December 27, 2008

West Virginia Coal Sox and San Antonio Calzones of Laredo

June 28th, 2009

West Virginia receives:
C Shinsaku Ito (23, AAA) - minor league contract

San Antonio receives:
SS Gus Wilson (23, AA) - minor league contract

Since Then:
Ito's 2009 performance tapered off at West Virginia's AA affiliate after the trade. He grades out as an offensive oriented catcher with above average contact skills and gap power. If he continues to develop offensively, he should be a big league catcher one day. He also has shown some defensive skill in the infield and could possibly be converted there also.

Wilson performed significantly better in '09 at San Antonio's AA affiliate after the trade. He was named the #86 prospect in PEBA (4/06/09). Possessing above average speed and defensive skills, Wilson should have a big league career one day. His consistency with his bat will determine if he is a starter or bench player.

December 23, 2008

Arlington Bureaucrats and West Virginia Coal Sox

June 28th, 2009

Arlington receives:
MR José Ferrer (29, ML) - $0.62/$0.75/$0.75

West Virginia receives:
SS Alejandro Morín (18, A) - minor league contract

Since Then:
Ferrer had a productive '09 season with Arlington after the trade. In 28 relief appearances (50.1 IP), he went 1-3 with 3.22 ERA. José hoped to continue his success with Arlington in 2010; Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be. He spent the entire year rehabbing a forearm injury. 2011 will be a contract year and his main goal will be to stay healthy for the entire season in order to build up his value.

Morín played at West Virginia's SS-A and A affiliates in 2009. At both stops, he has struggled offensively and appears to be a career minor leaguer. He has excellent raw defensive skills but his limited offensive skills will prevent him from becoming a true big leaguer.

December 19, 2008

Florida Featherheads and West Virginia Coal Sox

June 28th, 2009

Florida receives:
CF Wilbur O'Billry (27, AAA) - $0.39/$0.39/$0.39/$0.39/arbitration/arbitration/arbitration

West Virginia receives:
MR Tanyu Chikafuji (34, ML) - $3.0

Since Then:
O'Billry was subpar in '09 while playing for Florida's AA affiliate after the trade. Possessing a rocket outfield arm and tremendous basestealing skills, O'Billry lacks other fundamental tools that prevents him from being a big leaguer. He is a career minor leaguer.

Chikafuji pitched solidly for West Virginia in '09. In 38 relief appearances with West Virginia, he went 2-3 with a 3.25 ERA. In his mid-30's, Chikafuji remains a solid bullpen reliever. He serves well as a secondary complementary addition to a bullpen.

Manchester Maulers and Charleston Statesmen

June 28th, 2009

Manchester receives:
2B Gabriel Negrón (37, ML) - $6.0/$7.0

Charleston receives:
Manchester's 4th round 2010 draft pick (traded to San Antonio in Bobby Wright deal - 18th pick)

Since Then:
Negrón had an average '09 season. In 61 games with Manchester, he batted .251 with 7 homeruns and 22 RBIs. The former Liga Dominicana de Béisbol Invernal star still remains a serviceable player, but age has definitely put his best days behind him.


December 17, 2008

West Virginia Coal Sox and Duluth Warriors

June 21st, 2009

West Virginia receives:
2B António Guzmán (30, ML) - $0.39/arbitration

Duluth receives:
3B Mike Herr (19, A) - minor league contract

Since Then:
Guzmán's numbers in '09 tapered off after the trade. In 85 games with West Virginia, he batted .231 with 3 homers and 29 RBIs. Overall, Guzmán is a versatile veteran infielder best suited in a bench utility role.

Herr played decently in '09 at both SS-A and Class-A. He grades out as a future utility infielder

December 15, 2008

San Antonio Calzones of Laredo and Reno Tenpinners

June 14th, 2009

San Antonio receives:
LF Brooks Erickson (29, ML) - $9.0/$10.0/$10.0/$11.0/$12.0
C Luis Navarro (30, ML) - $5.2/$5.2

Reno receives:
C Manuel González (29, ML) - $7.8/$8.7/$9.7/$9.7
San Antonio's 3rd round 2010 draft pick (LF Dave Butler - 3rd pick)

Since Then:
Erickson struggled in the '09 season. The former All-Star and All-Leather outfielder batted .251 with 11 homeruns and 45 RBIs with San Antonio in 93 games with San Antonio. Overall, Erickson is a top talent who can do it all with his bat and glove. It remains to be seen if Erickson's subpar '09 season is an aberration or indicator of things to come.
Navarro had an ugly '09 season. He batted .178 with 3 homeruns and 14 RBIs in 64 games with San Antonio. Defensively, Navarro is below average. Offensively, he has yet to put together a decent hitting season. Overall, he is a poor backup catcher at best.

González flourished after the trade. He batted .308 with 10 homeruns and 52 RBIs in 88 games with Reno. Overall, he is one of the league's best hitting and run producing catchers.





Manchester Maulers and Canton Longshormen

June 14th, 2009

Manchester receives:
SP Tim Smith (35, ML) - $2.8

Canton receives:
SP José Contreras (22, A) - minor league contract
Manchester's 10th round 2010 draft pick (C Juan Aguilar - 18th pick)

Since Then:
Smith compiled a 3-8 record with a 4.84 ERA while spending time both as a starter and reliever in the '09 season. Overall, Smith is just a mediocre pitcher. He has incredible movement on his pitches but his lack of control and big league makeup prevents him from being a consistent effective pitcher.

Contreras pitched worse in the minor leagues in '09 after the trade to Canton. He possesses average talent across the board. An average pitcher all-around, Contreras has a shot to become a serviceable reliever in the big leagues.

December 10, 2008

San Antonio Calzones of Laredo and New Jersey Hitmen

June 7th, 2009

San Antonio receives:
MR Dave Williams (34, ML) - $6.3
CF Arthur Myers (29, ML) - $4.6
CF António Chávez (22, AA) - minor league contract

New Jersey receives:
SP Luis Peña (32, ML) - $11.6
SP Steven Barber (23, A) - minor league contract
SP Juan Hernández (22, A) - minor league contract
MR Vicente Moreno (19, SS-A) - minor league contract
MR Al Fountain (19, SS-A) - minor league contract

Since Then:
Williams had a fairly solid '09 season but it was subpar one by his standards. The former All-Star went 1-4 with a 3.38 ERA in 32 relief appearances for San Antonio in '09. Despite the subpar season, Williams signed a 2-year extension with San Antonio worth $13,000,000. Overall, Williams still projects as one the league's best setup men.
Myers had a good season with San Antonio. In 94 games, he hit .282 with 8 homers and 41 RBIs. He grades out as an above average offensive hitter who has a knack for hitting extra base hits.
Chávez spent the '09 season at AA and AAA where he played decently. Overall, he is a prime candidate to be a good big league 4th outfielder. He is excellent defensively at all 3 outfield positions. He has plus speed and bunting skills, which makes him valuable in a bunting or pinch running situation.

Peña went 8-6 with a 3.15 ERA after joining New Jersey in the '09 season. Overall, he is a solid consistent pitcher worthy of a number 3 spot in the rotation.
Barber pitched well for New Jersey's SS-A affiliate in '09. He has a very limited ceiling and rates out as a career minor leaguer.
Hernández pitched decently in '09 at New Jersey's SS-A affiliate. A projected career minor league pitcher, he grades out poorly in all areas including velocity, movement, control and overall stuff.
Moreno's poor SS-A performance led to his release by New Jersey (9/08/09). He signed a minor league deal with Fargo's organization (9/22/09). He is a below average pitcher and is expected to be a career minor leaguer.
Fountain only appeared in 8 SS-A games before suffering a strained rotator cuff muscle injury (7/02/09). He pitched poorly prior to the injury and was released by New Jersey (7/05/09). Overall, he is a subpar pitcher who is destined to spend his career in the minors.

November 29, 2008

Charleston Statesmen and Tempe Knights

May 24th, 2009

Charleston receives:
CL Christos Douglass (33, ML) - $4.5
LF Víctor Martínez (19, ML) - $2.7/$0.60/$0.60/$0.60/arbitration
2B Jorge Rivera (22, ML) - $0.57/$0.39

Tempe receives:
MR Steve Wallace (28, ML) - $2.0/$2.8
3B Jeremy Lawrence (31, ML) - $2.5/$3.0
CF Mark Young (32, ML) - $1.0/$1.0/$1.0/$1.0/$1.0
MR Grant Mullen (30, AAA) - $2.2/$2.8
CF David LaFrance (21, AAA) - minor league contract
SS Silas Boone (23, AAA) - minor league contract
Charleston's 2nd round 2009 draft pick (3B Ty Newell- 14th pick)

Since Then:
Douglass had a superb '09 season while serving as Charleston's setup man. He went 4-2 with a 2.19 ERA in 43 relief appearances with Charleston. Sporting a 0.87 WHIP in '09, Douglass is one of the league's premiere setup men.
Martínez played decently in '09. Serving primarily as a DH, he batted .244 with 9 homeruns and 47 RBIs with Charleston in '09. A youngster, Martínez still has room to grow into a productive run producer. He has good power but needs to work on his contact and discipline.
Rivera batted .242 with 10 homers and 46 RBIs in 104 games with Charleston. A superb utility infielder, Rivera is an ideal bench role player that any team would want.

