CornBelters trade away scoring leader

New CornBelters Peter Barrows and Kenny Miramontes. (Photo courtesy of the Normal Cornbelters)

NORMAL – The Normal CornBelters have traded infielder Frank Martinez to the Kansas City T-Bones for outfielder Peter Barrows. They also acquired shortstop Kenny Miramontes from the Philadelphia Phillies organization.

Martinez led the Frontier League with 80 runs scored last season.

“Frank was a solid player for us last year, and we appreciate his efforts,” said CornBelters manager Chad Parker. “This move not only gives us another outstanding rookie, but also opens up our experienced slots to be able to sign some great players right out of spring training.”

Barrows split time in 2011 with the Wichita Wingnuts and Kansas City T-Bones, both of the independent American Association. Appearing in 28 games with the Wingnuts, he hit .292 with three home runs, 13 RBI and 18 runs. In 14 games with the T-Bones, he batted .280 with four doubles and seven RBI.

“Peter is an outstanding player highly coveted by several independent teams,” said Parker. “He will provide us with good defense on the outfield corners, and he’ll be a strong presence in the middle of our lineup.”

Kenny Miramontes, of Faulkner University, signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2011. He played with the Williamsport Crosscutters of the New York-Pennsylvania League (Class A Short-Season) for 31 games and hit .226 with 13 RBI. He then appeared in three games with the Lakewood Blue Claws of the South Atlantic League (Class A) before the season ended.

“Kenny provides excellent stability in the middle of the infield for us,” said Parker. “He has a lot of potential with the bat, and he’ll be a productive piece of our lineup.”