Waichirou Moronobu
The Moonshiners made the news today. Veteran Shortstop Waichirou Moronobu and Sammy Bodeen are both going to 2008 FL Midwest Champs - Des Moines Kernels.
36-year old Moronobu batted .249, 24 HR with 65 RBIs last year as a Moonshiner. In addition, Moro collected his 2000th hit back in 2007 as a Moonshiner.
Greeneville acquired Moro via trade in 2005 from Las Vegas Hustlers. Greeneville sent LF Joe Garland and SS Benton Bobke in exchange for Moro.
"No regrets." said the veteran Moronobu.
"I had a blast here in Greeneville. I spent 3 years of my life here in this town. The fans here are very supportive." Moronobu added.
Sammy Bodeen was Greeneville's number two starter last year. He won 16 games with 3.89 ERA in 2008.
"It was short, but sweet." when reporters asked Bodeen about his playing time in Greeneville.
"I was comfortable here in Greeneville. I played here for 2 years, and to be honest with you, I thought about finishing my career as a Moonshiner." He added.
In return, Greeneville received three quality pitchers from Des Moines.
Starting pitcher Charlie Schaffer, relief pitcher Shawn Curtis and a young arm in Lloyd Scott.
Schaffer struggled in the Majors in 2008. He pitched 58 innings with 6.94 ERA. However, Schaffer has pitched well in the Minors. Last year, he pitched 37 innings with 4.10 ERA.
Shawn Curtis on the other hand, has been solid in the pen for Des Moines. He pitched 35 innings with 2.52 ERA, 1.40 WHIP in 2008.
Greeneville also acquired Lloyd Scott. Scott pitched in AA - Providence last year. He started in Single - A Portsmouth last year,
but after pitching 88 innings in Single-A, he was quickly promoted to AA, where he pitched 32 innings, with 3.62 ERA last year in Double-A.
Quite an addition by the Moonshiners. Schaffer added a much needed dimension in the rotation next year as it continue to rebuild. Greeneville also solidifies the pen next year in Shawn Curtis.