[mikev]

Spradbery, Patterson Added To The Mix

Another deal to add talent to the Crusaders farm system -- this time it's Bogota, and pitcher Nealon Spradbery added to the mix, along with third baseman Pat Patterson.

The 24 year old Spradbery burst onto the scene with London at age 21, and has had mixed success since. He'll report to Triple A Oakland, where he's going to be given every opportunity to start. The big (6'8) lefty needs to get his control going, and there's not much sense in using his talents in the GUBA right now.

Along with Spradbery, the Crusaders finally got Patterson, albeit via trade with Bogota and not from Moscow. We'd tried several times to acquire Patterson before, but were unsuccessful. The 23 year old checks in as our #3 prospect overall, and could probably play in the big leagues right now in a platoon situation. His 14/14/5/7/13 ratings against LHP could likely get it done, but we'll be waiting with him as well.

Between guys like Patterson, Dominic Voigt, and Franck Berthier in the pipeline, along with more recent draftees Ramon Baca, Archie Matthams, and Timoteo Rodriguez, the Crusaders definitely have their next core of players on the near horizon.

Oh, and California tok on some guy named Garcia in order to pick up Spradbery and Patterson. He'll sit the bench and play as little as possible.