For complete analysis of all the deals made around Major Leauge Baseball leading up to the July 31 non-waiver tradiing deadline, go no further than "Trade Central" here on atlantabaseball.net. Here you will find coverage and analysis of each deal, as well as how each player will impact his new team.
The Deals:
July 31st: Yankees acquire Pittsburgh's Craig Wilson to bolster outfield
Yankees get: Craig Wilson (OF)
Pirates get: Shawn Chacon (SP)
Analysis: The Yankees were able to mark another item off their wish list, completing a trade that will help shore up an outfield that has been riddled by injuries. With Gary Sheffield and Hideki Matsui having missed considerable time, it was clear the deadline could not come and go without a move from baseball's free spending perinial powerhouse.
Having already aquired Bobby Abreu, the Bronx Bombers have now added a second quality replacement in Craig Wilson from Pittsburgh. The fact that all it cost them was Shawn Chacon should make them giggle with delight. Chacon was a key piece of th 2005 second half for New York, but was unable to keep that or any other level of performance going in 2006. Instead, Chacon reverted back to the pitcher who was languishing in Colorado.
Though his record stands at 5-3 this season, Chacon has yielded 77 hits (11 homers) while walking 35 in just 63 innings of work. American League hitters are batting .300 against the 28-year old righty this season. Perhaps yet another change of scenery will rejuvinate Chacon, though not much should be expected. Why the Pirates settled for Chacon rather than any of the other offers they presumably fielded is puzzling.
Wilson, on the other hand, was having a solid but not spectacular season for the last place Pittsburgh Pirates. Hitting .267 with 13 homers and 41 RBI in 255 AB's, Wilson should be a no less than servicible replacement for the injured Hideki Matsui. They Yankees basically filled a need without giving up anything quality in return.
July 31st: Dodgers land 4-time Cy Young winner, Greg Maddux from Cubs
Dodgers get: Greg Maddux (SP)
Cubs get: Cesar Izturis (INF)
Analysis: Being able to add a 4-time Cy Young Award winner to your starting rotation is always a boost, and Muddux will certainly be a welcome sight in L.A. The veteran team did just get a little bit older, parting ways with the 26-year old 2004 Gold Glove winning shortstop, Cesar Izturis, to acquire 327 game winner, Greg Maddux, from the Chicago Cubs.
Maddux, 40, was 9-11 with Chicago this season, and brings a very un-Muddux-like 4.69 ERA with him to Chavez Ravine. After starting the season 5-0 with a 1.35 mark in April, Maddux has practically desintigrated. Since then, Maddux is 4-11 with a 5.77 ERA. Though he has won his last two starts, and will be going to pitcher friendly Dodger Stadium, Maddux' best days have probably passed. Perhaps the new venue and a steadier defense will help Maddux recapture the early season magic.
Izturis underwent Tommy John surgery last September and was displaced at short by the off-season acquisition of free agent Rafael Furcal. When he was able to return in June, the Dodgers found themselves with an overflow of infielders. A switch-hitter, Izturis will add a steady glove to the Cub defense, but there is not much to expect in terms of production at the plate from a man with a .295 career OBP.
July 31st: Dodgers trade with Devil Rays, add Lugo to infield mix
Dodgers get: Julio Lugo (INF)
Devil Rays get: Joel Guzman (3B), Sergio Pedroza (OF)
Analysis: The Dodgers view Lugo as a more versatile player all around than the recently departed Cesar Izturis. Giving up only a couple of prospects to the Tamp Bay Devil Rays was not a high price to pay for a player capable of starting at both middle infield positions.
Lugo, 30, was having an excellent season for the Devil Rays at the time of the trade. He is hitting .308 with 12 homers, both career highs, to go along with 27 RBI and 18 steals. Lugo's .373 OBP also represents a career high. A free agent after the season, the Dodgers will be able to weigh their options if they like what they see in August, September and hopefully October.
Joel Guzman, 21, is an up and coming prospect at shortstop. Twice named to minor league All-Star teams, Guzman should be in the infield mix for Tampa Bay. In 22 games with L.A. this season, Guzman is hitting .296 (56 AB).
Sergio Pedroza, 22, was a third round selection of the Dodgers in the 2005 amatuer draft. He belted 16 homers in his first professional season in 2005, but will need to work on his contact, having struck out 66 times in 225 AB's in 2005, and 109 times this season. Pedroza is hitting .267 in the Dodgers system in 2006, with 24 homers and 84 RBI.
