As usual, Lancaster breaks the news (ruining his off day). Williams to the Apu’s favorite squadron, the Nye Mets.
The Reds today traded Dave Williams to the Mets for right-hander Robert Manuel. The Reds also included cash in the deal.
Assuming Marc linked to the right Robert Manuel, we’re looking at a 2005 signee (from Sam Houston State) who was effective as a reliever in his first pro season.
From the Mets’ site:
Manuel, 22, was signed by New York as a non-drafted free agent on June 17, 2005. He went 8-1 with a 2.06 ERA in 12 games (five starts) for the Gulf Coast Mets (R) in 2005. In 56.2 innings, he allowed 55 hits, 19 runs, 13 earned, with four walks and 49 strikeouts. Manuel tied for the Gulf Coast League lead in wins, was second in ERA, and fourth in strikeouts. Robert also appeared in two contests for the Brooklyn Cyclones (A) of the New York – Penn League, going 0-0 with a 1.80 ERA. He pitched 5.0 innings in two relief appearances, permitting five hits, one run, earned, with five strikeouts.
Is a undrafted college free agent, still in low-A at age 22, the best we could do? But the real question is where in the heck is Manuel this year? He doesn’t show up on any of the Mets’ minor league rosters, and there’s no mention that he’s pitched at all. Very strange.
UPDATE (by Chad): From Reds.com:
Manuel, 22, will report to Class A Dayton. For the Mets he was expected to pitch for the Class A Brooklyn Cyclones, whose season begins later this month.
So that explains where he’s been this season.
I’ll go on the record: GM Wayne Krivsky overreacted here, with respect to Williams. There was no reason to send him packing. He had established himself as a league-average pitcher before this season, and he has yet to reach his peak age.
I’m very disappointed.