The Indians just traded for a nut.
A Modesto Nut.
That’s Colorado’s Class A team. The Nut is now on the Indians.
Ba-dum-bum. Couldn’t resist. Sincere apologies, because even I know that was waaaaaaaay bad.
Rafael Betancourt was traded Wednesday for Connor Graham. Betancourt is not a great loss. He peaked two years ago in the Indians playoff season, and has not been the same since.
In return, the Indians got a pitching prospect with impressive numbers, albeit numbers in Class A. Among those that jumped out in the release from the team were these:
–A 3.14 ERA
–87 strikeouts and 41 walks in 80 innings. That’s a nice strikeout-to-innings pitched ratio as well.
–Only two home runs in 80 innings as well.
–24 strikeouts and four walks in his last three starts.
–An opposing batting average against him of .225
–He is a right-handed pitcher limiting lefties to a .213 average.
–His numbers from last season to this one are consistent.
The concern: At 23 he's kind of old for A ball.
But Graham is a tall (6-foot-7) power pitcher who will move to Class AA Akron. If he continues like he has, this could be a trade that helps the Indians. Losing Betancourt is not like losing a closer. He was one of several set-up guys. If the Indians acquired a starting pitcher who contributes in the major leagues, it was a good move.
How can anybody trust a guy who uses the name "Connor" as his first name instead of his last. Something is shady. He's definitely hiding something.
Perhaps he's the Rifleman's long lost relative?
Perhaps.
I just spouted off about Dolan and Shapiro not knowing much about baseball. But after reading Mr McManamon's analysis I probably spoke too soon. Thanks Mac
I'm just waiting for them to pull the trigger on a guy named Sajak.