Gambill: Anatomy of a trade, the 1990 Padres-Blue Jays blockbuster

From SABR member Brent S. Gambill at Baseball Prospectus on December 4, 2012:

Last month, the Toronto Blue Jays made their largest trade in franchise history, acquiring stars Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, and Josh Johnson. However, only time will tell if that trade also becomes the most impactful swap in team history. For now, that designation remains with the most memorable trade in Winter Meetings history.

During the 1990 Winter Meetings in Los Angeles, more than $100 million—at the time, a massive sum—was spent on free agents. Franklin Stubbs became the most unlikely free agent multimillionaire as Milwaukee Brewers General Manager Harry Dalton signed him to a three-year, $6 million contract. The Atlanta Braves set up their 1991 World Series run by signing free agents Sid Bream and future 1991 National League MVP Terry Pendleton. The St. Louis Cardinals lost free agents Pendleton, Willie McGee, and Vince Coleman, ending their 1980s run of success. Kevin Gross joined another recent free agent signee, Darryl Strawberry, with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 1990, player salaries increased by $100,000 per player. It was one of the most active Winter Meetings in baseball history, but it is remembered for one blockbuster trade between the Blue Jays and San Diego Padres.

Read the full article here: http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=19068



Originally published: December 4, 2012. Last Updated: December 4, 2012.