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1/31 Former Tarpon Juan Pedemonte resigned with the Huskies today. A 3 year 2.73 million dollar deal. He's coming off a late July back injury that cost him the entire 2nd half.
2/1 Minnesota is trying to get some on their "post Haupt" roster. Today they resigned SP Mathew Crownover (14-8 3.94) to a 1 year 2.08 million dollar deal with a club option for the same amount.
2/2 San Antonio and New York announced a deal today. The Punishers sent 29 year old OF Jorge Salinas to San Antonio, along with 24-year-old 1B prospect Steve Evans for 25-year-old RHP Gregorio Villalba. Nothing of any significance talent wise as Salinas is a career journeyman and Villalba is a #5 at best or a long reliever. I mention the deal because I was in the midst of discussions on a trade WITH New York for Steve Evans. That's dirty pool.
2/4
TARPONS CONTINUE TO DEAL
Florida sent 3B Steve McDowell and right-hander Ben Herman and 25k in cash to Kansas City today for minor leaguer right-handers Jorge Balboa and Tony McKinney.
We managed to begin sifting through the roster and figuring out who goes where. McDowell was the odd man out at 3B with the trades and signings and Herman was someone we felt wasn't going to overcome his affinity in giving up the long ball. Both arms we got back are big-time power arms but both with control issues. Neither will make the club but we'll work to see if we can't get one or both to find the strike zone a bit more often. If so this deal is a win.
HAWKS, TARPONS EXCHANGE 5
The Milwaukee Hawks announced a deal with the Florida Tarpons today. They acquired 2B Utemaro Nishida, reliever Chris Fitzgerald, and right fielder Geoff Wimer in exchange for 2B Jon Harris and starting pitcher Nate Ramirez.
Another deal motivated by the 'tidy up' philosophy after a winter full of moves. Wimer was not going to make this club and Fitzgerald struggled enough to be ok with parting ways. Nishida was a thrown in to get this deal done as Jon Harris will likely move into the starting 2B job where he's an exceptional baserunner and base stealer and a well above average 2B. He can also play some shortstop. Figures to be a put it in play bat that can hit 1st, 2nd or at the bottom of the order. Nate Ramirez was the attraction here. Three ++ pitches including a cutter, change and knuckle curve. His issue has been his ability to get deeper into games. He was 10-10 4.00 last year with 191 punchouts but managed just 166.2 innings in 32 starts. That 166 was also a career high for the 27-year-old.
TARPON AND SURGE SWAP INFIELDERS
Florida announced it had dealt 29 year old 2B Kosaku Nakamura to the St Louis surge for 23 year old infielder Ernesto Rodelo. Both sides appear to be pleased with the deal.
With the two prior trades I have my 2B. Rodelo is a huge win for me as he is a true utility infielder playing 2B, SS and 3B all above average or better. Has an absolute cannon for an arm and could possibly play some OF if needed. Kosaku was a limited player with 2B being his only real option. Rodelo will be the 5th infielder and is a switch hitter, although he's far more lethal at the plate vs righties than lefties.
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