Deadline Deals involving Midwest Leaguers

It happens every year, but twice yesterday a current Midwest League player was included in a trade that sent a major leaguer from one team to another.

First, the Detroit Tigers acquired Jhonny Peralta from the Indians, and they traded West Michigan Whitecaps pitcher Giovanni Soto straight up for him (imagine that, a single-A pitcher being traded one-for-one with a major leaguer!). In an odd twist, Soto and the Whitecaps were playing at Lake County (Indians affiliate), so he packed up his bag, walked down the hall, and joined his new teammates. There's a chance Soto will pitch against his former teammates in one of the next two nights.

Secondly, the Dodgers traded for Scott Podsednik and sent Great Lakes Loons pitcher Elisaul Pimentel to the Royals as part of the deal. Pimentel was tied for the league lead in victories.

Chat Transcript

Here's the link to the MWL Top 20 Prospect Chat yesterday. I've pulled out the lone question about a Silver Hawks player for you to read below:

Charles (Houston): Not sure if he counted, but what were your initial impressions of Mark Krauss? He seemed to be hitting well before going down with bone spurs.

Jim Callis: I like Mark Krauss and he would have ranked in the 11-15 range if he hadn't gotten hurt just before getting enough at-bats to qualify. I really believe in the bat, and one scout comped him to Lyle Overbay with perhaps more power.

More later this afternoon.

Midwest League Top 20 Prospects

Baseball America has announced the top 20 prospects for the 2009 Midwest League.

One Silver Hawks player made the list. Can you guess who?

Click here for the answer.

I'll have a more detailed post tomorrow about the entire top 20. Sort of busy with a research project this afternoon.