American Baseball Association.

[gehrig38]

• 12/1 WINTER MEETINGS BEGIN
  
• TARPONS SEND BALDWIN TO DETROIT
• Florida has dealt 26-year-old starter Jamie Baldwin (3-17 7.77) to the Detroit Phantoms for 2 prospects. 22-year-old reliever Eddie Friend ( 3rd round by Detroit in 2005 draft) and 25 year old slugging 1B/OF Pat Norman were sent to Florida. Norman was drafted in 2001 by the Jets in the 8th round and returned to Cal for his senior year. He went undrafted in 2002 and signed on with the Phantoms. In 91 AAA games, he's hitting .297/.417/.507 with 16 HR and 63 RBI. The left-handed hitter is a very good defender at first as well as an above-average left fielder. Runs better than most guys manning the corner.
  
• The rule 5 is coming up, as are the winter meetings. There was no chance I was bringing Baldwin back after a 17 loss season. While it certainly wasn't fair to many of the arms on this staff a change of scenery, as well as a spot on the 38 man, were the driving factors here.
  
• 12/2 Denver continues an aggressive winter signing former LA Storm catcher Dan Cluff to a 2 year 5.04 million dollar deal. Cluff is coming off a .263-15-63 season and his 3rd career gold glove.
  
• 12/4 Winter meetings end. I have some lines in the water and am hoping to get some results rather quickly. Working the minor league free agent market fervently as much for some AAAA talent as the hidden 18-19-year-old 'diamond in the rough'.
• LA Storm closer Gerjan Fredericks is apparently close to signing with the Miners in what would be another major blow to the Storm and their winter of, discontent.
  
• In the meantime, LA is scrambling to refill a depleted pitching staff and today they dealt left fielder Luis Romero to Minnesota for 39-year-old SP Mike Kennedy. Kennedy is a 2-time world champion as well as the 1993 Koufax winner for Detroit. A lot of odd looks on this one as Romero finished 3rd in the NL's Jackie Robinson voting and Kennedy is coming off a 7-8 6.13 year. It was just the 2nd year in a 15 year career in which he made under 30 starts. Scouts still rave about his overall stuff. He's 211-121 3.91 over 2970.1 innings with 3151 strikeouts. He ranks 4th overall in innings pitched in ABA history, 2nd in wins being just one of two pitchers to surpass the 200 win mark (along with Detroit's Chris Mattingly) 1st in HR allowed with 490 and 2nd all-time in strikeouts behind Chris Towns (3361) (he's 1st all-time among active pitchers) as well as 6th all-time in WAR.

[gehrig38]

• 12/5 Superstar OF Jahiem Kouassi and the Denver Saints announced an agreement on a 6 year 34.2 million dollar contract today continuing the Saints insane spending this winter. Kouassi has hit 145 home runs and driven in 335 runs in the past 3 seasons. He's a career .282 hitter with 192 homers and 477 RBI's.
  
• It appears the Saints plan on making their 11th ranked offense better. They were 2nd in the league in HR's but 11th in runs scored last year. Falling short on that last day cost them a division and forced them into the wild card play in game.
  
  
• 12/9 In some tragic news out of the Alaska organization 29 year old 1B Tommie Stockey announced his retirement today after having surgery to repair his left eye after being hit by a batted ball in a fluke BP accident'
• “The fact of the matter is that the surgery has left me legally blind in my left eye. I've lost my depth perception as a result. I knew going in this was a potential outcome and God appears to have other plans for me. I'm disheartened to have to step off the field but I know there are great things ahead.”
• The Kodiaks immediately hired the 29 year old slugger to an advisory position in the organization.
  
  
  
• 12/10 Portland Lancers announced the signing of coveted Japanese Pitcher Isoroku Yamabe to a 5 year 19.8 million dollar free agent deal.
• Portland came out of nowhere on this one. I had repeatedly spoken to the agents on this and made it clear we were at the very least interested in a potential match if the deal came in under 25 million and it did, but we were never given a 2nd chance. The guy has won 3 most valuable pitcher AND player awards.
  
  
• 12/11 Managed to snag hitting coach Jim Eppard. He's been the hitting coach in Oklahoma since 1997 and was fired after their 3rd place finish this year. They made the post season 5 of his 9 year there and won it all in 2000.
  
• San Diego dealt 36 year old Andrew McCutchen to Phoenix for minor league pitcher Luis Vega.
  
  
• TARPONS, PHANTOMS AGREE TO DEAL
• Tarpon GM Gehrig Schilling announced a completed trade with the Detroit Phantom. Heading west out of Miami are 27-year-old lefty Rodolfo Duenas (1-7 5.68) 27 year old OF Rommel Palangan (.309/.386/.570 in 272 AAA at-bats) and minor league RHP Nate Weatherford. (1-5 7.43 A Farmington). Florida is also shipping their 3rd round draft choice this year and 850K in cash.
• In return the Tarpons acquired 25-year-old AA outfielder Eric Hartley (.301/.406/.516 in 386 AA at-bats this year) as well as this year's 2nd round pick in the draft.
  
• This was done for two reasons. I had 37 players on my 38 man roster and the rule 5 is a week away. I have spaces I need to bring up some prospects to as well as Detroit giving up that 2nd rounder. Not one of these players do I expect to be around when we have the postseason type roster but that 2nd pick will be. Hartley is a 7th rounder out of Penn State who was an All American in 2001 and made the AA all-star team this year. He has legitimate big league pop and a very good grasp of the strike zone. We'd prefer a bit more contact but can live with what he has. Defensively he's an odd duck but in a good way. He's not a burner but he plays both corner outfield spots with left being the better of the two, has a cannon for an arm and he plays 2B well enough that he could fill in if need be. Last year he played a few games at shortstop. He's likely the 4A guy I spoke about earlier but he's also someone that with the right coaching could end up a 25 man guy.
• And it goes without saying that based on the past few weeks Phantoms GM Joey Buzzell and I have a good working relationship. Their in “Dynasty Mode” 24/7 365 and even though we are in the same division it appears neither of us is 'scared' to have that be a factor. I assume that changes the minute we both mention a name on the top half of the prospect list or ABA roster.
  
• (SIDE NOTE: I have now implemented a 36 team high school league that will feed into both the NCAA and ABA leagues as well as the international leagues. They are all 'fully clothed' and logo'd up thanks to this simply amazing community of gamers and artists and I appreciate that. If any of you guys are out there reading this I am dying to find unis and logos for a few of my high school opponents as well as my HS team the Shadow Mountain Matadors! Also looking for Paradise Valley Trojans, Chaparral, Horizon, Deer Valley, and a few others)
  
  
• 12/12 Did I also mention Joey Buzzell is a legendary GM? Ya, I left that out I think. Why you ask?
  
  
• PHANTOM SIGN CHINESE SUPERSTAR
• 33-year-old international free agent left field Qi-Chao Koo has agreed to a 5 year 18.6 million dollar deal with the Detroit Phantoms. Koo, a former member of the Chicago Hitmen (1995-2002) had gone to the Chinese Professional League after 1 year in Mexico. Prior to 1995, he was a star in the now defunct Australian league. At the international level, he has compiled 3 silver sluggers 2 playoff series MVP's and 5 all star selections. His 1077 ABA games all came with Chicago where his slash line was .283/.332/.587 and in those games, he hit 351 homers and drove in 941 runs. He won the ABA RBI title from 1997 to 2001 as well as being the HR champ in 1997 (54) 2000 (57) and 2001 (52). It's a fantastic deal for Detroit as it features a declining salary, starting at 4.04 this year down to 3.68 in year 4 and there's a 3.16 million dollar vesting option at 550 plate appearances.
  
  
• 12/13
  
• TARPONS, STORM SWAP
• 28-year-old LHP Dave Dunham (1-11 7.66) was sent west today in a deal that brought back 26-year-old minor league OF Teagan Ivany and Los Angeles' 5th round draft choice. Dunham struggled epically this past year and the clubhouse leader had hinted at wanting a change of scenery.
  
• This was a no-brainer of a trade right up to the part after the post-trade conference when my cell phone rang off the hook. I received no less than 5 calls from teammates here that went on to explain that even through the nightmare of 118 losses his clubhouse leadership and presence were essential in keeping them from killing each other. I had vastly underestimated his impact and am now thinking I need to talk to a few players to see if that “leader” exists in some other form here or if I need to possibly look around for a real 'presence' guy. The clubhouse got rank at the end of the season and I was truly surprised it didn't, implode, and apparently, I just traded the guy that kept that from happening.
  
  
  
• 12/15
• TARPONS SIGN 2
• Florida Tarpon GM Gehrig Schilling announced the club had come to terms with two free agent pitchers today. Reliever Juan Madrid one of the prized young arms on the market this winter and 31-year-old left-handed starter Jace Camp. Madrid hails from San Pedro de Marcoris and everyone raves about the triple-digit right arm and the wipeout slider. There are a significant number of baseball people who make no qualms about the fact he could never be a closer at this level due to his 'inability' to consistently get left-handers out.
• Camp is a 6 year ABA veteran coming off a 7-9 5.49 season in San Francisco. His last two years haven't been much to write home about going 12-16 but he's a solid 3-4 or 4-5 guy who will eat some innings. He's a beast at 6'5” 235 and was the Kodiaks 1st round supplemental pick (18th overall) out of Illinois in 1995. He flew up the prospect charts and made his debut amidst huge expectations he's never quite lived up to. Has always had an exceptional fastball which has fought with his average secondary stuff in his change and split. We've already asked him if a slider is something he'd give a try with and he's been very open to making that happen. No matter what a 2-year deal worth a total of 800 grand is a no lose for us unless he spends that 2 years on the DL. That's not altogether out of the question as he's made a DL trip at least once a year since 1999. His back has always been a concern but Sue has assured me she thinks she can manage. Last year was the worst in the sense he hit the DL in August and missed a month and I think came back too early as he suffered a severe hamstring strain about a week after returning that ended his season. He's affordable for a reason, and I knew that going in.
  
