Tigers Grab Huff

The Tigers added another bat to the equation today, acquiring Aubrey Huff from the Orioles in exchange for pitcher Brett Jacobson.

Huff figures to play some DH for the Tigers, this could be a problem since his bat has been horrid this season. His .253/.321/.405 line is pretty unlike Huff. The main culprit seems to be an increase in strikeouts – nearing a career high point – and a depressed BABIP. Huff is still pounding righties at a decent rate, but lefties are having their way with him. Huff hasn’t played the outfield since 2006, but did play some third base last year, so maybe the Tigers plan to use him in a utility role, but that seems a bit questionable given his defensive limitations.

For the six weeks of Huff, the Orioles receive Jacobson. The former Vanderbilt closer has decent velocity and has spent time developing his breaking and off-speed pitch, but his main problem was with control. Those problems haven’t shown up too up much as a professional, but he’s taken a step back upon reaching High-A.

Even if Jacobson falters to ever make an impact at the major league level, you have to appreciate the Orioles dedication to turning older parts into potentially useful young ones. Just this week they also acquired Rhyne Hughes as a PTBNL in the Gregg Zaun trade. Hughes is left-handed with some pop, but his high strikeout rates corresponding with advanced age are a bit concerning. Still, turning these old, near the end of the road (either with the O’s or in baseball) parts into something with upside is commendable.





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TJ
14 years ago

yea because a team that is about 8 games over .500 and made the world series in 06 realy sucks