One attribute prevalent throughout coaching ranks in all professional leagues is a degree of loyalty to certain players. Sometimes the manager or coach sees a little of themselves in the player and they keep him around as a service to their lost youth. Other times it’s as simple as sharing common interests*. We’re unable to quantify exactly what that loyalty means to the team dynamic or the players individually. One probable result: the players don’t like it when horrible players are given more playing time because of said loyalty, especially on good teams.

Yet, that’s just what’s happening in St. Louis with Tony La Russa and members of his previous rosters.

Aaron Miles is already back; and for some reason, actually playing. Miles will soon be joined by former teammate Jeff Suppan who was released by the Milwaukee Brewers days ago. Suppan is best known as a sunk cost finally purged from the Brewers roster after making only two starts for them this season. The most steadfast and hopeful Cardinal supporters will point to Suppan’s success under Dave Duncan nearly half a decade ago. The reality is, though, that Suppan wasn’t all too different of a pitcher then than he was in Milwaukee:

MIL: 97 GS, 577 IP, 4.7 SO/9, 3.4 BB/9, 1.2 HR/9, ~5.00 FIP
STL: 95 GS, 572.1 IP, 5.2 SO/9, 3.1 BB/9, 1.1 HR/9, ~4.70 FIP

Yes, Suppan’s FIP and xFIP look improved this season relative to last, but again, he’s spent 90% of his appearances in relief, so of course the numbers should be improved. Suppan managed to tally 31 innings with the Brewers despite a 7.84 ERA. He’s not that bad. He may just be a replacement level starter in his career. That’s relevant because the Cardinals already have one of those in P.J. Walters, whom Suppan will likely replace. Frankly, Walters probably has more upside than Suppan, just as Tyler Greene has more upside than the aforementioned Miles.

This swap looks like a lateral move that’s only being made because Suppan has a history with Duncan and La Russa. If this were, say, Ian Snell, would the Cardinals have hopped on him? The Cardinals needed some rotation help heading into Thursday and it appears the same will hold true come Friday.

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Entering last night’s start against the Boston Red Sox, Justin Masterson was 1-5 with a 5.46 ERA. His peripherals suggested he was a better pitcher than those old timey numbers gave him credit for. So how did Masterson respond while facing his old team but by causing his pitched baseballs to eat more grass than a sick dog. Yes, even more than his usual 62% groundball rate. Here’s his line:

9 IP
2 H
0 ER
6 SO
2 BB
110 Pitches
75 Strikes

That doesn’t tell the entire story though. Here’s the real beef:

21 BIP
17 GB
3 FB
1 LD

That’s 21 balls in play and 17 groundballs –- or 81% — unsurprisingly this left the Red Sox without an extra base hit on the night. The most ridiculous aspect of the night is that Masterson allowed two of those fly balls in the ninth inning. That means that through eight innings and 26 batters –- or nearly three times through the lineup — roughly 90% of the Red Sox’s balls in play were of the groundball variety.

The most surreal aspect is how this marks Masterson’s fifth start this season with a groundball rate over 70% and yet it’s not his highest rate this year. In fact, he’s only allowed more fly balls and line drives than grounders in one start all season; and even then his GB% was 46%. In a May 19th start against Kansas City Masterson faced 23 batters and had 14 of 16 balls in play pound the ground. Against the Orioles days earlier he’d allowed 20 balls in play with 15 being grounders. Then there was his outing against the Yankees two starts ago, where 13 of 28 batters faced hit grounders. That’s almost half the batters he faced, and they all smacked the ball into the earth.

Compare that to the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 17 strikeout performance versus Stephen Strasburg and the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night and one wonders which the more frusturating style of defeat is. Sure, fanning 17 times as a lineup is more embarrassing, perhaps humiliating, but at least the guy throwing at you for seven innings was straight out of a nightmare.

To drop some analogies on this thing, Masterson carefully placed the carrot in front of rabbits, but only in locations where they could nibble on it, never allowing for a solid chomp. Strasburg never let the rabbit feel as though he had a real shot at biting that carrot. Or, in more simplistic and gory terms: Masterson’s approach resembles death via a thousand papercuts, whereas Strasburg prefers headshots.

We’re kicking off a new series here at FanGraphs, where we’ll profile what each team should do as we head towards the July 31st trading deadline. R.J. starts us off with a look at the Nationals.

