The Indians sent top Triple-A prospect Peter Minuit to the Yankees yesterday in exchange for $24 of beads, pelts and “clay pots to be named later.” Indians GM Chris Antonetti expressed excitement over the deal where they received buttons, trinkets, duffel cloth, iron kettles, axe heads, hoes, drilling awls and wampums in exchange for CF Minuit, the second overall pick in 2010 amateur draft, who batted .465 with 30 homeruns and 130 RBIs in his senior year at LSU. Minuit is widely regarded as a once-in-a-lifetime player like Ken Griffey, Jr. or Mickey Mantle.
ESPN’s Buster Olney said “Minuit is a five-tool player. But the Indians are getting five tools and a few plates in return. What was [Yankees General Manager] Cashman thinking? This is why the Yankees are where they are in the standings and why the Indians are where they are.”
The Indians quickly faxed the agreement to the league office before New York can express its reservation.
“The Steinbrenners have a history of backing out of a deal,” said Indians special advisor Mike Hargrove. “They often agree to a deal and then later want to rescind it. That’s not how the Indians do business.”
Around the league, players, managers, and owners expressed disbelief.
“I didn’t realize we could trade players for household items,” Billy Beane said. “This changes everything.”
The Yankees could not be reached for comment as they were finalizing a trade for Braves outfielder Jason Heyward and pitcher Jair Jurrjens in exchange for two slices of Famous Ray’s Pizza and three Nathan’s hot dogs.
