Padres swing three way deal with Angels and Indians

[bernieh]

In the year’s first "major" trade, the Padres have completed a 3 way deal involving the Angels and Indians. The Padres sent veteran reliever Rich Gossage to the Angels for the veteran shortstop Rick Burleson. Immediately after that deal, the Padres packaged Burleson along with Starter/Reliever Lance McCullers and center fielder Marvell Wynne to the Indians for Brett Butler, Neal Heaton and Don Schulze.

Richard Michael Gossage is an established closer and was one of the game’s best. Goose was a 9th round draft pick in the 1970 amateur draft. His stuff has fallen off a bit this year from past seasons but he still gives right handed batters a hard time. Gossage became expendable in the Padres clubhouse after a hot start by closer Craig Lefferts. Gossage is currently in his 15th MLB season and will look to help the Angels solidify their pen.

Rick Paul Burleson is a veteran short stop who provided the Red Sox with his best years. Rick was a first round pick of the Red Sox in 1970. He joined the Angels back in 1980 as part of a multi player deal. His availability due to depth in the Angels infield made him a perfect match for the current Indian ball-club. Burleson does not have the range he used to in his Boston years, but will provide veteran leadership and a better defensive option at short for the Indians.

Lance Graye McCullers was the key to the deal for the Indians. Lance was a former 2nd round draft pick in 1982 of the Philadelphia Phillies and was sent to the Padres in 1983 as part of a deal including five “players to be named later”. Lance is in his second MLB year and has done a good job thus far. He brings a lively fastball and a knack of keeping base runners to a minimum, especially right handed hitters. Lance will likely join the Indians rotation.

Marvell Wynne was originally signed by the Kansas City Royals in 1979 as an amateur free agent. Marvell now joins the AL for the first time on the MLB level and will provide the Indians with solid defensive depth in CF with the departure of Butler.

Brett Morgan Butler rejoins the NL after being originally drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 23rd round of the 1979 amateur draft. Butler was the main target of the Padres since camp broke this spring. Butler brings speed, plate discipline and solid defense to the Padres who will now slide Kevin McReynolds back to LF full time. Butler will take over as the Padre leadoff hitter.

Neal Heaton was drafted by the Indians in the second round of the 1981 amateur draft. Neal has been the subject of trade talks all spring with the Indians and Expos but finds his new home in San Diego where he will join the end of the Padres rotation. Neal brings balance to compliment Dave Dravecky from the left side. Heaton is known for putting the ball in play, and with the improvement of the Padres defensive alignment, he should benefit from the move.

Donald Arthur Schulze is a journeyman pitcher originally a first round pick of the Cubs back in 1980. Don has limited MLB experience but will be used to eat up innings in the Padre pen and possibly as a 6th starter time to time. Don is most noted for being part of a trade in 1984 that brought Joe Cater and Mel Hall to the Indians for Rick Sutcliffe.

[i:4618f8b15f]-- Adam DeCicco[/i:4618f8b15f]