Spawning season, Part One: Three way deal

The snow is still on the ground in the Northern Battery, but the Winnipeg Goldeyes are already well into spawning season.

Today saw a three-way deal that hauls in 1B David Bergin from the St. Paul Saints. The Goldeyes send LHP Ethan Carnes to the Gary Railcats, while the Saints get the reversionary rights to Jose Sermo. Bergin has done a lot of damage to The Fish over the years, so they'll be glad to have him in the fold for 2017.

David Bergin during the 2016 Playoffs.

Jose Sermo played with Gary and in the Boston Red Sox system for 2016.

LHP Ethan Carnes works the mound.

Jose Sermo, Gary Southshore Railcats

Jose has been impressive in two abbreviated seasons in Gary, and now the Boston Red Sox have come calling and his contract has been sold back to the majors. I had the luck of snapping some early shots when Jose joined the team last year, and one of these made it to the Railcats' card set for 2015. Congrats Mr. Sermo! (Photos taken July 16, 2015 at Shaw Park, Winnipeg, and Aug. 22, 2015 in Fargo, N.D.).

RailCats make blockbuster trade; Pulfer, Martinez and Bernal off to Lemurs

When it comes to independent baseball, change is never far away; but the Gary-Southshore Railcats made a major roster overhaul last night following a rain-soaked, five-inning victory in Sioux Falls. Infielders J.D. Pulfer, Roger Bernal and outfielder Drew Martinez were dealt to the Laredo Lemurs for first-baseman Dustin Geiger, infielder Jarred Mederos and pitcher Alex Gunn. RailCats fans are in shock, as were the new Lemurs, who were left behind in Sioux Falls to catch up with their new team. Dan Vaughan, the voice of the RailCats, has a great inside look at one of the strangest days in team history. In the meantime, here's a few shots of Pulfer (22), Martinez (5) and Bernal (30) during 'Cats' last few visits in Winnipeg; also pictured is Tillman Pugh (21), who was sent to The Fish earlier this season and has made quite an impact in Winnipeg.

J.D. Pulfer, Gary Southshore Railcats

All shots from July 16, Shaw Park, Winnipeg. First shot is J.D. Pulfer's three-run homer hit. It was a big night for Gary who hit 28 times at the plate, 23 singles. That ties an American Association record for hits by one team in a game. Final score: Gary 14, Goldeyes 7. Photos by Dan LeMoal.

Railcats Round-Up

That's all for Tuesday's Railcats Round-Up. Gary Southshore are in Winnipeg for a four-game tilt with the Goldeyes starting Wednesday, July 15 at Shaw Park.

Paul Mittura, Gary Southshore Railcats

#38 Paul Mittura winds up June 24 at Shaw Park. Photo by Dan LeMoal.

Adam Taylor, Gary Southshore Railcats

#10 Adam Taylor at the plate, June 24 at Shaw Park. Photo by Dan LeMoal.

Stephen Rogers, Gary Southshore Railcats

#19 Stephen Rogers catches Goldeye Jon Weber between the bases, June 24 at Shaw Park. Photo by Dan LeMoal.

Andy Roberts, Gary Southshore Railcats

#39 Andy Roberts warms up June 24 at Shaw Park, Winnipeg. Photo by Dan LeMoal.

J.D. Pulfer, Gary Southshore Railcats

#22 J.D. Pulfer reaches for the ball June 24 at Shaw Park, Winnipeg. Photo by Dan LeMoal.

Tillman Pugh, Gary Southshore Railcats

#21 Tillman Pugh, #22 J.D. Pulfer in the dugout during a June 24 rain delay. Photo by Dan LeMoal

Michael Schroeder, Gary Southshore Railcats

#34 Michael Schroeder faces off at first with the Goldeye's Adam Heisler, June 24 at Shaw Park, Winnipeg. Photo by Dan LeMoal.

Roger Bernal, Gary Southshore Railcats

#30 Roger Bernal at the plate June 24, Shaw Park, Winnipeg. Photo by Dan LeMoal.

Michael Schroeder, Gary Southshore Railcats

Michael Schroeder, Gary Southshore Railcats, June 22 at Shaw Park, Winnipeg. Photo by Dan LeMoal