The Mets had until today to select the two players to be named later from the Brewers in order to wrap up their trade of Francisco Rodriguez back in July. Now they've done so, grabbing 26-year-old Triple-A LHP Daniel (Danny) Herrera and 21-year-old Single-A RHP Adrian Rosario from Milwaukee's depleted farm system. We kicked around some names at the time but never came up with those names.
Rosario has been dominant for the Low Class-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (42 K, 12 BB, 33.2 IP), but only after struggling upon his initial assignment to High-A Brevard County (39 K, 33 BB, 66.1 IP). Not surprisingly, his ground ball rate has jumped since the move back to Lo-A, from 1.10 up to 1.55. As a 21-year old with a spotty track record as a starter, this sequence of events shouldn't come as much of a surprise; he's a relief pitcher.
The Brewers had claimed Herrera off waivers from the Reds back in May, and despite a merely decent showing in limited big league action, his 8.9 K/9 and 2.2 BB/9 rates in 297 minor league innings are far more cromulent. He has solid ground ball rates and, at 5'6", was given the sobriquet "Shorty" by teammates. Also, Dusty Baker had this to say about him:
"He's a great kid. I've patted him on the butt after he pitches really well. It has been a long time since I've reached that low to pat a butt."
Make of that what you will.