Detroit Tigers receive:

• Infielder/Outfielder/Designated Hitter, Aubrey Huff

Baltimore Orioles receive:

• High-A Right Handed Pitcher, Brett Jacobson

In a prior article, I mentioned that Aubrey Huff had a career renaissance in 2008; however, this year he fell back to the mediocrity of his 2004-2007 seasons.  Huff played the majority of his games at the batter-friendly confines of Camden Yards and his splits tell an interesting story.  This season at Camden Yards, his numbers were solid, 282/353/482; his away numbers, to date, are far different, 224/286/324.  His home/away OPS split is 835/610 for those keeping score at home.

Tigers Take

So why would the Tigers trade for the declining Huff, who is owed about $2 million before becoming a free agent at the end of the year?  Huff is a cost saving measure.

What??  Huff costs the team $2 million, how does that save money?  Think outside the box!  Huff gives the team an option to keep Magglio Ordonez out of the lineup.  Maggs has an $18 million option that kicks in with 1,080 plate appearances between 2008 and 2009 and as of today, Ordonez needs just 71 more plate appearances to hit that mark.  Huff provides a possible solution to the dilemma.  A veteran power bat, his acquisition immediately makes him tied for the team lead in RBI with 72, tied with Miguel Cabrera; he also is in the top four in home runs and doubles.  Aubrey Huff provides a middle of the lineup bat who can share designated hitter and left field duties with Carlos Guillen.  An offensive boost in the lineup also enables manager Jim Leyland to use a more defensively minded right fielder over Magglio Ordonez, who provides average/below average defense.  Both combined effectively put Magglio Ordonez onto the bench and the Tigers may have a perfect storm that could keep Ordonez from reaching a plateau, saving the team $15 million ($3 million is a buyout).

Orioles Take

The biggest thing is $2 million.  You can argue that he cost some draft picks, but that is if he declined arbitration, where he would make around $8 million.  There’s a good chance Huff accepts arbitration in fear that he wont attract a multi-year offer or even a one-year deal for the same money.  That said the O’s acquired Brett Jacobson, a 6’6, 205 lb. right handed pitcher who throws a fastball, changeup and curveball.  Jacobson was drafted 133 overall 2008 and will turn 23 in November 2009 and according to Saberscouting, “[s]hows legit mound presence and fear of no one. Goes after hitters with fastballs and isn’t afraid to challenge. Has the aptitude of a pitcher and knows how to mix his pitchers in hitter’s counts. Carries himself with a swagger and loves his stuff. Has an advanced feel for the game and situations.”

This season Jacobson pitched out of the bullpen for Lakeland of the Florida State League.  His record was 1-3 with a 3.74 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and had an impressive 2.6/1 K/BB rate in 55 1/3 innings.  He is currently with the Frederick Keys, the High-A affiliate for the Baltimore Orioles.

Who wins?

Well, this is yet to be seen.  If the Tigers can limit Magglio Ordonez’s at bats and prevent the option from kicking in, then the Tigers will be the clear winners here.  If Ordonez’s option vests, then clearly the Orioles are the winners purely on acquiring something for nothing and saving $2 million.  Time will tell.