[mikev]

Inigo Heading To Chicago

Another move in the selloff of Crusaders big leaguers --

This time it's outfielder Alfonso Inigo, who's been on the trade block for what seems like the past few seasons.

The Crusaders sent Inigo to the Chicago Black Sox in exchange for a pair of outfield prospects: Don Southam and Enrique Suarez.

Southam is a 23 year old left fielder who bats left and throws right. He's hitting .280 so far in AAA this season with 21 doubles, 4 triples, and 4 homers in 97 games. He's already a big league caliber defender with a cannon arm and will be assigned to Triple A Oakland in the Crusaders system and will be the primary center fielder in an attempt to utilize his good range and strong arm. Southam spent most of the season in the Vancouver Mounties organization before he was dealt to Chicago as part of a package for second baseman Carlos Medina.

Suarez, 24, is a righty who is on the underdeveloped side, but still has good contact potential. Ironically, his upside is probably Inigo with a few more extra base hits but less stolen bases. He will also report to Oakland, where he will be the primary left fielder. So far he's hitting a meager .269/.308.332 in Triple A, and will need to show improvement.

So far in 2023 Inigo has hit .297/357/.388 with 13 doubles, 8 triples, and 18 stolen bases in the leadoff spot.

There are several players remaining on the Crusaders trade block as we approach the deadline, and it's expected that more of them will be dealt away if possible.