Manassas Journal Messenger | Deadline deals keep CL clubs largely intact
By LACY LUSK
With this week’s non-waiver trade deadline deals, the Carolina League gained more than it lost.
Of the league’s eight parent clubs, only half are in contention for the postseason: the Astros (Salem), Braves (Myrtle Beach), Royals (Wilmington) and White Sox (Winston-Salem). To brace for the race in the American League Central, Chicago parted with Winston-Salem left-handed reliever Tim Bittner, who was 3-3 with a 3.60 earned-run average in 17 appearances.
The non-contending half was more active, with the most significant addition coming to Potomac — at least temporarily. Left-hander Phil Dumatrait (the Red Sox’ No. 5 prospect by Baseball America last offseason), acquired in the Scott Williamson deal, may not be in Woodbridge long.
The Reds were considering a promotion to Double-A for the 22-year-old Dumatrait if he succeeded in his Cannons’ debut. He earned a win over Winston-Salem on Thursday, but allowed six earned runs in five innings.
Once the players to be named are named, the Reds are expected to get eight minor leaguers for four big leaguers from their deadline dealing.
”We did this because it was a good baseball deal long-term,” Brad Kullman, a Reds’ acting co-general manager told the Cincinnati Enquirer. ”Short term, there are obviously some things that are going to help us out as well.”
The reaction from players and other officials in the system has been far less muted.
SO MUCH FOR THE TRIPLE CROWN
Pittsburgh Pirates farmhand Chris Shelton, after closing within one RBI of leading each of the triple crown categories in the Carolina League, was promoted to Double-A Altoona on Monday. He promptly started 0 for 14 with no homers and no RBI.
That’s not the Shelton Carolina League pitchers knew.
Assuming he spends the last five weeks of the season in the Eastern League or above, Shelton will be a Carolina League batting champion. Leaving with enough plate appearances to qualify in the end-of-the-season batting race, Shelton has a .358 average. Salem’s Todd Self ranks a distant second at .322.
Shelton hit 21 homers for Lynchburg, giving him a six-blast lead entering August.
Zack Greinke, who dominated with a 1.14 ERA in 87 innings for Wilmington, will fall about 25 innings shy of qualifying for the Carolina League ERA crown. With Double-A Wichita, Greinke’s 1-2 with a 4.63 ERA in four starts.