6. Earl Williams
“Get me Earl Williams and we’ll win the pennant” was the quote from manager Earl Weaver and Orioles management complied before the 1973 season in dealing former 20-game winner Pat Dobson, starting second baseman Davey Johnson, catcher Johnny Oates, and pitcher Roric Harrison to Atlanta for the power-hitting catcher and 1971 National League Rookie of the Year.
Williams was once famously quoted as saying “batter” was his favorite position and was poor defensively as it was apparent he didn’t like to catch. He hit 36 homers in two seasons with the Orioles, but his offensive numbers declined from his rookie season with the Braves as it was apparent Williams wasn’t what the club anticipated.
As if Weaver’s famous quote and Williams’ bad attitude weren’t enough to land the catcher on the list of players not living up to the hype, Johnson would hit 43 homers in his first year with the Braves and Dobson had won a remarkable 36 games in his last two seasons with Baltimore before being dealt, making this trade one of the worst in franchise history.
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