Dunharrow making early deals

DUNHARROW - The Devils are wasting no time launching into 2009. Before the playoffs were even finished, the team had agreed to two trades, including a deal that gave up their first 5 draft picks to Mirkwood.

The first trade of 2009 involved a swap with Rohan that sent 3B Bulbo Sandybanks to the RoughRiders in exchange for Fosco Bramble and $20 million. Sandybanks, 23, was the Devils 2nd pick in 2004. The young hobbit has shown great potential, but a string of injuries has kept him from breaking out. Bramble, 24, was Isengard's 1st pick in the 2004 draft. Traded from the Raiders to Rohan last season, Bramble has yet to show what he can do at the plate, but he is a pretty good infielder with a strong arm.

In the Mirkwood deal, Dunharrow decided to give up on this season's draft and try to obtain some young talent that could be used more immediately. For their first 5 picks, the Devils recieved $21 million and pitchers Fosco Sandybanks and Friagorn Eluldur, infielders Lolindir Ciryatan and Drogo Knotwise, and outfielders Dain Stoneteeth and Gunus Goblinbinder.

Sandybanks, 23, was Mirkwood's 3rd pick in 2004 and has bounced around the Marauder minors ever since. He has yet to blossom into a star reliever, but he has incredible stuff. Eluldur, 28, was signed by Mirkwood in 2003. He has made a couple of September trips to the big leagues, but has yet to find his niche.

Ciryatan, 25, is a hard-hitting corner man, who's played at first and third for Isengard and Mirkwood in the minors. Knotwise, 27, has a gun for an arm and can play 2B, 3B and SS. He can hit a little, too.

Stoneteeth, 22, was Moria's 2nd pick in 2006 and was traded to Mirkwood in 2007. He has great range in all outfield positions and has worked hard at getting his strikeout totals lowered. Goblinbinder, 27, is also a multi-faceted outfielder with a good bat and strong arm.

Posted at June 3, 2005 05:30 PM | more from Dunharrow, more from Mirkwood, more from Ravenhill