11/19/2007: Arlington, VA – First baseman Cipriano López was acquired Wednesday from the Charleston Statesmen.  The ‘Crats sent their own star first baseman Rod Borrell and two minor leaguers (third baseman Allen Robinson and center fielder Harald Bakboord) to Charleston in return.

The Bureaucrats gained a valuable middle of the order hitter to jump start the anemic offense.  In 2007, the Bureaucrats offense finished with an anemic 102 HR's.  López had as many HRs last year as Arlington's leader (Travis Bunch 20) and 19 more RBIs than last year’s leader (Travis Bunch 88).  In addition to these stats, López finished in the top ten in 12 offensive categories, including league leading doubles and extra base hits.  Cipriano is under contract through 2010 with a player option for 2011.

Leaving the Bureaucrats organization are former 1B Rod Borrell, AAA OF Bakboord, and 3B prospect Allen Robinson.  Bakboord had a decent season in Newport News and Robinson had a tough adjusting to AAA pitching.  In addition, Charleston gained about $3 million in salary flexibility.

Asked for comment, GM Whitacre had this to say, "López is a great hitter.  We needed to make a move after we lost Jesús Luna to free agency.  Our fans deserve a better team, and I think this is a move in the right direction.  This is just the start of our off-season.  We would like to bring in another power hitter to team with Bunch, López, Nijenboer, and Franks.  Anyone is available.”

Sounds like it could be an interesting winter meetings…