• Huge arm and yes, he has a bit of an issue with LHH. It's something I am sure Kevin will address but also something we'll have to construct the rest of the pen around. Kids a beast and for 2 years and 2.1 million total this was a great contract for us.
  
• In some other news I have managed to find a potential taker for ABA legend Pat Stevenson. His old club, the Storm, have had a disastrous winter on the field and subsequently at the box office. They are looking to send their fans a 'peace offering' it appears and has offered me some fringy prospects and I've managed potentially grab another early pick. I now have the 1st overall pick, 2 2nd round picks (Detroit's 26th pick that round) a 4th rounder, and three 5th rounders (1, 25 from SF and 26 from LA). I've got no 3rd and 9th but have asked LA for their 3rd pick and offered my 6 in return. He's thinking about it and given his winter I think GM Mike Cosgrove and their manager John Farrell are feeling the “win now” pressure of owner Mike Langley. Their 90-72 finish was great, as was their top of the league rotation heading by Zack Greinke (17-7 3.65) Nate Walker (20-5 4.20) and Omar Samedi (16-7 3.93) but that record was only good enough for 3rd place and their middle of the road offense needs a kick start to keep them in the mix with Vegas and perennial powerhouse Denver who came out guns blazing this winter by taking LA's starting catcher in Dan Cluff and recently landed superstar Jahiem Kouassi.
  
• Pittsburgh signed Memphis closer Sergio Godina to a 1 year 3.08 million dollar deal
• LA lands Memphis 2B Toshiyoshi Fujii on a 5 year 29 million dollar deal. This was a big surprise as everyone thought he was returning to Memphis, including the Grizzlies.

[gehrig38]

Originally Posted by Orcin

I am going to follow the develop hitters / buy pitchers strategy carefully. I usually end up going the other way and then have to buy my best pitchers anyway. Your way sounds better.

I did some draft work for the Cubs a few years back. I had a slew of pitchers they wanted me to look at and when I was done scouting I sat down with Theo to talk through his draft strategy. I did the same thing with Buck when I went to Arizona, picked his brain about the expansion draft philosophy and what theirs was.

Theo told me they were going to focus almost exclusively on college hitters early. Apparently, the numbers show they are the least risky amateur players to invest in as their the group that gets the largest % of draft picks to the big leagues. Which honestly makes a lot of sense when you think about it.

They looked at pitchers, with some rare exceptions, as way too risky an investment of big dollars. Their belief was that you let all the other teams take the risks and you 'buy them' in free agency. Most of the risk for a pitcher is gone by that point. You don't spend millions signing and developing guys who never make it. You clearly still draft them but you don't ever do it at the top of the 1st round or early rounds.

Always exceptions clearly but I thought it was a fascinating approach. My background tells me you can develop pitchers far better than many teams do it if you create an organization-wide approach to how you bring young arms along.

[gehrig38]

• RULE 5 DRAFT
• I have 4 open roster spots prior to the Rule 5 draft. There are a number of players I am seriously interested in. Before that, I need to make sure I've got anyone I am concerned with and available, protected. SS Jeremy Crimi is someone who is not ready for the ABA but also enough of a player that a team like St Louis would stash him away for a year.
• 21-year-old catcher Max Ramirez is arguably the best all-around catcher in baseball, yes baseball. His bat doesn't project for anyone, but at 21 things can change. I am going to roster him for the simple fact a 21-year-old catcher that progressed as a game caller and defender is a once in a generation talent. If in 3 years and 3 options he hasn't panned out I'd bet someone will take him on.
  
  
• We selected 25-year-old closer Jake Grab with the 1st overall pick in the rule 5 draft. A monster arm with a scout graded 20 arm. His curveball scores mid-teens to higher but that's potential. It lags substantially right now but that is the perfect player for us. Our scouts want to take Tim Agresta in the 2nd round. A 30-year-old with the Spartans who came to them via trade with New York just 3 weeks ago.
• He went 11-11 5.60 last year and in 2003 was 13-8 for New York. He's tossed 863 innings to a 5.80 ERA and punched out 955 hitters. The gopher ball is his bugaboo giving up 44 last year. He's out of options so he's a keeper but given the dearth of pitching most importantly OUR lack of it, he's a big league arm and we need a few more at both Florida and in AAA.
  
  
• BLUE SOX ACQUIRE QUILLER, PICK FOR 2 AND A PICK
• Mid 3rd round of the Rule 5 Draft Memphis Blue Sox GM Jim Bowden announced they'd acquired 29-year-old infielder Sincere Quiller from the Florida Tarpons for 2 minor league outfielders. Florida also sent their 6th round draft pick and minor league left-hander Luis Gordillo to Memphis and in addition to receiving OF prospects Jim Shelley and Cletus Owry they picked up Memphis' 3rd round draft pick this year.
  
• I had put off moving Quiller many times over simply because he's an above-average defender around the horn and being an injury away from having to make multiple moves is not a position I want to get caught in. I was quietly surprised and excited when the Sox responded with a list of players that included both of these young men. Shelley is a 24-year-old corner outfielder who can play a very good CF and 1B if need be. They signed him this past September out of an independent league and he has yet to even take BP in the ABA. He's an exceptional runner with all 5 tools. He hits left-handed and will crush right-handed pitching but I think will need a platoon as he struggles mightily vs left-handed pitching. 25-year-old Cletus Lowry was a 2002 8th round pick who can play across the outfield, hits left-handed as well and struggles vs lefties as well too. Both of them will start the year in AAA and both have 3 options left as well.
  
• This move was made ahead of our 3rd round pick because our scouts identified a pitcher they felt would not be around. 31-year-old Jonathan Doherty was 9-3 with 1 Save and a 3.55 ERA in 106.1 IP for Brooklyn last year. Vegas traded for him less than a month ago but apparently, roster issues came up and he was out there. His peripherals are outstanding, he punched out 108 and gave up just 10 homers and 100 hits over his 106.1 innings. This move will give us a solid 6 arms for the Florida rotation heading into camp. I say “solid” in the sense I don't think there are any 1-11 guys in this group, not that that is something to brag about but after last year I need older arms and stability in the rotation to allow development in the minors and at least something resembling an entertaining product for our insanely loyal fans.
  
• 12/16 Portland signed 33-year-old Yadier Molina to a 5 year 9.42 million dollar deal today. At 33 scouts still rate him as the best all-around defender, by a wide margin, in the game. The only catcher our scouts mention in the same breath is our 21-year-old backstop when it comes to game calling and defense
  
  
• 12/17
• TARPONS, BENOIT COME TO TERMS
• In continuing the whirlwind pace of this past winter Florida general Gehrig Schilling announced that his club had agreed to terms on a 3 year 1.42 million dollar deal with free agent closer Joaquin Benoit.
  
• This was a huge get. He'll immediately assume the role of the closer and allow some of the arms down there to shuffle into better positions.
  
• Detroit announced the signing of starting pitcher Jim Brooks today as well. The 30-year-old lefty will receive 4.76 million per year over the next 5 seasons. The former Hokie from Virginia Tech was a 2004 all-star and is 67-61 4.37 over 206 games and 175 starts. He's tossed 1024 innings and punched out 1150 hitters to 364 walks and 933 hits. He joins a Phantom rotation headed by hall of famer Chris Mattingly, veterans Phil Hughes and CC Sabathia.
  
• World Champion Las Vegas announced it had reached terms with former Roadrunner reliever Jared Mitchum as the champs address what appeared to be their only true weakness in their 11th ranked bullpen.
  
• Couple things happened today. I placed a claim on 26-year-old right-hander Jorge Esparza out of the Ohio system.
  
• Jacksonville Panthers GM Gil Flores is interested in outfielder Hidetoshi Fujimoto. The 25-year-old is unhappy being here and I don't need that headache. I mention his interest because he's offering up a trio of infielders from his minor league system. All of them with utility role potential in the big leagues but likely more along the lines of that 4 A player I talked about earlier. I pushed him a bit and he's thinking this one through. They are in hardcore rebuild mode right now.
  
• 12/19 Vegas signs away Detroit ace Tim Richardson for 18 million over 5 years. Shoring up the bullpen wasn't all the world champions had in mind. Adding a guy who has gone 99-54 4.47 and punching out 1104 in 1397 career innings. Richardson is a 2-time world champion with Los Angeles as well as the 2005 AL gold glove winner.
  
• 12/20 The Esparza claim is successful so I am working the phones to clear room. I need to find roster spots for both Benoit and Esparza in the next few days.
  
• In a huge deal announced later in the day LA has dealt 29-year-old Second Baseman Sean Goldstein (.310-35 and a league-leading 145 RBI's this year) to Memphis for 26-year-old starting pitcher Kelyn Harrow (9-12 5.43) and Infielder Jamie DeLong. DeLong was the Sox 2nd rounder in the 2005 draft out of Northwestern.
  
