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.

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