Buster Olney Reports Phillies Interested in Michael Cuddyer and Josh Willingham

Earlier today, ESPN’s Buster Olney reported the Phillies inquired about trading for the Minnesota Twins’ Michael Cuddyer and the Oakland Athletics’ Josh Willingham.

I, for one, am not really a proponent of making a trade for an outfielder and would rather just stick with Victorino and Domonic Brown as everyday outfielders, while platooning Ibanez and Francisco. Of course if they are offered a nice player for a relatively insignificant prospect, then sure, go for it.

Upon first hearing the report, my initial first instinct was I’d rather have Willingham. Both players are also free agents at the end of the year. Cuddyer began the season making $11 million, while Willingham was slated for $6 million this season. I’d assume each club, especially the Twins, would chip in a portion of the remaining salary.

Both are 32-year-old, right-handed outfielders who are below average defensively. Cuddyer has a bit more versatility with experience at first, second and third base.

Over his career, Willingham is a more patient hitter with more pop. His .257/.365/.467 line since 2009 edges out Cuddyer’s .273/.339/.462. Durability has been a problem for Willingham, as he has not played more than 140 games since 2007. Still, in 307 games since 2009, Willingham has produced 5.8 WAR compared to Cuddyer’s 4.6 in 370 games.

Lastly, as each player would be used heavily as a platoon player, their split differences must be considered. Against lefties, Willingham has posted a career .261/.380/.495. Cuddyer has been very similar versus lefties, hitting .292/.380/.490. Those are telling me Cuddyer will bring you little more consistency with singles while Willingham will give you more power. Personally, I prefer power, especially on a team that is lacking it.

However, the largest difference between the two lies between their effectiveness against righties. There will naturally come a time where they’d have to face a right-handed pitcher and Willingham’s career .818 OPS is considerably higher than Cuddyer’s .759 OPS.

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