Seagraves sent to Los Angeles
We all knew one of them had to go but now we know it will be 22 year old catcher
Rodney "The Survivor" Seagraves. The other player mentioned in trade rumors was 21 year old catcher
Gene "Boom Boom" Marquez.
Both catchers and both ranked in the top ten for NABL prospects. Certainly a situation a GM won't deny hating but having to pick one is always the toughest decision. But when only one can play at a time, someone has to be sent packing.
Seagraves had been in the Kansas City organization a few more years but lost out on the starting job in Spring Training to Marquez. "Rodney has just taken a few more years to develop compared to Gene. Boom Boom came right in after just one year in the minors and has showcased his skills immediately." stated GM Christopher Torres at the press conference last night.
Rodney has been playing in AAA Omaha this year but it was clear he deserved his chance in the bigs and hopefully he will have a long and productive career in Los Angeles.
But more importantly, in return for Seagraves, the Royals were able to obtain two solid young pitchers. One being a starter in
Tommy Bingaman and the other being a middle reliever with closer potential in
Eddie Valtierra. The last name of Valtierra should ring a bell. His younger brother is
Paul Valtierra.
"We can't wait to have Paul start a game and have Eddie close it in a few years." said Manager Antonio De Leon. "Paul came along a little quicker but I have no doubt with some hard work, Eddie can make it to Kansas City."
Starting Pitcher Tommy Bingaman was the key piece of the trade. Without him included the Royals told the LA Front Office no deal. It took a few days but finally LA agreed to the trade.
Tommy had this to say when he arrived in KC, "I welcome a change and can't wait to start at Kauffman Stadium in the near future. We will be a perennial playoff team." Pretty strong words coming from such a young player but Bingaman is known for his vocal leadership.
Bingaman will make his first start in AA in a few days and Valtierra will relieve in AAA for the time being. Tommy is only in AA for a few outings and as long as all goes well he will be in Omaha by the end of the month. Lets go Royals!!