Wallace went 0-2 with a 3.69 ERA in 17 relief appearances with Tempe in '09. He was released prior to the end of the seaosn (9/01/09). Despite lacking big league caliber stuff and velocity, Wallace has proven in the past to be a serviceable reliever.
Lawrence had a solid season with Tempe in '09. In 79 games, he batted .287 with 4 homeruns and 37 RBIs. A versatile infielder, Lawrence is a solid option as a starter and an even option as a utility bench role player.
Young batted .252 with 23 RBIs in 103 games with Tempe in '09. His ability to play all 3 outfield positions make him an ideal 4th outfielder. He does not possess the offensive punch to be a full-time starter.
Mullen appeared in 21 games with Tempe before being released (9/01/09). Prior to his release, he went 2-3 with a 7.03 ERA. He lacks the velocity and stuff to become a truly effective reliever. At best, Mullen is a secondary reliever.
LaFrance batted .227 with 6 homeruns and 35 RBIs in 108 games with Tempe in '09. He was named the #55 prospect in baseball (4/06/09). His strengths include speed and raw power. He will need to work on his contact and discipline in order to progress into a starting caliber outfielder.
Boone was traded to San Antonio on the same day (5/24/09). He has the talent to become a big league utility bench player at the very least. He combines solid defensive skills with good speed and a serviceable bat. These traits make him capable of becoming a starting infielder one day.
Newell had a subpar '09 season down at Tempe's SS-A and Class-A affiliates. Drafted out of high school, Newell possesses good upside. He projects to have plus skills in hitting and gap power. Conservatively, he projects to be a utlity infielder but has the skills to be a big league starting infielder one day if he matures.











November 27, 2008

Canton Longshoremen and Aurora Borealis

November 25, 2008

Aurora receives:
CF John Knight (24, ML) - $0.4/arbitration/arbitration/arbitration

Canton receives:
MR Todd Sizer
(23, ML) - $1.2/arbitration/arbitration/arbitration

Since Then: (as of 6/7/2012)
Knight surprised the league and broke out in 2009. Wearing Aurora blue, the All-star has hit .295/.375/.488 while driving in 259 runs and stealing 122 bases.

Sizer pitched well for Canton before being traded to Omaha on 6/8/2011. He has struggled ever since, owning a 68 ERA+ in Cyclone pinstripes.

November 24, 2008

Aurora Borealis and Yuma Bulldozers

May 17th, 2009

Aurora receives:
Yuma's 1st round 2009 draft pick (SP Bill Bradley - 1st pick)

Yuma receives:
1B Jesús Reynoso (19, SS-A) - minor league contract
Aurora's 2nd round 2009 draft pick (SP Jonathan Allen - 23rd pick)

Since Then:

West Virginia Coal Sox and Charleston Statesmen

May 17th, 2009

West Virginia receives:
MR Jake Tate (24, AAA) - minor league contract

Charleston receives:
MR Ken Cates (25, ML) - $0.39/arbitration/arbitration/arbitration

Since Then:
Tate pitched the majority of the '09 season with West Virginia. At West Virginia, he compiled a 1-0 record and 4.25 ERA in 30 relief appearances. Overall, Tate is a decent middle relief option.

Cates pitced solidly for Charleston in '09. He went 3-2 with a 3.21 ERA and 3 saves. He possesses above average stuff and great movement on his pitches. Those assets make him a viable setup reliever or depender frontline middle reliever.

November 23, 2008

Manchester Maulers and Charleston Statesmen

May 17th, 2009

Manchester receives:
1B Domingo De Jesús (30, ML) - $7.7

Charleston receives:
1B Álex Valdés (19, SS-A) - minor league contract

Since Then:
De Jesús had a solid '09 season with Manchester. The former All-Star batted .277 with 21 homers and 60 RBIs in 121 games after being traded in May. He grades out as an above average productive hitter. Although no longer putting up All-Star numbers, De Jesús still is capable of putting up productive numbers.

Valdés had a subpar '09 season with Charleston's SS-A affiliate. Overall, he is an average ballplayer who most likely will be unable to stick at the big league level. More offensive production is needed from the traditional power position of 1B.





October 27, 2008

Kentucky Thoroughbreds and Omaha Cyclones

March 17th, 2009

Kentucky receives:
LF Ron Benson (28, ML) - $0.405
Omaha's 6th round 2009 draft pick (2B Aaron Stokes - 3rd pick)

Omaha receives:
SP Jorge Sánchez (32, ML) - $1.0
$600,000 cash

Since Then:
Benson had a serviceable '09 season. In 154 games, he batted .245 with 17 homeruns and 72 RBIs. Overall, Benson is an average ballplayer all-around. He is best suited as a role bench player such as a platoon outfielder.
Stokes, who is in his first minor league season, had a solid SS-A campaign in '09 for Kentucky. He is an average talent who has the potential to grow into a future big league bench player.

Sánchez continued his downward trend in '09. He pitched to a dismal 7-18 record with a 5.24 ERA. His lack of velocity and big league stuff makes him vulnerable as a starter. At best, Sánchez is a mop-up or long reliever.

October 7, 2008

Manchester Maulers and the Connecticut Nutmeggers

December 29th, 2008

Connecticut receives:
RF José Cortéz (26, ML)

Manchester receives:
Connecticut's 2nd round 2009 draft pick (compensated to Reno for Lorenzo Álvarez signing)
Connecticut's 3rd round 2009 draft pick (traded to Omaha in Jacques Fillion deal)

Since Then:
Cortéz was traded to New Orleans midway through the season (7/12/09). Prior to the trade, he hit .267 with 11 homeruns and 34 RBIs with Connecticut in 65 games. A former All-Star, Cortéz is a good RBI man. His numbers have slightly declined since '07 but he still remains a productive force in any batting lineup.

October 6, 2008

New Jersey Hitmen and San Antonio Calzones of Laredo

December 19th, 2008

San Antonio receives:
C Manuel González (28, ML) - $7.8/$8.7/$9.7/$8.7
SP Luis Peña (32, ML) - $11.6
SP Keith Bandelow (25, A) -minor league contract

New Jersey receives:
CF Yoshino Miyata (27, ML) -$19.2
SP Norris Moncrieff (28, ML) -$4.0
3B Lee Kohler (18, A) - minor league contract
LF John Knapp (22, A) - minor league contract
CF Jason Davis (21, SS-A) - minor league contract

Since Then:
González appeared in 60 games with San Antonio before being traded to Reno (6/14/09). With San Antonio, he batted .260 with 5 homeruns and 30 RBIs. Slightly above average defensively, González earns his paycheck with his bat. He is a great run producer and one of best overall hitting catchers in the league.
Peña was traded back to New Jersey midway through the '09 season (6/07/09). The former '08 All-Star went 6-6 with a 3.76 ERA in 12 starts with San Antonio prior to the trade. In his early 30's, Peña might be showing signs of slowing down. Overall, he still a solid number 3 caliber pitcher.
Bandelow spent the '09 season at both the minor league and big league levels. In 14 games with San Antonio, he went 4-6 with a 5.90 ERA. Overall, he is a below average talent who is best suited to be a career minor league pitcher.

Miyata had a stellar '09 season with New Jersey. He batted .306 with 4 homeruns and 52 RBIs. More impressively, he punished opposing teams with a .482 on base percentage while lacing out 37 doubles. A former All-Star and All-Leather winner, Miyata is one the league's greats. He is a future hall of famer.
Moncrieff went 5-7 with a 5.03 ERA in '09 in both starting and relief roles for New Jersey. Overall he is a serviceable pitcher if expectations are kept low. He makes for a decent 5th starter or long reliever.
Kohler had a subpar '09 season while playing primarily for New Jersey's AAA affiliate. He was named the #81 prospect in PEBA (4/06/09). Defensively, he has an excellent arm and infield range. Offensively, he is raw but has tools to develop into a potential solid hitter. He should be a starting caliber infielder in the future if he continues to develop accordingly.
Knapp split the '09 season at New Jersey's AA and AAA affiliates. Not possessing any plus skills, Knapp is a borderline big league talent.
Davis appeared in 23 games with New Jersey's AAA affiliate before suffering torn ankle ligaments (5/17/09). He was released shortly after (6/07/09). Aside from good speed and above average defensive skills, Davis grades out poorly in many areas. He does not project to be a big leaguer and it is arguable that he may not even be a worthy minor league talent.

October 5, 2008

San Antonio Calzones of Laredo and Duluth Warriors

December 19th, 2008

San Antonio receives:
CF Yoshino Miyata (27, ML) - $19.2

Duluth receives:
SP Kirby Gibson (35, ML) - $13.2/$14.1
1B Arron Campbell (27, ML) - $2.4/$2.4

Since Then:
Miyata was traded on the same day to New Jersey (12/19/08). He had an excellent year for New Jersey hitting .306 with 37 doubles and an impressive .482 on base percentage. A former All-Star and All-Leather winner, the 1st overall pick in the '07 inaugural draft is simply one of the best players in the league. He possesses an incredible eye along with a smooth swing and excellent gap power. His defense is exceptional. A future hall of famer.

Gibson had a disappointing '09 season with Duluth. In 30 starts, he went 8-11 with a 4.04 ERA. An '08 All-Star, the aging Gibson may be showing signs of decline. It remains to be seein in '10 if Gibson will be the Gibson of '08 or '09.
Campbell struggled for Duluth in '09. In 152 games, he batted .229 with 13 homers and 56 RBIs. Primarily a DH and 1B, Campbell needs to improve on those offensive numbers if he plans to stick at those positions. Prone to the strikeout, Campbell would be better served as a bench player rather than starter.

