Rangers swap minor leaguers with Red Sox

The Texas Rangers have sent left-handed pitcher Daniel Haigwood, who had been designated for assignment last week, to the Boston Red Sox for 25-year-old righty Scott Shoemaker. Rangers Insider looks at the trade.

The Rangers have traded lefty Daniel Haigwood to the Boston Red Sox for right-handed pitcher Scott Shoemaker.

Haigwood, 23, was designated for assignment last week. Originally acquired from the Phillies last season, the southpaw went 1-2 with a 3.63 ERA in 12 starts for the Double-A Frisco in 2006.

In just two full seasons in the Red Sox organization, the 25-year-old Shoemaker had earned a reputation as a "spot-starter extraordinaire”. Shoemaker has made appearances at Single-A, Double-A, and Triple-A in each of the last two seasons.

The San Diego State product works with a fastball and a slider to go along with a curveball and a changeup. Shoemaker’s slider is considered his best pitch.

The 6-foot-4 Shoemaker made 16 appearances – 15 starts – with the High-A Greenville Drive in 2005. Shoemaker posted a 3.50 ERA over 79.2 innings. He allowed 76 hits, walked 36, and struck out 69.

Shoemaker spent most of his time with High-A Wilmington in 2006, going 9-2 with a 4.05 earned run average in 73.1 innings. He also made three starts for Double-A Portland and two for Triple-A Pawtucket.

The right-hander began this season with Double-A Portland and has been pitching out of the bullpen.

Shoemaker will join the High-A Bakersfield Blaze.