Major League Trades

Prior to the end of July, the Denver Rabbits sent their 2011 #1 draft pick to the Toronto Seagulls in exchange for stud OF and free agent to be Alex Maldonado. At the same time, New York sends their 2011 #1 pick and 18 year old catching prospect Todd Merkitch to Alaska for 1B Miguel Cruz (AKA Lance Berkman) and 3B Kal Chillingworth.

Denver's motivation is to go all in this year on their playoff hopes and to do so, they need an impact OF. New York is looking to play Cruz and Chillingworth as an offensive/defensive platoon.

At the end of August, New York acquires RP Jonathan Papelbrad and OF Peter Gibson in exchange for SP Brad Pearce and last years first round pick, OF Jordan Sadler. New York is looking to improve their bullpen with Papelbrad, and to add speed and defense in the outfield. Part of the motivation in this trade for New York is to be more like the Yankees, with Brett Gardner in LF.