July 31st: Mets add depth to rotation and pen in deal with Pittsburgh
Mets get: Oliver Perez (SP), Roberto Hernandez (RP)
Dodgers get: Xavier Nady (OF)
Analysis: The Mets made a move of near necessity by acquiring veteran reliever, Roberto Hernandez, and starter, Oliver Perez, from the Pittsburgh Pirates in return for outfielder, Xavier Nady. With a booming offense, the Mets clearly had to resolve the pitching issues that have plagued the team throughout 2006.
Hernandez, who will turn 42 after this season, pitched for the Mets in 2005, so they are very familiar with what he has to offer. Since Duaner Sanchez is lost for the season after seperating his shoulder in a bizarre accident while riding in a taxi from the Miami airport, the Mets had to shore up the pen. With the most powerful offense in the National League, they could afford to deal Nady. In 46 apperances this season, Hernandez is 0-3 with a pair of saves and a 2.93 ERA.
Whether or not Oliver Perez will be able to add anything to the back-end of the New York rotation is entirely up to Oliver Perez. Posting a 2.98 ERA with 239 strikeouts in 2004 for the Pirates after coming over in the Brian Giles trade, Perez seemed to be an ace in the making. It did not last long.
Last season Perez, who turns 25 on August 15, lost both his effectiveness and time to the DL for kicking a laundry basket during a meltdown that followed what could only be described as one of many not-so-stellar starts. This season, Perez continued to flounder, going 2-10 and posting a 6.63 ERA in 15 starts.
Nady, 27, comes to the Pirates during his best season to date, hitting .264 with 14 homers and 40 RBI. On May 1, Nady was batting .323, but since then has hit only .240 since then, while missing some time in late May and June after undergoing an appendectomy.
July 30th: Reds continue to stock up on arms, get Lohse from Minnesota
Reds get: Kyle Lohse (SP)
Twins get: Zach Ward (P)
Analysis: The Reds added Kyle Lohse to their staff in a minor trade with the Minnesota Twins on Sunday. Lohse could be used either as a starter or long reliever for manager Jerry Narron.
Lohse was supposed to be an important piece of the Twins rotation after winning 13 games in 2002 and 14 in 2003, but things have not worked out. In 2004, Lohse turned in a 9-13 record with a 5.34 ERA in 194.1 IP. Last season, Lohse was 9-13 again, but improved his ERA to 4.18 in 30 starts.
This season though, Lohse has been battered around for a 2-5 record and 7.07 ERA in 22 appearances, 8 starts for Minnesota. As a fly-ball pitcher by trade, Lohse may not be entering friendly confines at the Great American Ballpark.
Zach Ward, a third round pick by Cincinnati in 2005, was 7-0 with a 2.29 ERA for Single-A Dayton this season. Ward could be a piece down the road, but even at 22 years old is still probably several years away from the Majors.
July 30th: Yankees get their man: Abreu heading to New York along with Lidle
Yankees get: Bobby Abreu (OF), Cory Lidle (SP)
Phillies get: C.J. Henry (INF), Jesus Sanchez (C), Matt Smith (P), Carlos Monasterios (P)
Analysis: The speculation finally came to a head on Sunday when the Yankees made the much rumored deal for Bobby Abreu a reality. New York also acquiring a much needed starting pitcher in Cory Lidle. In exchange, the Yankees gave up four prospects and agreed to take on almost all of the salary owed the two Phillies heading to the Bronx.
The Yankees will pay Bobby Abreu $22 million over the remainder of this season and in 2007. New York will not have to pick up Abreu's $16 million dollar option for 2008 because the Phillies agreed to pay Abreu $1.5 million to to waive his right to the option.
That said, Abreu is great at getting on base, but his power numbers have declined alarmingly since he clubbed a record 24 homers in round one of the 2005 Home Run Derby during All-Star festivities. Still, Abreu is hitting .277 with eight homers and 65 RBI. He has also stolen 20 bases and brings a lofty .427 OBP to the Yankee lineup.
