News: Hernandez was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday for LHP Matt Chico and RHP Garrett Mock.
Views: This should work out well for both teams. Arizona picks up a veteran number two starter for a pair of pitching prospects. Hernandez has quietly been excellent for the past month. He's won three of his last four starts and thrown six straight quality starts. He'll be a tremendous boost to the Diamondbacks as they try and make a push for either the NL West crown or a shot at the wildcard.
As for Washington, there won't be any immediate big-league impact out of Chico or Mock, but the two will immediately step to the front of the depth chart in their system. Both Mock and Chico were immediately sent to AA Harrisburg where they're expected to finish out the year. GM Jim Bowden said he plans to keep them both in the minors for most of next season, and expects the two to be big-league ready for 2008. They ranked 1 (Mock, 117) and 2 (Chico, 112) in the Diamondbacks' minor league organization in strikeouts this season.
While Mock has had a bit of a down year, he was rated the Diamondbacks' seventh best prospect (second best pitcher, behind Dustin Nippert) in the preseason. He's currently 4-8 with a 4.95 ERA, a 1.48 WHIP, and a 117:50 K:BB ratio on the year.
Chico had a bit of a down season in 2005, but has come back strong this season. Between high-A and AA ball, Chico has gone 10-4 with a 2.81 ERA and a 112:32 K:BB ratio this season.
