The long-rumored deal between the Phillies and Giants for right fielder Hunter Pence is tenatively complete, with the outfielder moving at the deadline for the second straight year. Last season, the Phillies acquired Pence from the Astros for a package centered around top prospects Jarred Cosart and Jonathan Singleton.
After a fantastic half season with the Phillies last year, Pence's first four months with the Phillies this year have been a disappointment. His slash stats have dramatically fallen across the board, but Pence still looks a lot like the guy he's been over his entire career….aside from that two month spell in Philly last year.
Pence is a mild upgrade for the Giants, who have a .786 OPS out of their right fielders this year, while Pence is at .783. Pence does give the Giants more power out of the position at the cost of plate discipline.
Catcher Tommy Joseph is one of the players heading back to the Phillies in the trade. The 21-year old was the #2 prospect in San Francisco's organization coming into the year, and he has a .705 OPS for AA Richmond. Joseph was a second round pick in the 2009 draft by the Giants, and his strongest suits are his defense and his power. Unfortunately, the power has taken a step back this year, as Joseph has just eight homers and a .131 ISO this year, down from 22 homers and a .201 ISO in the California League.
Joseph is the only confirmed piece going to Philly in the deal, but we'll have more as news trickles out.
UPDATE: Jon Heyman is reporting that it's a three for one deal, with Nate Schierholtz and an unnamed pitcher joining Joseph in the deal
UPDATE TWO: The final player heading to Philly is 23-year old pitcher Seth Rosin, who has both started and relieved during his Giants career. In 56 1/3 innings for high-A San Jose this year, Rosin has a 4.31 ERA, walking 18, and striking out 68. He was not ranked in the Giants top 30 before the season.
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