Omaha reportedly tells several players to expect their name in trade talks. (55.04).

[niles08]

While Omaha is loyal to most of its players, those who have only been with the team a few years or who didn’t spend any time in the minors with the club seem to be the exception to this rule.

Take Sloth Fratelli for instance. Fratelli is one of only 8 players in the BBA who are rated 75+ overall at catcher, and 1 of only 2 under the age of 30. He is the youngest by far for catchers rated 80 as the others are all over 30.

He also is under team control the next 2 seasons.

All of this and he was reportedly warned by the Omaha front office that he may not find himself back with the club next year if the right offer comes along. It’s not because of talent.

Third baseman Rhys Brickell, who is coming off a 5.7 WAR season in Omaha, was rumored to have been told the same thing.

On the mound, it’s rumored that the team is shopping Haravira Chandar, Brian King, and Jose Barron. Barron & King signed contract extensions last year, while Chandar is a free agent after the upcoming season.

None have been Omaha lifers.

Now, the rare exception.

Eric Wagner and Amid Kasim were rumored to have been told the same thing. Both have never put on a different uniform. Wagner is a career average 4.0 WAR outfielder, who at age 26 is likely entering his prime. Kasim has had some health issues but has many years of control remaining and is a career 126 OPS+ player.

Neither are apparently safe from being dealt away.

Who is safe?

Apparently Orlando Ordonez or Takashi Nakamura have nothing to worry about as the front office confirmed that under no circumstances would they be available in a trade.

Everyone else sounds as if they are fair game, or at least open for discussion. It sounds as if this would include Du Wu, who knocked 55 balls out of the park last year in route to 6.7 WAR.