Los Angeles, CA - The So Cal Republic did what they've always done, promoted from within and tried to flesh out the roster with little deals and signings.
However, this years class of free agency providing nothing in terms of signable talent for anyone - and when the Republic started to encounter injury, after injury the team had to turn to the previously mentioned dynamic minor league duo of Henry Richardson (whose fallen off) and Francisco Saenz (clearly isn't ready) ... and unfortunately, the pair just can't handle big league duties right now.
Richardson might be the exception, but only time will tell.
Dan Blankenship was signed at the end of spring, whose fantastic glove has been paired with his surprising 362/388/574 vs RHP - but in only 16 games.
All this being said, the Republic went out and made a little trade last night to fill the void in the middle infield, a move that could move Joe Frost to 2B for the forseeable future.
So Cal Sends:
P Jose Pacheco, AAA
Washington Sends:
SS Michael Lewis, ABL
Here's the kicker though...
Lewis seems to have a good season, then bad season -- good season, then bad season.
Last year he posted a great WAR of 4.9 (thanks largely to his defensive 20+ZNR and his career offensive year). Let's look at the duos stats this year.
AAA stats (2014)
P Jose Pacheco 36G 5-3REC 2SV 2.09ERA 3.06FIP 43IP 32HA 4HR 17BB 56K 1.14WHIP .286BABIP
ABL stats (2014)
SS Michael Lewis 153AB 41H 9DBL 13B 1HR 1RBI 8BB 34K 268/302/359 2SB
The plan is to play All-Star Joe 'Crayon' Frost at 2B v RHP, and SS v LHP, while the man who has laid claim to the second best claimee in ABL history, Steve Lewis will play 2B vs LHP, and Lewis will start at SS vs RHP.
Overall, this isn't a make or break trade for the 2015 for the Republic, but it's a nice little piece going forward... As always:
#ToWinOrDieInSoCal
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