Cleveland Indians News: David Murphy Traded to Angels

David Murphy Traded to the Angels

Earlier this week I talked about possible destinations for Cleveland Indians OF/DH David Murphy and the top destination I mentioned was the Los Angeles Angels.  Well this evening that very trade occurred.

The Angels have been very busy over the last 24 hours or so, acquiring, in addition to Murphy, outfielders Shane Victorino and David DeJesus from the Red Sox and Rays, respectively.  Murphy would appear to fit in with Victorino in a LF platoon but could see time in RF and DH as well.  Angels ramped up their efforts today after it was announced that Mike Trout is still dealing with a sore wrist.

For the Cleveland Indians they will be getting Double-A SS Eric Stamets from the Angels.  Stamets is a 23-year old infielder that hails from Dublin, Ohio.  The former 6th round pick doesn’t provide much in terms of hitting as he’s never had a wRC+ of even 100 (league average) and is hitting just .248/.306/.360 in 62 games this year.  He’s also repeating Double-A after struggling there in 2014.  He is, however, known for his glove though and has some nice speed (stole 11 bases last year).  

He’s not a guy to get too excited about as he wasn’t even a top 20 prospect in a lackluster Angels farm system, but he could be a useful depth option for the Indians. One can never have too many infielders, especially ones that can play good defense.

That said, this deal is more about moving Murphy.  It opens up a roster spot for someone like Lonnie Chisenhall, Zach Walters, Jose Ramirez, Tyler Holt, James Ramsey, Tyler Naquin, or even Jerry Sands.  Any one of those guys could be called up tomorrow to take Murphy’s spot, at least until Nick Swisher comes off the disabled list.  It also saves the Indians some money thought it appears they will be sending some cash to the Angels.

Still would expect the Indians to save a couple million with this deal, plus the $500K buyout for 2016. Also of note, the Angels have announced that former Tribe reliever Vinnie Pestano has been designated for assignment to make room for Murphy on the 40-man roster. Teams will now have a chance to claim him. Could a Tribe reunion be in the cards?

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