New Orleans Trendsetters and West Virginia Coal Sox

July 31st, 2009

New Orleans receives:
SP Rocky Reed (28, ML) - $6.8/$7.0/$7.5

West Virginia receives:
SP José Morales (34, ML) - $6.9
New Orleans' 3rd round 2010 draft pick (1B Ángel Cortéz - 20th pick)
New Orleans' 6th round 2010 draft pick (2B Dan Campbell - 20th pick)

Since Then:
Reed underperformed in '09 with New Orleans after the trade. With New Orleans, he went 3-4 with a 4.35 ERA in 10 starts. Possessing subpar velocity, control, and overall stuff, , Reed relies on his stellar pitch movements and defense to succeed. Overall, he is a solid number 3 type starter.

Morales struggled mightily in '09 with West Virginia after the trade. In 10 starts, he went 1-6 with a 7.51 ERA. Despite his poor '09 performance with West Virginia, Morales is considered a decent middle to back-end rotation starter. Lacking quality stuff and velocity, the southpaw relies on his control to be successful.

Omaha Cyclones and Florida Featherheads

July 31st, 2009

Florida receives:
SP António 'Crayon' Rivera (28, ML) - $0.39/arbitration/arbitration/arbitration
RF Shimpei Adachi (27, ML) - $4.6
CL António Delgado (26, ML) - $1.8/arbitration

Omaha receives:
SS Miguel Soto (27, ML) - $11.8/$11.8/$11.8/$11.8/$11.8
CL Ben Ellis (34, ML) - $4.8/$5.7/$6.0
SP Félix 'Bump' Ortega (19, SS-A) - minor league contract
RF Martín Martínez (19, SS-A) - minor league contract
$3,500,000 cash

Since Then:

Arlington Bureaucrats and Kalamazoo Badgers

July 31st, 2009

Arlington receives:
SP Pedro 'No Name' Chávez (26, AAA) - minor league contract
3B Roberto Ortíz (21, A) - minor league contract
Kalamazoo's 4th round 2010 draft pick (SP David Gutiérrez - 17th pick)

Kalamazoo receives:
MR John Page (27, ML) - $0.39/arbitration/arbitration/arbitration

Since Then:
Chávez started 5 games with Arlington during his September callup in '09. In 25.1 innings pitched, he went 1-3 with a 5.68 ERA for Arlington. Showing flashes of brilliance in previous years, Chávez's inconsistency and inability to put it altogether makes him an unreliable below average pitcher. He needs to prove he belongs in the big leagues soon before his opportunities wear thin.
Ortíz's play down at Class-A in '09 tapered off after the trade. Defensively, he has the tools to develop into a versatile utility infielder. Offensively, he has shown low minor league pitcher but it remains to be seen if he can continue to hit at higher levels. Rated with limited upside, Ortiz at best projects as a fringe big league player.

Page appeared in 24 relief appearances with Kalamazoo in '09 after the trade. He went 0-0 with a 4.44 ERA in those appearances. Overall, Page has been a dominant reliever in year's past but has shown some vulnerability in '09. Possessing good stuff and amazing movement on his pitches, Page's inconsistent control makes him vulnerable. It remains to be seen if '09 was an off year or a trend.

Charleston Statesmen and Tempe Knights

July 31st, 2009

Tempe receives:
SS Cipriano Carnossi (35, ML) - $4.0/$4.0/$4.0
LF Waylon Whaley (29, ML) - $4.9/$4.9/$5.5
C Jerry Miller (22, AA) - minor league contract
$4,000,000 cash

Charleston receives:
MR Vaughan Farris (24, ML) - $1.8/$2.0
CF Dan Lewis (29, ML) - $9.8
3B Sergio 'Boot' Rosales (20, ML) - $0.39/$0.39/$0.39/$0.39/arbitration/arbitration/arbitration
Tempe's 3rd round 2010 draft pick via Crystal Lake (LF Miguel Martínes - 23rd pick)
Tempe's 7th round 2010 draft pick (CL Jason Brooks - 8th pick)

Since Then:
Carnossi batted .228 with 4 homers and 31 RBIs in '09 with Tempe in 55 games. At the tail end of his career, there is not much to be expected from Carnossi. A former All-Leather award winner, Carnossi can still hold his own defensively but his hitting is just average.
Whaley was outstanding after the trade for Tempe in '09. In 56 games, he batted a blistering .352 with 5 homers and 32 RBIs. After putting up mediocre numbers in '07 and '08, Whaley exploded onto the scene in '09. Lacking pure homerun power, Whaley terrorizes opposing pitchers with his smooth swing and power in the gaps. It remains to be seen if '09 was a breakout year or career year for Whaley.
Miller played well at Tempe's AA affiliate in '09. For the most part, Miller has shown the ability to hit throughout his college and minor league career. It remains to be seen if this will translate at the big league level. Defensively, he is above average. With catcher being always a premium position, Miller has the chance to become at the very least a big league backup catcher.

