WINNIPEG — The longest serving catcher in Winnipeg Goldeyes’ franchise history has been traded.
Luis Alen was shipped to the Lincoln Saltdogs along with outfielder Logan Vick in exchange for pitchers Kevin McGovern and Conor Spink as well as a player that will later be named.
Alen first joined the Goldeyes as a 22-year-old back in 2007 before having his contract purchased by the New York Mets organization. He played two seasons in the minors, reaching the Triple-A level once. Alen returned to Winnipeg in 2010. The Venezuelan was set to join infielder Max Poulin and pitcher Donnie Smith this year as the only players to have dressed in eight seasons with the Goldeyes.
“I’m so very thankful for the seven seasons that Luis has given us and I am forever indebted to him,” said Goldeyes field manager Rick Forney in a news release. “I look forward to seeing him again during the 2016 season.”
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Alen holds franchise records for base hits, doubles, RBI and walks. He also ranks second in games played as well as fourth in both runs scored and batting average. The 30-year-old was named the North Division’s starting catcher in the 2014 American Association All-Star Game.
“Luis is a true professional on and off the field,” said Goldeyes manager Andrew Collier in a statement. “We wish him well in both his future playing career and life after baseball.”
The Goldeyes signed catcher Carlton Tanabe to replace Alen behind the plate. The 24-year-old was selected by the Seattle Mariners out of high school in the 24th round of the 2009 MLB draft. Tanabe split time last season with the High-A California League’s Bakersfield Blaze and the Double-A Southern League’s Jackson Generals. He threw out 40 per cent of base stealers plus totaled four doubles, a triple, two home runs and 17 RBI in 47 games.
“I really wanted to find a strong defensive catcher that would help solidify our defence in the middle of the field,” said Forney. “I truly feel that with consistent at bats, Carlton will also be a nice contributor offensively.”
McGovern comes into Winnipeg following a 5-8 season with the Saltdogs in which he had a 5.01 ERA. The left-handed pitcher was also ranked sixth in the league with 103 strikeouts. Spink meanwhile went 5-6 with a 4.11 ERA in 46 relief appearances for Lincoln in 2015.
Vick was picked up by the Goldeyes last October in a trade with the Amarillo ThunderHeads.
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