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.