Farris went 0-1 with a 5.14 in 7 relief appearances with Charleston before fracturing his elbow (9/19/09). Currently a mediocre reliever, Farris has the potential to mature into an above average pitcher if he can put it altogether. Possessing good big league stuff and life on his fastball, it is optimistic that Farris can put up better numbers in the future.
Lewis struggled in '09 in a bench role with Charleston. Appearing in only 37 games with Charleston, the outfielder batted a paltry .200 average with 0 homeruns and 0 RBIs. He did however steal 10 bases in those 37 games. A frustrating player, Lewis features several attractive tools including good power, excellent speed, and amazing defensive fundamentals. Despite his raw tools, he has struggled throughout his career to hit consistently at the big league level. More disappointingly as '09, he has regressed with each season.
Rosales, who was traded twice in a span of a month, struggled at Charleston's Class-A affiliate in '09. A good defensive corner infield with raw power, Rosales will need to improve on his contact the next few minor league season in order to make the jump the big leagues.

Kentucky Thoroughbreds and Tempe Knights

July 31st, 2009

Kentucky receives:
SP Gary Fisher (30, ML) - $2.2

Tempe receives:
2B Manny Sánchez (32, ML) - $2.3

Since Then:
Fisher pitched solidly for Kentucky in '09 after the trade. In 18 relief appearances (47.2 IP), he went 3-2 with a 3.59 ERA while serving as the team's long man. Overall, Fisher is a mediocre pitcher who is best suited in a mop-up role or non-pressure situation.

Sánchez appeared in 36 games with Tempe before being released (9/08/09). Prior to his relesae, he batted a dismal .207 with 2 homeruns and 16 RBIs for Tempe. His inability to hit and average defense will make it hard for him to stick in the big leagues.

West Virginia Coal Sox and Omaha Cyclones

July 31st, 2009

West Virginia receives:
SP Samuel Reed (23, ML) - $0.39/$0.39/$0.39/$0.39/arbitration/arbitration/arbitration
CL Rick Alexander (21, AA) - minor league contract
1B Miguel Amador (20, A) - minor league contract
C Gerald Simmons (19, A) - minor league contract
LF John Mayer (20, SS-A) - minor league contract

Omaha receives:
CL Phil Mathis (32, ML) - $0.62/$0.62
MR Guillermo López (25, ML) - $1.7/$1.8/$1.9
SP Jorge Hernández (30, AAA) - $0.50/$0.75

Since Then:
Reed went 3-1 with a 5.44 ERA in 7 starts with West Virginia in '09. His lackluster stuff and propensity to throw the ball as straight as an arrow will make it hard for him to stick in the big leagues. If he does not show any improvement any time soon, expect Reed to find himself back in the minor leagues.
Alexander appeared in 2 games in the '09 season with West Virginia's SS-A affiliate after the trade. He has big league caliber stuff but his lack of control and overall movement will make it hard for him to be a big league pitcher.
Amador was converted to an outfielder while playing at West Virginia's Class-A affiliate. He has above average contact skills and speed. His work ethic and intelligence should help him develop into a serviceable big league player one day.
Simmons played poorly at West Virginia's Class-A affiliate after the trade. He's an average talent all-around and at best is a back up catcher in the big leagues.
Mayer played exceptionally well at West Virginia's Class-A affiliate in '09. He has good hitting skills and gap power. He could potentially develop into a starting outfielder or platoon player.

Mathis pitched well for Omaha in '09 in a setup role. In 11 relief appearances (18.0 IP) with Omaha, he held opposing batters to a 2.00 ERA and 1.17 WHIP while recording 0 wins and losses. Overall, Mathis is a solid versatile pitcher who has shown that he can pitch as a closer, setup man or middle man.
López pitched decently for Omaha in '09. In 26 relief appearances (42.1 IP), he went 3-2 with a 3.83 ERA. Possessing a rubber arm, López is an average pitcher who relies on good movement and control. Lacking a true dominating fastball and overall stuff, López needs a solid defense behind him to succeed.
Hernández struggled mightily in '09. In 11 starts with Omaha, he went 1-7 with a 5.58 ERA. Possessing a below average fastball and overall mediocre stuff, Hernández is a subpar pitcher. He can spot start or pitch in a mop-up role but ultimately any team should look for an upgrade.

