Chips to Trade

One of the best things about the South Atlantic League is seeing players that will have a huge impact on the Major League Baseball trade deadline. During the OTWT Scouting Departments trip to see the Lakewood BlueClaws, the single A affiliate of the Phillies, we reviewed some of the players that could be used in trades for the defending World Series Champions.

Travis D'Arnaud, a former first round pick, shows signs that he is going to hit and could be nice chip to have. Catchers are usually tough to come by, making his value a little higher. Baseball America says that he has a line drive swing and gap power.

Anthony Gose, the former second round pick, is a great athlete but it might take some time for his bat to come around. Some scouts might fall in love with him which could make his trade value a little higher. Baseball America says that he is the best athlete in the system and if it does not work out in the outfield he could always be a power arm.

Zachary Collier, a former first rounder, is another athlete that might generate some interest from other teams. According to Baseball America, Collier swing and build has brought comparisons to Garret Anderson.

With untouchables like Dominic Brown, Kyle Drabek, and Michael Taylor in the system. The Phillies will look to using their chips in Lakewood to go make a deal for a starting pitcher.

Professional Tailgating: Men with guns

The OTWT Scouting Department made another trip to the see the Lakewood BlueClaws this week and boy where there a lot of the men with radar guns at the game.

Scouts looking for a trading partner for the upcoming trading deadline. OTWT Scouting Department noticed scouts from Brewers, Royals and Rockies checking out the action. Could a deal for Gil Meche be in the cards.

A moment of silence for former SAL President John Henry Moss, who recently passed.
Despite not having a radar gun, the OTWT Scouting Department still had scout type seats.
The BlueClaws Ground crew does a great job getting the tarp on the field

Rain delay can only mean one thing, watching another game on the big screen.

Over the next couple of days I will break down the prospects from Lakewood that could be moved as the deadline moves closer.

Really

When I first read the headline: Owen to United. I first thought it would be a great signing for Leeds, but the more I read I was surprised it was Manchester United. After thinking about it for a little bit, it might not be that bad an idea.
First of all its not going to cost a transfer fee and Owen's contract is going to based on performances so if he stinks he will not get paid. If it happens he will be an extra part and will not beat out of names such as Berba, Rooney, Walbeck, and Kico for starting spots. He could be a great asset coming off the bench in the 70 minute. While it sounds crazy to bring the former Kop legend to United, it does make sense on a couple of levels.

Professional Tailgating: Pork Roll Egg and Cheese races

Minor league baseball has hit an all new low, pork roll egg and cheese races. During the Lakewood BlueClaws game on Wednesday and during one of the innings the pork roll, egg and cheese all hit the field in a match race. Only in New Jersey can this be considered a classic.

It makes me proud to be from New Jersey.