November 15, 2008 Matt Holliday commented on his new team, as he will be leaving launching pad Coors Field for the pitcher-friendly Coliseum, according to the SF Chronicle. Holliday said, "I can't do much about where the ball goes. I can focus on my swing and hitting it on the barrel of the bat. I've got a pretty good base, hitting-wise, and I think it will work about anywhere I play."
Our View:Holliday is only signed for $13.5 million for 2009, meaning Oakland is not likely to keep him for more than one season, as he would probably covet a contract in the $100 million range.
November 13, 2008 Matt Holliday won his third straight Silver Slugger award, according to the Associated Press.
Our View:Holliday's power production slipped a bit in 2008 from 2007, hitting 11 fewer home runs and driving in 49 fewer as well. The Rockies as a team were also not as strong in 2008 as they were in 2007, which could be one reason for his lower production. Now that he's been traded to Oakland, it will be difficult to gauge what his production will be like in 2009.
November 12, 2008 Matt Holliday has officially been dealt to the Athletics, according to the Associated Press. As expected, the Rockies received closer Huston Street, outfielder Carlos Gonzalez and lefthander Greg Smith in exchange for Holliday.
Our View:Holliday's numbers could take a hit in Oakland if the club doesn't do a better job of getting men on base at the top of the order. His power numbers could also dip while no longer playing his home games at launching pad Coors Field.
November 12, 2008 Boston considered dealing for Matt Holliday, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View:Boston and Colorado were briefly in trade talks for Holliday, but Boston walked away from the table due to Colorado's steep asking price. It is unknown exactly which players were being asked for, but Jacoby Ellsbury, Justin Masterson, Clay Buchholz, and Michael Bowden were likely mentioned.
November 11, 2008 The Rockies have agreed to deal elite outfielder Matt Holliday to the Athletics in exchange for closer Huston Street, left-hander Greg Smith, and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, according to the Denver Post. The deal is pending physicals by the Athletics' players.
Our View:Holliday agreed to take a physical, even though the Athletics told him it wasn't necessary. More will be posted when the deal becomes official.