San Antonio Calzones of Laredo and Connecticut Nutmeggers

July 25th, 2010

San Antonio receives:
CL Chris Cochran (18, A) - minor league contract
MR Bill Hill (19, SS-A) - minor league contract

Connecticut receives:
MR Francis Phillips (26, ML) - $0.39/$1.5/$1.6/$1.8

Since Then:
Cochran had a decent '09 minor league season at Class-A and AA. Possessing average stuff and below average velocity, Cochran does not project to be a big league closer. He does have a chance to become a solid middle reliever.
Hill pitched well in '09 after the trade at San Antonio's SS-A affiliate. His below average control and movement on his pitches will make it hard for him to become a big league closer. At best, he's a long or mop-up reliever.

Phillips underperformed in '09 with Connecticut after the trade. In went 28 relief appearances (42.1 IP), he went 3-4 with a 5.32 ERA with Connecticut. Overall, he is a serviceable middle reliever who won't make you excited but won't make you cringe either.

Manchester Maulers and West Virginia Coal Sox

July 25th, 2009

Manchester receives:
MR Terry Farmer (37, ML) - $1.5/$1.5

West Virginia receives:
Manchester's 5th round 2010 draft pick (SP Paul Willis - 18th pick)

Since Then:
Farmer pitched well for Manchester in '09. In 10 relief appearances, he held opponents to a 2.38 ERA and 1.15 WHIP while not recording a win or loss. Overall, Farmer has been inconsistent in his career. He has shown the ability to be a lockdown reliever while other times shown to be mediocre. Not possessing eye-glaring talent, Farmer probably is more suited as a solid middle reliever than prime time late inning reliever.

West Virginia Coal Sox and Charleston Statesmen

July 19th, 2009

West Virginia receives:
SP José Ávila (23, ML) - $1.9/$0.39/arbitration/arbitration/arbitration
RF Edgardo Sánchez (22, AAA)
3B Steve Henry (23, AA) - minor league contract
Charleston's 7th round 2010 draft pick (traded to San Antonio in minor league deal - 22nd pick)

Charleston receives:
SP Mathys Crête (26, ML) - $5.0
RF Alberto Sandoval (25, AAA) - minor league contract
SP Cisco Borges (28, AA) - minor league contract

Since Then:
Avila pitched decently in '09 for West Virginia after the trade. In 13 starts, he went 5-5 with a 4.50 ERA. An average talent, Avila is a respectable bottom of the rotation starter.
Sánchez was promoted to West Virginia after the trade. He batted .250 with 4 homeruns an 19 RBIs in 61 games with West Virginia in '09. With the exception of his plus gap power and speed, Sánchez grades out as average in all other areas. His inability to do many things well will prevent him from being a viable big league starter. He is a bench outfielder at best.
Henry struggled at AA in '09. Possessing a rocket infield arm, Henry needs to hone his hitting skills and defensive fundamentals in order to make the big league jump. He was named the #80 prospect prior to the season (1/29/09). He projects to be a big league bench player and possibly a starter if he can become more consistent with his hitting.

Crête signed a 3-year extension with Charleston worth $18,480,000 (7/29/09). Despite posting a poor 4-7 record with Charleston in '09, Crête pitched extraordinarily for Charleston. In 14 starts, he yielded a 2.24 ERA along with a 1.10 WHIP while allowing opposing batters to hit a measly .195 average off him. Possessing good stuff and movement on his pitches, Crête is frontline caliber starter. He makes an ideal number 2 on most pitching staffs.
Sandoval displayed solid play in '09 at Charleston's AAA affiliate after the trade. Overall, he appears to be not much of a talent. Although not horrible, Sandoval is average all around at best. He projects to be a career minor league or big league bench outfielder at best.
Borges pitched well in '09 at Charleston's AAA affiliate after the trade. Despite his success, he was released by Charleston after the season (9/15/09). He grades out as a below average pitching talent and should not be expected to be a big league pitcher.

