The Loons Take a Hit

Today, the Dodgers acquired Ted Lilly and Ryan Theriot from the Chicago Cubs. That's not really why I am posting however.

The reason for this post is that the Dodgers sent pitcher Brett Wallach to the Cubs organization. Wallach was 6-0 for the Great Lakes Loons this season.

That marks the second pitcher this week that the Loons have lost in a trade, as they also lost Elisaul Pimentel to the Royals organization for Scott Podsednik.

Plus, Ruby de la Rosa and Will Savage have been promoted in the last month. The Loons have lost four starters since the All-Star Break, and suddenly, this league looks a bit more winnable for some of the other teams.

More Trades Involving Midwest Leaguers (Updated)

First of all, former Silver Hawks infielder Pedro Ciriaco was just traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates along with catcher Chris Snyder for outfielder Ryan Church, infielder Bobby Crosby and right-handed pitcher D.J. Carrasco.

Also, remember Nick Greenwood? He pitched four innings last night against South Bend for the Fort Wayne TinCaps? Yeah, he got traded today as part of the Jake Westbrook/Ryan Ludwick deal.

UPDATE: I should have mentioned that Corey Kluber was included in the Jake Westbrook/Ryan Ludwick deal as well. Kluber pitched for Fort Wayne in 2008.

Edwin Jackson Traded from Diamondbacks to White Sox

Just a few days after dealing Dan Haren, the Diamondbacks traded away another starting pitcher. Edwin Jackson was dealt to the White Sox for starting pitcher Daniel Hudson, the third ranked prospect in the Sox' organization according to Baseball America, and 19 year old left-handed pitcher David Holmberg.

Jackson did throw a no-hitter on June 25, but the season overall has been a bit of a struggle for the righty. Even with the no-no, Jackson is 6-10 with a 5.16 ERA. There is speculation that the Sox will trade Jackson to the Nationals in a deal for Adam Dunn, but we'll see what happens before tomorrow's trade deadline.

Holmberg was selected in the 2nd round of the 2009 draft by the White Sox. So far this season, Holmberg is 1-1 with a 4.46 ERA in eight games started for Great Falls of the Pioneer League (same league that Missoula plays in). Holmberg was rated as the eighth best prospect in the White Sox' organization according to Baseball America.

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.