The Kansas City Royals on Friday finalized a trade sending Naturals right-hander Alex Caldera to the Washington Nationals organization in exchange for cash considerations. The 25-year old resident of El Centro, CA split his 2010 campaign between the Naturals and Advanced Class-A Wilmington. He posted a 3-2 record and a 5.12 ERA in eight games (seven starts) for the Naturals and overall was 9-6 with a 3.89 ERA in 21 games (19 starts). Caldera missed the stretch run and the Texas League Playoffs last season after going on the disabled list in early August with right shoulder inflammation. Back healthy, he was competing with several highly regarded prospects for a spot in the Naturals' season opening rotation. The Royals' 13th round selection in the 2007 draft, Caldera earned a spot on the Carolina League All-Star Team last year as a member of the Blue Rocks. For 2011, he is likely to be assigned to Double-A Harrisburg, the Nationals' affiliate in the Eastern League. It was the Royals' second trade Friday that had a possible effect on the Naturals' 2011 roster. Infielder Johnny Whittleman, who spent portions of the past three seasons in the Texas League with the Frisco RoughRiders, was obtained from the Texas Rangers for cash considerations. Northwest Arkansas' 2011 roster is expected to be released Wednesday or Thursday of next week. The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. Visit our website, nwanaturals.com, for information on season tickets and ticket plans.
