With the 40-man roster seemingly set for the start of the new season, Boise general manager Joe Lederer swung a mid-spring training deal with the Chicago Black Sox, acquiring disgruntled designated hitter Norris Rutledge for infielder Joaquín Torres and prospect Shannon Morrison."Our front office heard that Chicago was internally discussing moving Norris," Lederer told Treasure Valley Sports. "I made a call to [Black Sox general manager] Vic [Caleca] to see if it was true and he said they would be open to a deal. Negotiations were rather quick. Those are my favorite kind of deals."
The addition of Rutledge, 34, gives the Spuds a much needed lefty power bat in a right-handed-heavy roster. Rutledge, a four-time All-Star, is expected to be the starting designated hitter against right-handed pitchers, moving last year's full-time DH Carlos Muñóz into the short-side platoon. Rutledge struggled in 2039 but for his career, owns a .304/.376/.589 slash line against right-handers. Muñoz has hit .281/.353/.474 against southpaws in his four year BBA career. The Spuds were well under the salary cap and could comfortable absorb Rutledge's remaining two-year, $20 million contract. Even after the trade, Boise ranks 30th in payroll at just $63.5 million.
In addition to salary cap relief, it's been reported that Chicago was looking for an excellent fielding utility player to help improve the team's new philosophy of better overall defense. Torres, a 2038 Diamond Glove winner at shortstop, fits the bill for the Black Sox. Torres, despite an OPS of .537 in just 277 plate appearances, was able to provide positive WAR due to his excellent defense, which the 27-year-old has shown at shortstop, as well as second and third base. Morrison, 18, was a sixth-round pick for Boise last year and showed the ability to transition to wood bats in his first year as a professional, slashing .279/.329/.483 in Rookie ball, along with the ability to steal a base (14 steals in 63 games) and good defense. Morrison was voted to the Horizon League (R) All-Star team mid-way through 2039 and earned the league's Platinum Stick Award at shortstop.
With Torres no longer a member of the Spuds, it's expected that manager Barrett Callahan will name rookie Motonobu Yamashita as the starting shortstop, with last year's starter, Norm Smith, fulfilling a similar role as Torres will in Chicago: defensive utility infielder and pinch runner.
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Boise staff received bad news after the 11-3 loss to Edmonton on March 21st, learning that new Spud Hank Brewer will miss up to three weeks due to an intercostal strain. The 34-year-old catcher hit an RBI double in the second inning but after a tough slide into second base, Brewer was seen rubbing his left side near his ribs. The veteran called for the team trainer and after a short discussion, Brewer was pulled from the game for precaution and testing. The injury allows last season's part-time starter, José Rivera, to remain on the active roster, likely taking over as the starter until Brewer returns. Free agent signee Ignacio Marrero will remain the Spuds back-up catcher and late-inning defensive substitute.
Hank Brewer exits the March 21st game with trainer Bernie Bruno.
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There's been a growing buzz in Idaho on the eve of the regular season after the Spuds posted one of the better records (18-12) during spring training. Boise's bats were in mid-season form, as Dennis French led all of spring training with 10 home runs, while teammates Yunosuke Terada and Félix Román were tied with several other players for second, with 8 apiece. French also was tied for first with 25 RBI, one more than Terada. Pancho Germán led the league in wins with five, however his overall metrics were not as nearly impressive.
The club is expected to announce the final 27-man roster soon, along with minor league assignments for players who did not make the Spuds.