Overview

With the arrival of baseball’s Jesus Shuttlesworth and the ability to take on payroll (both in the short- and long-term) Mike Rizzo and the rest of the front office might be tempted to make a splash. After all, despite injury carnage to their pitching ranks, the Nationals were still in the midst of the divisional race through most of May before falling to the cellar in the past few weeks.

Buy or Sell?

Realistically, the Nationals are at least a year away from competing with the Phillies and Braves. Making a big deadline deal would be aimed towards public relation and posterity’s sake. That makes selling more likely.

The Nationals rotation currently features Livan Hernandez, J.D. Martin, John Lannan, Luis Atilano, and yes, Stephen Strasburg. Injuries have decimated a previously potential-packed unit. Jason Marquis won’t return for a few more weeks; Jordan Zimmerman, who underwent Tommy John surgery, might return later in the season; same with Chien-Ming Wang (shoulder surgery), Scott Olsen (shoulder inflammation), Garret Mock (cervical spine surgery), and Ross Detwiler (torn hip cartilage).

With that kind of depth soon returning, it could be ideal for the Nats to attempt and cash in a few of their current starters with limited upside. The problem is, well, they aren’t very good. Livan Hernandez is the most notable thanks to his 2.22 ERA although his peripherals suggest he’s a house of cards. Atilano and Lannan have the same issues of Craig Stammen. None of them can strike batters out and as a result they walk more batters than they should. Stammen had a 1.94 K/BB ratio upon demotion which looks overqualified next to Atilano’s 1.00 and Lannan’s 0.71. The starting pitchers desirable to other teams are equally desirable to the Nationals. Rizzo and company should, however, maneuver a full court press when it comes to moving a reliever or two. It’s not like the Nationals can’t replace the production by sliding a bumped starter into relief anyways.

The Nationals also have an overabundance of utility players too. Cristian Guzman (who had previously only played a non-shortstop position in the 2003 All-Star Game) has taken up second base and right field this year, potentially making him more attractive to suitors if not for an $8 million salary. Willie Harris is cheaper ($1.5 million) and while he’s primarily an outfielder, he has gotten a few starts in at third base and second base in these past two seasons. Adam Kennedy is even less expensive ($1.25 million with a club option worth $2 million or a half million buyout) and has played every position but catcher over his 12 seasons. The Nationals have no shortage of utility men in the minors either, with Eric Bruntlett, Pete Orr, and Luis Ordaz a phone call, meal ticket, and coach seat on the fastest moving missile away.

Even with the odd rumors of a potential extension, Adam Dunn is in the final year of his contract and could prove worthwhile to a team in need of a bat. The problem is that Dunn has never been willing to become a designated hitter, which lowers his value and could limit the potential destinations. Josh Willingham is also intriguing, although the Nats may as well hold onto him.

The Farm

Top catching prospect Derek Norris is still a while away, but his presence along with Ivan Rodriguez’s multiple year contract and Jesus Flores – if he ever returns – mean a catcher isn’t necessary. Double-A Harrisburg features two of the team’s top infield prospects in Danny Espinosa and Chris Marrero. Neither is raking at the moment. Most of the team’s top outfield talent is in the lower minors meaning acquiring an outfielder to plug in alongside Nyjer Morgan and Willingham could be an option. Their aforementioned pitching depth is mostly contained to the upper minors as well. The Nats really need impact talent, just like most teams without contention status. None of their pieces will bring that back, so depth with traces of upside should be the focus.

Budget

It’s impossible to say what the payroll ceiling is, but with more than $20 million in contracts due to expire at season’s end it doesn’t seem impossible to expect the Nationals to be able to take on money now and for the future if necessary.

Many pundits labeled the Rays’ selection of LeVon Washington in the 2009 draft a typical Tampa Bay pick. Athletic, fast, and with raw baseball skills, Washington hailed from a local high school and held a commitment to the University of Florida. Making the pick a bit more interesting for the conspiracy theorists was a slight hint of nepotism stemming from Washington’s shared bloodline to area legend and team employee Fred McGriff. Soon the 30th selection in the draft would be shown on the team’s local broadcast and announce his desire to quickly sign with the Rays and begin his professional baseball career.

