Indians trade David Murphy to Angels

Indians outfielder and all-around good guy David Murphy has been traded to the Los Angeles Angels for shortstop and Ohio native Eric Stamets.

With the trade deadline looming, there's been a flurry of activity around the league and the Indians made their first move before the deadline. Murphy has been with Cleveland since 2014 and was hitting a respectable .294/.344/.437 in 84 games this season, mostly out of a platoon role in right field. Murphy was never going to be a superstar for this Indians team and I recall his signing before the 2014 season being met with some trepidation. However, the 33 year-old outfielder made a good impression with the fans last year and got off to a hot start in 2015, often batting in the heart of the order (hitting over .300 in May and June), before his production dropped off significantly this July. I'll always remember him fondly for having a habit of slapping singles just out of the third baseman's reach into left field. Plus, Murphy always rocked the high socks, a gold star in my book. The Tribe have called up Tyler Holt from Columbus to take Murphy's spot in right field for the foreseeable future (probably until Nick Swisher makes his return to the club). Good luck on the west coast David, be sure to tell Mike Trout lots of nice things about Cleveland. You know, just in case he wants to demand a trade to the Indians suddenly...

In return for Murphy's services, the Angels dealt 23 year-old shortstop Eric Stamets. Born in Dublin, Ohio, Anaheim's 2012 6th round draft pick has spent the year in AA Arkansas with the Travelers, batting .248/.306/.360 over 62 games. Not exactly eye popping numbers with the bat, but scouts rave about his defensive prowess and speed. Stamets hold a .974 career fielding percentage and is well known for his strong arm, as well as swiping 79.5% of his stolen base attempts during his young career. With the Indians seemingly set at shortstop for the next decade plus (we hope) with Francisco Lindor manning the position, it seems a strange pickup by the Indians to add Stamet to an already busy infield. One can only imagine the 23 year-old being converted into a utility guy or maybe even a third baseman. There's still a possibility Stamets could be flipped in another trade also. Regardless of where his future lies, Stamet has already endeared himself to the Tribe faithful via Twitter with this adorable photo of himself as a youngster. He'll likely report to AA Akron to begin his career with the Indians organisation. Welcome to the club Eric.

Now Cleveland, how about giving your suffering fanbase a win? Six game losing streaks suck.