Trade

The New York Mets announced today that they have acquired right-handed pitcher Ambiorix Burgos in exchange for right-handed pitcher Brian Bannister.

Ambiorix, 22, spent the entire 2006 campaign in the majors with Kansas City. In 68 games, one start, he posted a 4-5 record with a 5.52 ERA and 18 saves. In 73.1 innings, he gave up 83 hits, 49 runs, 45 earned, with 37 walks and 72 strikeouts.
Burgos made his first big league start, Sept. 30th at Detroit. He allowed one earned run over his last 8.2 innings (seven appearances). He was the Royals Pitcher of the Month for April and in 11 July games he allowed two earned runs (13.2 innings). The Royals were 35-33 in games that Ambiorix pitched.

The 6-3, 235-pound Burgos made his major league debut in 2005 with the Royals. He was 3-5 with a 3.98 ERA with two saves in 59 games. In 63.1 innings, he allowed 60 hits, 29 runs, 28 earned, with 31 walks and 65 strikeouts. Ambiorix has compiled 137 strikeouts over the last two seasons, most by any Royals relief pitcher.

The Nagua, Dominican Republic native was signed by the Royals as a non-drafted free agent as a 16-year old on Nov. 14, 2000.

Bannister, 25, began this season in the Mets starting rotation, making five starts in April before being placed on the disabled list on April 28th with a strained right hamstring. Brian rejoined the Mets in August and finished the year 2-1 with a 4.26 ERA in eight games, six starts. In 38.0 innings, he surrendered 34 hits, 18 runs, earned, with 22 walks and 19 strikeouts.

Sad to see Bannister go, but nice to get a young power arm... though I am a little scared about his control...