Lidle returns to the American League for the first time since 2003, when he went 12-15 with a 5.75 ERA for the Toronto Blue Jays. He is 8-7 for the Phillies this season, with 98 K's in 125.1 IP in 21 starts
Of the prospects Philadelphia recieved in the deal, only Matt Smith has seen a sniff of the Majors Leagues. Smith, 27, pitched 12 scoreless innings for the Yankees as a left handed reliever. C.J. Henry, 20, was New York's top pick in the 2005 amatuer draft. Philadelphia can definitely pat themselves on the back for freeing themself of the albatros contract that was attached to Abreu, but at the same time they probably did not get the quality of prospect they first desired.
July 28th: Braves deal infielder Betemit for Dodgers Baez and Aybar
Braves get: Danys Baez (RP), Willy Aybar (INF)
Dodgers get: Wilson Betemit (INF)
Analysis: The speculation finally came to a head on Friday when the Braves dealt utility man extraordinaire, Wilson Betemit, to the Los Angeles Dodgers in return for reliever, Danys Baez, and infielder, Willy Aybar.
Baez will likely assume the set-up role, ahead of new closer Bob Wickman, after posting an impressive resume while with Tampa Bay the past two seasons prior to going to L.A. The Dodgers acquired Baez, 28, in the off-season as an insurance policy in case incumbent closer, Eric Gagne, was unable to go in 2006. While their hunch proved well founded, with Gagne missing almost all of this season, Baez fell on hard times in the late innings after a strong start.
Coming into Saturday's action, Baez has posted a 5-5 record with nine saves in 16 chances while posting a 4.35 ERA in 46 appearances for the Dodgers. Baez posted a 2.86 ERA and notched 41 saves in 49 chances for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2005.
The wild-card in the deal could prove to Aybar, 23. In limited duty with the Dodgers, Aybar was hitting ,250 with three homers and 22 RBI in 128 AB's. Aybar hit .326 with the Dodgers in 2005, posting a .448 OBP in 26 games
Betemit, 26, came into his own in 2005, hitting .305 in 246 at-bats as a reserve and fill-in for the oft-injuried Chipper Jones. This season, Betemit is hitting .281 with 9 homers and 29 RBI in 199 AB's for Atlanta. The move should allow Betemit to fill in for the injured Bill Mueller for the rest of 2006, finally assuring him of an everyday job in the Majors.
July 28th: Giants deal for Nationals' veteran lefty, Mike Stanton
Giants get: Mike Stanton (RP)
Nationals get: Shairon Martis (SP)
Analysis: The Giants continued their quest to solidify their bullpen in hopes they can make a run at the National League West title. They did not get any younger when they acquired 39-year old lefty specialist, Mike Stanton, from the Washington Nationals in return for a minor leaguer.
Stanton has appeared in 1,083 games for six clubs over his 18 year career, including 56 appearances for Washington in 2006. Stanton has registered a 3-5 record along with a 4.47 ERA in 44.1 IP. The move is the second for San Fransisco in less than a week, having already acquired first baseman Shea Hillenbrand from the Blue Jays.
Martis, 19, pitched a seven inning no-hitter for the Netherlands during the 2006 World Baseball Classic. In 15 starts at Single-A Augusta, Martis was 6-4 with a 3.64 ERA to go with 66 K's in 76.2 IP. Martis has the potential to develope into a solid Major League starter down the line and should add some depth to a thin minor league system in Washington.
July 28th: Rangers acquire Brewer's slugger, Carlos Lee for three players
Rangers get: Carlos Lee (OF)
Brewers get: Fransisco Cordero (RP), Kevin Mench (OF), Laynce Nix (OF)
Analysis: The biggest trade leading to the deadline was struck between the Milwaukee Brewers and Texas Rangers on Friday. Carlos Lee rejected a 4-year $48 million offer to remain in Milwaukee and was then shipped to Arlington for a trio of very talented players, reliever Fransisco Cordero, and outfielders Kevin Mench and Laynce Nix. This is one of those rare trade that can be looked at as a win-win scenario for each club.
Lee will add yet another bat to an already offensively inclined Ranger team. He brings with him 28 homers and 81 RBI this season, and should provide some protection for Mark Teixeira in the line-up. Lee will likely bat fourth in the Ranger attack. Inserting a player the calibre of Lee's can only be a plus for Texas, even if the offense was probably not the biggest need.
Milwaukee certainly made the most of dealing Lee, recieving three quality pieces to help build a winning team. Mench, 28, will slide into the vacant left field job that Lee had occupied for the Brewers. This season, Mench is hitting .284 this season with 12 homers and 50 RBI. Mench homered in seven straight games during a stretch in late April, but had lost his everyday role with the team by mid-June.
