Big Maple Heading To Big Apple

Trades are a part of professional sports and to the shock of many in the Delta area they are in “awe” of hearing that local Ladner pro ball player James Paxton has been traded to the Yankees.

A few years back Delta TV went to Peoria to cover the Mariners training camp and get an insight with James, the Mariners as well as grab an interview with his Dad and we were treated royally by the Mariners organization.

He moves east showing his worth by a three player deal that has future prospects, Justus Sheffield (Outfielder), Dom Thompson-Williams and right handed player Erik Swanson, all of whom are possible future stars.

Paxton’s birthday wish wasn’t necessarily  a trade considering he turned 30 November 6th

Let’s face it as it was a huge possibility for Paxton to eventually move to another club and will no doubt sit into a top rotation position for the Yankees, despite issues with his health of late.

He still has two years left on his contract until he reaches the free agency market, which could get him a much bigger paycheck.

Shefffield on the other hand has the ability to reach speeds of 96 mph but from what I hear lacks control and a strong command of his delivery.

He is somewhat shorter and has no real record of being a starter one can rely on game in and game out which is required to be a starter on any team and has the possibility to be a solid number two starter.

Paxton missed the first two months of the 2016 season in the minors following an issue in spring training adn when he returned he became more restless than he was prior to being sent down.

Paxton through 6 seasons is 41-26, while also spending 5 trips on the disabled list and in 2014 he was out for close to four months with a strained left latissimus dorsi muscle.

In 2015 he missed close to 3 11/2 months with a strained tendon on his left middle finger, so injuries have not been kind to James.

Say what you will, James continues to focus on his health and any injury he suffered he has not had a recurrence.

In 28 starts this past season he went 11-6 in 28 starts with an ERA of 3.76 which included a 16 strikeout start against Oakland in May, which was followed by a no-hitter in Toronto six days later.

He managed to strike out 206, walking 42 in a career high 160 ⅓ while allowing 23 home runs, which for any pitcher is remarkable.

Eastlink/Delta TV and Sportswave wish James all the best moving forward in the Big Apple