WVRed
04-01-2006, 06:25 AM
Cincinnati(AP)-The Cincinnati Reds and Houston Astros agreed on a trade late Friday night, sending all star outfielder Adam Dunn to the Houston Astros for three minor leaguers.
Dunn, a native of Houston, said he felt saddened leaving the Reds behind, but that with a chance to join the National League champions and compete with the likes of Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman was a dream come true.
"It's amazing", Dunn said. I hate to leave this city, and the fans of Cincinnati have been nothing but nice, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to play for my hometown team who made it to the World Series."
In return, the Reds will receive top pitching prospects Jason Hirsh and Troy Patton, both of whom could contribute at the major league level immediately. The Reds also received OF prospect Eli Iorg.
Hirsh, who is considered the top pitching prospect in the Astros organization, went 13-8 with a 2.87 ERA at AA Corpus Christi. New GM Wayne Krivsky says that the 24 year old Hirsh will start the year at AAA and could get a look by the All Star break.
Patton, who at age 20 dominated low A with the Lexington Legends, holds a record with 32 straight scoreless innings. "He has the most upside of any of these players we have acquired", Krivsky said. Patton will start at AA.
Iorg, who was taken from Tennessee in the first round of the 2005 supplemental draft, hit .333 in rookie league Greenville. Astros GM Tim Purpura believes he could be a 20/20 player once he reaches the majors.
The biggest news was that Dunn was sent to a division rival, but the Astros plan on starting Dunn in left and moving Preston Wilson to center. Astros manager Phil Garner has Dunn penciled in to bat fifth behind Morgan Ensberg.
Dunn, a native of Houston, said he felt saddened leaving the Reds behind, but that with a chance to join the National League champions and compete with the likes of Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman was a dream come true.
"It's amazing", Dunn said. I hate to leave this city, and the fans of Cincinnati have been nothing but nice, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to play for my hometown team who made it to the World Series."
In return, the Reds will receive top pitching prospects Jason Hirsh and Troy Patton, both of whom could contribute at the major league level immediately. The Reds also received OF prospect Eli Iorg.
Hirsh, who is considered the top pitching prospect in the Astros organization, went 13-8 with a 2.87 ERA at AA Corpus Christi. New GM Wayne Krivsky says that the 24 year old Hirsh will start the year at AAA and could get a look by the All Star break.
Patton, who at age 20 dominated low A with the Lexington Legends, holds a record with 32 straight scoreless innings. "He has the most upside of any of these players we have acquired", Krivsky said. Patton will start at AA.
Iorg, who was taken from Tennessee in the first round of the 2005 supplemental draft, hit .333 in rookie league Greenville. Astros GM Tim Purpura believes he could be a 20/20 player once he reaches the majors.
The biggest news was that Dunn was sent to a division rival, but the Astros plan on starting Dunn in left and moving Preston Wilson to center. Astros manager Phil Garner has Dunn penciled in to bat fifth behind Morgan Ensberg.