58.24 Blazers Trade for Veteran Pitcher

[Bob Breum]

In a move to bolster their pitching staff, Montreal acquired veteran right-hander Todd Schroeder from Atlantic City today. The 34-year-old Schroeder had two memorable seasons with Jacksonville in 2055-56 but has scuffled since moving to Atlantic City. Blazers GM Erik Breum is confident that his staff can help Schroeder regain his form. He throws three plus pitches, fastball/changeup/splitter, all with strong movement that generates lots of ground balls.

Todd Schroeder
Atlantic City retained 50% of Schroeder’s contract. They received six players in the deal.

From AAA New Jersey, 1B Carlos Arroyo and RP Ronnie Rodríguez. Arroyo, 32, has enjoyed a career renaissance since signing with the Blazers organization, hitting .333/.436/.623 for New Jersey last season before a late season callup that saw him hit .304/.400/.411 for the Blazers. Rodriguez, 27, is a swingman with five pitches, but only two that grade out as average or better.

From AA Mississauga, SP Kutaiba Abdul-Nasser. Still young at 26, he’s pitched well this season in AA, with a 1.94 ERA in seven starts. He has yet to demonstrate that he can be effective at the big league level.

From Single-A Dearborn Heights, 2B Paul Jameson and SP Sezer Erkal, each 22. Jameson is an excellent defender at second base but lacks power. Erkal throws three plus pitches but lacks the stamina to go deep into games.

From Rookie league Oshawa, RF Aniceto Verdelha, 21. He has blazing speed and a strong arm.