• LA signed slugger Toshiyoshi Fujii earlier this winter so that was the reason I assume this move was made. Harrow becomes their #5 starter and Delong is sent to their Class A club in Decatur. Goldstein will apparently hit 2nd, play 2nd and add a ton of offense to the AL's 2nd best offense and most prolific home run hitting team (335 last year).
  
• 12/23
• TARPONS, GILDER COME TO TERMS
• 28-year-old slugger Chris Gilder and the Florida Tarpons announced an agreement on a 4 year 2.9 million dollar deal that will put the DH immediately into the heart of the Tarpon batting order. The makeover in Florida has kicked into another gear.
  
• I know what I said about DH's earlier but this was too tempting to pass up in price and in talent. He might be one of the 3-4 best hitters in the game vs Right Handed pitching. His defensive options are almost nil, but for the offense he can provide I can make room.OF Joe Pankey was DFA.
  
• Juan Madrid was also added to the roster today and C Juan Coyotl was DFA
  
• 12/26 Texas signs former Jets SP Sean Cockley (14-8 3.70) to a 6 year 25.4 million dollar deal.
• The Jets also announced reliever Bobby Schmoll had signed a 1 year deal with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of the [league redacted] League
• 12/27 Chicago signed former Brooklyn left fielder and gold glover to a massive 4 year 29.1 million dollar deal.
  
• Joaquin Benoit was added to the roster today and Demario Lorenzana was DFA
  
• 12/29 Portland Claims Lorenzana
  
• Texas signed 3-time all-star catcher Ernesto Leiva to a 6 year 23.84 million dollar deal today. Year 6 is a club option. Leiva has been an NL all-star 3 years running but this deal feels way outside the norm given he's a lifetime .228/.320/.368 hitter in 748 games. Clearly, defense at that position is generating big-time value.

[gehrig38]

• 12/30 San Antonio ends up claiming Lorenzana
  
  
• PANTHERS, TARPONS AGREE TO A 6 PLAYER DEAL
• The Florida Tarpons and cross-state rival Jacksonville Panthers announced a 6 player deal today.
• Florida sends 25 year old outfielder Hidetoshi Fujumoto, 22 year old OF Chris Baggett and 22 year old Catcher Chris Weiss plus the Tarpons 10 round pick in this year's draft and in return gets 24-year-old minor league 1B Mike Stapp 23-year-old 2B Mike Elston and 24-year-old Infielder Greg Digaangi as well as the Panthers 2006 9th round selection. Both GM's commented that a much larger blockbuster had been in the works but that when the dust settled there were too many hurdles to overcome.
  
• You have to give to get as the saying goes. A neat twist to this deal was the young outfielder we dealt will be joining his brother in the Panther outfield this year. The move to clear a roster spot ended up netting us 3 players who could to that 4A player line.
  
• Stabb was a 2002 6th rounder who has hit at every level. He'll compete for the leagues slowest home to 1st time, and likely win. He's likely to settle in at 1B where he could improve to an average defender or possibly a left fielder with a lot of work. His bat is and will be his calling card. A righty who can hit RH pitching and destroy left-handers.
  
• Elston is a 23-year-old 1B/2B who has well above average speed, steals bases and can play both 1st and 2nd comfortably. He projected as a gap to gap bat from the right side.
  
• Digangi is an Olympic speed top of the lineup infielder. He'll likely settle in at 2nd or 3rd but we're going to push him to SS for the early season this year. 80 steal legs and awareness and an elite baserunner. He looks to be a .400 OBP guy who will hit his share of doubles. No real pop to speak of but if we can coax some maturation out of his bat he could be a steal, literally.
  
  
• 12/31
• TARPONS DEAL van GAALEN TO JETS
• They may not finish .500 but it won't be from a lack of effort. GM Gehrig Schilling announced the clubs 9th trade of the offseason when he revealed the club had dealt closer Ab van Gaalen to the Washington Jets for infielder Ron Turner. As has been the case with most trades the Tarpons also exchanged draft choices in the 2006 amateur draft. Washington received Florida's 4th rounder pick while the Tarpons acquired the Jets 3rd rounder.
  
  
• This was as much a salary dump, at first, as anything. Ab's 2.2 million dollar contract was not an albatross but given the cash spent in deals and in the international amateur market, I was looking for creative ways to get back into the black this year.
  
  
• The 25-year-old Turner is considered by many scouts to be the premier minor league defensive talent at 3 separate positions. He's already an all-star caliber defender up the middle at both places as well as an elite glove at the hot corner. He has 75+ steal speed and ability. His strike zone awareness is going to be the key to his offensive upside. He had a decent run in 33 games at AA late last year hitting 7 homers but he has some things to work on before he can handle a job in the lineup at the ABA level.
  
• A quick peek at the WAR +/- from the offseason so far shows us in a great place. This never actually translates into much more than a statistical validation you added more good players than you lost, a goal every single GM in the game strives for.
  
  
• It's been what looks like a nightmare winter so far out in LA. Not all that excited to see the world champs adding even better players and the Detroit number might be the first time in a decade they've had a – WAR total. That being said there's still a long way to go in the offseason but I love where we are even if it has been a sleepless winter.
  
• 
  
• I've spent the entire winter working on trading for the 'best talent' almost disregarding who plays where when it dawns on me as I look up and down the roster, I need to find a legitimate center fielder. I don't have a single player that I think would be even an average defender at what many argue is the games most important defensive position.
  
  
• I have asked for a meeting of the minds with our scouts to look at the games top centerfielders and will try to draw up a plan after that.
  
  
• MEETING NOTES:
• There are 26 centerfielders in this league our scouts rate a 12 or better on our 1-20 scale. Here is our list and look at the raw numbers.
  
• 
  
• Given our situation, we can eliminate anyone over a certain age. We all agree 28+ players are out. Here's the next list.
  
• 
  
• Sergio Robles is the clear leader on the board when talking about defense. He won the 2005 AL Gold Glove. He's also 21. I can't fathom the price on that one. Scott and Haupt look like potential great fits too. Tim Taylor, though a bit older than I'd like to look for is a legit option. As I look at this list I wonder A) If I have the assets to acquire ANY of these guys and B) How bad do I want a true lineup anchoring above-average defender in center? Do I want a speedy on-base guy? That sort of goes hand in hand with range and defense I would imagine. Power bat? Robles looks like the most valuable player on this list given his age, but our guys have mixed feelings about him. At the end of the meeting, this is the list I leave with. Time to get on the phone.
  
  
• 1/1/06
• ABA TRADE RUMORS
• Tarpon GM Gehrig Schilling has set an almost unmatchable pace this winter. 9 trades to date and rumors have it there are at least 2 more in discussion. Today it was learned from several clubs that he is making a very specific ask in every call, and that common thread is Centerfield. The Tarpon GM has not hidden it well, if at all, that he's looking for a young'ish centerfielder whois an 'exceptional” defender as well as an offensive force. That isn't a long list but the names that appear on that list are some of the games best players. Ohio's Sergio “Slugger” Robles the AL Gold Glove winner is clearly the top of the charts name here. 21, fastest baserunner in the game and the comparisons with the former MLB hall of Famer Willie Mays are not used lightly or unjustly. That seems to be an impossible task as Ohio GM Dave Littlefield and Manager Don Mattingly have not even gotten beyond their one-word response “Untouchable” when asked about the potential. After Robles, there is a list of players that meet what many think is the criteria for Schillings target. 23-year-old superstar Mike Haupt of Minnesota (.324/.435/.578) 25-year-old Pat Scott of Denver (.268/.338/.483) a player many says has the legs of Robles, 26-year-old Tim Taylor of Kansas City (.292/.350/.503) and finally there's 27-year-old Doug Schneider of Kansas City (.303/.376/.443) who many think may be a touch old for a mega deal from Florida but also acknowledge he is far and away the best all-around defender. Scouts have said he's a gold glove winner at ANY of the 3 positions (he won the 2005 GG in right) and a club building like this one could thrive with that sort of versatility as it looks to find players to fill its roster.
  None of this matters if any of these teams don't see the value in return. That is going to be a heavy price no matter which name should the deal happen. And finally what is he willing to part with? They're a franchise just out of the starting gate coming off a 118 win season. Is it time to pull the trigger on a massive deal? Can they? Juan Medina has given him free reign and it did not go unnoticed that while he covets draft picks he's also managed to put his team in a position, that as of today, has them with the 1st overall pick (Again, they selected RHP Joe Linn last year) and then they pick 1st and 26th in the 2nd round, 16th, and 17th in the 3rd round, 1st 25th, and 26th in the 5th round giving them 8 picks within the 1st five rounds.
  Is a deal for a franchise player worth it to a franchise with no identity yet? Or is the more prudent path to keep those 8 picks and continue stocking a minor league system?
  
  
• 1/2 I've managed to convince 33-year-old starter Jose Saiz to sign a minor league deal. This is a great sign for us as he can most certainly break with the big club if need be but also being under a minor league deal allows me to 'stash' him in the event of a potential injury to another starter (which given our new guys medical history is more a “when” than “if”).
  
  
• 1/3
• TARPON, JAPANESE SLUGGER COME TO TERMS
• In a hastily called press conference, GM Gehrig Schilling announced the club had reached an agreement with 21-year-old Japanese superstar outfielder Makata Hayashi on a 4 year 8.58 million dollar contract. A 4th year is a team option but many agree this was an incredible deal for the club to acquire a player so young and with no offensive ceiling. He projects by many to be a potential 40-50 HR bat as well as a ++ average guy. He'll play one of their corner positions in the outfield.
  
