Juan Miranda to the D'Backs

A little while back Brian Cashman hinted that a minor move would be made, and a minor move has indeed been made. The Yankees have traded Cuban 1B Juan Miranda to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for minor league pitcher Scottie Allen.

Miranda, 27 (at least), has had 46 at-bats with the Yankees over the last 3 seasons after signing a 4-year deal after exiling from Cuba. He had no role with the Yankees so he is fortunate to be getting an opportunity with the Diamondbacks.

In exchange for Miranda, the Yankees picked up Scottie Allen, a 19-year old that was selected in the 11th round of the 2009 draft.

The following is the BaseballAmerica scouting report on Allen (via WasWatching):

Scottie Allen, RHP
Age: 19
Born: July 3, 1991 in Lyman, Calif.
Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 170. Bats: R. Throws: R.
School: Lyman HS, Longwood, Fla.
Career Transactions: Selected by Diamondbacks in 11th round of 2009 draft; signed June 19, 2009 ($125,000 signing bonus).

Allen throws four pitches, three of which grade as average at times, but lacks the one dominating offering to put batters away. He sinks his fastball at 87-91 mph and occasionally breaks out a swing-and-miss slider in the high 70s or a changeup in the same range. His curveball is less refined, but he’s around the zone with it and all his pitches. Wiry strong, Allen has a quick arm, but he tends to tire visibly by the fourth inning. Still, he’s worth taking a flier on because he’s a teenager who already shows a feel for pitching.