The Astros have traded Cy-Fair grad, UH alum, and 2010 16th Round pick Chris Wallace (hence the Big Poppa nickname) to Cleveland for LHP Eric Berger.
In parts of four seasons, Wallace hit .272/.348/.464 from Greeneville to OKC. Last season, in 63 games at Corpus, he hit .251/.330/.397 and .270/.357/.351 in 15 games for OKC.
Berger, a 26-year old, 6'2" 205lb LHP, was drafted out of the University of Arizona by the Indians in the 8th Round of the 2008 draft (18 selections after the Astros took Brad Dydalewicz).
In six minor-league seasons (135 games, 78 starts), Berger has thrown 481IP, allowing 453H/209 ER, 456K:220BB with a 3.91 ERA/1.40 WHIP.
He spent most of his time at Triple-A Columbus (26 of his 31 starts). In 88.1IP, he allowed 92H/54ER, with 78K:29BB, a 5.50 ERA/1.37 WHIP with a more-palatable 4.81 FIP. Berger will report to Oklahoma City.
Why do this? The Astros have a lot of catchers, and not a lot of lefty bullpen options. It looks like a change-of-scenery thing for Berger, and possible more playing time and opportunity for Chris Wallace.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
