Trade Between Aurora - San Antonio

[Borealis]

San Antonio receives

CL Jorge Estrada
CF Luis Rodriguez

Aurora receives
2B Jack Speed

We like Estrada, but as a Rule 5 guy, it becomes a numbers game - and at Aurora, most players lose that game to the organizational depth. Rodriguez becomes a throw-in and returns to San Antonio after a failed experiment in Aurora, but he was part of the deal that netted us CF Mike Hale.

We like the pick up of the aptly named Jack Speed, who we'll play at 3B and hope that with his WE and youth, will improve there as the past two years we've drafted 2B types in McIntyre and Dickson.

Thanks for the quick deal Matt!

[Matt]

San Antonio receives

CL Jorge Estrada (AAA)
CF Luis Rodriguez (A)

Aurora receives
2B Jack Speed (AA)



Thanks for the quick deal Matt!

Confirmed by San Antonio.

Speed was a guy I didn't want to deal, he's really a good prospect and one I think will have a fine career as a leadoff man in PEBA. But our pitching depth had to be addressed, especially from the left side. With our pitching staff virtually set for next season, we were going to have about 4 guys at AAA who we could turn to if we needed a replacement arm, but all throw from the right side. Estrada will give us a lefty we can call upon in needed, that's if he doesn't beat Riley for the last spot on the pitching staff out of spring training. Either way, we'll have at least one lefty in reserve if we need one. Given what else was available as far as lefties in the upcoming free agency market (nearly nothing) and on the trade market, this was about the best we were going to do.

Rodriguez actually serves a purpose for us, and that's to fill in when Cabrera takes his yearly 6-8 week stint on the DL. Our centerfielders will bat 9th next season, so the fact that he can't hit doesn't bother us. We wanted the glove. He can fly in the outfield and we'll have a top glove in CF every inning this season, no matter what. ANYTHING to keep Robert Johnson out of CF next year. With our best CF prospects (Mendoza, Dand) at least 2 years away, Rodriguez gives us some insurance in the meantime. My theory remains, a run prevented is just as good as a run scored.

Thanks again for the quick and easy negotiations Mike.

[Matt]

This trade is official and has been processed.