April 15, 2008

New Jersey Hitmen and the San Antonio Calzones of Laredo

November 2nd, 2007

San Antonio receives:
SS Marcos Sotelo (30, ML) - $1.6
SP Yukio Fujita (23, ML) - $1.5/$1.5/arbitration/arbitration/arbitration
MR Ron 'Stinger' Coture (20, AAA) - minor league contract
1B Carlos Aquino (26, AAA) - minor league contract
SS Stephen Everett (23, AAA) - minor league contract
CF Luis Hernández (27, AAA) - minor league contract
New Jersey's 2nd round 2008 draft pick (traded to Gloucester in Pexego deal)

New Jersey receives:
C Manuel González (27, ML) - $7.6/$7.8/$8.7/$9.7/$9.7
2B Alejandro Ortega (24, ML) - $5.9

Since Then:
González had a disappointing '08 season with New Jersey. He hit .239 with 14 homers and 56 RBIs in 129 games. He was traded back to San Antonio in the offseason (2/29/08). As of '09, he currently remains as one of the league's best offensive catchers
Ortega had an All-Star season with New Jersey in '08. He batted .316 with 30 homeruns and 94 RBIs in 133 games. He is having an off year in '09 due to injuries but remains one of the league's young bright infielders.

Sotelo had an average '08 season with San Antonio and was shipped to Palm Springs by the trading deadline (7/31/08). He was last seen in '09 playing for the Guaynabo Commandos of the San Juan Winter League.
Fujita had a mediocre '08 season with San Antonio and was traded to Manchester by the trading deadline (7/31/08).
Coture has pitched well for San Antonio's AAA affiliate but does not project much as a big leaguer.
Aquino has spent some time with the big ball club in '08 and '09 but has yet to make a strong impression. At best, he appears destined to be a career bench player.
Everett was traded to Tempe in '09 (5/24/09). He appears to be a "AAAA" player who posts great minor league numbers but fails to translate it to the big leagues.
Hernández was released by San Antonio in the offseason (10/02/08).

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