The Revs acquired infielder Liu Rodriguez, trading for the Southern Maryland infielder in exchange for future considerations. One of manager Andy Etchebarren's top priorities after accepting a job in York was finding a shortstop for the club. On his first day after meeting with the team, Etchebarren wanted York infielder Keoni DeRenne to know the team was trying to find a shortstop so he could move back to his natural position at second base.
One of the league's best at second base, DeRenne went through a difficult season a year ago as he attempted to be York's everyday shortstop. He committed 36 errors. York initially attempted to acquire Southern Maryland's Chuck Jeroloman for future considerations last Wednesday, but the deal fell through.
A switch-hitter, Rodriguez batted .280 in 36 games for Southern Maryland, scoring 23 runs this season. He's committed four errors.
The Revs also released Jermy Acey, who was acquired during Adam Gladstone's tenure as the director of the club's baseball operations. Acey committed six errors and batted .158 in 25 games. York initially hoped he would be an offensive addition to the club after batting .276 in a platoon role with the Blue Crabs this year. But he struggled after the Revs purchased his contract.
As much as I'm glad to see York get a decent shortstop, I find these intra-ODP trades for "future considerations" to be pretty shady.
What's Southern Maryland's motive to trade a useful player for essentially nothing when they have the playoffs ahead of them?
Nothing fishy here. Southern Maryland is re-acquiring a familiar player. According to Rodriguez they expect Travis Garcia (.338 average in 66 games with the Crabs) to return to the club. That means Chuck Jeroloman, Garcia and Mike Just will play the infield. Rodgriguez was the odd man out.