Reviewing Baseball 1/10/15

Good afternoon baseball junkies! Here’s what’s going on around baseball:

The Angels have acquired third base prospect Kyle Kubitza and Nate Hyatt from the Braves in exchange for lefty Ricardo Sanchez. Kubitza is a 24 year old third base prospect who will be expected to take over for David Freese once he hits free agency after this season. Hyatt was the Braves’ pitcher of the year last season after posting a 2.71 ERA in 63 innings at Class A+. Sanchez was the Angels second ranked prospect according to Baseball America, and is only 17. In a corresponding move to make room for Kubitza, the Angels have reportedly designated Marc Krauss for assignment.

The Pirates are reportedly closing in on a deal with Jung-ho Kang, the Korean shortstop that hit 40 home runs in 501 plate appearances in the KBO last season. The Pirates won the bidding to negotiate with Kang for slightly over $5 mil, but many are skeptical that his skills will translate to the Majors.

The Cubs have designated lefty Mike Kickham for assignment to clear space for Chris Denorfia on the 40 man roster. Kickham was claimed from San Francisco earlier this offseason and has a career 10.38 ERA in 30.1 MLB innings.

The Orioles have reportedly designated catcher Ryan Lavarnway for assignment. The 27 year old Lavarnway was formerly a top prospect in the Red Sox organization, and he will now be seeking to join his fifth club since the start of the offseason.

The Rays and Athletics have agreed to a blockbuster trade, with Ben Zobrist, Yunel Escobar, and cash heading to Oakland in exchange for John Jaso and prospects Daniel Robertson and Boog Powell. Zobrist has 19 WAR over the past four seasons, while Escobar became expendable at shortstop with the addition of Asdrubal Cabrera. Jaso hit .264/.337/.430 in 344 plate appearances last season, Robertson was the number one ranked Athletic prospect and Powell was number 11, according to mlb.com.

Around Milwaukee:

Richard Justice of mlb.com says the Brewers want to finish what they started in 2014.

Fred Hofstetter of Brew Crew Ball reminds us of Brooks Kieschnick and looks at two way players.

Tom Haudricourt published his top 10 Brewers prospects for Baseball America.

Around the Site:

Yesterday I compared the 2008 Brewers with how this year’s team currently sets up.

Countdowns:

Pitchers and Catchers Report: 41 days

First Spring Training Game: 53 days

Opening Day: 86 days

Enjoy your weekend!