  
• 1/4 No one was elected to the Hall of Fame this year although CF Eric Crouch (72.7 in his 2nd year) appears to be headed that way. RF Delvin Mandato was the only other player to surpass 50% (60.2) in his 5th year of eligibility.
  
  
• 1/6 33-year-old 3B Adrian Beltre agreed to terms on a 5 year 23.4 million dollar deal with the Washington Jets
  
  
• 1/7 Alaska signed 33-year-old slugger Dan Allred (.284-32-69) to a 3 year 12.16 million dollar deal
  
  
• 1/8 Jacksonville signed former Huskie 3B Luis Troncoso (.272-31-102) to a 4 year 12.56 million dollar deal. Scouts think this was a bit much but I think it was a great sign.
  
  
• 1/9 Oklahoma closer Pedro Strop (8-5 28 SV 3.39) signed a one year deal with the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters
  
  
• 1/10 Rumors swirling around Florida and 2-3 teams with a potential “Huge deal” on the table
  
  
• 1/15
• TARPONS, ROADRUNNERS CONFIRM DEAL
• Tarpon GM Gehrig Schilling has sent 37-year-old future hall of fame 1B Pat Stevenson and his ABA all-time leading 612 home runs to Phoenix for 2 minor league prospects. 24-year-old OF Eric Reeves and 24-year-old Ernie Layden. Beat writers walked away from this one clearly disappointed that this was not the 'Big One" so many are hoping for. Talks this week appear to have broken down as Tarpons GM Gehrig Schilling is refusing to add last minute 'asks' of several clubs he appears to have been in talks with.
  
• Move to clear up a roster spot, pair down some payroll and managed to get 2 guys that could be the 4A type or better. Fan reaction was less than pleased to say the least.
  
  
• 1/22 KC signed former Texas starter Rob Gourley to a 5 year 15.6 million dollar deal. The 32-year-old is 100-104 4.08 lifetime
  
  
• 1/24 Vegas managed to extend all-star closer Domenic Helmrich to a 2 year 9.28 million dollar deal. He's 41-41 208 SV and 743 K's in 637 IP (that most like sets the closer market for the next year or so)
  
  
• 1/26Milwaukee snagged 34-year-old San Francisco starter Kymani Hogues to a 3 year 9.24 million dollar deal. He's 83-59 3.89 in 199 starts.
  
  
• 1/29 Strange news out of New York today. Former Phantom starter Joel Joffron, a guy who's made a reputation as a clubhouse idiot and not in a good way, and who is also out for another four months after elbow surgery for a torn flexor tendon has signed a 4 year 14.56 million dollar deal. He's 80-90 4.76 ERA and has never won more than 13 games (13-14 4.61 in 2001). He spent his entire career up to last season as a member of the Huskies organization.
  
• NEWSFLASH: FLORIDA TARPONS CALL NOON TIME PRESS CONFERENCE!

[gehrig38]

MINNESOTA HITS PAYDIRT FOR SUPERSTAR HAUPT
Landmark, career-defining, franchise turning point and more. Those are just a few of the comments overheard at the press conference today announcing a massive deal between the Huskies and Tarpons which saw superstar Mike Haupt pack his bags and head from the frigid streets of Minnesota to the sunny beaches of Miami, Florida. That was the easy part of the deal.

Sources close to the deal say there was an enormous amount of back and forth and that this deal had been started just after last years winter meetings.
In return for a player, many believe to be the games best all-around centerfielder the Tarpons parted ways with players, picks, and money.

2005 1st overall draft pick Joe Linn and 30-year-old slugger Chris Hastings (Florida retained 100% of Hastings salary) were the major “player” components of this trade. Linn is expected to appear on this years top 100 prospect list and in the upper quarter at that. 24-year-old prospect Lupe Medina and 22-year-old 1B prospect Pat Strickland were included.
Schilling also sent the following:
2006 2nd round draft choice (from Detroit)
2006 3rd round draft choice (from Washington)
2006 5th round draft choice (from Los Angeles)
2006 7th round draft choice

In a winter analysis of the Tarpons moves it was noted that in their 9 trades they traded away 16 players while receiving 13, they traded 8 draft picks (2, 2 3's, 4, 5, 6, 7 and a 10th) and received a 2nd, 2 3rds a 5th and a 9th. Financially they sent or retained a total of 2.178 million all trades included.

Reaction has been radical in every corner of the game. From “How on earth could he 'ransom' the future” to “How on earth does Minnesota trade a 23 year old potential hall of famer”?

POST PRESS CONFERENCE THOUGHTS
After the smoke settles our draft looks like this. We have the 1st overall pick, 1st pick in the 2nd, 16th pick in the 3rd and the 1st and 25th in the 5th. So after 5 rounds, we will still have 5 players. We have no 6th 7th or 10th pick.

There was no option for Linn. The talks would not even hit a 2nd discussion if he was not the 1st player on the list. 30-year-old slugger Chris Hastings was a deal breaker too. The pain in losing his bat is a bit compounded by the fact we'll be paying him to hit homers for them.
The two minor leaguers were players they like far more than we did. This came down to one of the games simple but true philosophies. You must be strong up the middle to win.
Chris Haupt is a hall of fame talent at 23 years old. If you could go back in time as a GM would you trade the farm for someone people believe will compare to Willie Mays? Ya, me too.

This will put an enormous amount of pressure on our scouts to get it right but I am ok with that because it will be the same for me.
That up the middle group now includes Josh Klatt at SS, a well above average defender at 25 and someone who will hit in the 2 slot vs RHP. Our catching is looking good with the hope 21-year-old Max Ramirez can progress enough as a hitter to allow his hall of fame caliber defense and field leadership to play every day. In the meantime, Burwell and Nabbe are above average defenders with Cobus coming off a decent .258-18-64 year. Max is going to get a shot to win the job this spring but he must get at-bats and that means he either starts every day here or at Alamogordo.

[gehrig38]

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.

[gehrig38]

NEWS FROM THE ABA

NOTEWORTHY INJURIES
JACKSONVILLE - RF Michiyo Fujimoto 4 months broken elbow
SAN DIEGO – RP Blaine Boyer 5 months torn labrum
PITTSBURGH – RP Chris Mesa 5 months torn labrum
TEXAS - 35 year old SP Tim Lincecum 5-6 months undisclosed shoulder issues
PHOENIX – RP Winton Shnairson 8-12 months torn flexor tendon
OKLAHOMA – RP Gilberto Arellano 8-12 months torn UCL

NOTEWORTHY TRANSACTIONS
LAS VEGAS- SP Juan Gallegos signs 2 year 9.28 million dollar extension (70-60 4.06)
DETROIT – Extends ace Chris Mattingly 2 years 7.6 million (217-171 4.11 2936 K's)
PITTSBURGH - Signs 38 year old Korean RP Ji-Yong Kim to a 2 year 3.8 million dollar deal
Signs former Denver RP Clint Mcalhaney (20-31 3.39 159 SV) 1 year 1.94 million
OKLAHOMA – Signs former Vegas RP Luis Flores to a 1 year 1.06 million dollar deal (51-32 4.30 761 K 692 IP)
OHIO/NEW YORK – Ohio sends RP Chris Holycross (49-52 111 SV 3.98) and MiL RHP prospect Mike Sullivan (.5*/1.5*) to New York for 27 year old 3B Eric Kaelin (.242-14-61 211 games ++ Def at 2B/SS/3B)
WASHINGTON – Signed RP Shou-Feng Si-Ma 2 year 4.44 million (26-25 70 SV 4.30) I was trying to sign this guy and they went far higher than I could or was willing for a 32 year reliever with a career 1.40 WHIP
NEW ENGLAND/MEMPHIS – New England sends 28 year old SP Charlie Flaugher (20-23 5.19) to Memphis for 25 year old LF Mike McMillen (.252-3-14 2.5*/3.0*)
MEMPHIS - Signs former Husky closer Mike Chapman to an insanely cheap 2 year 3.76 million dollar deal. We had offered more money but apparently, he wanted no part of a team 'building'. He led the AL with 43 saves last year, won the award as the leagues best closer and is 28-34 2.92 with 104 Saves lifetime.



NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagle starter Kunji Koyanagi tossed a 12 punchout No-hitter vs Fukuoka Softbank in his 1st start of the year


SPRING TRAINING SCOUTING REPORTS ON PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

A quick peek inside our confidential scouting reports on the organization's players from the last day of camp. Very excited to see that up and down our minor league complex there was a marked improvement on most every player.




PRESEASON OWNERS MEETING
Mr Medina has been great. Considering how poorly we played last year I couldn't expect him to be pleased but he's handed me a 'to do' list.