Washington never signed with the team, though. Advisor Scott Boras and the Rays played hardball throughout the summer and (eventually) through the signing deadline. Even after Washington was ruled academically ineligible to play for the Gators he chose against signing; instead he would attend a local junior college by the name of Chipola. Meanwhile the Rays were awarded pick 30B (or in normal person land: pick 31) in the 2010 draft as compensation for failing to sign him. The move reeked of boldness from Washington’s camp since he was fresh off labrum surgery and had to bank on his ability, not only to raise his stock, but to not get injured once again.

At Chipola, Washington would bat .327/.429/.578 with eight homers, 24 walks, and 20 strikeouts. Keith Law and Baseball America alike ranked Washington in the 60s heading into the draft and earlier today the Cleveland Indians popped him with pick number 55. That Washington nearly doubled his pick number brought a smirk and knowing chuckle from those who felt he overplayed his hand by passing on the Rays’ offer, a reported $1.1 million. Yet, Jon Heyman reported (and later rescinded to an extent) that Washington and the Indians were nearing an agreement worth $1.55 million.

It would appear that Washington and Boras made the correct decision from a raw dollars perspective, but of course, things are rarely that simple. Using the time value of money formula and estimating a 10% interest rate (for simplicity’s sake), Washington could’ve placed the entirety of that $1.1 million into a bank last year and have it be worth $1.21 million today. The flip side is that Washington’s new deal necessitated a signing value of at least $1.41 million last year to equal the amount he may receive soon. That he gained $340 thousand likely constitutes a victory in the Washington household.

There is at least one drawback though and that is with Washington’s free agency eligibility. Since Washington missed a matter of months in development time rather than years – as he would if he were a member of the Gators right now – there’s probably not too much concern about a delay in free agency qualifying. And why should there be? He’s not even guaranteed an appearance in the show. Forget trying to guarantee a full season worth of playing time and don’t even think about six years of service time in the majors. That’s something that won’t be a factor for at least seven years and given the bust rate of even the best prep and collegiate draftees, it likely won’t ever come into play here.

This analysis can get a whole lot more intricate by examining and implementing other factors. Like say, tuition and insurance costs or potential tax ramifications. Surely Boras and Washington’s family went through those and found this a worthwhile risk 10 months ago, and you know what? They look right if this proposed deal goes down.

As for the Rays, they used that 31st pick on a prep catcher from Indiana named Justin O’Conner. Who knows how he’ll turn out; still, the early word is he’s going to sign relatively quickly which would be a welcomed sight following last year’s debacle when the team failed to sign its first and second round selections.

(Note: Jonathan Mayo has since posted an outright refusal from the Indians on the proximity of a deal, writing that the Indians say they haven’t even contacted Washington.)

Talk about a pair of unlikely walk champions.

George Kottaras entered the season entrenched as the Milwaukee Brewers’ backup catcher. The Brewers had signed Gregg Zaun during the off-season, and his whose ability to switch hit canceled out Kottaras’ left-handed bat. Zaun recently went down with a torn labrum and in the meanwhile Kottaras has filled in beyond admirably. In a little over 100 plate appearances, he’s walked roughly a quarter of the time – something that’s simply unheard of.

Kottaras is hitting for power that he hasn’t flashed since hitting 22 home runs for Pawtucket in 2008 – blasting five long ones with an ISO more than .100 points over league average. Truly the only knock on Kottaras to date has been his inability to handle the running game – he’s let 22 of 26 thieves swipe successfully. When one writes that Kottaras is unlikely to continue this performance, it’s not an insult; instead it’s a statement made of disbelief at Kottaras’ .390-plus wOBA in light of a BABIP in the low-.200s. That’s insanity.

The real question is whether Kottaras will break the 100-walk mark down the stretch – something only 16 full-time catchers have done during a season – or if by then he’ll be bored walking like Uncle Pennybags.

Speaking of radical happenings, John Jaso opened the season in Triple-A and yet there he was on the first weekend of June leading off while being the Rays’ designated hitter. Jaso the batter has always passed the smell tests, unlike Jaso the catcher. He’s worked hard on improving his catching game, but there are still some kinks when it comes to receiving the ball.

The most ridiculous aspect about Jaso’s game also involves walks – namely, his 1.8 walk-to-strikeout ratio, thanks to Jaso walking in more than 15% of his plate appearances. Why is that statistic notable? Because, since the 1990s, Joe Mauer has been the gold standard for catchers with impressive walk-to-strikeout ratios; in fact, his 2008, 2006, and 2009 seasons rank as the top three during that timeframe, and yet Mauer’s career high is 1.68, well below Jaso’s mark.

