Illinois Deals Last Original Chow

Illinois Times - The Chows made headlines today by dealing their long-time face of the franchise Carlos Beltran.  After trading Halladay earlier this offseason, the Chows have now dealt their two longest tenured players and both faces of the franchise.  Beltran is atop the Chows all-time leader board in Games, AB, Hits, Doubles, Home Runs, Extra Base Hits, RBI's, Runs and Walks.

"We are in a rebuilding year and the acquisition of Upton relegated Carlos to DH.  The chance to get a youngish talented starter and our 2nd round pick back was too much to pass up.  We wish Carlos well and will always consider him a part of our franchise."

The deal sends Beltran, Maholm and the ILL 4 to Troy for Samardizja and the ILL 2 (previously dealt to the Haymakers).  The Chows are hoping for a quick turnaround and want to get younger while acquiring players who can help as soon as next year.  This deal nets two of those guys.

"Jeff is an amazing athlete with amazing stuff.  His K rate points to long-term success.  We had a surplus of OF and this deal just seemed to make sense for us."