Angels-Expos (Nationals, Grays, or Senators) Trade

On November 17, 2004 the Anaheim Angels completed a trade with the new franchise in Washington D.C. (formerly the Montreal Expos). In the trade, the Angels gave Washington it's beleaguered right fielder Jose Guillen (28), in exchange for minor- leaguer Macier Izturis (24)--brother of Los Angeles Dodger Shortstop, Cesar--, and OF Juan Rivera (25).

Before delving into the obvious questions, such as "Which team does this trade benefit more?" and "Why was this trade made?" Here is a look at each player's 2004 statistics:

Macier Izturis (AAA- Edmonton Trappers)- .338/.428/.423, .238 MjEqA, 57/30 K/BB, 3 HR, 19 2B, 2 3B, 14/12 SB/CS

Macier Izturis (MLB-Montreal Expos)- 32 Games, 107 AB's, .206/.286/.318, 20/10 K/BB, 1 HR, 5 2B, 2 3B, 4/0 SB/CS
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Juan Rivera (MLB-Montreal Expos)- 134 Games, 391 AB, .307/.364/.465, 12 HR, 45/34 K/BB, 6/2 SB/CS

Translated batting line- .301/.357/.454-.279 EqA
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Jose Guillen (MLB- Anaheim Angels)- 148 Games, 565 AB, .294/.352/.497, 27 HR, 92/37 K/BB, 5/4 SB/CS

Translated batting line- .303/.361/.521-.293 EqA
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As one can clearly see, Izturis is a great prospect. A .238 Major League Equivlant EqA, at age 24 is excellent.

It is also clear that Rivera is coming off of a great season in Montreal, as is Guillen in Anaheim.

Now, to begin answering the question of "Which team benefitted the most from this trade?" the first point that must be clarified is that Guillen is the best player involved in this deal.

Since Guillen is the best player in the deal, and Washington is the team that ended up with him, does that mean Washington got the best of this deal? The answer to that question is "No."

Rivera is a young player that has responded to an increase in AB's every year, by increasing many of his offensive statistics, while showing no decline in any category. Starting in 2002, and going through 2004, Rivera has raised his HR total (1-7-12) each and every year, as well as his 2B totals (5-14-24), AVG (.265-.266-.307), and EqA (.244-.268-.279).

While Rivera is a young player clearly on the rise, so is Izturis. Just look at his numbers last year in the AAA league. While it is true, he did not do well in his 107 AB in the major leagues last year, that is completely to be expected of by a rookie, and should not be held against him. It is more important to look at what Izturis accomplished throughout his many more AB in the minors leagues, and to see that his MjEqA of .238, which as stated earlier, is good for any 24 year old not named Albert Pujols.

So while it is true that Washington did not benefit the most from this trade, they also did not lose out on this trade either. With Guillen being only 28 (29 next baseball season), and factoring in the tremendous numbers that he put up last year, Washington is receiving a great player.

So as much as I hate to do this, I'd have to say that there are two answers to this question:

1. For the next 2-4 years this trade benefits the new Washington franchise, because Guillen has already proven that he is a great offensive player. Also, with Guillen being only 28, he should have some very good years still ahead.

2. For the next 5-8 years, this trade benefits the Angels. By securing Rivera and Izturis, they've assured themselves that they will have solid, if not very good players, in both the OF and SS positions, for years down the road.

To sum this trade up, the Angels traded for the future, while the Expos traded to win now.

Now the question, "Why was this trade made?"

This question has an easy answer.

Since Washington is a "new" franchise, they believe it is important to show it's new fan-base that they are serious about winning, and winning now. By completing this trade, and receiving established-star Guillen, Washington has proven that it wants to win now.

By giving up two players under the age of 27, on the rise, they have shown winning now is the priority, not the future.

And for Anaheim, this trade was made for the future; and to rid of it's egotistical, temper-tantrum-throwing, right fielder.

Both teams got what they wanted out of this trade.

Thank you for reading.

Frank Bundy III

If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to email me at frnkbndy@yahoo.com.