Jaso is doing his best Mike Scioscia impression and should knock Dioner Navarro off the roster when Jason Bartlett returns from the disabled list. Jaso is unlikely to continue hitting this well, but he walked 12% of the time in Triple-A last season and walked around 15% of the time during his Double-A stint. Unlike some other minor league walk hogs, like say A.J. Ellis, he’s not without other offensive skills. He can put the bat on the ball and doesn’t appear to be the typical catcher with legs made of lead.

It seems highly unlikely either will continue to perform like this, but hey, who saw Kottaras or Jaso being worthy of such praise three months ago?

Give Omar Minaya credit: he’s the best when it comes to signing left-handed relievers with the last name Takahashi. Last season, after the Blue Jays released him, the Mets pounced on Ken Takahashi. He would wind up throwing more than 25 innings out of the pen and generally performed well. Well, that Takahashi is gone, but the Mets added Hisanori Takahashi in his place.

No, they didn’t give Hisanori the same number in order to preserve those surplus replica jerseys and it’s for the best. Hisanori has already thrown 42 innings for the Mets this season and he’s now a member of the Metropolitans’ rotation. The promotion came after 26 innings in the pen; during that stretch Takahashi struck out 33 batters, allowed a single home run, and walked 14 – a total that is deceiving because five of those walks were of the intentional variety – good for a FIP under 2.7.

As one would expect, Takahashi has not continued to strike out more than 11 batters per nine innings pitched as a starter. In fact his strikeout rate sat just under seven per nine entering yesterday; his walk ratio, now unburdened by occasional over managing, sits at a positively cuddle-worthy 1.69 per nine. Takahashi held a 4.21 xFIP entering his start against the Florida Marlins with the main point of conflict being his home run rate. Naturally he allowed two homers, giving him three in 21 starter innings.

Even after those homers, Takahashi’s starter FIP is just north of 4.00. Takahashi very well could be one of those relievers able to translate his skill set into a worthwhile starting performance. Even if his arsenal – which features a high-80s fastball, a loopy high-60s curve, and his sinker-change-up combination of an outpitch known as the shuuto – lacks in sexiness and top-end velocity, he seems to make up for it with the ability to place each pitch wherever he wants.

It’s just amazing that the same guy who gives Alex Cora a contract worth a few million and a vesting option in a non-existent market can take less money and find bargains like either Takahashi.

Barring unforeseen tragedy or circumstance, Bryce Harper will be the number one overall pick in next week’s amateur draft. This will occur roughly a week after Steve Phillips suggested he would trade last year’s number one pick, sir Stephen Strasburg, for a proven veteran starting pitcher. Undoubtedly someone who resides somewhere will suggest a similar faith for Harper. The concept of trading the number one pick before said player reaches the major isn’t just a concept or crackpot suggestion, though, it’s happened and it’s happened as recently as last decade. Here’s a brief history.

The Tim Belcher trade

Drafted by the Minnesota Twins as the first overall pick in the 1983 amateur draft, Belcher actually did not sign with the Twins, and instead would be drafted the New York Yankees in the secondary draft. The Oakland Athletics would acquire Belcher as a free agent compensation pick less than a month later. For Belcher it was a tumultuous path not to the majors, but just to find an apartment for longer than a few weeks at a time. In 1987, the Athletics would send Belcher to complete a previous trade for Rick Honeycutt and three days later Belcher would debut in the majors. Per Baseball-Reference, he would compile 13.2 WAR for the Dodgers while starting 119 games. As for Honeycutt and the Athletics, he would spend eight years there, pitching 406 innings and recording 3.9 WAR.

The Shawn Abner trade

After 16 drafts without a first overall pick being dealt for reaching the majors, we had it happen with back-to-back picks. Drafted by the Mets in June of 1984, Abner would be traded to the San Diego Padres in December of 1986 along with Kevin Armstrong, Kevin Brown, Stan Jefferson, and Kevin Mitchell for Adam Ging, Kevin McReynolds, and Gene Walter. For his part, Abner would actually be well below replacement level despite only racking up 562 plate appearances over five years for the Friars.

