Cantu traded to Reds for two minor-leaguers

The Rays continued to clear out players no longer part of their plans, Saturday shipping 2005 team MVP INF Jorge Cantu to Cincinnati. In return, the Rays got two minor-league pitchers, lefty Brian Shackelford, who is 0-5, 4.96 in 41 games at Triple-A Louisville, and righthander Calvin Medlock, who is a combined 4-3, 3.39 at Double-A and Triple-A. Both will reprt to Triple-A Durham.
Agent Steve Canter said Cantu was "very happy and very excited" about the new opportunity. Ironically, Cantu will play for the Reds' Triple-A Louisville team against the Rays' Durham team tonight. (And singled in his first at-bat.)
Cantu hit .286 with 28 homers and 117 RBIs for the Rays in 2005, but struggled with injuries and inconsistency last season and has spent most of this year in the minors.

Comments

[TonyC]

I hope Cantu has a great career with a team that wants to win. Maybe Crawford can get out of this pit in a year or two.

[Steve]

as much as I like the deal for Wheeler, i really am struggling to see what the Drays get out of this deal, neither player seem to be major league material.

[Bob R.]

What they get is more pitchers to stockpile the system. Medlock actually has quite impressive numbers through AA and Shackelford is a lefty with some major league experience. Cantu had no role with the Rays, so this is simply getting something for nothing. With pitchers, especially relievers, you never know who may emerge as useful, and Medlock may be able to do so. One of the new organizations goals has been to deepen the system, and this continues that process.