9-News: 39.013 – Trade Spree Find Blues in Phoenix

[RonCo]

ROSTER BATTLES OPENING UP?


After developing a more stoic reputation, the Yellow Springs Nine front office announced today that they’ve entered into their fifth trade of the off-season, this time sending veteran pitcher Elwood Blues to the Phoenix Talons in return for a minor leaguer.

“It’ll be great being back with Cisco,” said Blues when approached about the news. Talon’s catcher Cisco Arreola and Blues were longtime teammates in Des Moines, and will reprise their roles as battery mates in the Arizona desert.

Blues came to Nine as a late season add to the bullpen in a deal that sent cash to the Kernels. He was effective for the team, starting five games and appearing in 21 more in relief as he posted a 4.86 ERA and claimed two saves. He’s expected to pitch out of the back of the Talon’s rotation.

Coming to the Nine is Antonio Delgado, a 19 year-old pitcher from Maracalbo in Venezuela. Delgado was a third-round pick in 2036, and has spent three seasons in Rookie ball. AT 6’7”, 210 pounds, he’s an intimidating presence on the mound, and throws a hard fastball off-set by a solid splitter and a changeup that, wait for it, needs work. “We think Antonio has a chance to be something solid, if not special,” said assistant GM Fred Morrison. “We’re hoping to see him add a bit of velo and then just see what happens.” The YS9 staff expects he'll start in short A Guantanamo, but isn't setting any specific plans as of yet.

Given that Blues was likely to reprise his swingman role in the Yellow Springs system, the move would appear to open a path for one of a backlog of relief prospects on the Nine roster. “It looks like we’ll have some great competition for roster spots come February,” said Morrison.