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Mariners Trade Balentien to Reds for RHP Robert Manuel
Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 7:36 pm
by Bulltalk
The Mariners weren't done this morning. GM Jack Zduriencik has just announced another trade, dealing outfielder Wladimir Balentien to Cincinnati for right-handed pitcher Robert Manuel.
Manuel, a reliever, was picked last year by MiLB.com as the best reliever in the minors. He appeared in three games for the Reds this year, for a total of 4 1/3 innings, and didn't allow a run. He was 3-4 with a 2.70 ERA in AAA Louisville.
Obviously, it didn't work out with Balentien, who was designated ofr assignment on Sunday after hitting just .213 in 155 at-bats.
Re: Mariners Trade Balentien to Reds for RHP Robert Manuel
Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 7:50 pm
by BlackMamba
well, for me it's a shock that suddenly balentien was sent to assignment and now a trade was completed for him.
i remember that last season, and maybe earlier this year, he was wished to be a key part of the future.
what was his problem?
Re: Mariners Trade Balentien to Reds for RHP Robert Manuel
Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 7:54 pm
by Bulltalk
I know nothing of this guy (Robert Manuel), other than what I've just read.
--26 years old
--Undrafted FA, I believe
--RH Relief pitcher
--Ranked anywhere from 15th to 20th on Reds' list of prospects
--Projected as middle reliever
--Not overpowering stuff
--Needs to develop command of more pitches
--Has done very well in the minors, low ERA's
--Etc...
This seems like a real "give-up" on Balentien. Maybe it was time. Maybe he'd soon plummet in worth.
Re: Mariners Trade Balentien to Reds for RHP Robert Manuel
Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 8:33 pm
by HeavyP
Balentien had to be traded or he would become a FA by the end of the week, he was out of options. The fact that we could get ANYTHING for him is a bonus in my book.
Re: Mariners Trade Balentien to Reds for RHP Robert Manuel
Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 8:51 pm
by Ex-hippie
HeavyP wrote:Balentien had to be traded or he would become a FA by the end of the week, he was out of options. The fact that we could get ANYTHING for him is a bonus in my book.
True enough, but I had been led to hope that he had been DFA'd because the team had already lined up a trade for him. And although his trade value wasn't great, he was an upsidey kind of guy who I thought maybe could be the throw-in to entice another team to give us an otherwise nice deal.
Re: Mariners Trade Balentien to Reds for RHP Robert Manuel
Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 9:10 pm
by Sweezo
I remember when Bavasi intimated that part of the reason the M's traded Adam Jones away was because they thought Balentien was a similar talent. Good call on his part. Hmmm...what team does Bavasi work for now, I wonder?
Re: Mariners Trade Balentien to Reds for RHP Robert Manuel
Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 10:29 pm
by TTown
Bavasi was just a bad, bad man.
Re: Mariners Trade Balentien to Reds for RHP Robert Manuel
Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 11:18 pm
by BlackMamba
Sweezo wrote:I remember when Bavasi intimated that part of the reason the M's traded Adam Jones away was because they thought Balentien was a similar talent. Good call on his part. Hmmm...what team does Bavasi work for now, I wonder?
Re: Mariners Trade Balentien to Reds for RHP Robert Manuel
Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 11:36 pm
by NateMustGo
Sweezo wrote:I remember when Bavasi intimated that part of the reason the M's traded Adam Jones away was because they thought Balentien was a similar talent. Good call on his part. Hmmm...what team does Bavasi work for now, I wonder?
I hope he does to the reds what he did to us sweezo. I dont hate the reds but if they are stupid enough to hire this guy ... well i just want to see their team in a couple of years.
Re: Mariners Trade Balentien to Reds for RHP Robert Manuel
Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 4:18 pm
by Bay_Areas_Finest
I like this deal.
Balentin had no future with us and he was going to be gone soon anyways, so better to get one of the more dependable young arms in the minors for em.
Re: Mariners Trade Balentien to Reds for RHP Robert Manuel
Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 11:02 pm
by BlazersDozen
Finally...Balentien has no potential IMO.
Re: Mariners Trade Balentien to Reds for RHP Robert Manuel
Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 10:59 pm
by Sweezo
What did this guy do to win that "Reliever of the Year" award? Just have decent numbers, or was the award a nod to his future?