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Galena--In a surprising move, general manager Matthew Peck has sent Allen Watson and John Franco packing their bags to New Diggens in a blockbuster trade that sends star RF Dave Nilsson to the Hamsters. Watson, 4-3 with a 5.05 ERA, has been great as a starting pitcher this year, but has struggled in relief. With the Hamsters tight starting pitching, it was hard for Watson to find his place in the Hamster's rotation. "I started out the year in the rotation," noted Watson, "but Peck decided to try me out in relief. I was miserable in the pen and it showed in my performance. But because I was doing terrible, I didn't earn my spot in the rotation back until a few weeks ago due to Appier's injury."
Watson responded to the job as in his first start back from the pen he threw 7 innings of 4 hit ball against Hartford, striking out 6. It was this game that got the attention of Rhett Foley, GM of New Diggens, "Yeah, we were interested in Watson all year, and when we saw him pitch that game against Hartford, we knew he had quality stuff. He's gonna fit right in here in New Diggens as our number 4 starter." Watson said he was glad to leave Galena for New Diggens because there he can focus on being a starting pitcher full time.
Dave Nilsson's situation with New Diggens was similar to Watson's with the Hamsters. Nilsson was often shuffled around in the lineup, playing RF, LF, C, and sometimes not in the lineup for long periods of time. Thus, Nilsson could never get his swing. "I was playing bad ball because I never got enough swings consistently. I'd get a groove going and then I'd be benched for a week. Plus, I've been battling injuries all year." Those injuries haven't gone away. Indeed, just moments after Nilsson was acquired, Peck placed him on the DL due to a rib cage strain. He is expected to make his Hamsters debut after the all-star break.
"I'm planning on using Nilsson primarily at 1B and C, possibly some in LF. He'll play against righties."
Written by Matthew Peck