[mikev]

Bennett Traded To Vegas

Andy Bennett never really had any idea that he was on the trade block, especially after being traded for less than a season ago.

"It's something that we don't think about." said the outfielder, who broke out in 2022 with a .298/.343/.442 line after being acquired from Bogota. "People talk about us rebuilding, and hey, I'm 30 this year. Sure, I suppose a trade could happen, but I try not to listen to any rumors or anything. I get my workouts in and figure the offseason will take care of itself."

So when he was called in and informed that he was going to be traded to the Las Vegas Hustlers, Bennett was mostly on the surprised side, yet also figured that it was a possibility.

[i]"Sure, it's a business. We never get TOO settled in, I mean I only played like 100 games with the Crusaders, but I thought I fit in well here. Vegas, though, huh.. I could learn to live with that. It's pretty close to here, too, which is nice." Bennett's hometown is in nearby Tucson, Arizona.

Coming to the Crusaders organization are SS Claudio Garcia and 1B Christian Melton, as well as a draft pick in next year's 5th round.

Garcia, 21, is a slick defending shortstop who will never hit for much power. In fact, he slugged under .400 in Short Season A ball in 2022. However, his glove could play in the GUBA right now and if he can manage to keep getting on base at a decent clip through all levels of the minors, he could be a useful infielder in the future.

Melton is a year younger than Garcia, but has a higher upside with the bat. He will probably max out at 20hr in a season as his career high, and that's if he develops, but if he does it could also come with 50 or 60 doubles. It's not particularly likely, but we've got to acquire as many prospects as we can get our hands on if we're going to rebuild and do it the right way.