Commentary: Who says all the blockbusters have to happen during the Winter Meetings? You're not likely to see bigger names than Gibson and Miyata changing hands this year. The Warriors really needed to bring in a pitcher like Gibson to bolster their staff. They have bats to spare; what they need now are quality arms. Gibson fits that to a "T". And great strategy on Matt's part regarding the timing of the Miyata acquisition. Like Bill, I appreciate an owner who does his homework before making a move. Well done to both teams. - Commissioner John

October 4, 2008

San Antonio Calzones of Laredo and Tempe Knights

December 18th, 2008

San Antonio receives:
SP Bill Taylor (25, ML) - $0.39/arbitration/arbitration/arbitration
C Bob Keller (22, AA) - minor league contract

Tempe receives:
SP Gary Fisher (29, ML) - $2.2
2B Terry Thornton (22. AAA) - minor league contract

Since Then:
Taylor was traded to Florida by midseason (7/12/09). Prior to the trade, he went 6-9 with a 3.71 ERA in 17 starts with San Antonio. Overall, he grades out as an all-around average starting pitcher who is serviceable in number 4 or number 5 spot in the rotation.
Keller played well at San Antonio's AA affiliate in '09. Outstanding defensively, Keller has some pop in his bat. He could very well be a respectable starting caliber catcher in the big leagues one day.

Fisher was traded to Kentucky by the trading deadline (7/31/09). Prior to the trade, he went 3-9 with a 5.19 ERA in 20 starts with Tempe. For his career, he is a below average pitcher who is best suited in a spot starting and long reliever roles.
Thornton's rookie '09 season was shortened by a dislocated shoulder (7/08/09). Prior to the injury, he batted .233 with 3 homeruns and 21 RBIs in 81 games. He possesses tremendous speed and defensive skills. His bat is average at best. A rookie, Thornton is a big league bench player at the moment who down the line may grow into a consistent starting infielder.

San Antonio Calzones of Laredo and Canton Longshoremen

December 18th, 2008

San Antonio receives:
CL Will Guffin (26, AA) - minor league contract
Canton's 7th round 2009 draft pick (C Felipe Oliva - 10th pick)

Canton receives:
MR Shigeaki Otani (25, ML) - $1.2/arbitration

Since Then:
Guffin was released by San Antonio a few months later (5/24/09). He signed a 1-year minor league deal with San Luis Potosí of the Alianza Béisbol Al Sur de la Frontera. Overall, Guffin is not much of a pitching talent. Expect him to bounce around various leagues as he tries to cling onto his baseball career.
Oliva, who was drafted out of high school, had a mediocre season with San Antonio's SS-A affiliate. He has shown the ability to hit high school pitching well so it remains to be seen if it will translate at the minor and big league level. Defensively, he has solid catching abilities that will mature with time. He could develop into a big league backup catcher one day.

Otani went 3-2 with a 3.95 ERA in 39 relief appearances with Canton in '09. An average reliever all-around, Otani is a respectable middle reliever and serviceable complementary bullpen piece.

October 3, 2008

West Virginia Coal Sox and Tempe Knights

December 17th, 2008

West Virginia receives:
MR Whit Andrews (23, ML) - $0.39/$0.39/$0.39/arbitration/arbitration/arbitration
MR Mark Merrill (21, AAA) - minor league contract

Tempe receives:
LF Jorge López (24, AA) - minor league contract
SP José Rivera (24, AAA) - minor league contract

Since Then:
Andrews spent the first half of the '09 season at West Virginia's AAA affiliate. He was called up in June and remained with West Virigina for the rest of the season. With the big ballclub, he went 3-5 with a 4.60 ERA in 34 relief appearances (45 IP). He grades out as a mediocre reliever who is best suited in mop-up situations or non-pressure roles.
Merrill spent the majority of the '09 season down at West Virginia's Class-A affiliate where he pitched below par. Possessing very limited pitching talent, it is expected that Merrill will spend his career in the minors.

López dominated April down at Tempe's AA affiliate and was quickly promoted to AAA. Spending the remainder of the '09 minor league season at AAA, he struggled to duplicate his blistering AA start. Overall, López is considered a mediocre talent. He plays defense well but lacks the corner outfield pop that most teams expect of that position. He is a platoon or bench player at best.
Rivera spent the majority of the season down at Tempe's Class-A affiliate and was promoted to AA by July and finished the minor league season at Tempe's SS-A. He has big league level stuff but lacks the command and movement on his pitches to become a legit big league pitcher. Considering his age, Rivera appears to be destined to be a career minor league pitcher.

San Antonio Calzones of Laredo and West Virginia Coal Sox

December 17th, 2008

San Antonio receives:
MR Hiroya Kobayashi (23, ML) - $1.8/arbitration/arbitration
MR Shigeaki Otani (25, ML) - $1.2/arbitration

West Virginia receives:
SP Alfredo Pinto (34, ML) $3.9/$3.9

Since Then:
Kobayashi pitched terribly for San Antonio in'09. In 38 relief appearances (56.1 IP), hewent 1-3 with a 7.35 ERA. He wa released after the season (10/01/09). A day later, he signed a 1-year minor league deal with La Vega of the Liga Dominicana de Béisbol Invernal. A below average pitcher, expect Kobayashi to bounce around leagues and ballclubs quite a bit.
Otani was traded to Canton a day later (12/18/09). He had a decent season in '09 with Canton and overall grades out as an average pitcher best suited for early to mid-relief innings.

Pinto split time between West Virginia and their AAA affiliate. With West Virginia, he went 3-8 with a 5.97 ERA in 11 starts. Entering his mid-30s, the end very well may be near for Pinto. He's a liability on any big league pitching staff

San Antonio Calzones of Laredo and Omaha Cyclones

December 17th, 2008

San Antonio receives:
SP Norris Moncreiff (28, ML) - $4.0
SP Kisho Ageda (27, ML) - $0.59/$0.59

Omaha receives:
C Lorenzo Vega (32, ML) - $6.8/$6.8/$6.8
3B Will George (19, AAA) - minor league contract

Since Then:
Moncreiff was traded to New Jersey 2 days later (12/19/08). Over his career, he grades out as a respectable bottom of the rotation pitcher.
Ageda went 2-3 with a 5.73 ERA in 10 games with San Antonio in '09. He was waived and claimed by Tempe in the middle of the '09 season (6/22/09). Tempe released him a few weeks later (7/12/09). He signed to a 1-year minor league deal with Niihama-shi of the League of the Rising Sun shortly after (7/13/09). Overall, Ageda is a below average pitcher and should be used in non-crucial situations only.

Vega was unable to reproduce his '08 stellar numbers in '09. In 142 games with Omaha in '09, he hit .234 with 12 homeruns and 55 RBIs. In his early 30's, Vega grades out as an average catcher. It is highly unlikely he will ever come close to his solid '08 numbers.
George rebounded from '07 and '08 to have a stellar '09 season down at Omaha's Class-A affiliate. He has excellent raw tools and big things are projected out of him. Despite a lack of true power, George possesses a high ceiling offensively. Along with outstanding plate discipline, he possesses plus contact skills and gap power. He's regarded as the #27 prospect in PEBA (4/06/09).

San Antonio Calzones of Laredo and Manchester Maulers

December 15th, 2008

San Antonio receives:
CF Alexandre LaRouche (22, SS-A) - minor league contract

Manchester receives:
3B Michael Kelly (28, ML) - $8.6/$8.6/$8.6

Since Then:
LaRouche spent April and May of '09 on San Antonio's big league roster. However after batting .188 with San Antonio, he was demoted back down to the minors where he spent time at Class-A and AA. He has plus speed and fluid mechanics in the outfield. He possesses raw power but needs to work on his contact skills if he wants to progress at the higher level. Overall, LaRouche appears to be a future bench or platoon bat. Some teams may give him a bigger role though.

Kelly had an All-Star '09 season with Manchester while playing at the hot corner. He batted .283 with 17 homeruns and 84 RBIs. The perennial All-Leather winner only commited 4 errors at 3B and displayed a .991 fielding percentage. A multi-time All-Star, he grades out as one of the league's top third baseman.

October 2, 2008

Connecticut Nutmeggers and West Virginia Coal Sox

December 11th, 2008

West Virginia receives:
RF Bernardo Marín (34, ML) - $11.9/$12.7
SP Craig Rogers (23, AAA) - minor league contract
Connecticut's 6th round 2009 draft pick (3B Ernesto Nevárez - 2nd pick)

Connecticut receives:
1B Michizane Kouki (26, ML) - $3.2/$3.5
3B Jorge Ortíz (28, ML) - $1.0
SP Tim Higgins (34, ML) - $9.6/$10.3
RF Rafael López (25, AAA) - minor league contract
West Virginia's 2nd round 2009 draft pick (RF Peter Trent - 15th pick)

Since Then:
Marín was traded back to Connecticut by midseason during West Virginia's fire sale (7/19/09). Prior to the trade, Marín batted .250 with 7 homeruns and 29 RBIs in 90 games with West Virginia. He performed much better after returning to Connecticut. A very solid player in his career, Marín is still productive as the '09 season but it appears age will soon catch up with him.
Rogers was called up to the big leagues in April after 4 impressive starts at AAA. He went 12-5 with a 3.51 ERA in 24 starts in '09. Overall, Rogers grades out as a decent starter and should be expect to fill a middle to bottom of the rotation spot.
Nevárez has performed decently in '09 in his first professional minor league season down at West Virginia's SS-A affiliate. A solid defender with an average stick, Nevárez projects to be a bench or platoon player down the line.

