Perez Called Up
Expectations for a relatively quiet trade deadline were shattered when the team announced it had traded veteran starting pitcher Freddy Delgado to Charm City in return for 19-year-old shortstop Ron Ritchie.
Delgado joined the team as a free agent last year, and filled a swing man role, starting 13 games of 30 appearances. The results were a mixed bag that included a nice enough 6-4 record, but came with a 6.04 ERA, but a solid 4.35 FIP. While he had moments of brilliance with the Nine, a strong contingent of fan clubs never really warmed to him. He will join a Charm City club embroiled in their first post season chase in several seasons.
“We wish Freddy well,” said assistant GM Jose Cabrera. “With luck we’ll meet him again in the post season.”
Ritchie, a 5th round pick in the 2039 draft, completed a successful sting in Rookie ball, hitting .273/.319/.477. He’s got the reputation of a solid glove man in the minors, who’s career will be dependent upon how well the hit tool develops. He will be assigned to Cat Island, the YS9 short-A team, where he will support the team in its first post season games on the island. He joins A-ball player Bob Allen as the club’s top two prospects at short stop.
ROOKIE RELIEVER GETS THE CALL
“Sergio is a poised individual for someone of that age,” said Cabrera. “We think he’ll be able to deal with the stresses of a late season run.”
Perez is from Melchor Ocampo in Mexico, and is well-liked by most everyone in the YS9 organization. When asked his secret to success, the clean-shaven kid strokes his chin and deadpans that “everyone loves a man with hair on his face.”