Arizona Diamondbacks
Acquired RHP Emiliano Fruto from the Nationals for first baseman Chris Carter.
- With Conor Jackson, Chad Tracy, and Mark Reynolds all possible options at first base, Carter didn’t figure to have an especially bright future with the Baby Backs.
In exchange for an organizational afterthought, the Diamondbacks received a semi-interesting power arm in Fruto. Stretched out as a starter in his time with the Nationals, Fruto struggled mightily with his command, walking 59 hitters in 87.1 IP with AAA Columbus. The hope is that Fruto, 23, will have an easier time focusing and repeating his delivery in a relief role. Fruto’s scouting report reads quite favorably: a low to mid-90’s fastball, a plus changeup, as well as a curve and a slider. Working in shorter spurts, Fruto should focus on two of those pitches. Fruto’s maturity and work ethic have been questioned, but there’s no denying that he has the talent to turn into an asset in someone’s bullpen.
Atlanta Braves
Placed LHP Chuck James on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Aug. 17, with tightness in the back of his pitching shoulder; Recalled LHP Jo-Jo Reyes from Triple-A Richmond.
- This likely helps explain why James had transformed from a competent mid-rotation starter to an unmitigated disaster in August (14.2 IP, 14 ER, 7 HR allowed).
Long-term, Reyes also projects as a mid-to-back of the rotation starter, a pitcher who can miss some bats and generate ground balls but lacks control at times. Reyes has a deceptive motion, throwing in the low 90’s with a good change and a curveball. With stamina issues and ordinary control, Reyes may project better in the long run as a reliever. For what it’s worth, he looked rather overwhelmed in an earlier stint with the Braves, with a 7/15 K/BB ratio and an 8.72 ERA in 21.2 IP.
Boston Red Sox
Acquired first baseman Chris Carter from the Nationals to complete the Wily Mo Pena trade.
- At first glance, Chris Carter (.324/.383/.521 at AAA Tucson) looks like an outstanding prospect. That is, until you consider his position (first base), his age (nearly 25), and that Carter has been the beneficiary of some favorable offensive environments. Carter has a solid understanding of the strike zone and some pop, but his bat will have to carry him. With below-average athleticism and a torn labrum in his past, Carter will be relegated to first base or DH, where the offensive standards are quite high. Carter’s best hope at a substantial career is as a righty-thumping half of a first base or DH platoon. He’s not a bad return considering Pena cleared waivers earlier this month, suggesting a general lack of interest.
Houston Astros
Activated outfielder Hunter Pence from the 15-day disabled list. Placed RHP Jason Jennings on the 15-day disabled list with a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow.
- It’s certainly positive news that Houston’s rookie wonderkin is back, but I can’t help but question what the rush is to get Pence back out there. Wrist injuries tend to linger, sapping a player of bat control and power. Houston’s medical staff would know far better than I if Pence has a clean bill of health and risks no further injury, but one would forgive the Astros if they coddled one of the few assets currently in the organization. With a barren farm system, Pence represents the last home-grown jewel that will be mined for quite some time.
I wouldn’t at all be surprised if Pence struggles in the last 6 weeks of the season, between the wrist and a necessary change of approach at the plate (just a 3.4% walk rate prior to the injury; he’s going to have to learn to be more patient.)
That Jennings is injured should come as no surprise. He was clearly not the same solid mid-rotation starter seen in Colorado, getting cuffed around on a regular basis. To boot, when recently asked by a reporter if he was healthy, Jennings replied, “I don’t know.” In a world where every pitcher “feels great” and is “ready to go”, the comments have to be seen as troubling.
I’m not an especially big fan of Jason Hirsh or Willy Taveras, but one would have to believe that Tim Purpura has a case of buyer’s remorse. Hirsh and Jennings aren’t all that dissimilar in terms of talent, and when service time and cost are taken into consideration, the Jennings acquisition is one that the Astros would like to forget.
Washington Nationals
Sent RHP Emiliano Fruto to the Diamondbacks to complete the Wily Mo Pena Trade.
- So, in a series of long-winded moves…
- Traded Jose Vidro to the Mariners for Emiliano Fruto and Chris Snelling
- Traded Chris Snelling to the Athletics for Ryan Langerhans
- Designated Ryan Langerhans for assignment
- Traded Emiliano Fruto to the Diamondbacks in a 3-team deal for Wily Mo Pena
…The Nationals essentially traded Vidro in exchange for Pena. It’s hard not to like that transaction for a rebuilding team. The Nationals have done the right thing so far, penciling Pena into the lineup. In his first 3 games with the Nats, Pena has hit 2 bombs and drawn 3 walks. It’s early, but Pena’s hot start has to be making a good impression on manager Manny Acta.
