Lancaster Jethawks (single-A) utility man Matt Morgan was brought up to the
El Paso Diablos (AA) yesterday in exchange for third baseman Dan Uggla.
The move which some initially thought was made to help Lancaster prepare for
the California League playoffs was in actuality done to give the shorthanded
Diablos some extra depth, according to Bob Miller, the Diamondbacks’ Assistant
General Manager in Charge of Minor League Operations,
"We needed to get more guys here because we almost lost our whole
infield," said Miller. "Morgan can play anywhere on the field and can
be used as a second catcher so even though we didn’t really get an extra body…we
got an extra body."
Morgan, who has played every position except for right field during his 76
games with the Jethawks, batted 241 with 4 home runs and 25 RBIs. Diablos
Manager Scott Coolbaugh said Morgan’s versatility will give the manager a
chance to give some of his younger players, like hot-hitting Carlos Quentin and
Conor Jackson, a much needed day off.
"It will especially help against the national league clubs," he
added.
As for Lancaster, the return of Uggla will give the team another big bat in
their already potent lineup.
"The biggest thing [Uggla] brings is pop in the lineup," said
Jethawks general manager, Brad Seymour. "It gives us a little more power in
the middle of the lineup and he’s proven himself at this level.
Uggla hit four home runs and drove in 30 RBIs for the Diablos who play their
home games in the pitcher friendly Cohen Stadium.
And even though Uggla’s move may be seen as a demotion to some, Miller said
the third baseman’s return to California had nothing to do with his
performance.
"Dan did fine here," said Miller. "Morgan just gives us more
flexibility."
Morgan went 0-4 with two strikeouts while playing third base during the
Diablos 4-3 loss to the Arkansas Travelers (Anaheim), Monday, but Coolbaugh said
you can’t judge his performance off of one game.
"He’s coming off of a rough trip and just came in this afternoon, so
we need to wait a couple of weeks before we make any evaluations," said
Coolbaugh.
Seymour expects his new slugger to join the team for their upcoming series
against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (Anaheim), starting today.
"We needed to get our lineups for the playoffs set by the middle of this
week and we are excited to add him [Uggla] to an already strong team and hope he
can provide us success into the playoffs," Seymour said.