Cordero will assume the closer's role, after having lost it to Akinori Otsuka in Texas. With Derrick Turnbow coming unraveled, the Brewers had been using Dan Kolb as an interim until a deal was struck. Last season, Cordero saved 37 games for the Rangers after having lead the AL with 49 in 2004. Cordero was 7-4 with six saves in 15 opportunities for Texas this season, compiling a 4.81 ERA.
Laynce Nix was once considered the centerfielder of the future in Texas, before seemingly falling out of favor with management over the past two seasons. Nix has played only 9 games for Texas this year, batting .094 in 32 AB's before being sent to Triple-A Oklahoma. There, Nix is hitting .269 with 10 homers and 55 RBI in 77 games.
July 26: Mariners acquire Indians' first baseman, Ben Broussard
Mariners get: Ben Broussard (1B)
Indians get: Shin-Soo Chin (OF)
Analysis: It wouldn't qualify as a block-buster by any means, but the Mariners traded for a solid bat in first baseman Ben Broussard of the Cleveland Indians. In return the Mariners traded away an outfield prospect who probably would not have fit in the M's future plans.
Seattle does play in a wiide-open AL West division, but they can thank interleague play for 14 of their wins this season. Unfortunately, unless or until they reach the World Series, there will be no more National League teams to beat up on. Still, the Mariners do have a chance in their division, since no one has gotten hot enough to open up any kind of substantial lead.
Broussard, 29, may be having his best season to date, with a .326 AVG, 14 HR and 47 RBI for Cleveland. The Indians recieved a quality prospect in return for Broussard, who's value had never been higher in his career than this season. The many West Coast flights will likely give Broussard a chance to write more songs for a new album.
Shin-Soo Chin, 24, was having an excellent season for the Mariners' Triple-A affiliate in Tacoma. The Korean native was batting .323 in 375 AB's. Chin has been a part of World Team during the 2002, 2004 and 2005 Futures Game, which is played during All-Star weekend. He will likely move from center field to one of the corner outfield spots, since Grady Sizemore will likely be in center in Cleveland for a long time.
July 25th: Royals deal Dessens for Odalis Perez and two minor leaguers
Royals get: Odalis Perez (SP), Blake Johnson (P), Julio Pimentel (P)
Dodgers get: Elmer Dessens (RP)
Analysis: The Dodgers closed an expensive chapter by finally dealing away Odalis Perez along with two minor league pitchers, in return for Elmer Dessens. Kansas City figures to be a new start for Perez, who fell out of favor and was demoted to the bullpen following severl lack-luster performances in the starting rotation.
After signing a 3-year $24 million contract extension before the 2005 season, Perez battled injuries and ineffectiveness through out last season and in 2006. Perez was just 7-8 in 19 starts last season, before going 4-4 in 20 appearances (eight starts) in 2006. Perez takes a hefty physique and equally hefty 6.83 ERA with him to Kansas City, Speaking of hefty, the Dodgers are on the hook for Perez for the rest of this season and in 2007.
Blake Johnson, 21, was a second round selection by Los Angeles in the 2004 draft. Johnson made 18 starts at Single-A Vero Beach and carries a record of 4-5 and a 4.92 ERA with him to High Desert, the Single-A affiliate of the Royals. Pimental has registered 77 strikeouts in 74.1 IP this season, spending most of his time as a reliever. He was recently converted to a starter and was also assigned to High Desert.
The Royals were able to add veteran, whom they do not have to pay and two young players which could benefit the team down the road. Dessens probably will not be much of an impact player in L.A., but he should be a servicible option out of the pen or spot starting.
July 25th: Royals send Graffanino to Milwaukee for pitching prospect
Brewers get: Tony Graffanino (IF)
Royals get: Jorge de la Rosa (P)
Analysis: The Brewers added a quality infielder to the fray in Tony Graffanino. They did so by sending reliever, Jorge de la Rosa, to the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday.
Graffanino will be able to help the Brewers fill the loss of J.J. Hardy, who went down with what was first thought to be a sprained right ankle but later proved to be more serious. Hardy underwent surgery to repair a tendon in the ankle that would not stay in place following a home plate collision against the Phillies on May 16.
