[ayaghmour2]

The Cougars stay busy, agreeing on a trade that will send CF Gene Ross and C Tex Young to the Washington Eagles for SP Tommy "Spooky" Russel.

Russel, 27, was the 19th Overall Pick in 1923 out of Lubbock State. He just concluded his third near identical (in terms of ERA+) season. In 102 big league games (96 starts), the lefty is 45-40 with a 4.36 ERA (98 ERA+), 1.44 WHIP, and 212 strikeouts while making at least 31 starts a season. A rather durable pitcher, Russel has a four pitch arsenal with a low 90s fastball. He has pinpoint control as well and he won't walk too many hitters. Russel joins Max Wilder as the second addition to the Cougars rotation since the season has concluded. He's currently the #3 starter in the Chicago rotation which still has two open spots for grab. The Cougars have been rumored to be in the market for multiple arms, so Russel is likely not the last addition for a team that finished 62-92 and tied for the worst record in baseball.

Ross, 20, was a 3rd Round Pick of ours in 1926 out of Memphis HS. A high upside youngster, Ross has elite speed and is an elite defender out in center. He also has great raw power and has hit 50 homers in the past three seasons with Class B San Jose. This season, he finished with a .317/.360/.468 (107 OPS+) batting line as well as 15 homers, 10 steals, and 80 RBI's. He's the second young center fielder the Cougars have moved, which shows their confidence in both Bob McCarty and George Jordan.

Young, 19, was our 17th Round Pick last draft out of Lynn HS.He spent most of his time with Class C La Crosse, hitting .293/.387/.436 (142 OPS+) with 4 homers and 37 RBI's in a really solid professional debut. Like Ross, he has a lot of power and is the second of his respective position (catcher) moved like teammate Ben Richardson who went to the Foresters in a six player swap.