The Cubs acquired minor league right-hander Marcelo Carreno and cash considerations from the Tigers to complete the August trade involving Jeff Baker, the Tigers announced (on Twitter). The Tigers acquired Baker from the Cubs for two players to be named later on August 5th only to send him to Atlanta for another PTBNL four weeks later.
Carreno, 21, just completed his fifth season in the Tigers organization. He spent the 2012 campaign with Class A West Michigan, posting a 3.23 ERA with 7.7 K/9 and 1.8 BB/9 in 139 1/3 innings over the course of 27 starts.
Championship! #Cubs2013
I like it!!
5th season and he’s in class-A? At this pace, he should be making his ML debut by the time he’s 33 or so.
He signed as a 17-year-old out of Venezuela. Being 21 in Class-A isn’t really all that odd. He’ll open next season as a 21-year-old at High-A and could be in Double-A at age 22.
A warm body for Jeff Baker. Steal.
Look, I agree we weren’t going to get a ton for Jeff Baker, but let’s not let our Theo-worship blind us to the fact this is the definition of a “warm body, ” nothing more. 5 years and still in A ball? Be at least a little skeptical, MorneauVP. And people deride Bryan LaHair because he spent 4 years in AAA?
I completely disagree with your definition of him being a “warm body” and nothing more. You do realize that the first 2 years (age 17 and 18) he was playing in the Venezuelan Summer League. According to Baseball America the median age for Midwest League Low A is 22. Even with repeating, Carreno is still young for the league and produced good numbers. I am not saying he is a great prospect, but he is at least a legitimate pitching prospect. The Cubs should be happy with receiving Carreno for a utility player. Personally, I did not think the Cubs would get this quality of a prospect for Jeff Baker.
Also, number 11 prospect in the Tigers organization.
Love the comments from knowledgeable fans. Absolutely correct-he is NOT old to be in A ball, considering when he started. Also-it’s Jeff Baker, for crying out loud! Nice pickup.
I like this deal!