This season, Graffanino is hitting .268 with five homers and 32 RBI in 220 AB's for the Royals. He will see most of his time at second base, while Bill Hall will spend his time between short and third.
Jorge de la Rosa was primarily a starter during his time in the minor leagues, but has not pitched particularly well in that role for Milwaukee. In three starts for Milwaukee this season, de la Rosa is 0-2 with an 11.57 ERA. He figures to vie for a role in middle relief when comes off the disable list. Overall this season, de la Rosa is 2-2 with an 8.60 ERA in 18 apperances.
July 24th: White Sox trade for Kansas City's Mike MacDougal
White Sox get: Mike McDougal (RP)
Royals get: Daniel Cortes (SP), Tyler Lumsden (SP)
Analysis: The White Sox made a move to shore up what has been a sometimes shaky bullpen. They did so by acquiring Kansas City Royals closer, Mike MacDougal for two minor league pitchers on Monday.
MacDougal, 29, was recently activated from the 60-day disabled list with right shoulder strain, has no record one save and an ERA of 0.00 this season. In 162 career appearances, MacDougal is 10-14 with 50 saves and 162 K's, turning in a 3.88 ERA in 174 IP.
Kansas City, under new GM Dayton Moore, is looking to stockpile young arms and pieces that could play a part in the future. Tyler Lumsden fits that profile well. In 20 starts this season at Double-A Birmingham, Lumsden, 23, was 9-4 with a 2.69 ERA. Daniel Cortes, only 19, pitching for Single-A Kannapolis has an ERA of 4.09 with 96 K's in 107.2 IP and is considered a more unpolished.
Chicago may not be done dealing today. Rumors are circulating on several major news outlets that a deal may be struck in the near future that would bring Alfonso Soriano to the White Sox.
July 22nd: Padres acquire reliever Scott Williamson from Cubs
Padres get: Scott Williamson (RP)
Cubs get: Fabian Jimenez (P), Joel Santo (P)
Analysis: The Padres bullpen got a little stronger with the acquisition of 1999 Rookie of the Year Scott Williamson on Saturday. Chicago shipped Williamson to the Padres in exchange for minor league pitchers, Fabian Jimenez and Joel Santo.
Williamson came relatively cheap considering a lack of veteran relievers being shopped around the trade dead line. He brings with him a career ERA of 3.22 in 317 career appearances, as well as post-season experience coming in 2003 with the Boston Red Sox.
The Cubs recieve two pitchers who have spent this season at Single-A Fort Wayne. In 17 starts, Fabian Jimenez, 19, was 5-7 with a 4.43 ERA. Santo made 15 starts, compiling a 6-6 record with a 5.38 ERA.
July 21st: Giants acquire embattled Hillenbrand from Blue Jays
Giants get: Shea Hillenbrand (1B-3B) Vinnie Chulk (RP)
Blue Jays get: Jeremy Accardo (RP)
Analysis: A great trade for both clubs, but not for the traditional reasons. Toronto had grown weary of the war of words with beleaguered infielder, Shea Hillenbrand. It became clear a move was forthcoming when the Jays designated the 30 year old Arizona native for assignment following a heated meeting with team officials.
The Giants filled a need by picking up Hillenbrand essentially as a throw in a swap of relievers. Chulk, 27, was 1-0 with a 5.25 ERA in 20 appearances for the Blue Jays before the trade. Accardo, 24, was 1-3 with three saves and a 4.91 ERA in 38 appearances for the Giants.
Hillenbrand has already given indications that he would be open to a contract extension with the Giants, but no deal is imminent.
July 20th: Braves deal for Cleveland closer, Bob Wickman
Braves get: Bob Wickman (RP)
Indians get: Maximiliano Ramirez (C)
Analysis: The Braves took a major step towards their post season run on Thursday when they dealt for Cleveland Indians closer Bob Wickman. Atlanta sent Single-A catcher, Maximiliano Ramirez to Cleveland in return for the veteran reliever.
The move is of major impact for Atlanta because it finally gives them an experienced arm to anchor the back-end of a bullpen that has struggled all season long. Atlanta relievers have blown 20 of 40 save opportunities in 2006.
With the acquisition of Wickman, Atlanta finally has a proven force to turn the ball over to in the ninth inning. Wickman was 15 of 18 in save opportunities, turning in a 4.18 ERA with the Indians prior to the deal.