• 1) He wants us to play “close” to .500 (Unsure how close, but closer than 48-114 I assume)
• 2) For some reason he would like us to “upgrade” our 2B situation. (Umm, ok. Jon Harris is going to break camp there, and I am unsure if he thinks, or his buddies think, this is or is not an upgrade)
• 3) Wants to increase profit to 1.7 million (Totally reasonable and lower than I would expect. Our budget right now projects a season-ending profit of 1.747 million.)
• 4) Find a “top” prospect. (I don't know what that means but I do know the new top 100 list is out (see below) and we have the 8th ranked prospect in the game in 18 year old Canadian free agent prospect Kinnon “Graveyard” Mendelson. Love the nickname)
• 5) He wants a “Top 5” farm system. (Again see below but jumping 19 spots to me says we had a fantastic winter.)
• 6) “Improve my draft record” (He would like to see more drafted talent make an impact in the big leagues. Who wouldn't? That's a longer-term goal (2009) he's put out there.
• 7) Wants a playoff contender (Of course he does. He has pushed the timetable back a year to 2010)

ABA 2006 TOP PROSPECTS




#5 Ben Chase was the guy I was leaning towards as the 1st pick last year. For what it's worth Joe Linn checks in as the 19th best prospect overall and the 9th best pitching prospect. Top prospect Sergio Marrero has been #1 for 3 straight seasons and the 22-year-old breaks camp with the Phantoms this year. His 5 years in the minors he was ranked 2, 2, 1, 1, 1 on the prospect list. 6' 165 2B has all 5 tools in abundance. Very much a triple crown threat as well as a 40+ stolen base guy who will contend for a gold glove very soon. He makes the jump from AA where he blossomed last year hitting .320-26-82 with 21 SB in just 118 games with an OPS of 985.



I think I was expecting far more excitement from ownership upon seeing this. We have 3 of the top 40 players in the minors and 9 of the top 200.

[gehrig38]

AL PRESEASON PREDICTIONS



Wow, even the prognosticators think we're a .500 team. Very excited to see our 21-year-old RF show up on the top hitter's list. Eric Hecht for MVP? Looks like a Stanton vs Alward Koufax battle.
After never having won a division title it appears many think Brooklyn is here to stay, and repeat. 2 horse race in the East and West if they are right. Expecting the Kodiaks to win the West by a wide margin and I will be stunned to see Denver just 8 over after the winter they had.

NL PRESEASON PREDICTIONS



That looks to be a historically bad NL East. No one over .500 but the Miners winning it by 9? KC and San Antonio duking it out in the Central and I think many agree with me that the polar opposite offseasons in SF and LA lead you to believe that the Bears will run away with this one. I'm going to put money on a darkhorse to come out of the NL for the world series. San Diego....

[gehrig38]

2006 FLORIDA TARPONS 25/38 MAN ROSTERS
I am going to break down the ABA roster by player, and then at the end put the 10 other players on the 38 man into the picture.

STARTING ROTATION

• PLAYER: Tim Agresta
• POS: RH SP
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 30 5'11” 195
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: 1996 NY 3rd Round (75th overall) Traded to KC in 2005 for Jeff Brocker and JJ Schweigher Selected in the 2005 Rule 5 Draft Rd 2 pick 1
• EVAL: A hard-throwing groundball guy with one of the games best changeups. His sinker could be better and his reliance on that has made him susceptible to the gopher ball (44 in 189.2 IP last year.) Career he is 42-60 5.80 with 955 K's in 863 IP but also 196 HR for a 2.1 HR per 9. There's more there and I think this guy is far better than the numbers say.
• CONTRACT: Split deal. He has made the ABA guarantee of 335K by breaking with the big club. I'd like to wait this one out but also would like to see him have some success and be a guy I might get on the cheap with a 2-3 year extension.
• ROLE: He'll open the season as the teams #5 starter
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR PLAYER: A guy I look at extending if he stays healthy and/or a player of significant value at the deadline.

PLAYER: Ted Barlow

• POS: LH SP
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 33 6'7” 230
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: Texas 1st round pick (2nd overall) out of Clemson in 1993 draft. Traded to San Antonio for SS Chi-ming-Xie and RP Omari Wines
• EVAL: Another extreme ground ball guy who is a 3 time All star and has had a good career. Led the league in losses (22) in 1995 and starts (34) as well as starts in 1996, 1998, 2001, and 2003. Led in IP in 1998 (247) and 2001 (212). He's thrown 1913 innings with 1815 k's and sported a 108-116 record with a 3.96 ERA. Features 4 pitches with an elite changeup. His cutter, curve, and slider are all + pitches although our guys say his curve and slider are regressing.
• CONTRACT: Signed a 1 year 1.61 million dollar deal with IP bonus (160) and Koufax Bonus (110K)
• ROLE: He will be our opening day starter
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR THE PLAYER: He is a well-known commodity here and abroad as well as a clubhouse force. Something we must have this year. I am hoping he can stay healthy and have a great first half. A guy I would love to move at the deadline in the continuing effort to stock the system.

PLAYER: Jace Camp

• POS: LH SP
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 32 6'5” 235
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: Alaska selected him in the supplemental 1st round (18th overall) out of Illinois in 1995. Traded to Oklahoma in 2000 for RF Ismael Mendoza and SP Tokio Morita. Signed as a free agent with San Francisco in 2005. Signed a 2-year 800K contract with us this past winter.
• EVAL: a Big hard-throwing lefty who gets more outs on the ground than in the air. 39-44 4.84 over 731 innings he's punched out 596 to 270 walks giving up 772 hits. Our guys honestly believe he added a new pitch last year, a slider, and it is still below average but has the makeup of a ++ pitch if he keeps developing it. He sits 95-97 most nights. Hard worker but a horrid athlete defending his position. Everyone's concern is his back. He's been on the DL at least once every year since 1999. With extended trips in 2000 (8 months) 2001 (4 weeks and then 5 months) 2002 (4 months) 2005 (2 months). Pretty much the reason he came at such a cheap price.
• CONTRACT: 2 years at 400k per year.
• ROLE: He will open the season as the #2 starter.
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR THE PLAYER: If the slider continues to develop this could be fun. His contract is so insanely club friendly given his talent that if he can stay healthy (HUGE IF) he offers an insane amount of value here or at the deadline. We have agreed that he'll be on a pitch count for at least April and May.

PLAYER: Jeff Chase

• POS: RH SP
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 27 6'1” 190
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: Drafted by Las Vegas in the 1st round (15th overall) out of Purdue. Claimed off waivers by us August of last year.
• EVAL: Was part of the 2005 Vegas team that won it all. Picked him up as Vegas was trying to sneak him through waivers for a deal. Low to mid 90's arm with a wipeout forkball. Another guy our scouts were fired up about adding a new pitch last season. He added a changeup but after this spring most think he should shelve it as he telegraphs and doesn't seem to be able to sustain a consistent delivery with it. Still developing his cutter. He'll be a 50/50 guy as far as outs go. Led all qualifying pitchers in HR/9 last year (0.7). He was 5-4 5.34 in 10 starts covering 59 innings after he came here last year. On a 48 win team that's probably a little better than it looks. Career he is 19-21 2 SV 5.90 over 367 innings giving up 394 hits with 245 punch outs to a very high 4.8 BB/9 rate. If he keeps it in the air our outfield has a chance to make him better. I think the added value of having a true role here will help too. He bounced back and forth for Vegas last year.
• CONTRACT: 4 years 2.3 million
• ROLE: He'll open the season as the #4 starter.
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR THE PLAYER: I was hoping to see a better spring and more physical and tangible improvements. At 27 he could certainly be a guy who is still around in a few years but that's only if he finds a way back to improving his stuff and his ability to throw strikes.

PLAYER: Nate Ramirez

• POS: LH SP
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 27 6' 195
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: Milwaukee's 12th round pick out of Clemson in the 2000 draft. Shot up to #10 on the prospect charts in 2004. Traded for him, along with 2B Jon Harris for Geoff Wimer (RF) Chris Fitzgerald (RP) and 1B Utemaro Nishida in February of this year.
• EVAL: 3++ pitches in his Cutter, change and knuckle curve. Stuff wise he's up there with most anyone not named Stanton in this league. Hangs round 92-94 with a live fastball. Last year he was 10-10 4.00 in 32 starts but managed just 166.2 innings. However his 191 punchouts and 139 hits in those innings were the reason he took the rotation spot over Joe Doherty. Another atrocious defender on the mound and a guy who doesn't seem to have 225 inning mechanics nor body. The thought is that his K rate will possibly get him deeper into games than Joe might get.
• CONTthe RACT: 1 year deal at minimum (128) but arbitration eligible after this year (with a 1.2m estimate)
• ROLE: Right now he opens as the #3 guy in the rotation. If there are problems he and Doherty could switch roles. His 15 walks this spring in just 19 innings are of concern obviously. Also surrendered 6 homers in the 19 innings and gave up 51 in his last 294.2 ABA innings.
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR THE PLAYER: If he can iron out some things he's got enormous upside. Clearly a big if.

[gehrig38]

PLAYER: Mike Allen

• POS: RH RP
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 25 6'7” 225
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: Huskies 3rd rounder (70th overall) in 2001 out of U of Texas. Traded for him along with Brad Turner and a 4th pick for Juan Pedemonte, RP Rogelio Cardenas 2B Micah Gilliard and SP Guoncallo Bzios in May of last year.
• EVAL: Huge guy with a huge arm. Sits high 90's most nights and features one of the leagues best fastballs to go with a + slider. Last year he went 3-5 1SV 4.70 over 84.1 IP giving up 79 H with 96 K's and 48 walks. The walks have to come down as does the 1.4 HR/9 but he is still maturing. A guy that could close for us someday soon.
• CONTRACT: 1 year 475k and arbitration eligibile after this year (550K estimate)
• ROLE: He'll float back and forth in the pen but mainly will pitch out of the middle or some high leverage late innings. Our scouts have him at 3.0* right now but believe he's got 3.5 in him. His 4.08 ERA was actually astounding this spring given he had a BABIP of .362.
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR THE PLAYER: One of the few guys I am hoping becomes a talent and sticks around. He's just 25 and his arm is definitely a back end arm, but his command has to improve.

