VFS - ILL make season's first big trade

The 1st place Vermont Fighting Sioux and the Illinois Chow Chows (currently in last in the uber-tough TG East) have struck the first big trade of the 2007 NASBL season.

The Sioux have acquired starting pitcher Josh Johnson and RF Brian Giles in exchange for their 1st round pick in the '08 NASBL draft along with Joe Blanton and Chone Figgins.



The move represents two significant upgrades for VFS. Johnson (3-2, 3.80 for ILL) is a front end of the rotation pitcher and his starts will be easier on the eyes of Sioux fans compared to Blanton's (1-1, 8.53). VFS now has a legitimate playoff caliber rotation as JJ joins Cy Young candidates John Lackey (3-1, 2.34), Ervin Santana (3-1, 3.55), Bret Myers (5-1, 3.42) and ROY hopeful Francisco Liriano (2-1, 2.66 in a swing role).

Chone Figgins was batting 9th and playing RF against RHP and playing CF vs LHP for the Sioux in playing in all 38 games hitting a paltry .239 with an OPS of .715. Giles will step into the RF vs RHP role and his #s with the Chows (.282, .792) are worthy of a higher spot in the lineup.

This is the first time the Sioux have traded away a top pick in years, but GM Justin Rabidoux wanted to strike while the iron was hot. VFS advance scouts have been touring the minors and early reports are the '08 draft will be lacking depth, thus making the 1st round pick easier to part with.



More on this trade is sure to come from numerous media outlets.