Fansided

MLB Power Rankings: Each team’s best trade ever

By Dave Stevenson

PHOENIX, UNITED STATES: Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder Luis Gonzalez (R) celebrates his game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the 9th inning off of New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera (42) during Game 7 of the World Series in Phoenix, AZ, 04 November, 2001. The Diamondbacks defeated the New York Yankees 3-2, winning the series four games to three and become the 2001 world champions. AFP PHOTO/Timothy A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, UNITED STATES: Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder Luis Gonzalez (R) celebrates his game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the 9th inning off of New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera (42) during Game 7 of the World Series in Phoenix, AZ, 04 November, 2001. The Diamondbacks defeated the New York Yankees 3-2, winning the series four games to three and become the 2001 world champions. AFP PHOTO/Timothy A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 31
Next
Mandatory Credit: Focus on Sport/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Focus on Sport/Getty Images /

Cincinnati Reds

In an ironic twist, just after the Cincinnati Reds chose poorly regarding the future of Frank Robinson, the Reds managed to do the opposite by guessing right by trading for 28 year old second baseman Joe Morgan in 1971. They had to give up quite a bit to do it, but the trade was brilliant as it helped them win two World Series titles.

Much has been written about the playoff failures of Morgan, a career .182 hitter in the playoffs. However, back when Morgan played, there were no wild card teams. Only the first place teams got into the playoffs. Morgan unquestionably helped the Reds to get to the playoffs consistently. He did so by being named a five-time Gold Glove Award winner and winning two National League Most Valuable Player awards.

What did the Reds give up for Morgan? Not that much considering the incredible value the Hall of Fame second baseman brought to the Reds. Lee May was one of the most underrated hitters of his era and gave the Astros three great seasons. However, he wasn’t Joe Morgan. Jimmy Stewart played a combined 129 games for the Astros over two seasons with a .207 batting average. Tommy Helms played four seasons for the Astros but was a light-hitting middle infielder, unlike the excellent hitting Morgan.

The Morgan trade helped the Reds win two World Series and eased a bit of the pain caused by the Frank Robinson trade.

Next: Cleveland Indians

Home/Arizona Diamondbacks