Kouki had an off year in '09. He batted .225 with 8 homeruns and 45 RBIs in 147 games with Connecticut in '09. He is an above average run producer who is capable of starting. However, he plays at an offensive premium position where more production is expected.
Ortíz began the '09 season with Connecticut but was demoted to the minors in July. Prior to his demotion, he struggled mightily with a .159 batting average in 45 games. He possesses above average gap power and a good eye but has shown little ability to make contact consistently at the big league level. His inconsistencies with the bat make him a fringe big league bench player.
Higgins was traded back to West Virginia in the Marín deal (7/19/09). Before the trade, he sported an embarrassing 1-9 record with a 4.71 ERA with Connecticut. He has not pitched much better with West Virginia in '09. Overall, Higgins is on the downside of his career and not much should be expected out of him.
López started the season in Connecticut but struggled. He was demoted to AAA and eventually AA after 43 games and a .169 batting average. Possessing average talent, López projects to be a 4th outfielder at best.
Trent has played tremendously well in his first professional minor league season at Connecticut's SS-A affiliate. He was elected to the 2009 Surf and Snow Amalgamation All-Star Game. Despite his early success, Trent is considered an average talent. With his legs being his best asset, Trent projects to be a big league 4th outfielder with a slight chance of becoming a starter if he exceeds expectations.

September 24, 2008

Kentucky Thoroughbreds and Canton Longshoremen

December 1st, 2008

Kentucky receives:
SP Ricardo Alonso (27, AAA) - $0.69/arbitration/arbitration/arbitration

Canton receives:
SP Zhu Mar (23, AA) - minor league contract

Since Then:
Alonso spent the majority of the '09 season at Kentucky's big ball club. He went 5-6 with a 5.49 ERA. Overall, Alonso is a limited pitcher who is best suited in a mop-up role or backend starter.

Mar was traded to Crystal Lake early in the '09 season (5/17/09). Possessing average talent all-around, Mar has a chance to become a long reliever or a bottom of the rotation starter.

September 22, 2008

New Orleans Trendsetters and San Antonio Calzones of Laredo

November 25th, 2008

New Orleans receives:
SP José Morales (34, ML) - $6.9

San Antonio receives:
New Orleans' 3rd round 2009 draft pick (SP Juan Valdés - 20th pick)

Since Then:
Morales went 8-4 with a 3.95 ERA in 18 starts with New Orleans before being traded to West Virginia (7/31/09). Overall Morales is a decent pitcher worthy of being a middle to back-end starter.

Valdés has had a solid '09 season with San Antonio's SS-A affiliate. Possessing average stuff, movement and velocity, Valdés appears to be a fringe big league starter. He could one day be a backend rotation starter in the big leagues if he puts it altogether.

Canton Longshoremen and San Antonio Calzones of Laredo

November 25, 2008

San Antonio receives:
1B Arron Campbell (27, ML) - $2.4/$2.4P
CF Tim Eaton (23, AAA) - minor league contract
Canton's 3rd round 2009 draft pick (LF Carlos Reyes - 10th pick)

Canton receives:
CF Jack Miller (24, ML) - $5.4/arbitration
C Willie Jeffries (27, AAA)
- minor league contract

Since Then:
Campbell was traded to Duluth in less than a month.
Eaton has been about average as the starting CF in 2009.
Reyes has played decently in the minors. At best, he is a big league backup outfielder.

Miller has been awful as the starting CF in 2009.
Jeffries has been awful as the starting C in 2009.

Intent: None given.

Commentary: Hard not to see this as anything but a big win for San Antonio. - Coal Sox

September 19, 2008

Crystal Lake Sandgnats and Reno Tenpinners

November 22, 2008

Reno receives:
RF Felipe Coronado (27, AAA) - minor league contract

Crystal Lake receives:
SP Zander Eichhorn (24, AAA)
- minor league contract

Since Then:
Coronado was selected by the Featherheads just one month after the trade in the Rule 5 draft.

Eichhorn has been demoted to AA, where he is playing well.

Intent: None given.

Crystal Lake Sandgnats and Palm Springs Codgers

November 22, 2008

Palm Springs receives:
SS
Héctor Castillo (26, ML) - $10.0

Crystal Lake receives:
Palm Springs' 3rd round draft pick 2009 (3B Ailen Hewitt - 18th pick)

Since Then:
Castillo is posting the best numbers of his career in 2009.

Hewitt has been average in the minors.

Commentary: A unique trade in PEBA history, Castillo was actually a pending free agent. As a result of a glitch in OOTP7/8's contract engine, Castillo signed a long-term contract at a dirt-cheap rate during the 2008 season. His contract was edited down to one year, with the stipulation that if he was traded he would receive a one-year, $10 million contract. Well, he was traded, and Palm Springs was the lucky recipient. It looks like it will be a win-win deal. - Coal Sox

September 18, 2008

Aurora Borealis and Crystal Lake Sandgnats

November 22, 2008

Aurora receives:
SP León "Long Haul" Rivera (21, AAA) - Minor League Contract

Crystal Lake receives:
SS Pablo Espinosa (23, AAA) - Minor League Contract

Since Then:
Rivera has seen continued success at AAA.
Espinosa has struggled in an every-day role in the majors.

Intent: Crystal Lake acquired Espinosa to be their starting shortstop in 2009. An anonymous Sandgnats official stated
I'm sorry to see Rivera go, but we needed a SS, and Pablo fills the role. Good trade!
Aurora made no statement about the trade.

September 17, 2008

Arlington Bureaucrats and London Underground

November 22nd, 2008

Arlington receives:
LF Hugh Murray (18, SS-A) - minor league contract

London receives:
SS Rob Sullivan (23, AAA) - minor league contract

Since Then:
Murray has shown the ability to hit for a high average at Arlington's Class-A and AA affiliates in the '09 season. Possessing only the ability to hit for a high contact, Murray is a one trick pony that makes it hard for him to stick in the big leagues.

Sullivan has struggled offensively in '09 at London's AA and AAA affiliates. Excellently defensively, Sullivan's lack of offensive skills make him a one dimensional player. With the exception of being a defensive sub, it will be hard for him to make it to the big leagues.

September 14, 2008

Arlington Bureaucrats and Kentucky Thoroughbreds

November 14th, 2008

Arlington receives:
CL José Hale (18, A) - minor league contract

Kentucky receives:
SP Steven Norris (23, ML) - minor league contract

Since Then:
Hale pitched well at Arlington's Class-A affiliate in '09. He had a brief stint up in AA but was demoted due to his struggles. Overall, Hale has excellent with a plus fastball. His lack of control will make it a challenge for him to become a big league reliever.

Norris has had a decent '09 season at Kentucky's AA affiliate. Lacking velocity and big league stuff, Norris appears best suited as a career minor league pitcher.

September 12, 2008

New Orleans Trendsetters and San Antonio Calzones of Laredo

November 10th, 2008

New Orleans receives:
SP Alberto Semblano (30, ML) - $9.9/$9.9/$9.9
LF Roberto Rodríguez (30, ML) - $16.0/$16.0/$17.0/$18.0

San Antonio receives:
RF Cooper Scott (33, ML) $1.5
SP Chris Nicholson (30, ML) - $9.3
SP Alfredo Pinto (34, ML) - $3.9/$3.9 (mutual option)

Since Then:
Semblano had a magnificent '09 season with New Orleans. In 31 starts, he went 18-8 with a 3.03 ERA. A number 4 starter in New Orleans' rotation, Semblano is a number 2 or number 3 starter on most other pitching staffs. Lacking electric stuff and velocity, Semblano relies on his pinpoint control to carve up opposing batters.
Rodríguez, an '09 All-Star, batted .310 with 28 homeruns. He has drove in 81 RBIs while scoring 122 runs on the season with New Orleans. Overall, Rodríguez is a dangerous hitter worthy of hitting in the 3-hole or cleanup spots any big league team.

Scott was released shortly in the '09 season (4/26/09). He signed a 1-year deal worth $1,500,000 with Kentucky a few weeks later (5/11/09). He grades out as a decent offensive platoon outfielder who could play the role of a 4th outfielder on a big league ballclub.
Nicholson had a forgettable '09 season with San Antonio. He went 8-21 with a 4.88 ERA in 34 starts. Despite his poor '09 season, Nicholson is not particularly a terrible pitcher. He rates as a number 4 or number 5 starter.
Pinto was traded to West Virginia a month later (12/17/09). He splitted time between West Virginia and their AAA affiliate in the '09 season. With West Virginia, he struggled with a 3-8 record and 5.97 ERA. The aging pitcher is nothing more than a number starter or mop-up reliever at best. Most teams probably would not have Pinto on their big league roster.

Commentary: I love how you guys aren't at all shy with the blockbusters, and this here is a doozy of one. Another "untradeable" contract moving in Roberto Rodriguez (no relation to Mexican director Robert Rodriguez of El Mariachi fame. New Orleans is getting a couple big guns, while San Antonio is getting payroll relief starting in 2010. Looks like a good move for both sides.

