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Grading The Deals: Guillen To K.C., Riske To Milwaukee

Authored by Douglas Benton - 6th December, 2007 - 4:33 pm

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In an unexpected turn to the baseball hot stove league, the Kansas City Royals have been active participants. Although they failed to make the rumors true of bringing centerfielder Andruw Jones to the Royals, they did bring in outfielder Jose Guillen while losing relief pitcher David Riske to the Milwaukee Brewers. How do these deals grade out?

Guillen to done the Royal blue

Outfielder Jose Guillen left the Seattle Mariners and went to the Kansas City Royals for a 3-year deal worth $36 million.

Guillen has been tough to pin down his entire career as he has teetered between budding superstar and malcontent. Last year with the Seattle Mariners, he hit .290 with 23 home runs and 99 RBI.

In pure talent, Guillen is a legitimate power threat from the right side of the plate who should be expected to hit anywhere between .280-.290, hit 25-30 home runs, and drive in over 100 runs. He should also be expected to strike out often since he has an undisciplined approach at the plate. The 118 strikeouts he had in 2007 should only rise as he begins to focus more on his power.

In the outfield, he has good range and an excellent arm which makes him a very good corner outfield candidate for any team. He isn’t gold glove caliber, but he will save runs and make plays for his team.

However, he comes with baggage, not including the recent allegations of buying human growth hormone and steroids. He is a solid starting outfielder, but with the economic situation of the Royals, I think they spent too much money to bring him to Kansas City.

Grade: C-

Riske headed to Brewers’ bullpen

The Brewers added right-handed pitcher David Riske with a 3-year deal worth $13 million, plus an option for the 2011 season.

Last season in 69.2 innings of work, Riske went 1-4 with four saves and a 2.45 ERA. He wasn’t overpowering with 6.72 strikeouts per nine innings; also, his 27 walks isn’t a great number for someone coming out of the bullpen.

Riske benefited from a good season at a time when the market for middle relievers is higher than it has ever been. This isn’t a bad signing by the Brewers, who filled a glaring need made by the departure of Scott Linebrink and Francisco Cordero. However, it isn’t a great signing either and will only further the obscene rise of money paid toward middle relievers.

Grade: B-

How do you feel the Royals and Brewers did on these signings? Email your thoughts to Douglas.Benton@realgm.com

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