A relatively minor trade took place tonight between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Texas Rangers. In the deal, the Rangers receive for Arizona Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Dustin Nippert and the D-Backs get minor league pitcher Jose Marte. Nippert was originally the favorite to take the last spot in Arizona’s bullpen so this deal is a little surprise.
Nippert has gradually slipped down the ladder over the past 3 years. What I mean by that is this, in 2005 he was voted Minor League Pitcher of the Year in the Diamondbacks organization. Since then his career has taken a gradual dip. In 2007, he finally saw action in big league games and started off on fire going 1-0 with a 2.87 in 12 relief appearances. Not bad, I know. His end of the year line thou, 1-1 with a 5.56 era, so basically he more then imploded. Nippert had previously spent most of his career as a starter, so who knows maybe it was just the pressures of relieving? Not sure. He’ll definitely get a chance to regain his touch in Texas thou.
Marte is pretty much a whatever in this deal. Marte was formerly an outfield in the Chicago Cubs minor league system. He was converted to a pitcher and had a pretty bad season in Class A Bakersfield and Clinton last season, going 4-4 with a 5.43 era. Marte is only 24, so he may have a chance at being a middle reliever one day, but its a HUGGGGEEEE long shot.
This looks more like a dump off on Arizona’s part. They basically got tired of dealing with Nippert and waiting for his talent to finally take over. For the Rangers, it is a great deal. They gave up virtually nothing and might have a very effective middle reliever on their hands if he can harness that talent and start to produce.
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