September 11, 2008

Arlington Bureaucrats and the Kentucky Thoroughbreds

November 10th, 2008

Arlington receives:
MR José Vargas (27, AAA) - $0.39/arbitration/arbitration

Kentucky receives:
$50,000 cash

Since Then:
Vargas pitched terribly for Arlington in '09. In 29 relief appearances, he went 0-4 with a 6.46 ERA. Although he has shown decent stuff and good control, Vargas throws straight as an arrow. He is a mop-up reliever or long reliever at best.

Kentucky Thoroughbreds and Tempe Knights

November 6th, 2008

Kentucky receives:
2B Ron Ryan (27, ML) - $0.39/arbitration
LF Kee Chaim (22, SS-A) - minor league contract

Tempe receives:
3B Josh Emery (26, ML) - N/A (eligible for free agency on 11/25/08)

Since Then:
Ryan played admirably in a backup platoon role for Kentucky. He batted .278 with 23 RBIs in 97 games in the '09 season while playing primarily 3B. A mediocre talent all-around, Ryan is a decent average player worthy of filling a utility role on a big league ballclub.
Chaim had an excellent '09 minor league season. Making stops at Kentucky's SS-A and Class-A affiliates, Chaim held his own offensively. Above average defensively, it is uncertain if Chaim's offensive numbers will translate at the big league level. Talent-wise, he is expected to be a limited player who is best suited for the minor leagues.

Emery opted for free agency a few weeks later (11/25/08). Due to a lack of club interest, Emery signed a 1-year deal worth $7,428,400 with the Nezahualcóyotl Coyotes of the Alianza Béisbol Al Sur de la Frontera. Currently a free agent again, Emery has loads of talent but seemingly has yet to deliever in PEBA.

September 10, 2008

Manchester Maulers and New Jersey Hitmen

November 6th, 2008

New Jersey receives:
CF Daniel Ríos (32, ML) - $11.0/$11.0/$12.0/$12.0/$12.0/$15.0
SP Jesús González (27, ML) - $3.2/$3.2
RF Alejandro Alemán (24, AA) - minor league contract
Manchester's 11th round 2009 draft pick (C Germán Collazo - 9th pick)
Manchester's 13th round 2009 draft pick (1B Pedro Durán - 9th pick)

Manchester receives:
RF José Cortéz (26, ML) - $8.3
MR Dan Mosley (34, ML) - $6.4
2B Naizen Nakayama (31, AAA) - $1.9/$1.9
$3,000,000 cash

Since Then:
Ríos' career continued to downspiral in '09. The highly overpaid outfielder batted .215 with 6 homers and 46 RBIs in 136 games with New Jersey. These days Ríos is nothing more than a contract albatross.
González had a solid '09 season with New Jersey. He went 12-10 with a 3.41 ERA. Overall, he grades out as a dependable number 3 type starter.
Alemán struggled at New Jersey's AA affiliate after being promoted in July '09 from his splendid Class-A performance. He has plus defensive skills and average offensive skills. His mediocre hitting skills will prevent him from being an established big leauger. He is a fringe bench player at best.
Collazo quit baseball to rock out on Rock Band.
Durán disappeared and was presumed dead while traveling to Panama to celebrate his great uncle's 58th birthday.

Cortéz was traded to Connecticut a month later for a 2nd and 3rd round draft pick(12/29/08). He has since then been traded to New Orleans in prior to the trading deadline (7/12/09). A former All-Star, Cortéz has gradual declined in production but is still capable of putting up productive numbers.
Mosley had his best season as a pro in '09. He delievered a 5-3 record with a miniscule 1.38 ERA. He also compiled 4 saves while pitching mainly in the setup role. The aging veteran has shown no signs of slowing down and has gotten better with age. He is one of the league's best setup men.
Nakayama has provided solid bench play for Manchester in '09. In 106 games, the utility infielder batted .277 with 2 homeruns and 18 RBIs while playing primarily filling in at SS and 2B. It appears he has found a home and niche in Manchester serving as an invaluable utility player.


Commentary: This will likely be my favorite pre-Winter Meetings trade. First, it's a bona fide blockbuster. Second, it's a challenge trade: My top outfielder for your top outfielder, let's see who's better! Third, it involves a player (Rios) that everyone said was untradeable, proving once again that there's no such word as "untradeable" (there really isn't, actually). Fourth, it's the first trade to involve draft picks from our newly added rounds 11-20. - Commissioner John

New Jersey responds to the trade.

September 8, 2008

Tempe Knights and San Antonio Calzones of Laredo

November 2, 2008

Tempe Receives:
1B
Octávio Pexego (25, ML) - $7.7/arbitration
SS Charles Randall (30, ML) - $0.6
SP Jeff Fish (22, AA) - minor league contract
MR Ichiyo Sekiguchi (25, AA) - minor league contract
SS Chet Davis (24, AA) - minor league contract

San Antonio receives:
3B Will George (19, AAA) - minor league contract
C Brock Brett (23, AA) - minor league contract
2B
Miguel Angel González (20, A) - minor league contract
Tempe's 1st round 2009 draft pick
Tempe's 4th round 2009 draft pick

Since Then:
Octávio Pexego has continued his dominating ways for Tempe.
Charles Randall has performed well in a utility role.
Jeff Fish has struggled at AA.
Ichiyo Sekiguchi has played well at A.
Chet Davis has struggled at A.

Will George has yet to play in 2009.
Brock Brett has been terrible as San Antonio's starting catcher in 2009.
Miguel Angel González has played well at multiple levels.
Tempe's 1st round draft pick 2009 (no selection yet)
Tempe's 4th round draft pick 2009 (no selection yet)

Intent: Tempe made the trade with the intent of becoming a playoff contender in 2009.

San Antonio made no statement about the trade.

Commentary: Talk about a blockbuster. Superstar Octavio Pexago changes hands for the second time in his career and instantly becomes the best player on the Knights. The cost was Will George, the 17th overall pick in the 2007 draft, plus two high-level draft picks in 2009. Since Pexago is only under Tempe's control for two seasons, the Knights do not have a realistic chance of contending in that timeframe, and he's expensive to boot, this deal looks like highway robbery for San Antonio. - Coal Sox

September 2, 2008

Bakersfield Bears and Tempe Knights

November 2, 2008

Bakersfield receives:
CL Rob Monroe (24, AAA) - minor league contract

Tempe receives:
DH
Francisco González (27, AAA) - $0.40/arbitration

Since Then:
Monroe has maintained his status as a high-quality prospect.

González has continued to post great AAA numbers.

September 1, 2008

Arlington Bureaucrats and Kentucky Thoroughbreds

November 2nd, 2008

Arlington receives:
LF Ty Peters (22, SS-A) - minor league contract

Kentucky receives:
MR Yoriyuki Yamasaki (25, AA) - minor league contract

Since Then:
Peters has struggled in Class-A and AA with Arlington in '09. Possessing not much talent, he projects to be a career minor leaguer.

Yamasaki has pitched extremely well for Kentucky's AA affiliate in '09. Despite his solid minor league pitching success since '07, Yamasaki does not project to be a big leauge middle reliever. His lack of velocity and movement on pitches make him a prime candidate to be a career minor leaguer.

August 31, 2008

Arlington Bureaucrats and Canton Longshoremen

November 2nd, 2008

Arlington receives:
SP Minoru Kudo (23, AA) - minor league contract

Canton receives:
2B Frederick Craig (26, AAA) - $0.39/arbitration/arbitration

Since Then:
Kudo was traded to Duluth a month later (12/18/08). He was promoted to Duluth in August '09 after having a solid season in AAA. Since joining Duluth's rotation in August, he has gone 3-5 with a 4.64 ERA in the '08 season. He rates as the #46 prospect in baseball (4/06/09). Possessing average talent, Kudo projects to be a back-end starter in the big leagues.

Craig had a solid '09 season at Canton's AAA affiliate. A slightly below average ballplayer, Craig projects at best to be a big league bench player.

Manchester Maulers and San Antonio Calzones of Laredo

November 2nd, 2008

Manchester receives:
2B Dewey Blackwell (22, AA) - minor league contract

San Antonio receives:
MR Gary Fisher (29, ML) - $2.2

Since Then:
Blackwell was traded to Omaha by midseason (6/07/09). A versatile infielder, Blackwell projects to be a future big league utility infielder.

Fisher was to Tempe a month later (12/18/08). He was then traded to Kentucky by the '08 trading deadline (7/31/08). Overall, he grades out as an adequate spot starter and mop-up pitcher.

Arlington Bureaucrats and Manchester Maulers

November 2, 2008

Arlington receives:
SP Kevin Hollins (22, A) - minor league contract

Manchester receives:
2B Juan Ríos (25, AAA) - minor league contract

Since Then:
Hollins has had an average '09 season at Arlington's AA and AAA affiliates. He appears to not have a big league make-up. At best, he rates as a big league mop-up reliever or 5th starter.

Ríos has had a subpar '09 season spending time at Manchester's AAA affiliate and big ball club. He projects to be nothing more than a utility infielder and possibly even better suited as a career minor leaguer.

