The Washington Nationals traded closer Matt Capps to the Minnesota Twins for highly regarded catching prospect Wilson Ramos late Thursday night. The move likely will hasten the ascension of rookie Drew Storen, the 10th pick of last year's draft, to the closer's role while sending the team's only all-star to Minnesota. The Nationals also included $500,000 in the deal and will receive left-handed relief pitcher Joe Testa, who was recently demoted from Class AA New Britain to Class A Fort Myers.
Ramos, 22, currently at Class AAA Rochester, gives the Nationals a catcher to potentially replace Jesús Flores, whose shoulder surgery and subsequent setbacks have placed his future in doubt. Ramos, rated the No. 58 prospect in baseball before the season by Baseball America, appeared in seven games with the Twins in May.
