Newest Bums Leave Town for Picks, Prospect June 18, 1999
Belle, Valentin go to Springfield, Kinkade to Vero Beach
Vero Beach, FL (AP) - Vero Beach Bums officials have reportedly been
harder at work than they have at any other point in their history, with
the strength of this year's amateur draft coinciding with the Bums'
apparent desire to rebuild.
The Bums have taken a large step in that direction with a draft-night
trade of their two most recent acquisitions, who seemed destined from the
start to quickly move on to another team. Dominating DH Albert Belle and
solid SS John Valentin, who were recently acquired from Houston for CF
Marquis Grissom, were sent to Springfield to join the Atoms. In return,
the Bums recieved 3B Mike Kinkade, a strong offensive and defensive
prospect, along with the rights to picks #19 and 20 in the first
round of this year's amateur draft. The Bums also sent their 2nd round
compensatory pick (#36 overall) to Springfield in the deal.
"This deal is very good for both teams," said Vero Beach owner and GM
Jason Gohlke. "We're giving up a huge player in Belle, and a very solid
middle infielder in Valentin, but we're getting a player who is going to
be one of the premiere 3rd basemen in the league, and a chance at two more
great players to build around for the next 10 years."
The Bums may announce more deals as the draft nears, said team sources.
They apparently have offers on the table to Thunder Bay, Binghamton, and
Phoenix, and have been talking to Washington, but this deal is said to
make other deals less likely to happen.
The Bums are still in the market for prospects and picks.
According to team sources:
* Players that are most likely to be moved tomorrow:
1B Jeff King
LF Ron Gant
RF Jeromy Burnitz
* Players less likely to be moved now:
RF/CF Brian Jordan
Starting Pitching (all)
