Beach Bums Complete Four Player Trade With Joliet

Published on January 9, 2008 under Frontier League (FL)
Oakland County Cruisers News Release


TRAVERSE CITY, MI, JANUARY 08, 2007: The Traverse City Beach Bums have announced a four player trade with the Joliet Jackhammers of the Northern League. The trade will send Beach Bums' pitchers Tyler Meigs and David Nathanson to Joliet in return for shortstop Tim Hutting and outfielder Jake Whitesides.

"We are thrilled to acquire two veteran players the caliber of Whitesides and Hutting," said the Beach Bums' Director of Baseball Operations, Jason Wuerfel. "This move instantly puts over ten years of professional experience into our lineup and should be a big boost to our club. Both players had great years in 2007 while playing in the Northern League, which is considered to be equivalent to double-A level, and we expect them to continue their success in Traverse City."

Shortstop Tim Hutting played four seasons in the San Francisco Giants organization including a full season at double-A in 2005 with the Norwich Navigators and part of the 2006 season in triple-A with the Fresno Grizzlies. Hutting signed with the Joliet Jackhammers last season and had a .281 average with 17 doubles, 2 triples, and 4 home runs to go with a .347 on-base percentage while playing in all 96 games. Defensively, the 6'0" 205-pounder from Newhall, California, had a .953 fielding percentage and finished 3rd in the league with 287 assists and 68 double plays. Hutting will fill the gap at shortstop left by Justin Holmes, who retired following the 2007 season to take a coaching position at University of Georgia.

Hutting played collegiately at national powerhouse Long Beach State University and was drafted in the 8th round of the 2003 MLB Draft. While at Long Beach, Hutting played alongside several players who have broken into the Major Leagues including shortstop Troy Tulowitzki of the Colorado Rockies and pitcher Jared Weaver of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

"Hutting comes out of a outstanding baseball program at Long Beach State and will be the first player in Beach Bums' history to have a full season of double-A experience on his resume," said Wuerfel. "We are excited about the offensive and defensive leadership he will bring to the table."

Outfielder Jake Whitesides will enter his 9th year of professional baseball in 2008. Originally drafted in the 5th round by the Houston Astros out of high school in 2000, Whitesides spent time in the Chicago White Sox organization in 2004 and Chicago Cubs organization in 2006 after spending 2000-2002 in the Astros' farm system. In between stints in affiliated baseball, the 5'11" 200-pound native of Columbia, Missouri, spent time in the Frontier League (2003), CanAm League (2004, 2005), Northern League (2005, 2007), and the American Association (2006, 2007). Last season Whitesides hit .281 with 22 doubles, 11 triples, 3 home runs, and 12 stolen bases to go along with a .331 on-base percentage while splitting time between the St. Joe Blacksnakes of the American Association and Joliet. When Whitesides played in the Frontier League in 2003, he was named to the league's All-Star Team by hitting .298 with 68 runs, 23 doubles, 11 triples, 4 home runs, and 22 stolen bases for the Mid-Missouri Mavericks.

"Whitesides' combination of speed and power is a perfect fit for Wuerfel Park," said Wuerfel. "With our gaps measuring over 390 feet, our park can generate a lot of triples, and Jake has ranked in the top five in triples just about everywhere he has played. He has the potential to be a difference maker in our lineup and in the outfield."

The Beach Bums will send closer Tyler Meigs and starting pitcher David Nathanson to Joliet to complete their side of the trade. Meigs was acquired by the Beach Bums from Chillicothe midway through the 2007 season for outfielders Lance Koenig and JT Thomas. The Beach Bums also received a 1st round draft pick in that deal.

After coming to the Beach Bums, Meigs had a 1-2 record, 2.66 ERA, and 11 saves in 23.2 innings. He walked 6 and struck out 26 while holding opponents to a .165 average.

Nathanson came to the Beach Bums midway through the 2007 season after completing his senior season at NCAA DII Rollins College. Nathanson had a great rookie campaign last summer, which included a 5-2 record, 2.95 ERA, 76.1 innings pitched, 11 walks, 42 strikeouts, all while holding opponents to a .244 average.

"We wish Tyler and David nothing but the best," said Wuerfel. "They have a great opportunity to prove themselves on a higher stage, and we hope they enjoy as much success in Joliet as they did in Traverse City."

For more insider information on this trade and other Beach Bums' player moves, check out the Official Beach Bums Blog at www.tcbeachbums.blogspot.com.

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