Reports indicate that the Philadelphia Flash and Detroit Great Lake St have agreed to a deal that would bring RP Earle Edmonds to the Flash in exchange for 2 minor league pitchers, pending league approval. With the Transaction Deadline fast approaching it seemed the Flash might remain idle, but their long search for an affordable reliever finally bore fruit in the eleventh hour.Edmonds, most notably famous for the trademark sunglasses he wears while he's on the mound, has been the Closer in Detroit for 3+ seasons, and has enjoyed much success in that role. Edmonds has 125 career saves, and a 91% save success rate. He also is a 3-time former all-star. It is unclear if Edmonds will usurp RP Rafael Perez' closer role, either immediately or during the playoffs.
For their part, the Flash packaged High A SP Nick Beck and Low A RP Chris Graves. Those in the know might remember Beck as the 49th overall draft pick in Season 1. He has posted good numbers in the minor leagues, and could very well be an important cog in a big league rotation someday. Graves, already 24 and still in Low A ball, also posted servicable numbers during his work in the Philly farm, but management has said he was not a part of their long-term plans.
The rest of the NL East had been rather busy in recent weeks picking up pieces for the final portion of the schedule while the Flash had stood pat. But GM Sour Surfer said this deal made too much sense to pass up. "Detroit had a lot of high payroll guys that weren't producing, so they needed to get younger, and we needed to tool up for the playoffs. Our bullpen is a bit of a soft underbelly for us, but we think Edmonds really gives us a shot to do big things this year."
As for that "beleaguered" Flash bullpen, only 25-year-old RP Albert Rosado has an ERA over 4 at 5.40, though he has only worked 5.0 innings this season. It seems likely that Rosado will be optioned to AAA once Edmonds joins the club.
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