor man’s Alberto Gonzalez.” No one would know who he was if he didn’t play a few years for the Mets.
#9 by Jeff V - August 18th, 2008 at 11:26
I think we just traded a piece of disgusting moldy bread for a piece of stale less disgusting bread.
Nats WIN!
#10 by Mark - August 18th, 2008 at 21:16
Hernandez or Gonzalez will likely be the starting SS next season, this move may be the end of the line for Guzman who is now very tradeable at the Winter Meetings with an extended contract