Calzones Finalize Two Trades

[Matt]

Calzones finalize two trades
The Calzones finalized two trades this morning as they continue an active 24 hours. Early in the day, the Calzones completed a swap of minor leaguers, sending CF Tim Eaton to the Canton Longshoremen in exchange for 2b Danny Grimes. When asked to comment on the trade, Calzones GM Matt Higgins had the following comment, "We really like Grimes, he has great speed, an adequate glove, and we think he might hit a little more than he has shown up until now. We really like the intangibles with Danny, he's a David Eckstien type player who's not afraid to get dirty and play the game right. We parted with Tim Eaton, who was a very nice player for us. It was simply a numbers game with Tim, we think he might get more playing time elsewhere and he deserved that opportunity. Our outfield was simply too crowded in the minor league system, and we needed another infielder to give us some depth there. We're very happy to get Danny Grimes, and we thank Tim Eaton for all he has contributed to the organization in the last couple of days and we wish him well."
The Calzones didn't stop there, several hours later sending catcher Rex Groves to the West Virginia Coal Sox for relief pitcher Jose Ortiz and first baseman Jon Hayes. While some critics quickly voiced their opinion that the move was simply a salary dump, Calzones GM Matt Higgins offered a much different perspective on the trade. "We pursued negotiations with several teams, and in the end this deal made the most sense for us. We addressed a real concern in our bullpen, we get a top shelf setup man who might even be in the mix to close for us this season or next, and we get a player who can serve as either a dh or first baseman for us right away. We get two players who can help us right away. And with Groves being a free agent after this season, we didn't feel we could afford to sign him and Manuel Gonzalez both to long term deals. With our depth at the catching position, we felt this was a move we had to make".
Near the end of the news conference announcing the deal with West Virginia, a reporter asked GM Higgins if might tip his hand as to what else was in the works. "We're not done yet" he replied and then took a sip of his Starbucks Grande Mocha, "I'm on the way out to buy the staff another round of coffee and we're going to keep at it. We have a lot of irons in the fire right now."