Rays get young LA hurlers for Baez

01/14/2006
ST. PETERSBURG -- The Tampa Bay Devil Rays parted ways with Danys Baez on Saturday in a five-player trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Baez, reliever Lance Carter and a Minor League player to be named were exchanged for 22-year-old right-hander Edwin Jackson and 20-year-old Minor League left-hander Chuck Tiffany.
"It's difficult to lose Danys and Lance," said executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. "That being said, we firmly believe that what we've done is in the best interest of the Rays organization."
Baez, 28, recorded 71 saves in 129 appearances the last two seasons as the Rays closer. His 41 saves last season made him only the second Tampa Bay pitcher to reach 40 in a single season, although his eight blown saves in 2005 tied for the most in the American League.
Jackson, who Baseball America ranked the top prospect in the Dodgers system in 2004, made seven appearances (six starts) for the Dodgers in 2005, posting a 2-2 record and a 6.28 ERA. Jackson was 6-4 with a 5.50 ERA in 19 games (14 starts) in parts of three seasons with the Dodgers.
Originally drafted as an outfielder in the sixth round of the 2001 draft, Jackson was converted to a pitcher and has a lifetime Minor League record of 29-25. Jackson became the third-youngest pitcher to start a game for the Los Angeles Dodgers when he debuted in 2003.
"We think this transaction addresses our desire to add starting pitching depth to our organization," Friedman said. "We're going to be patient with the development of [Jackson and Tiffany]. Both of them are quality arms that we've identified and talked about for a while now. As far as assignments, we'll get them into camp and let them compete, and see what's the best place to continue their development. It's a little early for us to comment on that."
While the trade may give Tampa Bay some new arms, it leaves the Rays without a proven closer. Friedman didn't hint at who the team has in mind to fill the role.
"It's hard to say," Friedman said. "I think we've created a competitive environment, and we'll go into camp and see who can help us win the most games."
Tiffany was 11-7 with a 3.93 ERA, 134 strikeouts and 43 walks in 110 innings with Class A Vero Beach last season.
Carter, 31, was 1-2 with a 4.89 ERA in 39 games with the Rays last season.

Source: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/