Trade Post: No Reimer Reason

It wouldn’t be out of line to feature Alphone Dante Bichette on a list of dominant hitters of the mid to late ‘90s. But prior to cracking four all-star games, winning a Silver Slugger, once leading the NL in hits and homeruns, and driving in 118 or more runs for five consecutive seasons, Bichette was simply a less-than-impressive Brewer. On November 17, 1992 the less-than-impressive Brewer was granted a Rockies renaissance when he was dealt to Colorado for, at the time, comparable outfielder Kevin Reimer.

Before Leaving Town:

In four of five seasons spent between Anaheim and Milwaukee, Bichette posted a sub-.260 average, and putrid OBP. Despite twice hitting 15 homers in that period, he failed to impress at that plate. His 1992 season, his last in Milwaukee, proved to be the best (though still bad) indication of what he was to become, with a .287 average, a .318 OBP (highest to date), and 18 stolen bases in 112 games.

The Return:

Over parts of five seasons with Texas, Kevin Reimer actually posted slightly better offensive numbers than Bichette, excluding stolen bases. The Rangers lost Reimer to the Rockies in the expansion draft. The Rockies, in turn, traded him to Milwaukee the very same day.

The Payoff:

Colorado: As stated above, Bichette used the favorable hitting conditions in Denver to his advantage. He obtained numerous accolades and willed his career out of obscurity to become a name of note during the post-strike offensive explosion. He hit over 200 homeruns in seven seasons there before being dealt to Cincinnati, and eventually Boston.

Milwaukee: Virtually none. Reimer only spent one season in Milwaukee (1993), and his 13 HR, 60 RBI, .303 OBP campaign wasn’t terrible, but far from good in the 125 games span. Reimer was granted free agency after 1993 season and never played professional baseball again.

The Winner:

Colorado...by a ton. But in the same breath, it’s hard to blame Milwaukee for trading Bichette away. Reimer was a year younger, and prior to the trade, put up better numbers while having fewer opportunities to do so. I don’t know if it was the altitude, a change in scenery, protection in the batting order or some other factor, but Dante Bichette emerged from this trade a great player. And I don’t think anyone (apart from Colorado’s front office) saw it coming.