MBaseball: Getz Traded to KC

Submitted by formerlyanonymous on
It's not a huge surprise that Michigan alum Chris Getz has been traded from the White Sox, but it's tough to see him go to a team as lowly as the Royals. Getz was a solid rookie this year for the Sox:
batting .261 with 19 doubles, four triples, two home runs, 31 RBI and 49 runs scored in 107 games. The left-handed hitter ranked tied for first among AL rookies in multi-hit games (28), third in triples and stolen bases (25), tied for fourth in doubles and fifth in walks (30), runs and hits (98). Getz' 92.6 stolen base percentage (25-for-27) led the league (min. 15 attempts). Defensively, his seven errors were tied with Toronto's Aaron Hill for the fewest among second baseman in the AL.

chris getz The White Sox plan all along seemed to use Getz (photo on right from Tony Ding) as a one year plug as they put the finishing touches on top prospect Gordon Beckham, or at least that was the rumors before last season. Getz performed well, but not enough to keep him in the top spot, especially after a season ending oblique injury. Beckham came in after the injury and performed quite well, signaling the end of Getz in Chicago.

This means your Chicago-based, UM-fan guide now points to Jake Fox on the north side, as much it pains me to say (FTR: I hate the Cubs).

At Kansas City, Getz will be competing with Alberto Callaspo at second for the starting position. Just a comparison of the two players:

Player ABs AVG RBI HR R SB
Getz 375 .261 31 2 49 25
Callaspo 576 .300 79 11 73 2

I don't know if the Royals may be using Callaspo as trade bait, or if they may move him over to short stop to replace a struggling Yuniesky Betancourt. We'll find out by April.

Comments

BlueintheLou

November 6th, 2009 at 2:41 PM ^

As a die-hard White Sox fan, I am supremely disappointed with this trade. Fields had his chances and never seemed to capitalize on his opportunities apart from his 23HR campaign in 2006. However, Getz had high potential from my viewpoint. He had the speed and hitting ability, if given the chance, to hit .280-.290 on a yearly basis with 30-40 SB's. Especially with Ozzie's unending requests for speed, giving up on a very talented Getz is baffling to me. Getz had very high upside and performed well for the Sox this year, sad to see him go. Unless this trade is an aside to acquiring Chone Figgins, I give this trade bad initial grades.

BlueintheLou

November 6th, 2009 at 4:20 PM ^

While I most certainly agree that Beckham is more of a power guy, 25+HR, 80+RBI, he is no slouch on the base paths. The kid is fast. He would have held his own with Getz, just doesn't have the stealing intuition that Getz had. Beckham will remain the cornerstone of the infield, undoubtedly, I now have no idea what they do now with the remainder of the infield. They need to have some speed, and Getz gave them that with a solid glove at second.

loosekanen

November 6th, 2009 at 2:43 PM ^

Callaspo is about to get expensive. Getz won't and as a White Sox fan I'll say Getz will be perfect for the Royals. He's going to be underrated and he's younger than Teahan. They also picked up Fields who has some pop at third even though he struggles in the field. Not a bad trade for KC.

Tauro

November 6th, 2009 at 2:43 PM ^

I assume the first RBI column is runs (or else Getz miraculously gained 18 RBI's on his 2 HR).

I think Getz fits the Royals better. Kaufmann Stadium is not the best for power hitters - a combination of speed and average works better (in my opinion).

Getz's 93% stolen base percentage is awesome. If he can get his average up to .280 or higher, I think he is a lock. It'll bring his OBP much nearer to Callaspo's. KC lacks a real lead-off hitter who can get on base with regularity. Getz certainly has the potential to fill that role.

Fielding wise, Getz appears to be better - based on this past season's performance.

A move for Callaspo is certainly not out of the question, especially if Betancourt is traded.

dtdanUM

November 6th, 2009 at 2:56 PM ^

Bobby Scales on the North Side!

This move should work out nicely for Getz, who will have a chance to develop at a major league level without the immediate pressure of contributing to a team expected to compete for the division. With no heir-apparent in the KC system, he should have a couple of years to develop into a respectable, though unspectacular, major league player, with the x-factor of game-changing speed that could keep him in the league as long as it lasts.

03 Blue 07

November 6th, 2009 at 3:25 PM ^

I live in the Chi, and have always rooted for Getz and enjoyed watching him here. I also have to disagree with anyone saying this is "good for him." I just heard him on the radio, and he couldn't hide how bummed he is, though he said all the right things. KC is where fun goes to die in MLB. Ozzie loves him, too. I'd thought for sure they were going to build around he and Beckham as guys for the future. I love Beckham (Not That Beckham)- his at bat song is "Your Love" by The Outfield which is tremendous.