PLAYER: Jonathan Doherty

• POS: LH SP/RP
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 31 6' 200
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: Oklahoma drafted him in the 3rd round (61st overall) in the 1996 draft out of Stanford. He did not sign, went bak to Stanford and was redrafted in 1997 by Brooklyn in the 2nd round (43rd overall). Was traded to Las Vegas for 1B Arturo Ramos in 2005 and we selected him in the 3rd round of the 2005 Rule 5 draft.
• EVAL: He had a terrible spring but I think we erred in what we were expecting. I acquired him with “Starting Pitcher” on the brain. Once we got a long look this spring it became clear that he was far more suited as a bullpen arm. He finished 3rd in 2001 in the Goose Gossage Award (3-3 1 SV 2.93 104 IP 114 K's 76 H). He was hurt in 2002 and only pitched in 16 gasmes out of the pen and Brooklyn used him as a swing man the last 3 years giving him 23 starts in 123 games. Usually low 90's but possesses one of the best wipeout sliders for a lefty in the game.
• CONTRACT: Signed a split contract that he guaranteed by making the club out of camp. He's making 335k this year and will be a free agent at years end.
• ROLE: As I said earlier there remains an option if Ramirez struggles to swap them out but I'd prefer he stick to a later innings role in the bullpen if possible.
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR THE PLAYER: Hope he pitches his ass off and is a guy teams want at the deadline. The contract and the fact he is 1) A lefty and 2) can start will be valuable. He's also never spent a single day on the DL (yes, I knocked on wood)

PLAYER: Jake Grab

• POS: RH RP
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 25 6'3” 210
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: 7th overall pick by New England in the 2002 draft out of UCLA. Took him as the 1st overall selection in last years rule 5 draft.
• EVAL: I believe 25 other teams would have made him the #1 pick in that draft as well. He's a groundball guy with a fastball comparable to any reliever in the game. His progress is slower than most expected mainly due to the fact that his curveball, whom everyone agrees is headed to ++ territory, has a long long way to go. That hook with a 98mph fastball makes him a closer in waiting. The strikeouts haven't come yet but our guys have him at 2.0* right now with 3.5* as his ceiling. There's a lot to do between now and then. He's also the leagues 196th rated prospect.
• CONTRACT: Signed for the league minimum and must be on the roster all year.
• ROLE: Both he and Mike Allen will likely get their bulk of work in the middle innings, at least to start the season.
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR THE PLAYER: I was honestly elated to see him in the Rule 5 pool. This is the exact player we need to 'find' through that draft and on the waiver wire. He's just 25 and my bet is he closes games for us if he stays here

PLAYER: Eddie Hein

• POS: RH RP
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 24 5'9” 170
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: Drafted by KC in the 6th round (137th overall) in 2003 out of Colorado U. Acquired in a trade with KC in June of last year along with Utemaro Nishida for SP Marsel Kharmandarian and RP Josh Halbert.
• EVAL: A siderarming 3 pitch reliever who induces ground balls. His + fastball (93-95) and avg split go with a strikout slider. Has trouble with lefties. Got a cup of coffee last september and punched out 6 over 3.2 innings.
• CONTRACT: League minimum and still at least 2 seasons off possible arbitration.
• ROLE: Expected to be more of a RH specialist and middle guy
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR THE PLAYER: Another young arm I am hoping develops here and stays here. Hoping to see him improve vs LHH.

PLAYER: Juan Madrid

• POS: RH RP
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 26 6'1” 210
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: Signed him as a free agent out of the Dominican in December.
• EVAL: As far as potential goes this guy has it. The leagues best fastball that on the lower end sits at 98-99 but routinely is at 100-102. A siderarmer with a +++ fastball and a slider that is right behind it. Scouts here and around the game have this kid at 5*. Had a spring game against Detroits A team in which he punched out 9 in 4.1 IP. His 22 K's in 13 innings are a harbinger. In 13 spring innings did not surrender an XBH to a RHH.
• CONTRACT: 2 years 2.21 million
• ROLE: He'll set up Benoit, for now, but he has all the makings of a bonafide shutdown closer someday soon.
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR THE PLAYER: Just pitch and stay healthy. Rated right now as one of the 3-4 best relievers under 28 in baseball. Honestly a steal for the money.

PLAYER: Brad Turner

• POS: LH RP
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 24 6'7” 220
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: Round 1 Supplemental pick (25th overall) by Minnesota in the 2003 draft. 2003 All American at Texas Tech. Traded for him along with Mike Allen and a 4th pick for Juan Pedemonte, RP Rogelio Cardenas 2B Micah Gilliard and SP Guoncallo Bzios in May of last year.
• EVAL: Another 24 year old monster of a kid with a huge arm. Comes over the top and routinely hits 100+. The exciting thing is that our guys have him as a 2.5* guy right now with a 5* future. Had a great spring but has enormous room to get better. His 12-6 hook has the potential to be a true wipeout pitch.
• CONTRACT: Making minimum with a 250K arbitration estimate this winter. I don't think he's going to qualify though.
• ROLE: He will team with Juan Madrid as the bridge to Benoit.
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR THE PLAYER: Another 'just pitch' guy. The sky is the limit here and like a few other arms in this pen he could close in the near future. I expect him to be a guy that competes for the Gossage award within the next 2-3 years.

PLAYER: Joaquin Benoit

• POS: Closer
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 28 6'5” 250
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: Signed him as a free agent last winter after he helped the Brother Elephants to a Chinese PBL League Championship.
• EVAL: The rare 3 pitch closer. I think we stole him simply by being the 1st in the door. With the other deals this winter on relievers he was almost illegally signed it feels like. He's another in a trio of triple digit arms at the back of our pen and with that fastball he features a hall of fame caliber change up. Add a ++ slider to the mix and you can see why there's so much excitement. I expect him to team up with the young guns in front of him to form one of the games best and deepest bullpens.
• CONTRACT: 3 years 1.41 million (Ya, not really fair at that number)
• ROLE: Closer, period.
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR THE PLAYER: Strike out everyone you face and most importantly stay healthy. No reason he can't be here for 5+ years. So many young power arms in the pen with him that the potential is insane.

Going off memory here but I believe not a single pitcher on this staff was on last years opening day roster.

[gehrig38]

OTHER PITCHERS AND TOP P PROSPECTS IN TARPON ORGANIZATION
(ABA 38 man) Jorge Balboa – 28 year old 6'3” 205 RH SP Acquired in a trade with KC he is a guy with a big arm and almost zero control. Last year in AA he punched out 71 and walked 81 in 111 innings.He routinely hits triple digits. In 512 AAA innings over 105 starts he's punched out 326 and walked 348. A true 'project' for AAA pitching coach Kevin Sheffield.

(ABA 38 man) Luca Martignoni – 30 year old 6'2” 205 LH SP/RP Went 4-5 4.78 in 17 starts for us last year. Good peripherals other than being able to muster just 92 innings in those 17 starts. His stamina created bullpen problems and sending him down was actually a tough call. But I want him starting at AAA because if he is to be valuable he is going to need to show he can get outs and be stretched out if we need him. Still throwing upper 90's and a legit LH relief option up here if we need him.

(ABA 38 man) Jorge Esparza – 26-year-old 6'1” 195 RH RP Snagged him off waivers last December from the Generals. He was the 14th overall pick in the 2001 draft out of Kansas. A 2 time All American he's absolutely in the future plans. He signed a big league deal but having 2 options left made it a move we needed to make after he had a very good spring. He knows he's one of the first names on the list if there is an injury, trade or move. He's also garnered a ton of interest from other clubs. The Spartans have had a rather strong interest over the past 2 months. They have a potentially intriguing match in a deal with 23 year old OF Katsumoto Sakamoto. No rush though, I'd like to see them both get off to a start and sample size to get a deeper understanding of their potential.

(ABA 38 man) Jorge Longoria – 25 year old 6'4” 225 RH RP Sent to AAA after a great spring more as a development thing. Had a good season last year up here going 0-2 1SV 4.75 in 59 G 55 IP 50 H 53 K 27 BB. Came down to an age/options/roster issue and given he still has room to grow he took the news very well. A siderarmer who rests at 95+ we snagged him as a minor league FA in November of 2004.

(ABA 38 man) Tony McKinney – 26 year old 6'4” 215 RH RP Acquired in a February deal with KC. Was thinking he may have a chance headed into camp to break with the club but a disaster of a spring saw him as the 1st guy sent out. Another high 90's to 100+ arm with a monster fastball and no real 2nd pitch. His slider as ++ potential but he's not even close to having it as a weapon. His control, or lack of, is the major issue here. That and he can't field his position worth a damn. Last year in AAA he threw 25 innings yielding just 1 HR while punching out 19 and walking a mind boggling 40 guys. Another project for our AAA pitching coach.

(ABA 38 man) Ismael Ybarra – 25 year old 6'5” 195 RH RP low to mid 90's with a + slider. Had a setback in camp that put him on the 60 day and then a hiccup in his rehab that forced him to miss most of the year. He's definitely a middle man who generally gets his outs in the air. In 17 innings he punched out 17 and walked 15 but had an excellent spring sporting a 1.42 ERA over his 12 innings with 12 K's and just 3 walks. Want to see him establish himselfa bit maybe get more of a grip on what exactly we have here.


TOP PROSPECTS
Kinnon Mendelson – 18 6' 175 RH SP The ABA's 8th ranked prospect and 4th ranked pitcher. Signed out of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada he's at our IL complex. He may be ready for Rio Rancho by the time their season starts but he's already sitting in the upper 90's with what projects to be a + cutter and + forkball. He just started tinkering with a Change up.

