The D-backs waived Rule 5 draftee James Skelton on Wednesday. After he
cleared waivers, they negotiated a trade with the Detroit Tigers to keep Skelton
in the organization without the stipulation of having to keep him on the 25-man
roster.
Skelton proved this spring that he was not yet ready
for major league pitching, as he went 6-for-40 (.150) with just one double and
one RBI. He showed some aptitude for playing second base, third base, and the
outfield during camp, but clearly wasn't ready to contribute at those positions
at the major league level. That versatility would have been a necessity
with catchers Chris Snyder and Miguel Montero already on the roster.
Brooks Brown had been one of the most impressive sinker/slider pitchers in
the Diamondbacks organization. But after successful stints at three
separate minor league affiliates, the big right-hander hit a snag in Double-A
last year, going 6-15 with a 4.18 ERA for the Mobile BayBears.
Brown was a non-roster invitee to D-backs' spring training this year,
pitching in four games with a 20.25 ERA (six ER in 2.2 IP). His time in
the Arizona Fall League was a mixed bag, as he went 2-0
with a 0.71 ERA over his best three fall starts, but 0-3 10.38 in the remaining
four.
Full James Skelton
Scouting Report
Full Brooks Brown Scouting
Report
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