The Josh Hamilton trade

This is probably the best known entry while being the one under the least normal of circumstances. Hamilton, of course, fought through addiction and league banishment just to re-enter the Rays’ minor league system in 2006. After a few weeks in short season ball he suffered a season-ending knee injury that required surgery. The Rays left him exposed for the Rule 5 draft and figured he wouldn’t stick on a 40-man roster. The Cubs took him in the draft and traded him to the Reds for cash.

The Adrian Gonzalez trade

The top pick from the 2000 draft, the Marlins would send him along with Ryan Snare and Will Smith the Texas Rangers for Ugueth Urbina. This is one of those trades where it’s easy to look at it now and say, “Wow, they gave that up for Uggie Urbina?” and yes, they did. They gave up a guy with a myriad of potential Fresh Prince and Jazzy Jeff jokes for Urbina. They also gave up Gonzalez.

At that point, Gonzalez was in the midst of a season and a half of disappointing statistics in Double-A as a 20- and 21-year-old; disappointing in the sense that he wasn’t quite the devourer of ozone layers quite yet. Presumably the Marlins didn’t feel comfortable with his development and decided that flags fly forever, so why not add the ultra good Urbina? Not that I’m defending the trade or that point of view, but Gonzalez would contribute -0.7 WAR to the Rangers over two seasons while Urbina would rack up 0.9 wins in 38 innings for the eventual world champs.

Arizona

Best positional player: Ian Kinsler (2000 and 2001: Rounds 29 and 26, Picks 879 and 788). The surprising thing is that Kinsler isn’t even the best middle infielder drafted by a National League West team that didn’t sign.

Best pitcher: David Hernandez (2004: Round 34, Pick 1,016) leads a mediocre group.

Honorable mention: Hector Ambriz (2006: Round 5, Pick 147). Did sign and was a Rule 5 pick this past winter. He’s not all that interesting otherwise.

Colorado

Best positional player: Jody Gerut (1998: Round 2, Pick 71) signed and was traded three years to the day along with Josh Bard for Jacob Cruz.

Best pitcher: Jake Westbrook (1996: Round 1, Pick 21) did sign and was traded 16 months later to the Montreal Expos in a package for Mike Lansing. A few years later he would be involved in a deal (alongside Ted Lilly) for Hideki Irabu and then with Zach Day and Ricky Ledee for David Justice. He’s gotten around a bit.

Honorable mention: Micah Owings (2002: Round 2, Pick 50)

2010 draft connection: Chris Sale was the Rockies’ eighth round pick in 2007. Now he could be the first or second college arm off the board.

Los Angeles

Best positional player: Chase Utley (1997: Round 2, Pick 76). See what I meant by the Kinsler comment?

Best pitcher: David Price (2004: Round 19, Pick 568). Before Price went to Vanderbilt and became the toast of the college pitcher class in 2007.

Honorable mention: Doug Davis (1993: Round 31, Pick 858)

San Diego

They absolutely get their own list:

Todd Helton (1992: Round 2, Pick 55)
Troy Glaus (1994: Round 2, Pick 37)
Chad Cordero (2000: Round 26, Pick 769)
Mark Hendrickson (1993: Round 21, Pick 590)

2010 draft connections: Christian Colon was near signing with the Padres in 2007. After going to Cal State Fullerton he should be the first college shortstop off the board. The Pads also nabbed Tommy Toledo who underwent Tommy John surgery while at the University of Florida.

San Francisco

Best positional player: J.D. Drew (1994: Round 20, Pick 564)

Best pitcher: Brad Lidge (1995: Round 42, Pick 1,167)

Honorable mention: Barry Bonds (1982: Round 2, Pick 39). This goes against the active player rule, but hey, he’s not retired yet, right?

Los Angeles of Anaheim

Meet the megaton of getaways. Here’s a list:

Aaron Hill (2000: Round 7, Pick 200)
Bobby Crosby (1998: Round 34, Pick 1,021)
David Murphy (2000: Round 50, Pick 1,439)
Rich Hill (2001: Round 7, Pick 209)
Brian Matusz (2005: Round 4, Pick 133)
Buster Posey (2005: Round 50, Pick 1,496)

2010 draft connection: Matt Harvey (2007: Round 3, Pick 118), who went to the University of North Carolina and should be a first round pick.

Oakland

Best positional player: Justin Smoak (2005: Round: 16, Pick 491). Undoubtedly mentioned every time Smoak hits a homer against the Athletics.

