Big trades at deadline for the Jokers

So, the Jokers made two big moves at trade deadline. In his press conference, GM Neveu said that it was time to trade some vets and obtains some good young players to help the Jokers in future years. The GM told the press that he waited as long as he could to see if the team get back on track but with 8 games below .500, it was time for a major shake-up.

First: He send the 34 years old ace Bob Rudyard along with Bob Reece and AAA Chris Mills to obtain the CF Gordon Thornton, MR Ray Brady and C Alfredo Villalobos. This 19 years old backstop could be the key of the trade. Las vegas scout see a great potential in him and the team wish he could become a power hitter in a couple of years. Brady will help to stabilise a bullpen that did not deliever this year. Finally, Gordon Thornton was obtain because Montreal couldn't live with Rudyard contract without giving a big one in return. The high priced centerfield never fullfill the exectations in Montreal, maybe a change of scenery will help him. Las Vegas really think that this trade will help the team to come back stronger next year.

Gordon Thornton
Will he play better in Vegas? The talent is there... that's for sure...

The second trade was made with Maple. The team let go two good players in Jennings (1B) and Coleman (MR) but obtain the young 3B Veton Zhugli and MR Ernie Kuhn. Las Vegas scout saw Zhugli very high and think he could anchor the 3B for many years. He project to be a very solid hitter with a possibly gold glove in defense. Coleman is a very good reliever but he didn't play well this year when Barrett was injuried. Same for Jennings, who start to hit well in june but was very cold in april and may. We'll see what they'll do in Maple. Again, this trade was made in a 2 years perspective...

Veton Zhugli
Will he become an all-star 3B?

So, Las vegas will probably suffer this year, loosing 4 regulars but we believe that the future is brighter now then it was at the start of the year. The Jokers have a good foundation with Maurice Gould, Colin St.John and Phillip Smith, now they need to develop theses youngsters into very good players to be back in division race next year. GM Neveu was a bit surprise to see the reaction of the fans, who seems to accept theses moves even if this put a cross over this season. But, the team must play better next year and young players need to show some improvement...