Indians Trade Drew Stubbs

Jun 4, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; Cleveland Indians center fielder Drew Stubbs (11) rounds third after hitting a three-run home run during the seventh inning of a game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Drew Stubbs Era Comes to an End

Drew Stubbs has a lot of potential as a baseball player. Unfortunately, that potential was unable to keep him in an Indians uniform for more than one season.

After a rather pedestrian 2013 with the Tribe, Stubbs was traded away on Wednesday afternoon to the Colorado Rockies. In return for the speedy outfielder, the Indians have received left-handed reliever Josh Outman. If you may recall, Outman was a rumored trade target of the Indians leading up to last summer’s July 31st trade deadline. At the time the price was too steep and they decided to pursue the Cardinals‘ Marc Rzepcynski instead.

In 61 appearances last season consisting of 54 innings, Outman posted a 4.33 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, and 8.83 k/9. With the Indians, Outman is likely to fill the void left by Rich Hill as a left hander who can be brought on for multiple batters in addition to lefties. An added benefit of the deal is that Outman is also under team control for an additional two seasons before he will hit free agency. It is this point that surely made him an attractive trade target for the constantly cash conscious Indians.

Meanwhile, Drew Stubbs heads to Colorado where he will look to improve upon the .233/.305/.360 slash line he posted with the Indians in 2013. Valued for his blend of speed and power, Stubbs should serve as an admirable replacement for the recently departed Dexter Fowler in center field for the Rockies. His power should play well in the thin mountain air, but the real question is whether or not he will be able to get on base as a respectable level so that players like Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki can take advantage.

By trading Stubbs, the Indians have no freed up room in their outfield and will roll into Spring Training with Michael Brantley, Michael Bourn, Ryan Raburn, and David Murphy. Barring any setbacks or surprise performances, it is likely we can expect to see those four on the opening day roster as the Indians primary outfielders.