West Virginia Coal Sox and Connecticut Nutmeggers

July 19th, 2009

West Virginia receives:
SP Tim Higgins (34, ML) - $9.6/$10.3
SP Jason Oliver (28, ML) - $1.8/$2.6/$2.6
SP Juan Flores (23, AAA) - $0.39/$0.39/$0.39/$0.39/arbitration/arbitration/arbitration
SP John Gaines (19, A) - minor league contract
Connecticut's 1st round 2010 draft pick via New Orleans (compensated to Aurora for Mel Kennedy FA signing - 20th pick)
Connecticut's 2nd round 2010 draft pick (SP Vernon Sullivan - 4th pick)

Connecticut receives:
SP Hamilton Cole (26, ML) - $7.5/$7.5
2B Tom Kirkland (28, ML) - $5.0/5.0/$5.0
RF Bernardo Marín (35, ML) - $11.9/$12.7

Since Then:
Higgins, who was traded to Connecticut by West Virgina half a year ago, went 1-3 with a 5.26 ERA in 14 games with West Virginia in '09. The aging Higgins has steadily decline and should be relegated to a back-end rotation or spot starting role.
Oliver went 3-5 with a 4.46 ERA in 10 starts with West Virginia in '09. Currently considered a below average starter, Oliver has seemingly lost his solid productivity previously displayed in the '07 and '08 sesaon.
Flores pitched well after the trade after being reassigned to West Virginia's AAA affiliate. Lacking big league stuff, Flores relies on his above average movement and control on his pitches. He has the potential to grow into a serviceable back-end rotation starter in the big leagues.
Gaines had a stellar Class-A season in '09. A former SS-A All-Star, Gaines has the upside to become a frontline caliber starter. He has excellent velocity on his pitches and raw big league caliber stuff. He needs to continue maturing and refining his pitch control in order to make the jump to the next level.

Cole pitched superbly in '09 with Connecticut after the trade. He went 4-1 with a 2.19 ERA in 10 starts with Connecticut in '09. Overall, Cole is a solid and steady middle rotation pitcher.
Kirkland had a stellar '09 season. An All-Star in '09, Kirkland batted .304 with 3 homeruns and 34 RBIs in 67 games with Connecticut after the trade. Currently in the prime of his career, Kirkland is one of the league's best infielders. He hits for a high average and is a doubles machine.
Marín flourished in '09 with Connecticut in his return. He batted .302 with 8 homers and 35 RBIs in 65 games with Connecticut. In his mid-30's, Marín still remains a productive hitter. He hits for a high average and possesses decent power. Overall, he serves well a complementary run producer.


Commentary: See comments here.

New Orleans Trendsetters and Connecticut Nutmeggers

July 5th, 2009

Connecticut receives:
LF Jorge Ruíz (25, ML) - $1.3/arbitration
New Orleans 1st round 2010 draft pick (traded to West Virginia in Cole-Kirkland-Marín deal - 20th pick)

New Orleans receives:
RF José Cortéz (26, ML) - $8.3

Since Then:
Ruíz had a forgettable '09 season. In 51 games with Connecticut, he hit .204 with 6 homeruns and 20 RBIs. Overall, Ruíz rates as an average outfielder. He excels in providing excellent outfield defense at all 3 positions and is one of the league's most gifted basestealers. However, his lack of a consistent bat prevents him from becoming a better ballplayer.

Cortéz was productive for New Orleans in '09. In 75 games with New Orleans, the former All-Star batted .270 with 13 homers and 48 RBIs. Overall, Cortéz is a solid middle of the order run producer. However it is to be noted that his production has slightly tapered off since 2007. It remains to be seen if he will regain his 2007 All-Star form or continue this downward trend.

San Antonio Calzones of Laredo and Charleston Statesmen

July 12th, 2009

San Antonio receives:
MR Rodney McLeod (31, ML) - $0.63/$1.3
RF Scott Moss (21, AAA) - minor league contract
SP Rafael Rosa (18, A) - minor league contract
SS Dan Howard (22, SS-A) - minor league contract
Charleston's 4th round 2009 draft pick via Manchester (traded to Tempe in Octávio Pexego deal - 18th pick)

Charleston receives:
MR Bobby Wright (24, ML) - $0.39/$3.8/$3.8/$3.8

Since Then:
McLeod pitched extremely well in '09 with San Antonio after the trade. In 29 relief appearances (36.2 IP), he went 0-3 with a 2.21 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. He possesses good stuff and an excellent fastball. However, his lack of movement and mediocre control on his pitches make him an inconsistent pitcher.
Moss continued his strong 2009 play at San Antonio's AAA affiliate after the trade. Defensively, Moss is a solid corner outfielder. Offensively, he has shown good skills with the bat. He appears to be a future platoon outfielder and possibly a serviceable full-time starter.
Rosa pitched decently for San Antonio's Class-A affiliate in 2009. His excellent movement on his pitches compensate for his average velocity and below average contract. He projects possibly as a number 5 starter in the big leagues if he can improve his control.
Howard had a solid Class-A season in 2009. Possessing above average defensive and bat skills, Howard appears to be a future big league infielder. He has a real good opportunity to be starter worthy if he continues to mature both offensivelt and defensively.

