Coors Light, to Burning Oak Black Lager

By Corey R. Cunningham

The Oakland A’s traded a pair of pitchers to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for a starting LF. The A’s acquired pitchers, Josh Outman and Guillermo Moscoso, in exchange for LF Seth Smith.

Smith, who played in 147 games for Colorado last year, had his most productive year yet. In 2011, Smith hit .284, 15 HR, 59 RBI, and scoring 67 R. Besides the 3-0 counts where Smith batted 1.000 AVG, his next best BA, came in at hitting .472 after getting ahead in a count 1-0. Smith found his home in batting 5^th 47 times, and batting 6^th, 51 times. I can see Smith sitting in the clean up spot, either in front of Josh Reddick and Behind Daric Barton, or in the 5^th slot, behind Barton and in front of Suzuki. My prediction: .265 BA, 11 HR, 74 RBI.

Josh Outman will more than likely work out of the bullpen in 2012 in Colorado, as he has never settled into a starting pitchers role since he entered the MLB. The 27-yr old Outman returned from Tommy John surgery last year and notched 58 innings worth of work. He holds a career record of 8-8, with a career 3.75 ERA, 107 K. My prediction: 2-4, 3.10 ERA, 45 K.

Guillermo Moscoso, who I like to refer to as the ‘Dark Horse’ in this trade had a record of 8-10, compiling an ERA of 3.38 in 128 IP last year. I believe Moscoso could hold the No. 3 hole coming out of spring training, behind, Nicasio, and in front of Guthrie or Pomeranz. My prediction: 10-10, 3.54 ERA, 145 K.

Not many stats for the above individuals, as this post holds less water than others, however, this does play an important role in both organizations. The Colorado Rockies pitching staff, both starting and in relief have been upgraded since the loss of Closer Houston Street.  They have gained depth in SP from trade acquisitions. Last year from Cleveland they brought in Drew Pomeranz, and Alex White. They also have acquired Baltimore’s Ace Jeremy Guthrie who will settle most likely in the No. 4 hole.