In Sung-Yi was told for the third time in less than 6 months to pack his bags as he is included in the deal to Montreal. Yi struggled last season splitting time between Omaha and Louisville before being shipped back to Omaha 27 days later.
Yi had a down year in 2043 after a great 2042. His kryptonite was clearly the long ball as he gave up a near BBA record 56 home runs in 2043. Amazingly enough his ERA was only 6.39 despite the long ball issues as 51% of his runs allowed came from the opposing home run hitter stepping on home plate. That doesn’t include any of the base runners.
Yi should have a much better time pitching in Montreal’s park where home run hitters go to die.
Also moving to Montreal was reliever Raul Luna, who never really got on in Omaha. His great stuff just hasn’t transferred as he travels with Yi out of town, the same way they came into Omaha together in a trade from Yellow Springs.
Catcher Romero Cheron, spent most of 2043 with the AAA Lincoln Loggers but is expected to serve an immediate purpose with Montreal. Cheron has an all-star caliber ceiling as his 133 wRC+ in AAA last season hinted at. At just 22 years old, Cheron should be given the opportunity to succeed.
A pair of shortstops in Orlando Lopez and Kwanuk Chong head out of town as well. Lopez was acquired in the Nashville deadline deal and was thought to be ready to challenge Jose Montano for the shortstop position against right-handed pitching.
Kwanuk Chong was a recent discovery from Omaha scouts and his “rights” will now move to Montreal. Chong is still several years from developing and has the potential to be a role player at his current potential.
Now that we said our goodbyes, let’s welcome the two newest members to the Cyclone family.
27-year-old Jim Antolin joins the Cyclones after spending his entire BBA career with the Blazers, spanning over the past 4 seasons. For you "math guys" at home, Antolin has just over 3 years of team control currently so will have 3 seasons of team control remaining.
Antolin had a .215/.330/.413 slash line last season with 11 home runs and a 103 wRC+. His 0.8 WAR reflects his below average ability in Left field last season.“We’ve had our eye on Jim for a long time. There have been numerous discussions over the past years of bringing him to Omaha, and now with William Wood departing left field, it just felt like the right time.” Said Omaha GM Justin Niles.
The big get in this deal is likely Jorge Hernandez. Hernandez is 24 years old and similar to Antonin looks to have 3 years of team control remaining. The team may elect to send Hernandez down a few weeks to pick up an extra year but the lawyers would be calling quickly.
Hernandez has a career 22-21 record with a 3.77 ERA and 3.68 FIP in 398 innings pitched. He hasn’t had many swing and misses as he has only struck out 282, but also walked just 68 batters. Hernandez’s one fault is likely his low stamina as shown by his short starts and just 158 innings pitched over 32 starts in last season. Look for Hernandez to replace Yi in the rotation and likely slot in behind Dooley as the #2 man.