August 7, 2008

New Jersey Hitmen and Kalamazoo Badgers

September 26th, 2008

New Jersey receives:
RF Gregory Arnold (26, ML) - $8.4

Kalamazoo receives:
SS Kien-lung Hsiao (22, AAA) - minor league contract
MR José Martínez (21, AAA) - minor league contract

Since Then:
Arnold played well in 5 games with New Jersey before the '08 regular season ended. He was retained after the season and since then has signed a 5-year deal with Gloucester worth $53,560,000. An '09 All-Star, Arnold is one of the game's great players. He plays his outfield position well and is dangerous with the bat.

Hsiao was traded to London early in the '09 season (5/17/09). Named the #81 prospect in PEBA (1/29/09), Hsiao has played well since his big league callup with London in '09. Average with the glove, his strength lies in his ability to make contact and drive the ball in the gap.
Martínez has pitched decently at Kalamazoo's AAA affiliate in '09. He may develop into a big league reliever but he rates as an average talent.

July 27, 2008

Connecticut Nutmeggers and New Jersey Hitmen

Sepetember 2nd, 2008

Connecticut receives:
3B José Montaño (21, AAA) - minor league contract

New Jersey receives:
CF Claudio Córdova (27, ML) - $3.7

Since Then:
Córdova played well for New Jersey in September of '08 after the trade. He batted .344 with 3 homeruns and 18 RBIs in 26 games. He was not retained by New Jersey in the offseason. He has since signed a 5-year deal worth $25,810,00 with New Orleans (3/18/09). An excellent righfielder, he rates as a solid but not spectacular all-around offensive player .

Montaño has played well for Connecticut's AA affiliate in '09. An average talent all-around, Montaño projects as a future big league bench player at best.

July 14, 2008

Arlington Bureaucrats and Bakersfield Bears

July 31st, 2008

Arlington receives:
C Harvey Nuesink (28, ML) - $0.38
Bakersfield's 3rd round 2009 draft pick (1B Ed Shaffer - 22nd pick)
Bakersfield's 5th round 2009 draft pick (LF Jack Jackson - 22nd pick)


Bakersfield receives:
SS Francis Hampton (28, ML) - $0.38/$0.58/$0.58
C Gabriel Camacho (22, AAA) - minor league contract

Since Then:
Nuesink played poorly at Arlington's AA affiliate. He was released in the offseason (10/24/08). He projects to be a career minor league catcher.
Shaffer has struggled in his first SS-A minor league season. A good defensive 1B, he rates as average on offense. He projects to be a borderline big league player.
Jackson has played well in '09 in Arlington's farm system. He has a chance to develop into a big league player one day but his talent ceiling appears to be average.



Hampton batted .255 while providing solid defense in a utility role for Bakersfield in '08. As of '09, he remains a steady serviceable utility infielder for Bakersfield.
Camacho hit .261 and provided steady defense in 45 games in '08 with Bakersfield. Named the #46 prospect as of 4/06/09, Camacho has improved in the '09 season. An all-around catcher, he has grown to provide an above average bat along with good defense behind home plate.

July 12, 2008

Manchester Maulers and San Antonio Calzones of Laredo

July 31st, 2008

Manchester receives:
SP Yukio Fujita (24, ML) - $1.5/$1.5/arbitration/arbitration/arbitration

San Antonio receives:
SP Jeremy Hann (19, AA)
Manchester's 3rd round 2009 draft pick (LF Tyrone Miller - 9th pick)

Since Then:
Fujita went 6-3 with a 3.23 in 12 starts with Manchester in '08. He remains with Manchester in '09 and has pitched solidly. Overall, he rates as a dependable middle of the rotation starter.

Hann has pitched pretty well in San Antonio's farm system. However, he has suffered a severe setback in '09 with a torn labrum that will put him out of commissioner for at least 12 months (7/11/09).
Miller has struggled in his first SS-A season in '09. A solid defensive outfielder, Miller projects to be a big league platoon player or 4th outfielder.

Manchester Maulers and Aurora Borealis

July 31st, 2008

Manchester receives:
C Francesco 'Guns' Amati (22, AAA) - minor league contract
SP Ryuichi Yamauchi (23, AAA) - minor league contract
1B Tony Torres (20, A) - minor league contract

Aurora receives:
C Wilson Berry (23, ML) - $0.38/arbitration/arbitration/arbitration
SS José Rivera (22, AA) - minor league contract
Manchester's 7th round 2009 draft pick (CF Miguel Gutiérrez - 9th pick)

Since Then:
Amati hit .243 with 2 homeruns and 13 RBIs in 43 games with Manchester after the trade. He has struggled greatly in '09 and is better suited in a backup role.
Yamauchi has blossomed with Manchester. A two-time AAA All-Star, Yamauchi's highlights including pitching a no-hitter against Florida (4/29/09). Overall, Yamauchi rates as a solid top middle rotation pitcher.
Torres has played well at Manchester's Class-A affiliate in '08 and '09. However, he rates with a low ceiling and his numbers may not translate well at the big league level.

Berry has underperformed by his standards in Aurora as of '09. Overall though, Berry has solid defensive skills and above average hitting skills for a catcher.
Rivera rates as the #21 prospect as of '09 (4/06/09). He has performed well in Aurora's farm system. Excluding pure power and speed, Rivera rates well in all other categories. An excellent versatile infielder, Rivera has tremendous contact skills and patience. He projects to be an everday infielder in the big leagues one day with potential to become an All-Star.
Gutiérrez has played well in his first minor league season with Aurora's SS-A affiliate in '09. A mediocre talent, Gutiérrez projects at best as a 4th outfielder in the big leagues.

July 10, 2008

New Orleans Trendsetters and Palm Springs Codgers

July 22nd, 2008

New Orleans receives:
CF Jorge Ruíz (24, ML) - $1.2/arbitration

Palm Springs receives:
$1,166,100 cash

Since Then:
Ruíz batted .228 with New Orleans in 54 games after the '08 midseason trade. He was traded to Connecticut a year later (7/12/09). For his career, he rates as a limited offensive player who posseses excellent defensive skills along with exceptional basestealing skills.

July 8, 2008

Kentucky Thoroughbreds and Duluth Warriors

July 22nd 2008

Kentucky receives:
3B Anastasio Calderón (30, ML) - $1.5

Duluth receives:
SP Ramón Ornelas (35, ML) - $1.5

Since Then:
Calderón batted .197 with 6 homeruns and 25 RBIs in 55 games with Kentucky. He has been out of baseball since after the '08 season. For his career, he was a well below average player.

Ornelas went 1-3 with a 5.67 ERA 10 starts with Duluth after the trade. He left via free agency after the '08 season to sign a 1-year minor league deal with Azua Zafiros Blanco of the Liga Dominicana de Béisbol Invernal. For his career, he rates as a bottom rotation starter at best.

July 7, 2008

New Orleans Trendsetters and London Underground

July 14th, 2008

New Orleans receives:
3B Dominic Gagné (29, ML) - $4.9

London receives:
LF Daron Little (37, ML) - $2.3
1B Morimasa Sasaki (24, AAA) - minor league contract
SP Felipe Rodríguez (22, SS-A) - minor league contract

Since Then:
Gagné flourished with New Orleans in 68 games. He batted .313 with 17 homeruns and 49 RBIs after the trade while helping New Orleans win the 2008 PEBA Championship, He became a free agent after the season but was not signed until Reno after 3-year deal mid-way through the '09 season (8/15/09). Overall, he rates as an above average switch hitter with competent skills at the hot corner.

Little played decently for London. He hit .260 with 10 homers and 30 RBIs in 72 games. He retired after the '08 season.
Sasaki has played solidly for London's farm system in '08 and '09. A steady average player all along, Sasaki appears better suited as a minor league veteran than big league player.
Rodríguez has pitched well during his stint's at London's Class-A affiliate in '08 and '09. He has struggled since his promotion to AAA in '09. He grades out at best as a big league bottom rotation pitcher.

July 6, 2008

Manchester Maulers and San Antonio Calzones of Laredo

July 14th, 2008

Manchester receives:
SP Gary Fisher (29, ML) - $2.2/$2.2
CF Manny Lara (23, ML) - $0.38/$0.38/arbitration/arbitration/arbitration
SP Tekkan Terada (25, AAA) - minor league contract

San Antonio receives:
SP José Morales (33, ML) - $6.9/$6.9
Manchester's 2nd round 2009 draft pick (SS Randy Blake - 9th pick)
Manchester's 5th round 2009 draft pick (3B Roberto Luna - 9th pick)

Since Then:
Fisher went 1-6 with a 5.43 in games with Manchester in '08. As of '09, he has been traded to San Antonio (11/02/08), Tempe (12/18/08) and Kentucky (7/31/09). For his career, he has been a serviceable backend starter or mop-up reliever.
Lara played horribly with Manchester in '08 after the trade. He batted .215 in 68 games with 2 homeruns and 17 RBIs. For his career, he has been an average outfielder.
Terada spent '08 and part of '09 at Manchester's AAA affiliate. He was released by Manchester on 5/17/09 and subsequently signed to a minor league contract a week later by Bakersfield (5/25/09). He rates as a career minor league starter.

Morales went 7-5 with a 2.53 ERA in 17 starts with San Antonio after the trade. He was traded to New Orleans in the offseason (11/25/08). Since then, he has been traded again to West Virginia during the '09 trading deadlone (7/31/09). Morales has been a solid middle rotation starter in his career.
Blake has been average in '09 while playing in his first minor league season at San Antonio's SS-A affiliate. He projects to be a future big league utility infielder.
Luna, who was drafted out of high school, has struggled in '09 in his first minor league season with San Antonio's SS-A affiliate. He projects to be a borderline big league backup catcher.

