Breaking News: Asterisks and Bums make a deal

January 01, 2018, 09:45:39 AM

While your intrepid reporter was tripping the light fantastic and guzzling down more than a few beverages of adult persuasion while waiting on that chubby diaper wearing baby to wring in the new year, a deal was struck. And by the looks of the Mutiny Simulation Baseball site, the Asterisks and Bums weren't alone. So with a swig of Pepto Bismol let's shake off the New Years morning cobwebs and get into it.

On the first day of the thaw, in what seems like a yearly Mutiny tradition, the Arizona Asterisks pull off another trade this time with the newly created and busy Bako Bums. The Asterisks add to their bullpen with only a small impact to the salary cap by acquiring Ken Giles (2018/$250K/R3), Tyler Lyons (2019/$250K), and Jake McGee (2019/$350K). In return, the expansion Bums make their second prospect laden trade of the day by acquiring promising prospects Alex Verdugo (OF/LAD), Victor Caratini (C/CHC), and Michael Matuella (RHP minors).

The Asterisks bullpen had quality in Dellin Bentances and Chris Devenski, but lacked a true closer and depth. Ken Giles will fill the closer role, while the lefty Tyler Lyons will make for a strong setup man against both sides of the plate, and the always intriguing lefty Jake McGee will use his reverse splits to get the best of the new Southern Division foes.

For the Bums, it's that typical expansion team deal. Bum's management acknowledges they won't be contending for a few years, therefore it is imperative that anytime they have the opportunity to trade major league assets for talented minor league prospects the trigger must be pulled. First division outfield prospect, Alex Vergudo is the class of the trade, making him the second top 100 prospect the Bums have acquired today. Brendan Rogers was acquired in an earlier morning trade of shortstops. Victor Caratini adds a talented back up catcher who should give some useful at bats in the near future. Finally there is Michael Matuella, who has to be the most intriguing player traded today. If Matuella doesn't make it as a baseball player he should be able to make a few bucks as a walking Merck Manual of Diagnosis for medical students who don't like to read. In high school, he was diagnosed with a rare spinal condition and then Tommy John surgery wiped out his first professional season. In his next season, he pitched one game before ligament trouble ended his year. Finally, while starting last years season on the DL, he got his first extended taste of pro baseball pitching in 21 games. Matuella has certainly not been able to shake the label of high risk/high reward he had as a draft prospect. If anything that moniker rings truer.

As with any trade where prospects are involved it will take years to evaluate. But if history is any indicator, this trade will boost the Asterisks contending status while the Bums hope and pray that this highly ranked Dodgers prospect ends up like the last two the Asterisks have traded.

Re: Breaking News: Asterisks and Bums make a deal

Reply #1 – January 01, 2018, 10:13:07 AM

Matt, as always, a true gem!

Asterisks confirm. And thanks, Brendt - always a pleasure.

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