As the free agent center field market dwindled, to the point that it now only consists of overpaying for Michael Bourn, the Phillies found a hidden trap-door in Minnesota.
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Vance Worley (49) throws during the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. The Philadelphia Phillies won 3-2. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
After the Twins traded Denard Span to the Nationals, it was thought that Ben Revere was his replacement in center field at Target Field. As it turns out, he was available too.
The Phillies jumped on Revere, sending major league starter Vance Worley and minor league pitching prospect Trevor May to Minnesota. The move answered needs for both teams, giving the Phillies a true center fielder in the majors, and giving the Twins both a major league starter for this season and pitching depth to go with their rebuilding process.
For the Phillies, it was an overpay. Worley for Revere straight-up would have been an even trade, as the pair has similar production value and the same amount of team control remaining. The fact that the Twins got the Phillies to throw in May shows a shrewd move by the Minnesota front office, and perhaps a hint of desperation by the Phillies not to shell out another huge contract for a free agent center fielder.
Even if the Phillies overpaid in terms of players, it’s better than further handcuffing their payroll that has already been hijacked by $100 million contracts.
May was a lot to give up, however. The Phillies top prospect entering the season, May took a step back in 2012 but still remains a high-level prospect. The 6’5″ right-hander has a power arm and strikes out plenty of batters, but this season, lost a battle with is command and control.
If he gets things back together, he could be a number two starter. Without it, he’s a back-end guy. Either way, he’s an innings-eater who should be a workhorse in the Twins rotation, possibly by the end of the year. By 2013, he should become a mainstay in Minnesota.
The Phillies, on the other hand, are only getting older on their pitching staff, and could have used an influx of youth on the mound. But after painting themselves into a corner with huge contracts to Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Ryan Howard and Jonathan Papelbon, they were in a position where they had to overpay with other assets instead of spending more money.
They did ok for themselves, but Revere is basically a league average player. He fits their needs, but isn’t an impact player. If May turns into one himself, we could look back on this deal as being even more lopsided that it already is.
