[mikev]

Originally posted by lynchy34, Des Moines Kernels GM

The surrender flag has been waved in Des Moines, as the Kernels have shipped out their #2 arm in exchange for three prospects.

The Kernels sent veteran P Shamus Perfetto to Phoenix for minor leaguers CF Capleton Masutto, MR Lucio Fernandez and CL Lloyd Olmos. Perfetto and the more than $27 million owed on his contract are gone, but so is one of the top arms in the Frick League. In his place are Masutto, who is a super talented leadoff hitter with blinding speed and great defense in center field. We need him to develop because we love him as a future Kernel. The relievers are both pretty well developed and will start in AA and AAA, respectively. They should infuse the bullpen with some quality youth within the next two seasons.

Youngster P Tom Mayes will replace Perfetto in the rotation. Mayes is a crafty 23-year-old lefty who has excellent control and movement on his pitches. He has pitched very well in AAA Iowa City this year, posting a 10-6 mark with a 3.58 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. He doesn't dominate, but gets the job done. He will be pitching out of the #4 hole for us.

In other news:

-Top offensive prospect 1B James Vida is being moved up to AA after a great start to his pro career, hitting .358 with 1 HR and 11 RBI, along with some solid development.

- Blocked 1B Terry Francisen has been on fire this month, hitting .375 with a 1.063 OPS, 5 HR and 17 RBI. He is gradually pulling out of his two-month long slump and has begun posting respectable numbers. Francisen leads the team with his 17 HR and is second with 58 RBI. Management is still on the fence about re-signing the free agent to be, with 1B Will Clark faring pretty well in AAA.

- In case anyone was wondering, C Mario Cascio is an on-base machine. He leads the team with his .321 average and has an OBP over .400.