Lakewood Ranch grad traded to Phillies organization

Lakewood Ranch grad Seth McGarry experienced a fact of minor league baseball life on Monday: Everything can change in a flash. 

McGarry, a reliever, was traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates organization to the Philadelphia Phillies organization for veteran reliever Joaquin Benoit and cash considerations. McGarry was playing for the A-level Bradenton Marauders at the time of the trade, and will report to the A-level Clearwater Threshers. 

"I was in the clubhouse, getting ready to go out to the bullpen," McGarry said of when he heard the news. "I was really thrown off, I couldn't really ... I was in disbelief, I guess. It was just really unexpected. It's a new opportunity, but it was a little sad to have to say goodbye to the guys and coaching staff.

 "The first person I saw was our pitching coach (Matt Ford), I told him first," McGarry said. "Then, I went into the clubhouse and told the guys that were in there. The reaction was kind of like mine at first, they didn't really believe me. I had to be like, 'No, guys, I'm serious, I just got traded to the Phillies.' Then it was some hugs and wishing each other best of luck."

McGarry said the Phillies did not immediately indicate their plan for the 23-year-old. He's taking the trade in stride, viewing it as another chance to pitch, even though leaving the Marauders was a sad moment for him.

"It's another opportunity," McGarry said of the trade. "Nothing really changes, I still have to throw well and perform. I'll continue to do my best in that department.

"I'm going to miss playing at home, but thankfully I'm not too far away," McGarry said.