WINNIPEG — It was a busy Monday for the Winnipeg Goldeyes with manager Rick Forney signing two players and completing two different trades. The Goldeyes announcing the signing of infielder Aaron Baker and right-handed pitcher Mark Pope. The Goldeyes then acquired former major leaguer Brandon Boggs from the Bridgeport Bluefish of the Atlantic League. In exchange the Goldeyes give up righty Patrick Mincey. But Boggs, an outfielder, was quickly shipped out, immediately traded to the York Revolution of the Atlantic League for cash.
The 27-year-old Baker did not play professionally in 2014. But has spent time with the Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates minor league system. He was drafted by the Pirates in the 11th round of the 2009 MLB Amateur Draft.
“He’s a big, strong left-handed hitting first baseman,” said Forney through a media release. “He’s the kind of guy that we think if we can get him back up to speed in a hurry that he has 15-20 home run power in our league. He’s a middle-of-the-order type guy and comfortable driving in runs.”
Pope is 25 years of age and is coming off a strong season in class A ball with Great Lakes of the Midwest League. In 49 appearances out of the bullpen he went 4-3 with a 2.26 earned run average and nine saves. Pope was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 5th round of the 2011 draft. He’s reached as high as the AAA level playing for three major league organizations including the Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Atlanta Braves.
“He’s a good competitor and a strike thrower,” said Forney. “We’re going to use him in the back end of the bullpen. We feel he’s going to be a nice addition to our team. He’s going to pitch in some important ballgames for us in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings.”
Goldeyes training camp is about six weeks away.
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