Diamondbacks Have a 1-2 Punch

The Diamondbacks trade three players to the Braves for pitcher Shelby Miller.

A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press the Arizona Diamondbacks have acquired All-Star right-hander Shelby Miller from the Atlanta Braves for overall No. 1 draft pick Dansby Swanson, outfielder Ender Inciarte and pitching prospect Aaron Blair.

The Diamondbacks also get minor league left-hander Gabe Speier in a trade that gives Arizona its second top-flight starter in one day.

Miller was one of the unluckiest pitchers in the majors in 2015, going 6-17 despite a 3.02 ERA. On the other hand, his ERA may have been a bit lucky, since his FIP came in at 3.45 and his xFIP at 4.07. Miller allowed a .285 BABIP last season, but he allowed a low BABIP throughout his career, and the .285 mark was higher than his .274 career mark. It’s possible his low BABIP is real.

Swanson spent a year at low A Ball, hitting .289/.394/.482. I’m not overly impressed because he did that at age 21. Inciarte is an established major league outfield. He hits for a high batting average, but not much else. His power is limited to doubles and triples. He is just entering his prime, however, so he might still get a bit better. Blair doesn’t walk many batters, but his K rate has varied from ok to great depending on his level in the minors.

Miller gives the Diamondbacks an excellent #2 starter. The Braves get two players who likely help right away, and a third that needs a year or two in the higher minors to prove himself. Looks to me like the DBacks made a very good deal.

from baseballmusings.com http://ift.tt/1lNyB3n