Omaha active with 3 team trades in a matter of hours.(2051.13)

[niles08]

When the Cyclones take the field for the series finally today in Portland, the team will look a bit different. Not because they might actually win a game, but because there are new faces joining the organization, while the fan base waves goodbye to the familiar ones.

4 players are joining the organization (with just 1 tendered to head to Portland), while the team sends away a total of 7 guys(3 major league guys) and $5,600,000 to go along with them.

The guys leaving town, who all take their position on the pitcher’s mound, are relievers Yellel Obataiye and Fernando Villareal. Starting pitcher Mike Alexander joins them on the list.

Obataiye just came to Omaha by way of trade last August, and had done well this year with a 3.48 ERA in 6 games pitched. His 3.48 FIP indicates his ERA was spot on where it was expected to be. Fernando Villareal, who was the club's first round pick in 2047 also departs. Villareal has had a subpar career early on, with a current 4.05 ERA through his first 8 games this season. At one point thought to be the closer in waiting, Villareal never found his way exclusively to that spot, although he did finish with 14 saves in 2050.

Mike Alexander may have been the biggest departure here as the 25 year old leaves all he has ever known. Having debuted in 2046 with Omaha during their Brewster Championship season at the age of 20, Alexander has put together a fine career and will finish with an even 50 wins while in a Cyclone uniform. His 7.34 ERA this season in his first 6 games certainly not what fans will remember him for. Some hardcore Omaha fans actually pointed out his 4.23 FIP which indicated it was the defense behind him that has caused the 7.34 ERA this season. Regardless, Alexander departs to Valencia, where he will be under team control through next season.

Minor leagues leaving Omaha in various deals include SP Qing-lai Ou-yang(INT), 3B Dave Rainwater(S-A) and SS Tristan Colenutt(INT). These guys were likely far off from even being in the back of Omaha fan’s heads, but it’s still newsworthy to list who they were. Also heading to Valencia as part of the Alexander deal is reliever Ernesto Sanchez, who has been with Omaha since 2044 in the minor leagues, never having pitched in the majors, however was named the #81 prospect at the beginning of the season by BNN.

So what did Omaha get and what the hell are they doing?

Well, Omaha appeared to be in sellers mode early, but then traded for catcher Kazuki Saito from Charm City. Charm City is covering 50% of Saito’s potential 2 year deal, although his next season is a player option. Saito, who spent the majority of his career in Sacramento, is a career 83 OPS+ guy but makes his money behind the plate with his glove.

Infielder Ray Hoskins is heading to Omaha from San Fernando for $3,000,000 in cold hard cash. Hoskins hasn’t been above Single-A ball at the age of 21, however could contribute with his bat in a potential bench role in the upcoming seasons.

Finally, in the Alexnader deal with Valencia, the team acquired two starting pitching prospects, one of which may be slotted in just behind Nakamura when the time comes.

Travis Wilson(2053 ETA) is a right handed 18 year old who is graded at 70 potential according to scouts. He has a 5 pitch arsenal, and has the capability to “anchor a rotation” according to said scouts. In April, he was ranked as the #25 prospect in the BBA by BNN, just ahead of current Cyclone Amid Kasim.

Also heading to Omaha is starter Angel Villanueva(2053 ETA). Villanueva was ranked as the #96 prospect in the BBA by BNN in April and features an impressive 3 pitch arsenal that should slot him in the middle of a rotation without question. Like Wilson, Villanueva has movement concerns as it hasn’t quite developed yet, but if it does, look for these two to be an important piece in the Omaha rotation in the upcoming seasons.

[CTBrewCrew]

Sounds like you don’t reeeeeealy need him. Why don't you #SendFerrellBack

[niles08]

Sounds like you don’t reeeeeealy need him. Why don't you #SendFerrellBack

He's no doubt sitting on my roster this year...so that I can send him down next year to AAA ...He has been impressive though for us in limited action.

[CTBrewCrew]

[BaseClogger]

I didn't feel great selling the principle return for Angel Gonzalez, but Hoskins looks like a tweener who won't hit enough to play on the corners or field well enough at 3B. The scouting has his bat ready now, but he didn't hit in A ball in a small sample size. Time will tell...

[Dington]

I didn't feel great selling the principle return for Angel Gonzalez, but Hoskins looks like a tweener who won't hit enough to play on the corners or field well enough at 3B. The scouting has his bat ready now, but he didn't hit in A ball in a small sample size. Time will tell...

Yeah he was a weird player. Looks good and well-rounded, but not GREAT at anything by any means.