Analyzing the Acquisition of Michael Ohlman

facebooktwitterreddit

It was announced earlier today that the Baltimore Orioles traded catcher Michael Ohlman to the St Louis Cardinals for cash. Ohlman is 24 years old and was drafted by the Orioles in the 11th round of the 2009 MLB Draft. His single A season in 2013 was a success where he batted .313 with 13 home runs and 55 RBI’s. Last year was more of a reality check for him as he advanced to AA and batted a measly .236 in 403 plate appearances.

Personally I don’t really know why this acquisition was made by the Cardinals. I could see if it is maybe an attempt to try to develop him, bring him back to how he played in A ball, and then possibly use him for trade bait. He’s a young kid, that’s the plus side. I just don’t think it was necessary to spend cash to get someone of this low caliber especially if you’re trying to save up to take a hack at James Shields.

Not only would you want to save up for James Shields but the catcher position has pretty good depth for the Cardinals. You have the obvious Yadier Molina and Tony Cruz, but you also have Ed Easley who batted .293 in AAA last year and Cody Stanley who had a solid .283 average in Springfield last year. You’re virtually looking at a 5th string catcher. Whatever the scenario I’m sure the Cardinals have a plan of some kind, I’m just not sure that I agree with it.