Jorge Portio – 18 6'3” 185 RH SP The first player in Tarpon history. Signed out of the Domincan Republic.Dropped from 25th to 29th in the ABA rankings he's a mid 90's guy right now with the makeup to be a 240+ innings top of the rotation ace. Right now he's sporting 6 different pitches. Normally that would never happen, as we would pare him down to 4 at most but he projects to have a + cutter, ++ curveball + slider + changeup ++ forkball and a + circle change (which is the same exact thing as a change up btw). Not quite ready to leave the complex but we'll see where he is come June.

[gehrig38]

• CATCHERS
  
  
• PLAYER: Jeff Burwell
• POS: Catcher
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 28 6'1” 220
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: Drafted in the 2nd round of the 2004 Expansion draft.
• EVAL: Spent the year at AAA and is a 4A player. However, he catches and calls like an everyday guy with great baseball IQ. Max Ramirez disastrous spring means he and Colbus will split duties this year.
• CONTRACT: ABA minimum. Will not be eligible for arbitration for another 2 seasons.
• ROLE: Half of the catching tandem.
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR THE PLAYER: I need both my catchers here to be, at a minimum, outstanding game callers, and defenders. Jeff is well above average in both areas. Has a decent eye for the strike zone too. Hit .265/.384/.441 in 262 PA at AAA last year.
  
  
• PLAYER: Cobus Nabbe
• POS: Catcher
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 32 5'8” 190
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: Signed as a 16-year-old out of the Netherlands in the ABA's inaugural season. Spent 10 years there before being dealt to New York in 2000 for OF Wilfredo Ramos. Signed as a minor league free agent with Phoenix in 2004. Became a free agent after 2004 where we signed him as a minor league FA in January of 2005.
• EVAL: Hit .258/.322/.419 with 18 HR 64 RBI in 131 games as our everyday catcher last year. No one expected the power, but it was a nice surprise. He's an above average receiver and game caller but not as good as Jeff in either dept. They are almost mirror images vs RHP and both are better vs lefties with Cobus' bat being a tick better in both areas. They are going to split time this year, Cobus won't be playing in 131 games again.
• CONTRACT: Last year of a 2 year 1.2 million dollar deal.
• ROLE: The other half of the catching tandem.
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR THE PLAYER: Much like Jeff I need him healthy and playing. Their bats aren't that far superior to Max Ramirez and the kid leaves them light years behind in both physical and mental tools behind the dish. It is also a position I need to start thinking about as it relates to organizational depth. Many of the AA and below backstops are older guys simply because they are able to help the younger arms mature faster.
  
  TOP CATCHING PROSPECTS
  
  
• Max Ramirez – 21 6'5” 255 Already considered the ABA's best defensive catcher. He's a beast at 6'5” which I've found never translates well into a lengthy catching career. Hope he is the exception. Spent all year at AAA as the youngest player in the league and hit .273/.320/.391 with 9 HR and 51 RBI in 83 G and 335 PA. He had a horrid spring going 7-41 so it made the demotion easy on everyone. If he could put up those AAA numbers in the ABA he'd be the opening day starter for the next decade. My hope is to get him a full season with 120+ games and hope the bat gets better.
  
  
• INFIELDERS
• PLAYER: Juan Barraco
• POS: 1B
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 26 6'2” 225
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: Signed out of the Dominican Republic by Los Angeles in 1997. Acquired along with C Jonathan Roller in exchange for OF Jarrod Dyson in December of 2004
• EVAL: Florida's 1st ABA All-Star and the teams MVP. Tied for the league lead with 159 starts, 4th in hits at 197 and 6th in AVG at .313 Won Rookie of the Month twice and finished 2nd in the Jackie Robinson Award voting. Had a fantastic season with a slash line of .323/.370/.521 hitting 31 2B 5 3B 30 HR and driving in 108. He was hitting north of .400 for the seasons first 5-6 weeks. I think the length of the schedule wore him down but he far exceeded expectations. He handles RHP/LHP pretty much the same way with no real weakness. The major concern is that he's a huge defensive liability which means when he's available Ajani Foggie will be a late inning defensive sub.
• CONTRACT: 134K 1-year deal. Possibly arbitration eligible after this year (1.15m estimate)
• ROLE: He's going to hit 5th in both lineups. He'll play 1st vs RHP and DH vs LHP
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR THE PLAYER: Just like to see him get better defensively so as not to take up a roster spot needing a late inning replacement.
  
  
• PLAYER: Ajani Foggie
• POS: 1B/OF
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 25 6'2” 215
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: Drafted out of U of Maryland in 2001. San Diego Supplemental pick in the 1st round (20th overall). Acquired him in a December deal along with OF TJ Rand for CF Jimmy Owen, OF Sean Bowden, RP Luis Mieses and 1B Yuusei Nakamura and a 9th round pick.
• EVAL: Really a 1B/DH guy with emergency OF possibility. Had a great spring hitting .353/.477/.559 over 34 AB's. Last year had a little trouble adjusting hitting .232/.330/.598 in 26 games and 94 PA. Did hit.311/.418/.567 in 97 AAA games with 23 HR 85 RBI's striking out just 51 times to 64 walks. Runs very well. He's a legit middle of the order bat who can get after left-handed pitching.
• CONTRACT: ABA Minimum and won't be Arbitration eligible until after 2007 possibly
• ROLE: He'll be a late inning defensive replacement for Juan at 1B as well as a bat off the bench vs LH pitching and he'll start at 1B vs left-handed pitching and hit 3rd.
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR THE PLAYER: Scouts have him at 1.5* now with more improvement to be made. I think he's got a higher ceiling than they do with the potential to be a .300 30 HR guy.
  
  
• PLAYER: Jon Harris
• POS: 2B/SS
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 26 5'11” 185
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: 2nd round pick out of Duke by the Milwaukee Hawks (33rd overall) in the 2001 draft. Acquired with SP Nate Ramirez in February deal with Milwaukee
• EVAL:
• CONTRACT: ABA minimum. Will not be arbitration eligible until after the 2007 season as a Super 2
• ROLE: Starting 2B. I spoke at length this winter about being strong “up the middle”. Last year was a hodgepodge of players manning 2B for us and it was appearing as if we'd enter the year with that same mix. However, after the deal to land Mike Haupt, I made a very focused concerted effort to find a 2B that was above average as a defender. Jon was that guy. He's a + defender and a ++ runner who can steal 40+ bases. He'll draw his walks but more importantly shouldn't swing and miss much. He has little to no power from an HR perspective (though he did hit 17 in 2004 in AA and 14 last year in 53 AAA games) but his legs will help him hit 30+ doubles a year I think. He's an RH hitter who will hit 8th vs RHP and move up to 2nd vs LHP.
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR THE PLAYER: Just get better and stay healthy. He makes our lineup potentially very lethal vs LHP.
  
  
• PLAYER: Juan Figueroa
• POS: 3B
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 25 6' 205
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: FA signing out of Panama in 1997 by Milwaukee. Became a minor league FA in 2004 where we signed him.
• EVAL: September call-up last year hitting .268/.333/.476 in 22 games with 5 HR and 15 RBI. Didn't have a great spring but our scouts think last year at AA/AAA where he hit 34 HR and drove in 116 runs in 127 combined games are more who he is. He's a defensive liability right now though he does have a very good arm. Limited range which is not an issue at 3B.
• CONTRACT: ABA minimum, won't be arbitration eligible until after 2007 at the earliest.
• ROLE: One of the other pluses is he does not have a weak side. He hits righties every bit as good as lefties. He'll open hitting 7th vs RHP and move up to 6th vs LHP.
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR THE PLAYER: Another guy I just want to play and keep developing. I need his defense to improve at the very least.
  
  
• PLAYER: Josh Klatt
• POS: SS/LF
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 25 6'2” 205
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: San Francisco drafted him in the 7th round of the 2002 draft (168th overall) out of Virginia. Acquired in a trade with SF, along with their 5th rounder for RP Jeremy Morrison.
• EVAL:
• CONTRACT: 134K and will be arbitration eligible possibly as early as this next offseason as a super 2 (arb est 160K)
• ROLE: He's our starting shortstop. He is an elite defender with exceptional tools. He is a very good LF as well if that should arise. Hit .311/.390/.406 in 29 AAA games last year and then .271/.346/.486 in 25 ABA games with the Bears where he had been relegated to a backup role. Again citing my offseason desire to get strong up the middle a good fielding SS was a must and he fits that bill.
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR THE PLAYER: Just need him to stabilize the infield and anchor the defense. His attitude is a very 'me first' thing and I am hoping that being 25 he'll look around and see that needs to change.
  
  
• PLAYER: Ernesto Rodelo
• POS: Utility IF
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 23 6'2” 190
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: Singed by Vegas as a minor league FA out of Puerto Rico in 1999. Taken by St Louis in the 2004 Rule 5 draft. Acquired in a trade with St Louis for 2B Kosaku Nakamura.
• EVAL: Combine his ++ defensive ability with the fact he is an above average to elite defender at 2B, SS, and 3B and is just 23 years old and this was a player we specifically targeted. Not him individually at first, but that age, versatility combo. Kosaku had played 2B for us and hit a little bit last year and was likely headed to be our 2B again this year. Once we managed to snag Harris and Klatt my goal was to find a guy who was versatile defensively and not an automatic out. I think I got far more than that. We think this kid will hit .270+, will walk a bunch and not strike out a lot. I think last years 106 K's to just 33 walks and his .214/.292./.277 slash line was 100% due to not being ready for the ABA but being handed an everyday job.
• CONTRACT: 134K and won't be arb eligible until after 2007
• ROLE: St Louis was looking for a 2B and I was looking for a jack of all trades utility guy who was an above average defender at more than one spot.
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR THE PLAYER: Want to use him as a 'breather' guy to give guys off days on matchups that work as well as a late inning defensive replacement.
  
