H'ville trades for a 23-game loser, clears $15.5M in payroll

H'ville, Tn - In recent weeks the Hendersonville Hitmen Front Office has been shopping SP Carlos Arévalo for a bat, preferably a CF, who could provide some pop and a higher OBP to the lineup.   After several emails and discussions with many owners the Hitmen finally struck a deal with Mr. Norm Viger of Quebec Les Capitales.

"First off I want to say it is with sad hearts that we say goodbye to Carlos Arévalo," commented Hays at the trade press conference.  "Arevalo was a HUGE part of our World Series run in 2010.  I think he went 19-4 with a 3.01 ERA and finished 2nd in Cy Young behind Hill, but was lights out in the playoffs going 3-0 with a 1.52 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in the playoffs that year!  He has been the definition of a true professional." 

What started out as a 1-for-1 for Padilla turned out to be a bigger trade as the Hitmen sent Arevalo, MR/CL Tomomi Sanu, SP Jack Wolochow, CF Jesús Carrillo  for SP Mal "Shelled" Windham and CF/OF Luis Padilla and $5M in cash.

"We noticed Quebec just missed out on Bolden in FA so we inquired to see if Norm was interested in Arevalo," commented Hays to local reporters.  "Once trade talks started we added Sanu as a CL option, Wolochow as a 5th SP and Carrillo as a young CF for Quebec."

The Hitmen give up 3 players that are 20 in leadership that should really help the young Quebec team.

Name: Mal "Shelled" Windham
Pos: SP
Throws: Left
Age: 24
Contract: $400k
2011 Stats: 4-23, 6.62 ERA, 1.71 WHIP, 36 HR allowed
Notes: Nickname was Shell, but after leading all of VBL6 with 23 losses his nickname has changed to "shelled".  Will be 25 at start of 2012 season and will battle for the #5 SP spot during ST.  Has good potential and could be a good #3 SP if he pans out.

Name: Luis Padilla
Pos: CF/OF
Throws: Left
Age: 21
Contract: $400k
2011 Stats: .337 Avg, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 6 2Bs, 22 BBs, .486 OBP, 1.077 OPS in 27 games
Notes: AMAZING Potential!  Has the tools to be a Superstar according H'ville scout Nathan Gray.  At 21 he has the Potential to be the next, dare I say Luke Pittman (minus speed/def).  Will battle for starting job in Spring Training.


The Hitmen were able to clear some much needed salary in this trade.  Heading into the 2012 season the Hitmen have the largest payroll at $127.5M.  After completing this trade the Hitmen lower their 2012 payroll by $15.5M ($112M) and get $5M in cash.  The future looks better also as the 2013 and 2014 projected salary will be lowered by roughly $13.5M.