Astros use Robertson to keep Taveras

By Jim Callis
March 31, 2004

Though he led all major league rookies with 15 victories in 2003, Jeriome Robertson became redundant when the Astros signed Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte, and got Carlos Hernandez back from shoulder surgery. So on Wednesday they shipped Robertson to the Indians for the rights to Willy Taveras, whom they selected from Cleveland in the major league Rule 5 draft in December, and fellow minor league outfielder Luke Scott.

Robertson is a prime example of how wins aren't always a good measure of a pitcher's effectiveness. While the 27-year-old lefthander went 15-9 in 32 games (31 starts), that was mainly because he led the Astros in run support per nine innings (6.8). Opponents hit .287 off Robertson with 23 homers, and his strikeout-walk ratio was just 99-64 in 161 innings. Robertson's strong suits are his changeup and his command, though he has to nibble at the strike zone because he can't overmatch hitters with his 86-88 mph fastball and his breaking stuff. His career record is 15-11, 5.18 in 43 games (32 starts). The Indians already had committed to five starters, so it's unclear whether Robertson will begin the year in their bullpen or in their Triple-A Buffalo rotation.

Taveras, 22, became the best center-field prospect in the Astros system as soon as they selected him at the Winter Meetings. Signed out of the Dominican in 1999, he wowed high Class A Carolina League managers last summer, when they rated him the fastest baserunner, best baserunner and best defensive outfielder in the league. He hit .282/.350/.381 with two homers, 35 RBIs and 57 steals (in 69 attempts) in 113 games. He's ready to contribute in the majors right now as a basestealer and as a defender, but his bat is further away. His line-drive approach and knowledge of the strike zone suit him well as a potential leadoff man, but he'll have to get stronger in order to keep pitchers honest. If the Astros hadn't acquired his rights, they would have had to keep Taveras on their active major league roster all season, or else expose him to waivers and offer him back to Cleveland for half his $50,000 draft price. Now Houston can send him to Double-A.

Scott, 25, was a ninth-round pick out of Oklahoma State in 2001. His pro career was delayed because he had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow shortly after signing, but he since has emerged as a promising power prospect. He spent 2003 at high Class A Kinston and Double-A Akron, hitting a combined .276/.342/.486 with 20 homers and 81 RBIs in 117 games. Scott needs work on developing the rest of his game to complement his pop. He must tighten his strike zone and improve his left-field defense. His speed and arm are below average.