Jermaine Van Buren to Red Sox for PTBNL

by whonichol on Dec 1, 2005 2:13 PM EST

Here's a guy who John had as the Cubs 18th best prospect and best closer in the PCL. I don't really know what the knock is on him, other than that he's purely a reliever. But this is definitely a strong move for the Sox (depending on who the PTBNL is, of course).

This is the way to build a strong bullpen, in my opinion. Going out and signing vets for millions is both risky and a poor allocation of resources. Young, live arms (and lots of them) is the way to go...

Anyone know the pitches this guy utilizes?

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Ready for the majors?

Does Jermaine have any chance of breaking camp with the Sox or is he headed back to AAA? If not, how far away is he from being ready for the majors?

by RandyKutcherHair on Dec 1, 2005 2:29 PM EST reply actions

Even though...

the 18th best prospect in the Cubs system isn't saying much in my opinion, this guy could end up doing some things. And I whole heartedly agree with your young reliever over old reliever theory. Why overpay a veteran when a minor league guy can do the job or even better. Your never going to find out unless you give these guys a shot.

by cronie on Dec 1, 2005 2:33 PM EST reply actions

here's the write up MLB did for him...

Not much mention on his velocity but it says he throws a curve and slider. Nice pickup for the Sox. Anyone know how long the team receiving the PTBNL has to choose that player?

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051109&content_id=33459&vkey=n ews_milb&fext=.jsp

by cincod1 on Dec 1, 2005 2:59 PM EST reply actions

6 months...

I believe a PTBNL has to be agreed upon within 6 months of the original trade. Although, it may work differently for offseason trades.

by calig23 on Dec 1, 2005 9:42 PM EST up reply actions

Van Buren Boy?

I try to save blurbs on players as the year goes on to use as draft cheatsheet info. This is all I had. No mention of how hard or what he throws. (apologies that I don't know where it came from)

"2 yrs ago, he was pitching in indy ball. In 04, he went from being the 12th man on the Lansing staff all the way to AAA. In 05, he ended up 2nd in PCL w/ 25 sv. He had a 1.98 ERA & 65 K in 54 2/3 IP. He was called up late Aug & could work into the CL mix in 06"

by fredo on Dec 1, 2005 3:48 PM EST reply actions

Any Chance?

Any chance Van Buren could be headed back to the Cubs in a deal after the rule v draft? The Sox have room on their 40 man roster to stash him away and the Cubs do not.

by RandyKutcherHair on Dec 2, 2005 10:07 AM EST reply actions