Prospects in the Brad Ziegler Trade
The Oakland Athletics traded veteran pitcher Brad Ziegler to the Arizona Diamondbacks, receiving first baseman Brandon Allen and left-handed pitcher Jordan Norberto in return.
Brandon Allen,1B: Allen isn't a rookie at this point, having exceeded the plate appearance qualifications last year, but he hasn't fully established himself yet so I will write him up. A fifth round pick of the
White Sox in 2004, he was traded to Arizona in 2007 and has been trying to take over the first base job for the last year or so. He hit .306/.427/.579 with 18 homers, 64 walks, and 90 strikeouts in 304 at-bats for Triple-A Reno this year before his recent promotion to the majors. He will take a walk and has excellent raw power from the left side, but problems with contact are likely to limit his batting average. I'd give him a Grade C+/B- at this point. He is still fairly young at 25 and the power is attractive.
Jordan Norberto, LHP: A Dominican lefty signed in 2004, Norberto has a quality fastball in the low-90s, along with a decent curveball and changeup. He has a 4.25 ERA with a 54/26 K/BB in 49 innings this year for Reno, but serious command problems resulted in a 5.85 ERA with a 15/22 K/BB in 20 major league innings last year. He can be a relief asset if he throws strikes. He is 25 years old. Grade C.
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