January 15, 2009

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.

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