The Toronto Blue Jays traded Art Charles to the Philadelphia Phillies for Michael Schwimer on Saturday. The trade is a logical, low-end deal for both sides. Charles is a 22 year old first baseman who bats lefty and had been playing in A ball last season. The move adds depth to the Phillies’ organization at a spot which may be up for grabs in a few years as Ryan Howard continues to age and play out his contract. Charles is very similar to Howard in fact, standing at 6’6″, 220 lbs and known early on his career for having massive power.
The newest Phillie has also said in the past Howard is one of the hitters he tries to emulate, demonstrating patience at the plate and trying to hit the long ball. Scouting reports have Charles as more of an organizational depth guy, citing he is limited to first base due to his size and his power and offensive numbers won’t be good enough to stick as a Major League. Charles decided to stay in school twice previously to being drafted, opting out of two drafts before being selected by the Blue Jays in the 20th round in 2010.
Meanwhile, Schwimer adds depth to an area the Blue Jays can always use some future depth. Schwimer is more of a “now” player, reaching the Major Leagues for Philadelphia last season and making 35 appearances. The righty posted just a 4.46 ERA with 4.2BB/9 , and is rumored to be fairly vocal about wanting playing time on the 40 man roster.
There is optimism for Schwimer’s ceiling, however, as he still had 9.4 K/9 in the big leagues in 2012 and remarkable AAA numbers. In three AAA seasons, Schwimer posted 2.12 ERA with 10.4K/9 and just 2.9 BB/9. No slouch himself, Schwimer is listed as 6’8″ and was a three sport athlete in college, passing up a basketball scholarship at Duke to pursue pitching for Virginia instead.
