OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - Expansion Revision: 1998 Devil Rays and beyond

Moriarty9 · 12-12-2008, 01:36 PM

Expansion clubs swap veteran pitchers
Aguilera, Key trade uniforms
May 29, 1998

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Baseball's two youngest franchises today agreed to a trade of veteran pitchers.

The Arizona Diamondbacks dealth southpaw Jimmy Key, 37, to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for struggling closer Rick Aguilera, 36.

Key has worked out of Arizona's bullpen and starting rotation this year, posting a 2-2 record and 3.77 ERA in nine appearances, including three starts. A 15-year veteran who had spent the first 14 years of his career exclusively in the American League East with the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles, Key is a four-time All Star and owner of a career 180-117 record and 3.64 ERA. He was unhappy in Arizona, who had acquired him from Baltimore in the expansion draft over the winter.

Aguilera, a three-time All Star also selected in the expansion draft, had struggled mightily as the Tampa Bay closer. In 14 appearances, he went 0-3 with five saves and a 7.45 ERA. Opponents have hit .341 against him this year.

Diamondbacks General Manager Kevin Towers would not speculate on what role Aguilera will initially play in Arizona, a closer or a setup man to current closer Carlos Reyes. Reyes, 29, has gone 1-2 with 11 saves and a 3.78 ERA in 15 appearances for Arizona. He has three blown saves on the year.

Devil Rays skipper Christian O'Neal was unavailable for comment at press time, and there has been no indication as of yet as to whether Key will serve Tampa Bay as a starter or reliever, and who will assume the role of closer.

12-12-2008, 01:36 PM	#24 (permalink)
Moriarty9 All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,855 Thanks: 9 Thanked 3x in 3 posts	Expansion clubs swap veteran pitchers Aguilera, Key trade uniforms May 29, 1998 ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Baseball's two youngest franchises today agreed to a trade of veteran pitchers. The Arizona Diamondbacks dealth southpaw Jimmy Key, 37, to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for struggling closer Rick Aguilera, 36. Key has worked out of Arizona's bullpen and starting rotation this year, posting a 2-2 record and 3.77 ERA in nine appearances, including three starts. A 15-year veteran who had spent the first 14 years of his career exclusively in the American League East with the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles, Key is a four-time All Star and owner of a career 180-117 record and 3.64 ERA. He was unhappy in Arizona, who had acquired him from Baltimore in the expansion draft over the winter. Aguilera, a three-time All Star also selected in the expansion draft, had struggled mightily as the Tampa Bay closer. In 14 appearances, he went 0-3 with five saves and a 7.45 ERA. Opponents have hit .341 against him this year. Diamondbacks General Manager Kevin Towers would not speculate on what role Aguilera will initially play in Arizona, a closer or a setup man to current closer Carlos Reyes. Reyes, 29, has gone 1-2 with 11 saves and a 3.78 ERA in 15 appearances for Arizona. He has three blown saves on the year. Devil Rays skipper Christian O'Neal was unavailable for comment at press time, and there has been no indication as of yet as to whether Key will serve Tampa Bay as a starter or reliever, and who will assume the role of closer.