Relief Market – Hidden Gem ???

Could there be a hidden gem on the market for relief pitchers. Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports mentions Oakland Athletics Craig Breslow as a target of three contenders in the American League. Breslow is a 30-year old left and is considered one of the “smarter” players in the league as he’s a Yale graduate who majored in molecular biophysics and biochemistry.

"

@JeffPassan: #Yankees, #RedSox, #Tigers looking at the smartest man in baseball, #A’s LHR Craig Breslow. Better vs. RHH (.576 OPS) than LHH (.678 OPS).

"

Breslow is an intriguing option for all of the teams listed by Passan. Like the OPS numbers says he’s been pretty darn effective. Here are some additional numbers thou. He has a 3.06 ERA over 44 and 2/3 innings, with a 4-2 record. He’s also exhibited a good sense of control, with the ability to punch hitters out, he’s averaging 3.4 BB and 9.4 K per nine innings.

There’s another thing that makes Breslow interesting and it’s not his stats, it’s the money. Breslow’s 2010 salary is only $425,000 and he’s under team control until 2013. So whomever trades for him will have him under control for a few years.

There is one downside to Breslow thou. Personally, I’d consider him more of a one or two batter specialist then a pitcher you’d trust pitching the entire seventh or eighth inning. He’s pretty much lights out with the bases empty but his numbers get much worse when a runner is on base. Even worse? Hitters are at their best against him with runners in scoring position AND two outs. When he comes in with a man on base there is a 23% chance the runner scores (5 out of 22) ,pretty much in line with his 22% career average.

I don’t know if I’m a contender that’s one thing that would scare me.

Out of the three teams listed by Passan, I’d say the New York Yankees would make the most interest for Breslow’s services. He’s a lefty, something the Bombers sorely need in their bullpen. Their only option is Boone Logan and he’s well just not that good.

One thing is for sure here, Athletics General Manager Billy Beane will expect something of value in return. Breslow isn’t the greatest reliever but is very effective. More importantly, with him under team control for a couple seasons and at an affordable rate, Beane should be able to acquire a mid-level prospect out of one of these contenders.