On the move again…
Prior last year’s trade deadline the Philadelphia Phillies acquired outfielder Hunter Pence from the Houston Astros. A year later he’s on his way out the door as the Phillies have agreed to send the two-time All-Star to the San Francisco Giants.
In 155 games with Philadelphia Pence hit .289 with 94 runs, 28 home runs, and 94 RBI (.271-59-17-59 this season).
Pence will give the Giants a much needed bat for the middle of the lineup with Pablo Sandoval currently on the disabled list with an injured hamstring. The 17 HR’s Pence brings are more than anyone else on San Francisco’s roster and his 59 RBI are second to Buster Posey’s 61. Pence also has one of the best outfield arms in the National League, ranking second to Jason Kubel in outfield assists with 9.
The move was a necessary one for the Giants, who are tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers atop the NL West standings. The Dodgers have been aggressive in making a push for the division crown, bolstering their offense by adding Hanley Ramirez from the Miami Marlins last week and Shane Victorino from the Phillies earlier today.
Ironically, both the Giants and Dodgers have scored 408 runs this season.
Los Angeles has won six of their last ten games while San Francisco has lost six of their last ten, including five in a row.
In return the Phillies receive catcher/first baseman Tommy Joseph. The Giants’ #5 rated prospect by MLB.com was the team’s second round draft choice in 2009 and is hitting .270 with 8 home runs and 38 RBI in 80 games at Double-A this season.
