Sizemore Traded to Athletics

In a surprise move, the Tigers traded Scott Sizemore to the Athletics today for left-handed reliever David Purcey.  The Tigers will be the third team for Purcey already this year.  He was traded from the Blue Jays to the Athletics for a minor league pitcher on April 18.  The 29-year-old Purcey has a lifetime ERA of 5.17 with 7.7 strikeouts and 4.5 walks per nine innings.  That doesn't sound like an impressive return for a second baseman who was highly regarded enough to be given the starting second base job as a rookie just last year.

It became clear that some in the organization had soured on Sizemore when Will Rhymes was named the opening day starter.  Sizemore was later recalled after a fast start in Toledo but has struggled in the majors for the second straight year (.233/.329/.238). The Tigers will bring up infielder Danny Worth to take his place.  Worth is not likely to hit much at all, but should help their infield defense.  I would guess that there will now be some combination of Worth and Ramon Santiago at second base. 

I haven't fully digested this move yet, but my initial reaction is disappointment.  It's not that I think that Sizemore is still a great prospect.  I just don't see any upside for the Tigers in this deal. It reminds me of Cody Ross for Steve Colyer.