Nick Valentine had a great year for Sioux Falls.....He hit 17 homers, drove in 116 runs, 44 doubles, 31 stolen bases, while hitting .308. His reward.......TRADED AGAIN!. This time he was headed south to Mexico City. Nick was swapped for Emilio James. Nick went to Mexico City and had a decent year. He swatted 47 doubles, hit 21 homers, while only driving in 56. He did hit .294, but was a poor 21 for 40 in stolen base attempts..... Emilio James was multiple position player, with very good defense, decent speed, good splits and a very good attitude. He was eager to prove himself in Sioux Falls. He hit .348 in his AAA debut that season. Since than he has had 3 season with Sioux Falls/Detriot in the ML....He hit .283,.325, and .281 . He has proven to be worthy and very useful for the Dirt Dogs.
Nick Valentine spent the rest of the season in Mexico City, before the new owner relocated to Texas. Before the move, Nick was traded yet again. This time he was traded to Rochester along with Enrique Mesa and Esteban Perez. In return Texas got John R0ss. Now Enrique Mesa was an outstanding relief pitcher for Rochester the past 2 full seasons. He has a combined 16-11 record, 9 for 18 in saves, and an ERA around 3. With Rochester's team, that is enough. He made the all star team both seasons in Rochester. Esteban Perez is another relieft pitcher Rochester got back. Although he has not had quite the success Mesa has had, he stil has managed to stay there the past 2 full seasons. A victim of being "up and down" Perez has shown he can be reliable. Texas got John Ross in return for Valentine, Mesa and Perez. Ross has extreme power, great contact, decent splits, but a below average eye..... John still has been solid and has become a very good impact player. A switch hitter with power, and control is hard to find. After having 201 hits 2 season ago in Texas, the move to Tampa Bay dropped him down to 158 hits. He is only 25 as well, and he will be a huge force for any team in the future..
