NSH July PR: New Kids on the Block (not the trading block)

It's no secret that since the trade of Robin Hill, Nashville has lacked moveable assets. All Stars Vicente Aguirre and Sergio Marquez are on extremely team friendly deals for several seasons, making it difficult to acquire a prospect return that could match their value to the franchise. Elsewhere, they have a few young players trying to prove themselves in the big leagues, and veterans on short deals looking to rejuvenate their career, or just hang on to it.

So it came as a big surprise that Nashville was able to make some impact moves at the trade deadline. First off was SS Javier Deleon, sent to Jersey for a teenage pitcher, Carlos Briacho, who will report to single A Evanston. Fans were ready to let the waiver pickup go at the end of the season, and are happy that the front office was able to get a younger prospect in return. The second move came as a surprise to the clubhouse, sending team leader Will Brown to Seattle. In return Nashville received two prospects and five major league contracts, some of whom will be on the big league roster and some that will start their new journey in triple A.

While teammates and fans were sad to see Brown move, they understand the business of baseball. And while players aren't likely to get excited about highly touted prospects coming up to the big leagues, fans are understandably enthusiastic about it, and they see that these moves make room for the big league talent they've been eagerly waiting to see.

27 year old 2B/SS Greg King, inherited from the previous regime, looks to get first crack at a starting job, as he is already part of the major league roster. A hot start would give him more breathing room, but he has a few guys with a lot more clout nipping at his heels.

26 year old LF Danny Campbell is being called up, and will get part time starts in the outfield while backing up the corners. He is hitting .343 with 14 HRs in AAA this season.

21 year old 2B Jesus Cabrera, received from St Louis in the aforementioned Robin Hill trade, will likely be the first one to get a call up, and it could be coming any day now.

23 year old 3B Eric Thompson probably won't push Marquez off his starting post, but is a reliable corner outfielder and could spell Marquez, who rarely sees an off day.

24 year old C Dick Slagboom is another prospect blocked at the major league level, but the front office is looking for creative ways to get the disciplined slugger in the lineup, possibly splitting time at catcher and DH, or even first base or corner outfield.