Late last week the San Diego traded OF-S Eugene Kingsale to Detroit for C Mike Rivera. Unfortunately, I've come to understand the Tigers' "logic", but I could hardly disagree more with their motives for making this deal. Evidently, Detroit significantly prefers Brandon Inge's defense without offense to Rivera's offense with disappointing defense.

Admittedly neither catcher's offensive line looked very good in the major last year.

Mike Rivera: .227 BA, .254 OBP, and .326 SLG on 30 H, 2 2B, 1 3B, and 1 HR with a 4:35 BB:K in 132 AB.

Brandon Inge: .202 BA, .266 OBP, and .333 SLG on 65 H, 15 2B, 3 3B, and 7 HR with a 24:101 BB:K and 1/4 SB% in 321 AB.

However neither really had any business playing in the majors this past season. Rivera had only played 4 games at AAA prior to winning the starting job in the spring. When the Tigers grew impatient with him and sent him down to AAA, he put up much more promising stats, which likely would have been even better without the interruption in his development. On the other hand, Inge who'd spent some time at AAA prior to reaching the majors, discarded all traces of the marginal plate discipline that was his one offensive tool prior to this year.

Now I think Inge might be able to develop into a better offensive player in a few seasons, and the 25-year-old might even have some power buried deep in his tools. However he'll create a huge offensive hole if put in the lineup next season, while Rivera has less upside at 26, but could probably provide average offense and not kill the team with his defense in 2003. Consequently, Detroit traded the catcher that could have served as their starter next season and now has Inge as their starting catcher without even a decent back-up.

The whole mess might be slightly more bearable if Detroit had filled a need by trading Rivera. Regrettably, Kingsale is exactly the kind of player of which they already possess a half-dozen. I had difficulty understanding why he would even cross their radar, until I remembered that the Tigers' new manager Alan Trammell's last job was as the San Diego outfield and baserunning coach.

Kingsale will reportedly compete with Hiram Boccachica, George Lombard, and Andres Torres for the starting centerfield job in Spring Training. Like the others the 26-year-old Kingsale has some speed but fairly weak plate discipline, though he managed to hit for average better than the rest.

San Diego made out quite well in this deal acquiring a catcher to compete with Wiki Gonzalez for the starting job in Spring Training. Even if he doesn't immediately grab the position, Rivera should provide the Padres with a good back up. Kingsale was reportedly well liked in the organization, but San Diego's outfield was over-flowing, and they're probably going to add to the problem by moving one of the infielders back.

The Cubs also traded for a catcher last week, sending LHP David Noyce and OF-R Gary Johnson to Arizona for C-R Damian Miller. Miller's a starting catcher, but the Diamondbacks were only using him part time due to the presence of Chad Moeller and Rod Barajas. As they wanted to retain Moeller and Barajas, who are both out of options, Arizona decided to deal Miller and cut payroll.

Chicago hasn't been happy with Todd Hundley over the last two seasons to the point where they've avoided starting him to the detriment of the team. Hopefully, they'll be able to move Hundley in another trade later this winter, but the Cubs already plan to use Miller as the starter regardless of whether Hundley remains with the club. Joe Girardi is a free agent and likely won't return to Chicago unless Hundley is moved quickly, opening up a back-up role.

The 33-year-old Miller offers decent offense with moderate power for a catcher without a poor defensive reputation. Unfortunately, Miller has a history of injury problems that have put a sizable dent in his playing time over the past few years. The Cubs might not move too quickly to re-sign Girardi, as they'll want to find a reliable back-up if Miller is their first string catcher.

Florida drafted Noyce out of Furman University in the 12th round of the 1998 draft and dealt him to Chicago with OF Ross Gload for OF Henry Rodriguez and cash at the 2000 trade deadline. Originally a starter, the left-hander made the move to relief in 2001. Noyce regressed slightly in his second season at AA West Tennessee in the Southern League, however his skills remain fairly solid. Arizona should promote the 25-year-old to AAA this season, and if he experiences early success, he could join their bullpen anytime after the all-star break.

Chicago drafted Johnson out of the University of Nevada in the 9th round of the 1997 draft. Johnson also repeated AA last year, hitting .257 with a .356 OBP and .352 SLG on 100 H, 15 2B, 2 3B, and 6 HR with a 50:77 BB:K and 13/21 SB%. While his plate discipline skills improved, he shows few useful power or speed skills. I don't know if the Diamondbacks will send him back to AA in 2003 or jump him up to AAA and see how he fairs. Although he may reach the majors as an injury replacement or spend a few seasons as a reserve outfielder, the 26-year-old has very limited upside at this time. Arizona was evidently very impressed with his defense and tools.

I was somewhat surprised by this trade, however it seems to make sense for both sides. Miller isn't a great catch for the Cubs, but they didn't have to give up much to acquire him. Arizona was able to save some money and at least pick up a decent lefty-relief prospect.

I've included an update in Sunday's article about the Hampton's trade, which discusses the new distribution of his salary and the minor leaguer Florida received in the deal.