Ken Rosenthal just broke the news on Twitter and MLB Network: the Rangers have acquired Mike Adams from the Padres for pitchers Robbie Erlin and Joe Wieland.
The acquisition of Adams will really bolster their bullpen, especially when you combine it with the earlier trade that brought Koji Uehara to Texas. They picked up arguably the two best bullpen arms on the market, and now look like they’ll be able to coast to the AL West title. Adams has a 1.13 ERA on the season, strikes out a batter per inning, and has fantastic control. Him and Uehara both give the Rangers some insurance in case Neftali Feliz keeps struggling as Rangers closer.
Erlin is a highly regarded 20 year old that ranked as the #5 prospect in Texas’ organization coming into the year. In 121 1/3 innings this season between Myrtle Beach and Frisco, he’s struck out 123 while walking only 12. Are you kidding me? 12 walks in 121 innings? Insane. He has allowed 16 homers, which is the major downfall with him.
Wieland is also a 20 year old who’s spent the year with Myrtle Beach and Frisco, and he’s thrown 129 2/3 innings while striking out 132 and walking 15. Something in the water in the Texas organization with the lack of walks between these two. Wieland actually threw a no hitter on Friday for Frisco.
It’s a great haul for the Padres, and if they can get something similar for Heath Bell, they’ll have made the most of their big ticket relievers today.