Wright pitched superb for Charleston in '09 after the trade. In 32 relief appearances (32.2 IP) with San Antonio, he went 3-1 with a 2.52 ERA . He also compiled 8 saves with Charleston while sporting a 1.19 WHIP. A 2009 All-Star, Wright has established himself as one of the league's best late inning relievers. A complete pitcher, Wright possesses excellent control and a wonderful pitching mind that can dissect opposing batters. He changes speed well and keeps the ball consistently low. Any team would love to have a reliever of Wright's caliber pitching at the end of game.

San Antonio Calzones of Laredo and Florida Featherheads

July 5th, 2009

San Antonio receives:
SP Armando Pérez (23, AAA) - minor league contract
2B Pablo Salmarán (22, SS-A) - minor league contract
Florida's 3rd round 2010 draft pick (MR Artie Gillespie - 13th pick)

Florida receives:
SP Bill Taylor (25, ML) - $0.39/$0.93/$0.93/arbitration

Since Then:
Pérez continued his strong 2009 minor league pitching with San Antonio's AAA affiliate. He struggled in 2 September callup starts with San Antonio. Possessing big league caliber stuff and plus velocity, Pérez has an assortment of pitches that he can throw at any time. He has a chance to develop into a solid big league starter if he can improve on his control.
Salmarán played decently at San Antonio's Class-A affiliate after the trade. An average defensive infielder, Salmarán will have to rely on his bat in order to make it in the big leagues. He appears to be a future big league bench bat if he continues to develop his bat.

Taylor pitched decently but inconsistently after the trade. He went 6-6 with a 4.57 ERA for Florida in second-half of '09. Overall, he has both shown flashes of brilliance and uninspired performances. He grades out as a decent middle to back-end rotation starter.

Connecticut Nutmeggers and Kentucky Thoroughbreds

July 5th, 2009

Connecticut receives:
SP António Cruz (23, AAA) - minor league contract

Kentucky receives:
SP Norberto Bracamontes (19, A) - minor league contract
Connecticut's 1st round 2010 draft pick (3B Lawrence 'Sticky Hands' Coleman - 3rd pick )
Connecticut's 3rd round 2010 draft pick (CL Jon Miller - 4th pick)

Since Then:
Cruz was promoted to the big leagues after the trade to Connecticut. He went 3-4 with a 4.02 ERA with Connecticut in '09. He was named the #20 prospect in PEBA (4/06/09). In his early 20's, Cruz still has some room to mature. His excellent movement and control on his pitches comepensate for his average fastball and stuff. He has the potential to become a number 1 on any pitching staff.

Bracamontes pitched well in '09 once he was reassigned to Kentucky's SS-A affiliate. From a talent perspective, there is not much to like about Bracamontes. He lacks big league caliber stuff and control. His velocity and movement is rather mediocre. Without any plus traits, Bracamontes projects out to be a career minor league pitcher.




Bracamontes pitched dazzingly at Kentucky's SS-A affiliate in 2009. Overall though, he projects to have a low ceiling. His lack of velocity, control, and big league stuff makes it a challenge for him to ever develop into a big leauger starter.

San Antonio Calzones of Laredo and the Tempe Knights

July 5th, 2009

San Antonio receives:
SS Heath Palmer (22, AA) - minor league contract
CF Jorge Rivas (19, SS-A) - minor league contract

Tempe receives:
SP Tetsu Takuda (27, ML) - $1.6/$1.8/$2.7
MR Rafael Pérez (25, ML) - $0.39/$0.47/$0.47/arbitration

Since Then:
Palmer struggled at San Antonio's AA affiliate after the trade. Aside from his above average gap power and infield arm, Palmer rates out as an average ballplayer all-around. He could develop into a big league bench or platoon player in the future.
Rivas had a poor '09 season while spending time both at SS-A and AA. His strengths include excellent speed, good outfield defense, and above average raw power. His lack of bat discipline and inability to consistently hit the ball will make it tough for him to transition to the big league level. He appears to be a career minor leaguer.

Takuda pitched serviceably for Tempe in '09. In 12 starts, he went 3-6 with a 4.73 ERA. His lack of pure stuff and endurance make him a good 5th starter or long reliever candidate.
Pérez had a solid '09 season with Tempe. In 33 relief appearances (45.2 IP), he went 1-1 with a 3.55 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. Overall, Pérez is an above average reliever. Possessing good movement and control on his pitches, Pérez can serve either as a primary middle reliever or setup man.