Best pitcher: Jonathan Papelbon (2002: Round 40, Pick 1,208)

Honorable mention: Daniel Schlereth (2007: Round 8, Pick 270)

Seattle

Best positional player: Juan Pierre (1995, 1996: Rounds 30 and 48, Picks 818 and 1,406) was drafted twice by the M’s, although later in the second year which is counterintuitive, and signed neither time. He’d wind up in Colorado instead.

Best pitcher: Barry Zito (1996: Round 59, Pick 1,587). Undoubtedly mentioned every time Zito pitched a gem against Seattle throughout his Oakland career.

Honorable mention: Rich Harden (1999: Round 38, Pick 1,145)

Texas

Barry Zito is a nice fellow, I’m sure, but he’s not interesting enough to write about twice. Instead, let’s focus on the Rangers’ two 2010 draft ties.. In the 2007 draft the Rangers really went to work in the 16th round, selecting Anthony Ranaudo and Drew Pomeranz. For those living under a rock for the last several months, Ranaudo and Pomeranz are two of the top three or four college arms in this year’s draft and will go in the first round.

Chicago

Best positional player: Adam Everett (1995: Round 4, Pick 91)

The Cubs’ unsigned pitcher selection pool is barren. Instead, I offer two players they signed, drafted, then quickly traded. First, Jon Garland (1997: Round 1, Pick 10). He was drafted on June 3, 1997 and traded on July 29, 1998 for Matt Karchner. Now, not to judge, but Matt Karchner was 31 years old, and had one season with 50 or more innings and a sub-4.5 FIP or 3 ERA to that date – yes, he was a reliever. Garland hadn’t pitched great in the minors that season. Mind you, he had a 5.03 ERA and a 1.56 SO/BB ratio in 107 innings, but the Cubs had just taken him in the top 10 of the draft. Couldn’t they find someone else at least slightly enamored of him and gotten a better return?

The second is Kyle Lohse (1996: Round 29, Pick 862) whom the Cubs drafted in 1996 and traded with Jason Ryan for Rick Aguillera and Scott Downs in 1999.

Cincinnati

Best positional player: Andy Tracy (1995: Round 28, Pick 783)

Best pitcher: Trevor Hoffman (1989: Round 11, Pick 290). Not only did Hoffman sign with the Reds, but he played for them through the 1992 season. It was at that point the Florida Marlins drafted Hoffman in the expansion draft.

Honorable mention: Jeremy Sowers (2001: Round 1, Pick 20). Notable because the Reds never intended to sign Sowers, instead opting for a supplemental pick the next year. It looks like a bad decision, not because Sowers is a maven, but because in doing so the Reds missed out on Jeremy Bonderman, David Wright, and John Rheinecker’s beard.

Houston

The Astros are actually a special case. They have not one connection to the top talents of the 2010 draft, not two, but three. Derek Dietrich, Chad Bettis, and Brett Eibner were all drafted and went unsigned. Now each may go in the top two rounds with at least one likely to go in the top 30. Houston’s farm system has been scorched ground for a while now, and while there’s no guarantee that any of those players turns into a legitimate prospect it certainly would’ve made their system look healthier.

Milwaukee

Best positional player: Jason Giambi (1989: Round 43, Pick 1,118). Drafted as a shortstop, Giambi would head to Long Beach State University and later the Oakland Athletics on his way to national prominence.

Best pitcher: Andrew Bailey (2005: Round 16, Pick 475). Did you know that with his last appearance – career number 89 – Bailey became Wagner College’s all-time leader in games pitched? Take that Al Severinsen.

Honorable mention: Kanekoa Texeira (2004: Round 31, Pick 916). Mostly because of his name and he’s in the news.

Pittsburgh

Best positional player: Stephen Drew (2001: Round 11, Pick 324). Didn’t sign and signability issues caused him to sink in the 2004 draft, too.

Best pitcher: Chris Young (2000: Round 3, Pick 89). Actually did sign with the Pirates, and was traded alongside Jon Searles in December of 2002 for Matt Herges. Hey, anytime you can flip a 23-year-old with strikeout-to-walk ratios of 3.6 and 4.00 in more than 200 minor league innings for an aging middle reliever, you have to do it, right?

Honorable mention: Willie Harris (1996: Round 28, Pick 816)