Dbacks send Thatcher, Campana to the Angels

Jun 22, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Joe Thatcher (54) throws during the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Diamondbacks made there first move ahead of the 2014 Trade Deadline Saturday, one of many expected for Kevin Towers and Tony La Russa‘s club. The Dbacks are one of the few defiant sellers in 2014 and it has began. The Snakes traded left-handed specialist Joe Thatcher and outfielder Tony Campana to the Anaheim Angels in exchange for a pair of prospects. Arizona will receive minor league outfielder Zach Borenstein and right-hander Joey Krehbiel. Fox Sports Ken Rosenthal’s first reported the trade and azcentral.com’s Nick Piecoro confirmed it.

Despite struggling for the Dbacks after he was traded to Arizona during the second half of the season last year, he has pitched really well so far in 2014. He has compiled a 2.63 era in 37 games. He was more effective against lefties with a .241 BA against than righties(.256 batting average against) which is the way it is supposed to be for a left handed specialist.

Dbacks Manager Kirk Gibson talked to MLB.com about Thatcher after he was traded: “Joe did a great job for us,” D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said. “I enjoyed my time with him. We wish him well. He’s going over to a guy you know I respect in [Angels manager] Mike Scioscia. They’re playing well over there and it gives him an opportunity to pitch in even higher-leverage situations. I’m happy for him for that. I’m not happy that he’s gone from here, but those things happen.”

Campana has had two stints with the Dbacks but he has spent most of his 2014 season in Triple A with the Reno Aces. Campana only hit .150 in 61 plate appearances for the Dbacks this year. Despite those numbers at the plate, he is still valuable to contenders for teams looking for impact speed on the basepaths, and its obvious that the Angels were interested in that. If the Angels can make it to October, Campana can help as a pinch runner and he plays a great outfield.

Borenstien was ranked as the Angels ninth best prospect by MLB.com. He has been at Double A Arkansas and Triple A Salt Lake this year. He was named the Angels 2013 Minor League player of the year but has struggled in 2014

Meanwhile Krehbiel has made 17 appearances in relief for Class A Burlington and Class A Inland Empire compiling a 2.00 era. If he keeps putting up those type of numbers he could contribute to the Dbacks pen in the next three years.

Everybody knew that Thatcher was going to be traded because left handed specialists are valuable on the market. Trust me this is not the only move Towers and LaRussa will make.

As a result of the trade, the Dbacks called up lefty Eury De LaRosa to fill the bullpen void.