|
Post by MizzouTiger on Dec 18, 2007 14:54:17 GMT -5
www.kansascity.com/sports/royals/story/403887.htmlRoyals trade Buckner to ArizonaBy SAM MELLINGER The Kansas City Star The Royals traded right-handed pitching prospect Billy Buckner to Arizona for switch-hitting infielder Alberto Callaspo, the club announced Friday. Callaspo, 24, spent 2007 between the Diamondbacks and Class AAA Tucson. He hit .215 in 144 at-bats with Arizona. In Class AAA, Callaspo hit .341 with 15 doubles, five home runs, 30 RBIs and 48 runs in 59 games. Callaspo is out of options and figures to play for the Royals as a utility player. He has played mostly second base but also has made appearances at third base, shortstop and both corner outfield positions. In 2006, Callaspo hit .337 with 24 doubles, 12 triples, seven homers, 68 RBIs and 93 runs in 114 games with Tucson. He drew 56 walks, struck out just 27 times, and was named the Diamondbacks’ minor-league player of the year. In both 2004 and 2005, he was the toughest player in the minors to strike out — 55 in 1,225 plate appearances. This past May, Callaspo was arrested on a domestic violence charge, which was later dropped. He and his wife are still together, and they have a child. Buckner, 23, was 1-2 with a 5.29 ERA in seven appearances including five starts for the Royals in 2007. He was 10-10 with a 3.92 ERA in the minor leagues last year and was considered one of the team’s top pitching prospects.
|
|
|
Post by MizzouTiger on Dec 18, 2007 14:55:42 GMT -5
www.kansascity.com/sports/royals/story/404565.htmlBuckner going to Arizona for CallaspoBy SAM MELLINGER The Kansas City Star The Royals switched pitching depth for versatility on Friday, trading right-hander Billy Buckner to Arizona for Alberto Callaspo. Callaspo, 24, could be a utility player in 2008, with the potential to develop into a mainstay at the top of the order. He spent 2007 between the Diamondbacks and Class AAA Tuscon, hitting .215 in 144 at-bats in the majors and .341 with 30 RBIs and 48 runs in 59 minor-league games. A switch hitter, he was also Arizona’s minor-league player of the year in 2006. Callaspo (pronounced Ky-AWS-po) is mostly a second baseman but has experience at third, shortstop and outfield. “He’s one of the more talented young offensive middle infielders in the game,” said Royals general manager Dayton Moore. “He’s a versatile little switch hitter, handles the bat extremely well. He’s a guy that fits into our long-term plan.” Buckner, 23, started 2007 in Class AA Wichita but was quickly promoted to Class AAA Omaha, going 10-10 with a 3.92 ERA in the minor leagues. He had seven appearances last year and was 1-2 with a 5.29 ERA. Callaspo is out of options, so he’ll need to spend the entire 2008 season in the major leagues. When asked whether the move makes Callaspo the logical choice to eventually take over for current second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, Moore said he didn’t look at it that way. Moore liked the versatility of Callaspo and also that he was among the hardest men in the minor leagues to strike out — just 141 times in 2,897 plate appearances over six seasons. Callaspo was arrested in May on suspicion of assault on his wife, though no formal charges were field.He later agreed to undergo counseling. He and his wife are together and have a young son. Moore said the Royals looked carefully into Callaspo’s background before making the trade and didn’t find anything to turn them off.
|
|