I'm loving the action my small market team is taking! Maybe not earth shattering deals, but making moves here and there trying to reshape the team, looking for additions to take the team to the next level and staying within a limited budget. Not easy to do!
Today the Friars traded 1st base prospect Anthony Rizzo, who they'd acquired last year in a deal with the Red Sox for Adrian Gonzalez, to the Chicago Cubs. Rizzo became expendable once they acquired Yonder Alonso back in mid December from the Cincinnati Reds. Both highly touted 1st base prospects so the general thinking was one would probably go in order to help bring in more prospects. It turned out to be Rizzo.
In return the Padres received pitcher Andrew Cashner and outfielder Kyung-Min Na.
Cashner is the big get, as he's a former 1st round pick that has hit 101 on the radar gun (though usually throws in the upper 90's). He missed all last year with a shoulder injury though is said to be completely healthy now. He has been used as a starter but many believe his true calling is at the back end of the bullpen as a closer. Expect to see him with the Padres in some capacity when they break camp in the spring.
Na is a 20 year old native of Korea who split last season between rookie ball and low A. At times looked overmatched but is said to be very athletic. He's a guy you take a flyer on and see what happens.
From the Cubs standpoint, this probably means Prince Fielder won't be going to Chicago, as they'll give Rizzo every shot at the every day 1st base job. Next up for them is to try to find somebody that'll give them a bag of chips in return for taking Alfonso Soriano off their hands.
Go Friars!
Bill
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