HICKORY – April 4, 2011 – Locked in a tight battle for control of the Adams Division, the Hickory Huskers took a first step toward securing the second playoff berth in team history on Monday, by acquiring starting pitcher Jesus Morales from the Seattle Monarchs. The 36-year-old Morales is in the midst of the best season of an eight-year career. Thus far in 2018, Morales has compiled a 12-6 record, with an ERA of 3.01 and 96 strikeouts against only 30 walks in 161 innings. He joins a starting rotation that currently ranks third in the SDMB, with a collective ERA of 3.91; second-year starter Franklin Erickson (6-10, 5.16, 1.45 WHIP) will move to the bullpen to make room for Morales.
This acquisition marks Jesus’ return to Hickory after a two and a half year absence. Morales began with Hickory in 2011, and spent five seasons with the team. As a long reliever in 2013, Morales compiled a 12-3 record in an astonishing 91 appearances.
In return, Seattle receives 19-year-old second baseman Pedro “Workhorse” Campos, chosen in the first round (fifth overall) of the 2018 draft. Campos, who was named the #10 prospect in the SDMB by Baseball America in April, has struggled thus far at single-A Avon, hitting only .168 with no home runs in 214 at bats, but his power and speed (as well as his youth) make him an intriguing long-term option for Seattle.
To complete the deal, Seattle will send a Round 3 pick in the upcoming draft and $12 million in cash to Hickory.
“Nobody likes dealing away prospects,” said Hickory GM Frank Ferrara at a news conference, just after downing three shots of an unidentifiable green liquid, “and everything about Morales statistical profile – low BABIP, low strikeout rate, lots of home runs, old as the hills – screams ‘regression candidate,’ so there is some risk involved. But pennant races are rare here in Hickory, and we felt we owed it to our fans and players to make the strongest possible effort to succeed this year. Also, the $12 million will help alleviate my own personal only-one-private-yacht crisis."
To make room for Morales, veteran reliever Lucien Webber will be placed on irrevocable waivers and assigned to AAA Beulaville.
Lost amidst the furor surrounding the deal was the arrival in Hickory of a second Jesus: 22-year-old first baseman Jesus Flores, the #1 overall pick in 2016. Flores was called up on Monday after hitting .344/.438/.614 with 21 home runs and 83 RBI in 404 at bats at AAA Beulaville. He will start frequently against right handed pitching, while incumbent Michael Slye will continue to get regular playing time.
The Traded Draft Pick list gets its second entry with this trade.
ReplyDeleteSeattle is excited to welcome Mr. Campos to its stable of prospects. Always good to add young talent. We also thank Mr. Morales for his excellent, and so reasonably priced, services this year. He's been an inspiration to our young pitchers.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Michael, your list is already out of date. Danville and I had a trade involving Joseph Macaluso where I received Danville's first round pick and he received my fourth round pick.
Thanks, Mack. I somehow missed that one. The list is updated, yet again.
ReplyDelete