News
A's land coveted player in Holliday deal
Slugger Wallace, two more prospects acquired from Cards
By Adam Loberstein / MLB.com
07/24/09 7:50 PM ET
OAKLAND -- The A's had their first shot at Brett Wallace about a year ago. They took a pass, though, electing to take Jemile Weeks with the No. 12 pick in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft instead.They made the most of their second chance.
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Oakland acquired Wallace and two other Minor Leaguers from St. Louis in exchange for Matt Holliday on Friday.
"Brett is a guy that we've always sort of longed for," general manager Billy Beane said. "Last year's Draft, we had the difficult choice between him and Jemile. I don't think we could be any more pleased now that we have both of them in the organization.
"It might have taken a year, but he's with the Oakland A's now."
Wallace, drafted one pick after Weeks, is considered one of the best hitting prospects in baseball. The former Arizona State standout is projected to hit for both average and power. He batted .289 with 16 doubles, 11 home runs and 35 RBIs in 94 games between Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis. He had a .368 on-base percentage and slugged .429.
Wallace, who is from Sonoma, Calif., and played his high school ball at Justin Siena in Napa, grew up an A's fan. He'll report to Triple-A Sacramento.
"We've always been enamored with the bat," said Billy Owens, director of player personnel, "and what he has done as a pro has only enhanced that."
Wallace could be capable of even more. Known for his plate discipline, he has walked just 15 times in 243 plate appearances with Memphis this season. He had 18 walks in 151 Double-A plate appearances.
But even though he has impressed at the plate, he has his share of defensive critics.
Wallace had been playing third base for the Cardinals organization, but some scouts believe he could be destined for first base. Beane acknowledged the concern but said that Wallace will play third in Sacramento for now.
"Long term, [third base] is probably the one area in the organization where we definitely have a need," he said. "For the time being, we're going to keep Brett over there, be patient with him and see how it goes."
Beane also seemed open to the idea of trying Wallace in the outfield, as the A's remain hopeful that Eric Chavez will be their third baseman next season. Chavez, who played in only eight games this year, recently underwent his second back operation in two years. He hopes to be ready for Spring Training 2010.
Regardless of where Wallace ends up playing, the A's will be happy as long as his bat is in the lineup.
"We think he's going to be a middle-of-the-lineup power guy, which I think is something that we need going forward," Beane said.
Manager Bob Geren said that Wallace could get his first crack at being that power presence sometime this season.
"I don't want to put limits on anybody," Geren said. "This guy signed a year ago and had success at every level he's played at. ... Around here, we don't put caps on anybody. When they're ready, we'll move them up."
Outfielder Shane Peterson and right-hander Clayton Mortensen also come to Oakland in the trade. They will report to Double-A Midland and Sacramento, respectively.
Peterson, a second-round selection (No. 59 overall) in the '08 Draft, was batting .295 with a .361 on-base percentage in 94 games between high Class A Palm Beach and Springfield. The Long Beach State product has 15 doubles, five triples, seven homers and 12 steals in 13 attempts.
Beane described Peterson as a skilled, multitalented player who moved through the St. Louis organization quickly.
Mortensen, who played for Gonzaga, was 7-6 with a 4.37 ERA with Memphis. He was a sandwich-rounder (No. 36 overall) in the 2007 Draft. The 6-foot-4, 180-pounder has good control (34 walks in 105 innings) and is known for the downward movement he gets on pitches (1.83 groundout/flyout rate).
"We like his stuff," Beane said. "We think he's got a Major League future. ... At some point, he could be a bullpen guy. Right now, we see him as a starter."
Having dealt their biggest trading chip, the A's could now turn their attention to moving a few others before the July 31 Trade Deadline.
"I think that that's a possibility," Beane said. "I've always viewed this time of year as an opportunity. ... The short answer is, I believe so and I hope so. This is the time where everyone is in the mood to make trades. I think it'd be foolish not to take advantage of the opportunity."
Minnesota reportedly has expressed an interest in both shortstop Orlando Cabrera and right-hander Michael Wuertz.
Adam Kennedy, who is batting a team-high .289 since being acquired from Tampa Bay, could also be a nice catch. He has expressed an interest in signing an extension with the club, though, not leaving it.
A three-time All-Star with Colorado, Holliday batted .286 with 11 home runs and 54 RBIs in 93 games with the A's, and is batting .338 this month. He is expected to protect Albert Pujols in the St. Louis lineup.
"I'm happy about the trade," Geren said. "I'm happy for Matt, too. Matt's going to go over to St. Louis and be right in the middle of a pennant race, so it's a good deal for everybody."
The A's recalled infielder-outfielder Eric Patterson to take Holliday's spot on the active roster. Patterson played center field and batted ninth on Friday against the Yankees.
Adam Loberstein is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