San Antonio Calzones of Laredo and Connecticut Nutmeggers

July 14th, 2008

San Antonio receives:
LF Roberto Rodríguez (29, ML) - $14.0/$16.0/$16.0/$17.0/$18.0
SS Charles Randall (29, ML) - $0.54/$0.64

Connecticut receives:
2B Miguel Angel Hernández (29, ML) - $4.4/$4.4
2B Kunimichi Kato (36, ML) - $2.7/$2.7
MR Jacob Dotson (29, ML) - $2.2/$2.2
LF Lorenzo Ramírez (37, ML) - $4.4
San Antonio's 1st round 2009 draft pick (LF Oliver Douglas - 13th pick)
San Antonio's 2nd round 2009 draft pick (C Dalton Scott - 13th pick)
San Antonio's 3rd round 2009 draft pick (3B Ronald Lowry - 13th pick)
San Antonio's 4th round 2009 draft pick (SP Ánibal Moreno - 13th pick)

Since Then:
Rodríguez had an All-Star caliber second half of the '08 season with San Antonio. He batted .318 while banging out 9 homers and driving in 43 RBIs. He was traded to New Orleans in the offseason (11/10/08). Although owning a hefty contract, Rodríguez remains one of the league's best offensive leftfielders in the game in '09.
Randall played poorly in 43 games with San Antonio after the trade. He batted a miniscule .145 average with 3 RBIs. He was traded to Tempe in the Pexego deal in the offseason (11/02/08).

Hernández missed a majority of the second half of the '08 season with a fractured foot (7/27/08). He played extremely well in the '09 season but once again injuries have shortened another year. He batted .304 with 4 homers and 30 RBIs prior to tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (8/16/09). For his career, Hernández is an above average hitter with excellent defensive skills and versatility when healthy.
Kato batted .309 with 2 homeruns and 8 RBIs in 44 games with Connecticut in '08. The rejuvenated aging Japanese infielder remains with Connecticut in '09 where he has had a solid season.
Dotson pitched poorly for Connecticut in '08. He went 3-4 with a 7.26 ERA in 22 relief appearances. He has pitched better in '09 and grades out as a decent middle reliever.
Ramírez batted .306 with 4 RBIs in 41 games with Connecticut. He retired in the offseason.
Douglas, who had a stellar college career with Southern Miss, has carried his success in his first season in the minors in '09. He projects to be a future big league regular who can swing the bat for a high average along with power.
Dalton was released by Connecticut prior to his first full year in the minor leagues (7/19/09). He has since signed a 1-year minor league deal with Lupin of the League of the Rising Sun (7/20/09).
Lowry has played well in '09 in his first professional minor league season at SS-A. An infielder with above average defensive skills, he has shown an average bat but possesses plus power potential. He projects to be a future starter with possible star power.
Moreno has pitched well at Connecticut's SS-A affiliate in '09. Although too early to tell, he has potential to be a big league starter one day. He won't be a star but could one day provide serviceable pitching at the end of the rotation.


Commentary: San Antonio responds to the trade.

July 4, 2008

New Jersey Hitmen and Yuma Bulldozers

July 14th, 2008

New Jersey receives:
SP Rafael Matos (31, ML) - $6.3

Yuma receives:
SP Xue-qin Yuan (27, ML) - $3.4
New Jersey's 7th round 2009 draft pick (MR John Miller - 21st pick)

Since Then:
Matos pitched poorly for New Jersey in 14 games after the trade. He compiled a 4-7 record with a bloated 6.42 ERA. He signed a minor league deal with Omaha in the offseason. For his career, he has been a below average bottom of the rotation starter.

Yuan went 4-10 with a 4.93 ERA in 15 games started with Yuma after the trade. As of '09, he signed a 3-year contract with Kentucky worth $3,900,003. For his career, he has pitched subpar and best suited as a mop-up reliever or backend rotation starter.
Miller has pitched well in '09 in his first minor league season with Yuma's SS-A affiliate. He has the potential to one day be a decent big league reliever

July 3, 2008

San Antonio Calzones of Laredo and Canton Longshoremen

July 14th, 2008

San Antonio receives:
MR Travis Reynolds (34, ML) - $0.735

Canton receives:
San Antonio's 5th round 2009 draft pick (CF José Villa - 13th pick)

Since Then:
Reynolds made 13 appearances in '08 with San Antonio going 1-4 with 4.13 ERA and a save in 32.2 innings. Since then, he has signed a 1-year deal with Ciudad Acuña of the Alianza Béisbol Al Sur de la Frontera (4/30/09).

Villa has struggled in '09 in his first minor league season with Canton's SS-A affiliate. However, he has a chance to grow into a serviceable outfielder if developed properly. He has raw hitting potential and solid defensive skills.

New Jersey Hitmen and Canton Longshoremen

July 14th, 2008

New Jersey receives:
SP Oscar Holloway (29, ML) - $12.6/$12.6/$12.6

Canton receives:
SP Anthony Bagg (24, ML) - $1.4/$1.4/$1.4
MR Zander Miller (24, ML) - $0.38/$0.38/arbitration/arbitration/arbitration
CF John Knight (23, ML) - $0.38/arbitration/arbitration/arbitration
1B Albert Rishworth (26, ML) - $1.2/$1.2/arbitration/arbitration/arbitration
C Leo Coury (22, AA) - minor league contract
New Jersey's 3rd round 2009 draft pick (3B Ken Vance - 21st pick)
$1,000,000 cash

Since Then:
Holloway pitched superlatively for New Jersey after the trade. He went 7-1 with a 2.90 ERA on 15 games started. Holloway remains with New Jersey in '09 and has had a decent season. For his career, Holloway rates as a top of the rotation pitcher ideally as a #2 starter.

Bagg went 4-4 with a 5.48 ERA 13 starts with Canton in '08. As of '09, he has struggled while spending time with Canton and its AAA affiliate. He rates out as a minor league starter.
Miller went 4-2 with a 4.26 ERA in 30 games with Canton after the trade. In '09, he has had a mediocre season with the majority of the time spent with Canton's AAA affiliate. He grades out as a potential bottom rotation starter or long reliever.
Knight struggled with Canton hitting .229 with 3 homeruns and 11 RBIs in 54 games after the trade. He was traded to Aurora in the offseason (11/25/08). He has had a breakout '09 season with Aurora.
Rishworth batted .263 with 5 homeruns and 20 RBIs in 67 games with Canton in '08. He has struggled with Canton in '09 but still has potential to be a solid hitting first baseman if he ever develops.
Coury has spent '08 and '09 with Canton's AA affiliate. He grades out as a potential big league defensive backup catcher.
Vance has struggled mightily in his first minor league season at Canton's SS-A affiliate in '09. A solid hitter in high school, he has the potential to be a good gap hitting infielder in the big leagues one day if developed properly.

Commentary: *BOOM* The hammer drops on a true blockbuster. This to me is one of the most fascinating trades in PEBA history. There's a lot happening here, and the fallout won't really be able to be judged for a few years. What can be immediately deduced is that a number of Imperial League playoff contenders are going to want to enter scramble mode to respond to this opening salvo in the Trade Wars. - Commissioner John

Kentucky Thoroughbreds and London Underground

July 14th, 2008

Kentucky receives
3B Josh Emery (26, ML) - $2.5

London receives
MR Powell Lilley (22, ML) - $0.38/$0.38/arbitration/arbitration/arbitration
LF Toyozo Ishihara (34, AAA) - minor league contract

Since Then:
Emery played miserably in 57 games with Kentucky after the trade. He batted a dismal .210 along with 5 homeruns and 27 RBIs. After the '08 season, he signed a 1-year deal with Nezahualcóyotl of the Alianza Béisbol Al Sur de la Frontera where he played exceptionally well. As of the '09 season, he has been unemployed.

Lilley pitched well for London after the trade. In 26 relief appearances, he went 4-1 with a 2.67 ERA. He was traded to Kalamazoo early in the '09 season (5/17/09). In his young career, Lilley has been inconsistent showing flashes of brilliance while other times making managers pull their hair out.
Isihara appeared in 58 games with London in '08. He hit .228 with 4 homeruns and 13 RBIs. He signed a 2-year deal worth $1,710,000 with Niihama-shi of the League of the Rising Sun in the '08 offseason (12/08/08).

July 2, 2008

Manchester Maulers and Canton Longshoremen

July 14th, 2008

Manchester receives:
1B Martin Bido (21, A) - minor league contract

Canton receives:
C Bill Mytton (21, AAA) - minor league contract

Since Then:
Bido had an average '08 season with Manchester's AA affiliate. He has progressed well in '09 at AAA and projects one day to be a serviceable first baseman.

Mytton did not play as well after the trade while playing for Canton's AAA affiliate. A superb defensive catcher, Mytton does not have the offensive talent to become a big league regular. At best, he may grow into a defensive backup catcher but his lack of offense makes him a liability in the batting order.

