Originally Posted by
jokin
Terry Ryan and PPMPPPP
In the category of "Payroll Paring Moves of Proven Players at Premium Positions", Ryan definitely has Smith beaten and deserves some credit. Hardy for Hoey ranks near an all-time low in Twins trading annals. Span for Meyer looks somewhat better, on paper anyways.
Let's look at some comparable numbers:
Jim Hoey 6'6"/205#s
Hoey combined numbers at age 23 playing at 3 levels (A/A+/AA):
IP 51/ERA 2.28/WHIP 1.11/K^9 12.9/BB^9 3.2
Alex Meyer 6'9"/220#s
Meyer combined numbers at age 22 at 2 levels (A/A+):
IP 129/ERA 2.86/WHIP 1.10/K^9 9.7/BB^9 3.1
Obviously, Meyer achieved the bulk of his numbers as a starter, so the comp is less than exact, but still... both pitchers come advertised with major mechanics issues.