Key midseason pickups playing postseason parts.

As we watch the divisional series, we see some key midseason pickups that have played or will play a huge role for their new clubs.

Cliff Lee was close to going to NY in a deal fronted by prospect Jesus Montero (more on that later). Instead he wound up in Texas. In game 1 of the ALDS, 7 IP, 1 R, 5 H and 10 K. … and of course, no walks.

Lee is now 5-0, 1.52 in the postseason for his career. The free agent-to-be will be heavily desired, especially by the Rangers who want to keep him, and the Yanks, who will have C.C. trying to lure his ex-teammate to become a teammate once again.

Lee was 8-3, 2.34 for Seattle when he was traded to Texas. With the Rangers, he went a mediocre 4-6, 3.98. 12-9 overall, ERA 3.18. Seven complete games (if he came to the Yanks, would he say, “who needs Mo?”) led the AL. 185 K and just 18 walks. Led the majors in WHIP, BB/9 and K per BB. A superb pickup for the Rangers and you wonder where he will be in 2011. A 16-9, 3.85 average season, ERA+ 112. At 32, expect a three to four year deal. Would the Yanks offer 4 years at a total of $80 to $88 million?

Talking about Lee brings us to Roy Oswalt. Upon getting Halladay (age 33, 21-10, tied with CC for most wins in MLB, 2.44. 9 CG led MLB. 4 shutouts led MLB. A perfect game. Led MLB in IP. Led the NL in BB/9, K per BB, etc. … then a postseason no-no), the Phils traded Lee. Most wondered why not keep both for a killer trio with Hamels? The Phils were hit with injuries and were stumbling along when they dealt for Oswalt. It was as if they realized their mistake and rectified it midseason. They could not get Lee back, but they could acquire another ace, and an ace is what Oswalt has been. Look at Halladay’s numbers. The wins, ERA, CG, IP, shutouts, etc. Now add Oswalt’s Philly record of 7-1, 1.74 to that. The only game Oswalt has lost so far as a Phillie was his first one, right off the plane. Since that, either a win or a ND. He was 6-12, 3.42 for Houston before the deal. Good numbers, no support. Overall this year, Oswalt (33) was “only” 13-13, but with a 2.76 ERA. Halladay 2.44. Oswalt a combined 2.76, 1.74 as a Phillie. … and you wonder why they are favored. Oswalt led the NL in a category Halladay didn’t … WHIP. Oswalt enters tonight’s game with a 4-0, 3.66 postseason record.

Then add Hamels, who was just 12-11, but with a 3.06 ERA at age 26. 2.44, 2.76 (1.74 as a Phil) and 3.06. That is a tough trio.

Now to the Yankees, who picked up Wood at the trade deadline. Wood was 1-4, 6.30 with the Indians and coming off an injury when the Yanks picked him up. Since then, Kerry Wood has been phenomenal in pinstripes. 2-0, 0.69 as the Yanks 8th inning guy. 31K in 26 IP. The walks (18) were a bit disturbing. Overall 3-4, 3.13, but those Yankee numbers stand out.

Last night Wood was just dominating in the 8th. 1-2-3 with 2 k. He had some trouble in Game 1 (2 outs but a hit and a walk) but it looks like he is the 8th inning guy this whole postseason. If he continues to pitch like last night…

…finally Berkman. Just 1 HR in 106 AB as a Yankee. .245-13-49 with Houston. .255-1-9 as a Yankee. .248-14-58 overall. He looked to be a bust, but he had a big HR and double and 2 RBI last night.                      

I have no clue what Kearns will do, if anything. Another midseason pickup. We know the numbers. 38 K in 102 AB as a Yankee. 2 HR, 7 RBI but a lot of LOB. .235 or so since his midseason pickup.  

But you see how some midseason pickups could really influence things. Heck Pat Burrell could get in the thick of things. Pat “the bat” flubbed with the Rays (.202-2-13) but picked it up with SF (.266-18-51). You don’t know. Maybe he makes an impact.

Joel Sherman today in the NY Post discussed the Lee-to-the-Yankees that didn’t happen. Who knows if the Yanks get Lee next year anyway? So let’s look at who the Yanks would have given up. Maybe by not giving up these kids, it’ll be a good thing…maybe the kids develop.

C Jesus Montero wound up .289-21-75 after a slow start in AAA. He won’t turn 21 for another seven weeks or so. He hopes to make the Yankees out of spring training but even if he doesn’t, it appears as if 2011 will see his MLB debut sometime.   

P Zach McAllister was dealt to Cleveland for Kearns. The 22 year old righty pitcher was 8-10, 5.09 for AAA SWB then went 1-2, 6.88 at Columbus. An ugly AAA year for him. Combined 9-12, 5.29.

2B David Adams was expendable because of Cano. (and Nunez, Russo…) He was turned down by Seattle because he was hurt. At the time he had played 39 games at AA, hitting .309-3-32. He didn’t play another game all year.

In place of Adams, Seattle wanted P Adam Warren. Warren, 23, was 7-5, 2.22 in high A before a promotion to AA where he went 4-2, 3.15. A solid 11-7, 2.59 year for him. We’ll see if he starts 2011 in AA or AAA.       

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