July 1, 2008

San Antonio Calzones of Laredo and West Virginia Coal Sox

July 14th, 2008

San Antonio receives:
RF Will Thomas (32, ML) - $11.7/$11.7/$11.7
SP Flobert Hoeks (26, ML) - $0.38/$0.38/arbitration/arbitration/arbitration

West Virginia receives:
SP Tim Higgins (33, ML) - $9.0/$9.6/$10.3
MR Héctor Nieves (27, ML) - $2.8/$2.8

Since Then:
Thomas played well for San Antonio after the trade. In 70 games, he batted .269 along with 9 homeruns and 24 RBIs. As of '09, the aging Thomas remains with San Antonio where he has played poorly in a bench role.
Hoeks pitched decently in 11 games with San Antonio after the trade. He went 4-2 with a 4.55 ERA in 59.1 innings. He remains with San Antonio in '09 where he has been a serviceable mediocre middle of the rotation pitcher.

Higgins went 6-5 with a 4.24 ERA in 14 starts with West Virginia in '08. He was traded to Connecticut in the offseason (12/11/09). Prior to the 2009 trading deadline, he was traded back to West Virginia (7/19/09). For his career, he has been a decent middle of the rotation starter.
Nieves pitched well for West Virginia after the trade. In 43 innings, he compiled a 4-3 record with a 3.14 ERA along with 3 saves. He remains with West Virginia in '09 and is having a career year as a setup reliever.

Commentary: San Antonio responds to the trade.

June 29, 2008

New Orleans Trendsetters and Canton Longshoremen

July 6th, 2008

New Orleans receives:
MR Carlos Antonio (33, ML) - $3.9/$3.9

Canton receives:
1B John Greene (25, ML) - $0.38/arbitration/arbitration/arbitration
MR Isei Imamura (24, ML) - $1.3/arbitration
3B Rubén Leal (30, AAA) - minor league contract
New Orleans' 6th round 2009 draft pick (C Pat Johnson - 20th pick)

Since Then:
Antonio went 0-1 with 2 saves and a 3.43 ERA in 39.1 innings with New Orleans in '08. He remains with New Orleans in '09 as a setup reliever and has pitched decently.

Greene played well with Canton in '08. In 49 games, he batted .302 with 4 homers and 20 RBIs. He has played the majority of the '09 season with Canton's AAA affiliate where he was selected to the 2009 Global Baseball Brotherhood All-Star Game. He has potential to be a big league starting first baseman but has yet to receive a fair opportunity at the job.
Leal played poorly for Canton's AAA affiliate and was released by Canton in the offseason (10/07/08). He signed a minor league contract with Bakersfield in the offseason (3/08/09). A '09 AAA All-Star, Leal has shown flashes of big league talent but may not receive an opportunity considering his age.
Imamura pitched poorly in 22 games with Canton in '08 and has since been reassigned to Canton's AAA affiliate in '09. He has pitched decently in the minors in '09 but appears to be a fringe big league reliever who at best will be a mop-up or long reliever.
Johnson has struggled in his first SS-A season with Canton in '09. However, he potentially grades out as a borderline big league catcher talent.

June 28, 2008

New Jersey Hitmen and Tempe Knights

June 28th, 2008

New Jersey receives:
SP Xue-qin Yuan (27, ML) - $3.4

Tempe receives:
SP Ross Hanlon (24, AAA) - minor league contract

Since Then:
Yuan appeared in only one game with New Jersey before being traded to Yuma a couple weeks later (7/14/08). He has since signed with Kentucky in '09. As of '09, he grades out as a poor pitcher who is best suited in a mop-up role.

Hanlon had a cup of coffee with Tempe in '08 appearing in 5 games. As of '09, he has yet toshow anything up at the big league level and may be better suited as a minor league pitcher.

West Virginia Coal Sox and San Antonio Calzones of Laredo

June 28th, 2008

West Virginia receives:
DH Alberto Benítez (33, ML) - $5.5

San Antonio receives:
LF Lorenzo Ramírez (37, ML) - $.4.4
C Willie Jeffries (26, AAA) - minor league contract

Since Then:
Benítez, a 2008 All-Star, played well for West Virginia in 87 games after the trade. He batted .310 with 6 homeruns and 48 RBIs. Since then, he has signed a 3-year contract extension worth $20,000,000 with West Virginia. As of '09 he remains a consistent high contact gap power hitter.

Ramírez played well with San Antonio but was traded two weeks later to Connecticut (7/14/08). He retired after the '08 season. He has had an excellent productive career in PEBA prior to retirement.
Jeffries played poorly for San Antonio in 25 games after the trade. He was traded to Canton in the offseason (11/25/08). As of '09, he has struggled in the big leagues and may be better suited as a AAA catcher.

June 24, 2008

Manchester Maulers and San Antonio Calzones of Laredo

June 15th, 2008

Manchester receives:
RF Dong-ju Yo (31, ML) - $2.6/$2.6/$2.6/$2.6

San Antonio receives:
MR Jacob Dotson (29, ML) - $2.2/$2.2
LF Luis Vélez (17, AA) - minor league contract

Since Then:
Yo batted .248 with 1 homerun and 2 RBIs with Manchester in 84 games in '08. He has played better with Manchester in '09 serving as their leadoff hitter.

Dotson appeared in 9 games with San Antonio before being dealt to Connecticut (7/14/08). As of '09, Dotson grades out as a mediocre reliever best suited for early mid-relief innings.
Vélez has been average in his young minor league career with San Antonio and projects to be a career minor leaguer at best.

June 22, 2008

Kentucky Thoroughbreds and Connecticut Nutmeggers

June 15th, 2008

Kentucky receives:
MR José Olberos (25, AA) - $0.38/$0.38/$0.38/arbitration/arbitration/arbitration

Connecticut receives:
C Maurice Kelley (27, ML) - $1.1/$1.1/$1.1

Since Then:
Olberos pitched decently for Kentucky's AAA affiliate in '08. He went 1-2 with a 3.55 ERA in 19 games. However, he has been out of baseball since the start of the '09 season.

Kelley played well for Connecticut in '08. In 41 games, he registered a .293 batting average along with 3 homers and 14 RBIs while providing solid defense. As of the '09 season, he remains Connecticut's starting catcher and provides a decent bat along with steady defense.


June 18, 2008

Manchester Maulers and Bakersfield Bears

June 1st, 2008

Manchester receives:
3B Shi-xian Qu (26, ML) - $0.38
SP Lawrence Roberson (28, AAA) - minor league contract
RF Keith Clements (22, AA) - minor league contract

Bakersfield receives:
SS Ernest Mathis (25, ML) - $0.38/arbitration/arbitration
MR Stan French (27, AAA) - minor league contract

Since Then:
Qu played horribly with Manchester in '08. In 102 games, he batted .221 with 6 homeruns and 36 RBIs. He left via free agency in the offseason to sign a 1-year deal with New Orleans.
Roberson started 14 games for Manchester in '08. He compiled a 3-7 record with 5.33 ERA. As of '09, he has historically pitched well in the minors but unable to translate the success to the big leagues.
Clements appeared in 14 games with Manchester in '08 hitting .234 with 2 homeruns and 8 RBIs in that time. He appears better suited to be a career minor leaguer.

Mathis batted .236 with 5 homeruns and 26 RBIs in 87 games with Bakersfield in '08. He was traded to Omaha in the offseason (12/15/08). He grades out as not much of an offensive threat but provides excellent infield defense and versaility.
French has pitched well in Bakersfield's farm system but has yet to receive an opportunity to pitch in the big leagues as of the '09 season.

Gloucester Fishermen and San Antonio Calzones of Laredo

June 1st, 2008

Gloucester receives:
RF Eric Olsen (22, AA) - minor league contract
1B J.J. Johnson (22, A) - minor league contract
San Antonio's 2nd round 2008 draft pick via New Jersey (C Michael Hendricks - 24th pick)
San Antonio's 3rd round 2008 draft pick via Tempe (SS Santiago Aragón - 1st pick)
San Antonio's 3rd round 2008 draft pick via Palm Springs (SP Víctor Cruz - 19th pick)
San Antonio's 5th round 2008 draft pick (SP Matt Hancock - 17th pick)

San Antonio receives:
1B Octávio Pexego (25, ML) - $3.3/arbitration

Since Then:
Olsen ranks as the #11 prospectin PEBA according to Baesball America (4/06/09). However, he has yet to fully translate his abilities and tools into results in Gloucester's minor league system. he has put up average results thus far in the '09 season with Gloucester's AAA affiliate.
Johnson has put up great numbers in Gloucester's Class-A and AA affiliates in '08. However, he has struggled mightily putting the same results at AAA. At best, he appears to be a big league bench bat.
Hendricks has posted below average offensive numbers in '08 and '09 for Gloucester's farm system but appears to have great defensive tools as a catcher. He projects to one day be a big league backup catcher and possibly a starter.
Aragón has struggled offensively in '08 and '09 for Gloucester's lower lever minor league affiliates. With development, he projects to be a serviceable infielder with big league starting potential. He has a decent bat along with solid defensive infield abilities.
Cruz has pitched well for Gloucester's SS-A affiliate in '08 and '09. If he develops properly, he projects to be a mid to backend rotation starting pitcher in the big leagues.
Hancock has progressed steadily for Gloucester. As of '09, he pitches for Gloucester's Class-A affiliate. He has a chance to develop into a backend starter.

Pexego had a stellar '08 season for San Antonio. In 111 games, he batted .323 with 21 homeruns and 77 RBIs. He was traded to Tempe in the offseason. As of '09, Pexego is currently one of the league's most feared and productive hitters.

Commentary: San Antonio responds to the trade.