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Major League Baseball’s July 31 trade deadline is approaching and over the past week the Blue Jays have traded for five prospects, three of whom we know the identity of: Anthony Kay and Simeon Woods Richardson (both acquired for Marcus Stroman) as well as Thomas Hatch (traded for David Phelps).
As we like to do around trade deadline time on Around The Nest, the Blue Jays minor league podcast, host Jesse Goldberg-Strassler called up the broadcasters who have seen these prospects pitch in 2019 to find out who they really are. The show, as always, will broadcast this Friday at 4 pm ET, but we couldn’t wait to give you a sneak peek (sneak hear?) of Jesse’s introduction to Woods Richardson and Hatch.
First up is Kevin Fitzgerald, the voice of the Columbia Fireflies. Here, Fitzgerald speaks about the maturity if the 18-year-old pitcher. I am surprised by who coached him back in high school—I heard that guy doesn’t even like baseball all that much!
And who is Woods Richardson’s favourite baseball player?
There was some confusion regarding whether or not “Woods Richardson” was hyphenated, but his mom cleared it up!
Great introduction of these young man! However, can confirm that it is indeed Simeon Woods Richardson (with no hyphen) dropped the hyphen a while back.
— Wendy Woods (@Pitchers_Mom) July 31, 2019
Next, Mick Gillispie, the broadcaster for the Tennessee Smokies, called in to talk about Thomas Hatch. Hatch’s slider has taken a big step this season.
So how is Hatch as a person and teammate?
You will hear all this and more on this week’s Around The Nest podcast. And if you are on Twitter, be sure to follow us at @AroundNest for fresh audio!