Yanks Send Clippard to Nats

The Yanks pulled the trigger on their first deal of the Winter. The Washington Post is reporting the trade of Tyler Clippard for minor league reliever Jonathan Albaladejo. A minor move, no pun intended.

Over his 7-year minor league career Albaladejo has posted solid numbers, 7.37 K/9, 1.18 WHIP. He had a cup of coffee with the Nats last year and pitched very well in 14 innings of work.

I'll always remember Clippard for his major league debut against the Mets. The kid should get a chance to start in Washington, good for him. Not sure if Albaladejo has a shot at making the team, but I don't see why not if the pen isn't improved dramatically between now and opening day. (hat tip to MLB Trade Rumors)

Here are some links with info on the newest Yankee, Jonathan Albaladejo:

• Baseball Cube (minor league stats)
  
• Wikipedia (which already shows him as a Yankee)
• Minor League Ball (grades him as a C+ prospect)
• Baseball Prospectus (small blurb in this story says he has nasty breaking stuff, not much heat)