Per Marc Topkin, the Tampa Bay Rays have claimed minor-league slugger Brandon Allen from the Oakland Athletics, who placed Allen on waivers 10 days ago upon activating first baseman Daric Barton from the disabled list.
Rays Claim Slugger Brandon Allen From A’s
This is a lovely little “We think we’re smarter than you” move.
Last summer, the A’s traded for Brandon Allen. He played in 41 games for the A’s, and didn’t hit. He played in three more games for the A’s this month, and didn’t hit. All that not hitting left him with a 205/291/375 line as a major leaguer.
That’s a really terrible line, especially compared to his 286/401/555 line in roughly two seasons’ worth of triple-A experience. The A’s, who are highly familiar with modern baseball analysis, apparently decided that Allen’s 374 MLB plate appearances are more instructive than his 1,116 triple-A plate appearances. The Rays, who are highly familiar with modern baseball analysis, apparently feel otherwise.
With Allen coming aboard, lefty-hitting first baseman Stephen Vogt is likely headed back to the minors. Meanwhile, Allen figures to see plenty of action in the DH slot against right-handed pitchers, while yet another club tries to find out if his minor-league numbers are just a mirage.
Correction: Allen’s not going to see plenty of action; not with Luke Scott around. Rather, Allen figures to get an occasional spot start, along with the odd pinch-hitting opportunity.
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