Exchange of Prospects - Pitching for Hitting

Cleveland and Saskatoon exchanged young prospects today as the Amigos picked up some well needed pitching and the Steamers strengthened up their farm system in the OF and IF.

"In order to win you must have pitching, and now we have it," rejoiced Saskatoon manager Eric Lent. He gave us that quote with a big cigar in his mouth as he was heading up to his private suite at the one hotel in Saskatoon with two women on his arms. But alas, we could not tell if these were good looking women as they were wearing about 7 layers to warm up from the frigid winters.

The Amigos picked up young 19 year old closer Gregg Fiala; who became expendable with the recent signing of Junior Cuomo in Cleveland. Fiala had 11 saves last season with an additional 4 in the playoffs all before his 19th birthday. The word on the street is that he could be the next Junior Cuomo before his career is over. Also heading to the Great White North is SP Alfredo Herrero who will feel the cold seeing that he is from Mexico and LF Ariel Gutierrez who is from Venezuela.

In return, the Steamers get some IF depth in 2B Maurice Yee and OF depth with the well known CF Wayne Frederick. Both of these pickups are expected to start the season in AAA, but could become vital parts of the team as the Steamers try to push back to the Cecil Cup. They bring with them $2.5 Million that the Steamers will probably stuff under their bed for a rainy day now that they can carry over up to $25M from season to season.

Both teams are happy with the deal, and both believe that ultimately their organizations are greatly improved. With the draft and Spring Training right around the corner, this deal was finished just in time for these two franchises to set their season strategy, and there could be more deals to come before the season starts.