Pedro Strop promoted

I wonder if we can optimisitically call this an audition for a playoff roster spot? I hope so. He is the only legit closer prospect in the system at the moment with 3 plus pitches coupled unfortunately with erratic command/mechanics. However, this is his first year back from elbow surgery (fracture at tip of elbow, not TJ) after missing most of last year so it isn't clear to which factors we can attribute his troubles his year: surgery, mechanics, inexperience/lack of innings. It is likely all of the above. If he can put it together - and i think it is more reasonable to expect it to happen next season, after a healthy off-seaon and full spring training - he can be a stud and close when/if CJ or FranFran move on.

In other notes:

Draft: No one else signed at draft deadline; 17th round LHP Strong signs for 300K; Scheppers has legit leverage and it has nothing to do with Purke - think Japan.

TX: Moscoso promoted, German DL'd, Peguero signed as FA, Pudge reacquired and added to the other hackers in the lineup (93g: .280OBP, 14BB) for Nevarez, Vallejo and possibly a PTBNL. Both Benoit and Harrrison started pitching in the last few days. McCarthy could be ready to pitch 7innings/100pitches by his scheduled start on 8/31. Expect him to be called up and added to the bullpen by that date. Both Pudge and Cruz should be activated for Wednesdays game. Salty with a definitive TOS diagnosis per his specialist (per SWST).

UPDATE: On the post-game TV broadcast lat night, they said that Salty has the less serious nerve-related TOS rather than the circulatory-related TOS. This means that he might be able to avoid surgery altogether if he improves by season's end.

AAA: Vaughan demoted, Fox promoted, Piguero signed as FA

AA: Sarmiento promoted, Pina to DL (or injured at the very least)

HighA: Hogan promoted, Quintero demoted, Tufts promoted

LowA: DiFazio promoted; Koncel promoted (for some reason); Alfonzo DL'd

Spokane: Wilkins promoted

AZL: Erlin activated

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