BrEAKING NEWS: Albuquerque, St. Louis Swap Young Stars

By KYLE KEOUGH
Double Day AP

The Albuquerque Dukes and the St. Louis Maroons swapped young stars today in a trade involving teams heading in opposite directions.

The Dukes, as according to a newfound plan to stress hitting over pitching, shuttled young right-hander Virgil Hogan (5-1, 5 Saves, 3.76 ERA) in return for talented DH Julian Jacquez (.265, 18 HR, 49 RBI).

Both Hogan and Jacquez have been prized as top prospects who have this season experienced limited success with their previous ball clubs. Hogan was regarded as one of the best young righties in the game, but has long been relegated to Albuquerque's bullpen in long-relief duty. The 23-year-old has had an opportunity to close several games this season, and has been one of the Dukes' more reliable arms, boasting a 3.76 ERA for a team that traditionally, due to its ballpark, gives up a lot of runs.

Jacquez, in his first Major League season, has struggled a bit at the plate after showing great promise in AA last season, in which he hit .376 with 33 HR and 107 RBI. The DH, who at the tender age of 20 is already making his ML rookie debut, has shown flashes of great potential but has also struggled at points.

It is anticipated that the move will help further the careers of both players: Hogan lands in a more pitcher-friendly environment in which he can thrive as a starter, and Jacquez will be surrounded by a great lineup in Albuquerque, where the pressure to carry a lineup will be greatly diminished.

There is no word as to where Hogan will fit in St. Louis' rotation at this point, though the Maroons will hope he can help emerge as the catalyst for a roster that has slumped badly over the last several weeks. It is also yet to be determined what the move means for current Albuquerque DH David Ortiz - will Diet Big Papi split time with new recruit Jacquez as Designated Hitter? Will Jacquez see some time as catcher? These are the questions that Albuquerque will now have to answer before the trade deadline.