As we approach the end of June, things are looking much different in Montreal. We didn't think we could complete for a Continental Association pennant this season, but instead of fighting to stay out of the second-division, we are fighting with Cleveland to stay out of last place.
A number of injuries have hit the active roster, which has resulted in an early promotion of a few interesting prospects. In addition to Phil Sandman, both Edwin Segovia and Eddie Rodgerson will miss significant time. Jim Broome was called-up from Minneapolis two weeks ago, Bob Clements got the call last week, and this week Jimmy Endler joins them.
SAINTS DEAL PLUMMER TO KINGS
In a major move, Montreal has traded pitcher Del Plummer and infielder Fred Welsch to the Brooklyn Kings in exchange for second baseman Victor Rodding and minor league shortstop Charlie Rector. Brooklyn finds itself in a tough pennant race with Philadelphia and has been looking to upgrade their pitching. Plummer has had a rough go of it lately (3-13, 5.07), but he's been better than his surface numbers would indicate. I hope being in the thick of a race and not having the pressure of being the staff ace will be good for Plummer.
Fred Welsch was included in the deal because we would like to give Clements the rest of the summer to see if he can be a fixture at third base. And even though Victor Rodding is 30 years old, he represents a big upgrade for us at second both offensively and defensively. When Edwin Segovia has recovered from his fractured hand, he'll be a utility infielder.
The intriguing piece of the deal is the young shortstop Charlie Rector. The 22 year-old Rector was originally drafted out of high school by the Kings in the 6th round of the 1922 draft. He is currently the 7th ranked shortstop prospect in the FABL. The Montreal scouting director, Jack Self, evaluates Rector as having "plus contact ability" and a "sure-handed glove". Rector will be initially assigned to the Evansville club in the Heartland League (class A).
And I would be remiss if I didn't mention the struggles of catcher Paul Tattersall. On May 16th, he hit his league leading 9th home run. At the time he was batting .338/.368/.761. He hasn't homered since then, and his slash line is down to .207/.277/.420. His numbers for June: .098/.230/.148. At the moment manager Francis Asberry still trusts Tattersall to be the starting catcher. One needs to wonder how long that can last.
For now, Bill Morris will rejoin the rotation to take Plummer's spot. Jerry Taylor and Leon Thompson are the latest pitchers from Minneapolis being given a look in Montreal.
l-to-r, Del Plummer, Victor Rodding, Charlie Rector