A trademark sinker ball pitcher, Wickman has only allowed one home run this season. All of Wickman's blown saves came in the month of June, which saw Wickman's ERA baloon from 2.12 to 4.88 following a blown save against the Reds on June 30th.
Max Ramirez, 21, was converted from a third baseman to catcher just two seasons ago. Still rough around the edges defensively, Ramirez has shown promise with the bate. This season, he is hitting .285 with nine homers and 37 RBI. With Brian McCann, Brayan Pena and Jarrod Saltalamacchia all ahead of him in line for Atlanta, the move was probably for the best for the Venezuela native.
July 13th: Reds and Nationals pull eight player swap
Cincinnati gets: Gary Majewski (P), Bill Bray (P), Daryl Thompson (P), Brendan Harris (IF),
and Royce Clayton (SS)
Washington gets: Austin Kearns (OF), Felipe Lopez (SS), and Ryan Wagner (RP)
Analysis: Last year, the Reds were trying to figure a way to fit Sean Casey, Adam Dunn, Ken Griffey Jr., Austin Kearns and Willy Mo Pena into four slots. It was a frustrating problem, but a good one to have. Fast forward to this year and only Griffey and Dunn remain. Two everyday bats for two relievers is going to be a tough sell on many fronts for Reds GM Wayne Krivsky.
The trade of Kearns does not make an incredible amount of sense offensively, especially since the Reds got no outfielder in return. The loss of a middle of the order bat may do more harm than good. On the other hand, Majewski will team with Eddie Guardado as another late inning option and should help stabilize what has been an atrocious bullpen for the Reds this season.
Royce Clayton was considered a one year solution in Washington and was even on the verge of being released in May. Thus, the Reds will likely be left with Rich Aurilia at shortstop for the time being. Second baseman, Brendan Harris, has played in only 17 games this year and will serve as a backup to Brandon Phillips. In Bill Bray, Washington's first rounder in '04, the Reds should have a closer in the making for the longterm bullpen mix.
The Nationals meanwhile should consider this deal to be quite a coup. Along with Kearns, Felipe Lopez is only 26 years old and has established a career high with 23 stolen bases this season. Last year, Lopez batted .291 with 23 homers and 85 RBI. Lopez should give Washington the kind of production it was hoping for when they inked Christian Guzman to a 4-year deal before 2005.
Kearns will fit in nicely as the Nats make key decisions on what to do with Alfonso Soriano and Jose Guillen. Healthy for the first time in three seasons, Kearns has belted 16 homers and driven in 50 runs, to go along with a .274 AVG.
Washington also recieved Ryan Wagner, the Reds top pick in the 2003 draft. Nationals' General Manager Jim Bowden drafted Wagner and is looking forward to the opportunity to put his career back on track in Washington.
July 12th: Astros acquire Aubrey Huff from Devil Rays
Houston gets: Aubrey Huff (1B, 3B, OF)
Tampa Bay gets: Ben Zobrist (SS) and Mitch Talbot (SP)
Analysis: The Houston Astros knew they would have to make significant changes to an offense that is fourth worst in the majors with a .256 AVG. In Aubrey Huff, the Astros should see good results as they push towards the NL Central or NL Wild Card Races.
Huff was not off to the best start in 2006, but has come on of late. While his overall production may look a bit low (.286-9-31 in 63 games), consider the fact that he was hitting .186 on June 13. Since he can play both first and third as well as both outfield corner positions, the Astros should find everyday work for Huff even if its not always in the same spot on the diamond.
Coming into 2006, Huff averaged 101 RBI over the past three seasons and is very much a second half player (career .273 first half, .304 second). To make room for Huff, the Astros send the disappointing Jason Lane to Triple-A Round Rock.
Tampa Bay was able to acquire two prospects who should be able to fit into their plans for 2007. With Julio Lugo likely to depart, either by trade or via free agencty at the end of the sesaon, and B.J. Upton moving to third base, Ben Zobrist will be in the mix to take over at short for the D-Rays in 2007. A switch-hitter, Zobrist was batting .327 at Double-A Corpus Christi and was named to the Texas League All-star team.
Mitch Talbot, a control pitcher by trade, was 6-4 with a 3.39 ERA and 96 strikeouts for Corpus Christi. At 22, Talbot could figure into the Rays' plans next season or beyond.
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