All Over Oliver (Hoppy Endings, AS sim 15) [PP:2054.24]

[neugey]

Prior to the all-star break, Edmonton and San Fernando started trade talks thinking that the Jackrabbits would send a prospect or two to the Bears for a proven major leaguer on an expiring contract. But things took an unexpected turn once it was disclosed Edmonton reliever Juan Oliver was available. The Bears opted to take a flier on the minimum salaried pitcher in exchange for former 5-time all-star OF Ramon Pagan and reliever Edwin Harney, with San Fernando retaining 50% salary on those two players.

Drafted in the third round in 2048 by Charlotte and soon shipped to Edmonton via trade, Oliver showed great promise in the minors. But control issues plagued the reliever in recent times and Edmonton ran out of patience. The final straw was when Jackrabbits pitching coach Peter Roberts let it slip that he "wouldn't trust Oliver to throw batting practice to his kids". After this incident, Oliver was headed back down to AAA, but now he will play for the Bears' AAA Fighting Pheasants instead.

Ultimately, Edmonton decided they couldn't trust Oliver and he became expendable. He saved two games but also blew three saves in a short time frame in the majors. His walk rate in 2054 was 7.3 per nine innings in the majors, and 6.9 at the AAA level. The Bears' coaches will try to solve Oliver's control issues and turn him into a capable major league reliever. He still has a major league option in 2055 so there is a bit of time left.

In Pagan, Edmonton gets a veteran right-handed outfield bat that will help offset the injury loss of "Sandslash" Keshab that occurred early in the season. He is not a direct replacement for Keshab as Pagan is a middling defender and at 37 his best days are behind him. But like the acquisition of 2B Tomas Borges, Edmonton is hoping for a hot offensive spurt to help the team remain in playoff contention. Also coming in the deal is 29-year old reliever Edwin Harney, a 100+ MPH power pitcher who can get hit hard but has more reliable control than Oliver.

For San Fernando, this move helps free up roster space so that the Frick Pacific 7th place Bears can audition more players in the second half of the season, including power-hitting OF Jim Young.

For Edmonton, positive contributions from Pagan and Harney will very much be needed. This week they travel to Baltimore to take on the red-hot Jimmies, who are currently enjoying a 15-game winning streak.

[BaseClogger]

Glad I got my TN up so you could see why I made the trade. Hopefully Pagan gets hot and hits #600 for you soon.