The Mariners Wednesday acquired outfielder Abraham Almonte from the New York Yankees in exchange for right-handed relief pitcher Shawn Kelley. Almonte, 23, spent last season primarily with Double-A Trenton in the Yankees organization and hit .276 (88×319) with 47 runs scored, 17 doubles, four triples, four home runs, 25 RBI and 30 stolen bases in 78 games.
The 5-foot-9, 205-pound switch hitter was named an Eastern League mid-season All-Star and ranked fifth in his league in stolen bases (30-for-35). He also appeared in seven games with the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Yankees.
In seven minor league seasons in the Yankees organization, the native of the Dominican Republic had 276 stolen bases and hit .263 (574×2183) in 573 games. He was originally signed by the Yankees as a non-drafted free agent July 2, 2005.
The Mariners designed Kelley, 28, for assignment Feb. 7 when they signed free agent catcher Kelly Shoppach. Kelley went 2-4 with a 3.25 ERA (16 ER, 44.1 IP) in 47 relief appearances last season. Over parts of four major league seasons, the Louisville native has a 3.52 ERA in 120 relief appearances. He was selected in the 13th round of the 2007 June draft out of Austin Peay University.
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="2146390 https://sportspressnw.wpengine.com/?p=2146390">3 Comments
Not quite sure about this unless Jack Z. feels that Almonte can develop into a leadoff hitter and develop soon. Kelly has been a good piece for the bullpen and IMO the M’s have quite a bit of OF’s right now. Enough to where they got rid of Trayvon Robinson. Jury is out on this one.
C’mon, this is an organizational move. The M’s are short of outfielders from AA to AAA. If the M’s starting outfield was wiped out for a week by a mysterious virus they’d have to depend on Raoul Ibanez, Kendrys Morales and a fan named Moe to play. This gives them someone to add to their depth chart. That’s what you typically trade your eighth best reliever for. You were expecting Curtis Granderson?
Exactly, Kevin. Almonte is roster fodder for Tacoma. Besides his speed, he has little to offer Seattle. At best, he’s sort of a present-day Charles Gipson.