In just the latest offseason move by a suddenly very active Billy Beane, the Oakland A's have claimed third baseman Edwin Encarnacion off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays.
Edwin Encarnacion Claimed Off Waivers From Blue Jays By A’s
It’s evident why the Blue Jays let Encarnacion go. The third baseman batted just .244 a year ago and even took a quick trip to the minors. His 2010 salary was $4.75 million, and as an arbitration-eligible player, he was due to get a raise - a raise the Blue Jays didn’t want to pay. So they let him go for nothing.
Less evident is why the A's jumped in. Encarnacion did post a .482 slugging percentage, mashing 21 homers in 96 games. He is a definite power threat. However, he doesn't hit for average, he doesn't draw many walks, he doesn't run well, he doesn't play good defense, and he's about to get fairly expensive. Additionally, the A's already have Kevin Kouzmanoff, who - despite some pedestrian 2010 numbers - is a fine all-around player.
The A’s have their reasons for doing this, though, and just because we don’t know what they are doesn’t make this move any less valid. The bigger question now is what this means for Kouzmanoff, if it means anything. Be sure to read more over at Athletics Nation.
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