The Colorado Rockies traded corner infielder/outfielder Ty Wigginton to the Philadelphia Phillies for a player to be named later or cash considerations. The Rockies announced the trade via Twitter.
Troy Renck of the Denver Post says the Phillies and Rockies will split the $4 million owed to Wigginton in 2012; the Rockies will save $2 million in this deal. The Phillies will also now hold a $4 million club option on Wigginton for 2013, with a $500K buyout.
Wigginton, 34, hit .242/.315/.416 with 15 homers in 446 plate appearances for the Rockies in 2011. In addition to Jim Thome, Wigginton gives the team a bat off the bench that can play be an insurance at the corner infield positions.
Wigginton can technically play the corner positions of the infield and outfield. The only problem is he is a below-average defnder at all four of them. In 2011, Wigginton posted a -7.8 UZR (ultimate zone rating) and -5 DRS (defensive runs saved).