The Brew Haus - Estrada Traded to Mets for Mota
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On Tuesday, the Milwaukee Brewers traded catcher Johnny Estrada to the New York Mets for reliever Guillermo Mota. The move presumably opens up the starting catching position for free agent Jason Kendall, with whom the Brewers have been in talks with since the free agent signing period began.
Estrada, who was productive despite falling far short of the Brewers' expectations, lasted only one year in Milwaukee. He batted .278 with 10 home runs and 48 RBIs and was hampered by several injuries throughout the year.
Mota made 52 appearances on the mound last year in New York, finishing with a 2-2 record and a 5.76 ERA after returning from a suspension for performance-enhancing substances. He will be looked at to provide more stability in the back of a bullpen that struggled tremendously in the latter half of the season getting leads to free agent closer Francisco Cordero. Mota will most likely provide another setup option alongside Derrick Turnbow.
If the trade entices Kendall to sign with the team, the Brewers undoubtedly come out on top in this trade. Estrada is a slow runner, a sub-par defender, and is not living up to expectations at the plate. In Mota, they get some back end help in the 'pen, but a 5.76 ERA is not an encouraging sight for this writer, who saw too much of these type of numbers from the pitching staff last year.
Congratulations, Prince: The Brew Haus would like to say "Congratulations" to Prince Fielder, who placed third in Tuesday's MVP voting. It may not be first place, but at 23 years old, I look forward to many more years of his name being mentioned regarding this award.
- Corey Kempf covers the Milwaukee Brewers beat for ArmchairGM. A list of other "Brew Haus" entries can be found here.
