[phillyboy19]

Originally Posted by Orcin

July 11, 2018 (BNN)

Subject: Big Swap Announced in CBA

The Louisville Colonels have made a bold move, acquiring 29-year-old starting pitcher Fernando Hernández and 22-year-old minor league closer Pablo Morales from the Los Angeles Vipers for 30-year-old catcher José Apina, 32-year-old center fielder Andy Willis and 23-year-old reliever Arturo Hernández.

Though the Colonels parted with a valuable player, they believe the deal will fill an important need and make the club stronger. Louisville will replace Apina with Willy Lejeune, acquired from Seattle on Monday. Likewise, the Vipers gave up an all-star pitcher to fill two glaring holes in their lineup and shore up their bullpen. Los Angeles will move top prospect Blair Martin into their rotation to replace Hernández.

Thus far this year, Apina has been a disappointment after signing a big contract with Louisville, hitting .233 with 11 home runs and 24 RBIs. However, he is considered one of the top catchers in the CBA and fills a big void at the position for the Vipers. Willis is a career .277 hitter and an exceptional defender. He will take over in center field for injured Melvin Hicks.

On the season, the right-handed Hernández has a 10-5 record with a 2.74 ERA. His career mark is 77-54 with a 3.93 ERA. He will replace the injured Matt Gray in the Louisville rotation. Gray was placed on the 15-day disabled list to make room for Hernández on the active roster.

Pablo “Slayer” Morales is the #2-rated prospect in the CBA. The right-hander throws a 100 mph fastball along with a nasty slider. In 94 AAA games, he has 43 saves, a 2.63 ERA, and 158 strikeouts against only 27 walks in 107 innings. Morales will be assigned to Lexington (AAA) where he will be the closer. He is not on a major league contract and will not be moved to the 40-man roster yet according to Louisville GM Otto Orcin.

Lexington reliever Billy Wilson will be called up to replace Arturo Hernández in the Colonels bullpen. Insiders tell BNN that Los Angeles wanted a reliever in the deal and Orcin insisted that it be Arturo Hernández. Orcin is allegedly superstitious about having two players on the team with the same last name; however, Louisville once had three players named Martinez on the 25-man active roster.

Orcin stated in today’s press briefing that Ryan Edwards would share the catching duties with Lejeune. CF Henri Lesueur, also acquired from Seattle on Monday, will replace Willis as the fifth outfielder.

The deal is roughly salary neutral for the two teams. However, Apina’s contract runs for five more seasons, while Fernando Hernández only has a year after this one left on his deal.

Louisville where catchers come to die.