The Jose "V" Veras Era Comes to A Close

     Earlier today, Jose Veras became the first domino to fall. it was announced around 8am that big V had been shipped to the Detroit Tigers in return for 19 year old OF prospect Danry Vasquez and a PTBNL. Jeff Luhnow strikes again, creating and capitalizing on Jose Veras' peak trade value and finding a team in Detroit whom is desperate for a back end bullpen guy. 

     Jose Veras was enjoying the finest season of his career, while also tackling the closing role for the first time as well. He is posting a very low BB/9 of 2.9, as opposed to his career total of 4.7. Veras also has to his name a very low BABIP of .240, and a H/9 rate of 6.1. Combine these factors with his standard above average strikeout rate, and you have the formula for a successful season. Considering his age, the volatility of relievers, and the fact that a closer on this team is near worthless, Moving him for the right piece, and capitalizing on what most likely is fleeting value, makes all the sense in the world. 

     Vasquez is a young, toolsy, left fielder with an above average hit tool. The Venezuelan signee is a very intriguing prospect. Although Danry doesn't profile as a power bat just yet, at 6'3 and only 177 lbs, one would assume he'll put on roughly 15 or more pounds as he matures. His swing also looks conducive to power in the future, with a compact stroke using considerable load and weight shift. Vasquez ranked 4th overall in the Tigers system via Mayo's rankings, and was slotted at number 16 in our top 20. That is a testament to how far the system has come in the last few years. I love the deal, and think Luhnow got away like a bandit, plus the PTBNL only makes the pot sweeter. This may be the last deadline in a long while that we are actively looking to sell, so kick back and enjoy the wizardry of Jeff Luhnow and Co. 

Below is a scouting video of Danry Vasquez..