ST. FRANCIS MAKES THE MOVES

ST. FRANCIS MAKES THE MOVES

The Friars have announced (more details on their web site) moves on the field, in the front office and a pair of trades to help finalize their Opening Day roster.

On the trade front, St. Francis first dealt former top prospect OF Lastings Milledge to the Worcester Eliminators along with minor league southpaw Tony Sipp. The Friars received 1B Daniel Murphy (currently nursing a knee injury) and OF prospect Aaron Cunningham in a deal that was largely precipitated on their part by a desire to clear a roster spot. The Elims, meanwhile, cut a little salary while getting a fourth OF to backup their projected starters. The other player in the deal (Murphy) was fourth on the club’s depth chart at 1B and not projected to win a roster spot.

In the second deal, St. Francis took on a pile of salary in acquiring 35-year-old C Benji Molina and former 2nd-round pick Garrett Olson (nearly $4 million), while sending Oakland United RHP Chris Ray and backup C Ronnie Paulino. Paulino is a more affordable alternative as a #2 catcher for Oakland, rather than pay Molina over $3 million to back up Jorge Posada.

http://francisfriars.blogspot.com/2010/04/roster-moves-hires.html