Wichita Wingnuts Add Chase Simpson in Second Big Acquisition
In American Association Daily, Robert Pannier from the Minor League Sports Report examines the deal that sent Chase Simpson from the Cleburne Railroaders to the Wichita Wingnuts for Hunter Clanin.
Chase Simpson Dealt to Wichita
For the second time this season, infielder Chase Simpson finds himself on the move, this time being dealt from the Cleburne Railroaders to the Wichita Wingnuts for OF Hunter Clanin. Simpson had been traded from the Lincoln Saltdogs to Cleburne earlier in the year.
Chase Simpson by the Numbers
Chase Simpson was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 14th round of the Major League draft. He spent four seasons in the Pirates organization reaching AA-Altoona before being released. He would finish last season with York (Atlantic League).
This season, Simpson began the year with Lincoln where he got off to a hot start, recognized by the Minor League Sports Report as the Player of the Month in May. In 41 games with the Saltdogs, the infielder hit .277 with 25 runs scored and 22 RBI.
With the Cleburne Railroaders lineup struggling to score runs, Simpson was traded to the Texas team on July 7 for reliever Cortland Cox. In Cleburne he got off to a slow start, recording only 2 hits in his first 20 at-bats, before catching fire. In 26 games, he hit .284 with 11 runs scored and 9 RBI. He added two home runs and has 7 doubles in 88 at-bats.
How Acquisition Effects the Wichita Wingnuts
Chase Simpson is the second player that Wichita Wingnuts Player Personnel Director Josh Robertson has added in the last week, joining outfielder Angel Reyes who, ironically, was acquired from Lincoln on Tuesday. Both will immediately move into starting lineup, with Simpson likely taking over the everyday job at third.
The move will likely put Abel Nieves at first permanently. That will make a pretty solid infield with Simpson at third, Nieves at first, Logan Watkins at second, and Leo Vargas at short. Reyes will likely be in right, joining Tony Thomas in left and Zach Nehrir in center.
Simpson could bat second behind Watkins or he could wind up hitting seventh or eighth. The bottom of this order has been the Achilles heel of this Wingnuts team, and that will change greatly with the acquisition of both Reyes and Simpson.
How Acquisition Effects the Cleburne Railroaders
Cleburne is building for next season and had already acquired RHP John Hayes from Wichita two weeks ago. Hunter Clanin is a rookie, who has hit .240 in 36 games with 2-homers and 24-RBI. He has been great in the clutch and may have the strongest arm in the American Association.
Clanin gives the Railroaders a talent to start building around for next season, and there was a player to be named later included in the deal. Because the trade was officially made before August 1, the player to be named later could very well be Simpson. Therefore, Cleburne acquired Clanin for the rental of Simpson for six weeks.
By Robert Pannier