  
  38 MAN ROSTER
  
• (ABA 38 man) Dusty Barber 26 5'11” 205 1B/3B – Hit a nightmarish .164/.266/.236 in 72 games with the big club last year. A good defensive option at both corners. He doesn't run, and I don't think his bat is that bad (.271/.411/.435 in 31 AAA games and he hit .285-23-84 in 132 AA games in 2004 with a .402 OBP). He's a 4A guy I think but provides depth and insurance.
  
  
• (ABA 38 man) Jeremy Crimi 6'1” 190 SS/3B – Already considered a ++ defender at both positions he flew onto our radar last year after hitting a combined .344-10-57 in 102 combined games at AA and AAA last season. Sported a .434 OBP and slugged .577 with 37 2B and 6 3B. Went 17-17 in SB.
  
  
• TOP INFIELD PROSPECTS
  
  
• Luis Salinas 3B 20 5'11” 175 ABA's 103rd ranked prospect and our top infield prospect. Had a great short season at Hobbs hitting .336/.401/.558 in 65 games with 19 2B 9 3B and 8 HR while driving in 58. Struggled a tad in Farmington in a brief late season call up and will start at Hobbs again this year. He's got great gap to gap power but won't hit 10 homers a year. He's already rated as one of the games fastest runners and he's starting to see that translate into better-stolen base %. He's limited to 3B as a defender but has an absolute cannon of an arm.
  
  
• Satoshi Kumagai SS 17 6'1” 175 ABA's 126th ranked prospect. Plays 3B and SS but he's moving exclusively to short once he's ready to head to Rio Rancho, which may be this year. He does not swing and miss. Doesn't hit for power yet but projects to be a 15-20 homer guy. He's got the smarts to have an above average approach to the zone but still a long ways to go. Doesn't run really well but is an exceptionally smart baserunner and base stealer. Great infield tools, should pan out as a very good shortstop.
  
  
• Arturo Mendoza SP 6'3” 195 ABA's 153rd rated prospect. He falls here in the report but an organization decision at today's meetings has seen a philosophical change. Given what we think his offensive ceiling is and looking at this toolset as a pitcher it doesn't make sense to split his development time. He throws high 90's, comfortably. He threw well in limited innings last year and he really did hit well too. He's a good defender but at a position, we feel we are very deep organizationally. As of today, he will focus exclusively on the mound this year barring some setback or change. He is ok with that. He is equally effective to hitters from either side and right now he's featuring 6 pitches. His slider, fastball split and fork all grade out as avg to above.

[gehrig38]

• OUTFIELD
  
  
• PLAYER: T.J. Rand
• POS: LF
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 25 5'11” 190
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: 6th round pick out of Iowa in the 2002 draft by San Diego (127th overall). Acquired along with Ajani Foggie from San Diego in a deal last August.
• EVAL: Above average defender with a cannon. Runs well above average and is the definition of a 'puts the bat on the ball type hitter. He won't walk a lot but neither will he punch out. No real home run threat but he will get his XBH. Dominates RHP but doesn't slouch vs LHP. His 1st year he absolutely destroyed rookie league and short-season pitching to the tune of .456/.522/.610 in 65 games. Jumped to AA in '03 and had a great season (.322 35 2B 12 3B 15 HR and a .398 OBP) but oddly enough was sent down to Class A Georgetown the next season. In 107 games at AAA last year he hit .321/.371/.443 with 29 2B 3 3B and 7 HR. He's the guy we hope to get the offense going with and is coming off an outstanding spring.
• CONTRACT: ABA minimum and not Arbitration eligible until possibly after 2007 as a super 2
• ROLE: We are going to start the season with him hitting 2nd vs RHP and platooning with Hayashi vs LHP.
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR THE PLAYER: Hoping one of them shows some ability to handle lefties, TJ's issue is he does not walk so he'll need to hit his way on.
  
  
• PLAYER: Mike Haupt
• POS: CF/LF/RF
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 23 5'11” 185
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: No need to go into detail but suffice to say we 'gave up the farm' to bring him here.
• EVAL: In 306 games over 2 years his slash numbers are as follows. .317/.426/.570 with 61 HR and 204 RBI's 356 hits and 217 runs. His two years encompass 2 all star appearances and 2 silver sluggers. Hit 3 HR's 7/18/2004 vs Las Vegas. He is very easily a future hall of famer should he remain healthy and the player I've opted to build this entire team around.
• CONTRACT: ABA minimum with arbitration coming at years end (arb est 3.5 million). Hoping to get him signed to a lengthy extension. Initial discussions did not go well as he is asking for 9 years with an opt-out at 4 and insane dollars.
• ROLE: Lineup anchor, franchise anchor, season ticket magnet. Anything less will be disappointing
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR THE PLAYER: See above
• SPECIAL NOTE: He strained his calf last week and is a day or two away from being ready so, unfortunately, he's not going to be in the opening day lineup vs St Louis.
  
  
• PLAYER: Geoff Gilmore
• POS: RF
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 26 5'10” 190
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: Taken in the 2nd round (36th overall) in 2001 by New York, did not sign, went back to Oregon State and was drafted again in 2002 by Alaska (65th overall). Acquired in 6 player deal with the 'other' Geoff in June of last year from Alaska.
• EVAL: I made that trade with the mindset both Geoff's would be potential lineup members. Turns out this guy was far better of the two. He's a good enough defender in right but I could use more range. Has a cannon. Runs ok not big on stealing bases. A RH flyball hitter his spray chart is pretty. Line to line with 30+ HR pop and a better than avg awareness of the strike zone. He was struggling big time when we acquired him (.198/.274/.302 in 106 PA for Alaska) and went to Alamogordo and in 211 PA hit .267/.370/.478 with 10 HR 33 RBI in 44 games. His September call-up saw him play in just 9 games but in 33 PA he hit 5 HR drove in 9 with a slash line of .357/.455/.929. He hits lefties better but not by much as he can handle RHP
• CONTRACT: ABA minimum and might possibly be arbitration eligible after 2007 as a Super 2
• ROLE: Will backup vs RHP and platoon every now and then and will hit cleanup vs LHP in right field.
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR THE PLAYER: Just get at-bats and get better.
  
  
• PLAYER: Makata Hayashi
• POS: LF/RF
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 21 6'4” 215
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: Early bird gets the worm.When we found out he was coming available we did everything possible to make sure he knew how much we wanted him. Signed a 4 year 8.58 million dollar ABA contract (4th year is club option at 2.25M with a 250K buyout). I honestly don't think he had time to sit back and look around which was exactly what we wanted.
• EVAL: His bat is triple crown capable. Not sure there's any other way to put it. Legit 50+ HR power, legit batting title type hitter who can do deep no matter what park we're in, from foul pole to foul pole.
• CONTRACT: 4 years 8.58 million with the 4th year a club option
• ROLE: Will hit cleanup every day vs RHP and play RF. Likely platooning a bit vs lefties.
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR THE PLAYER: Hopefully this is the type of player that takes home hardware on a contract that's insanely club friendly. ABA predicts a monster year for him
  
  
• PLAYER: Chris Grider
• POS: DH
• AGE/HGT/WGT: 28 6'3” 220
• HOW THEY GOT HERE: Supplemental pick of Jacksonville (23rd overall) in the 1999 draft. Signed him to a 4 year deal in December after he declared FA
• EVAL: Left-handed power bat who crushes RHP. He'll likely platoon out vs LHP. His dominance of RHP is so extreme it warrants a spot even if that spot is wedged into a small box. He crushes righties, with an OPS of .910 and 108 homers and 349 RBI's 92 2B and 13 3B. His numbers are much more pedestrian vs LHP.
• CONTRACT: 4 years 2.9 million (4th-year player option at 950K)
• ROLE: He will hit 3rd vs RHP and sit vs lefties to start the year. Coming off the bench as a late game LH bat for matchups.
• GM OBJECTIVE FOR THE PLAYER: If you look at his age, and his contract, he would serve this club to perfection if he could generate a massive 1st half and head into the deadline crushing the ball. I don't need to keep him here to help me finish .500 but if he can fetch me a top prospect at the deadline then this turns out exactly as I had hoped when I signed him.
  
  38 MAN ROSTER
  
• (ABA 38 man) Juan Tovar 26 6'1” 205 LF A tremendous clubhouse presence who followed a disastrous .201/.273/.385 season with a horrible spring. The team reacted poorly to his demotion and that speaks more to his character than theirs. He's a once in a lifetime leader and I hope he starts tearing the cover off the ball but none of our scouts rate him higher than 1.5* in potential and across the board an average bat. Punched out 127 times in just 403 PA last year. He's in AAA in case of an injury.
  
  TOP PROSPECTS
  
  
• Juan Guerra 17 6'2” 180 LF/RF We've invested heavily in the international market and head scout Luis Mora has made that pay off. This kid is by many accounts a once in a generation bat. Guys have very calmly said he's a potential .330/.450/.550 hitter. Runs well, has a cannon and will likely settle into a corner OF position. He's just 17 and the ABA's 116th ranked prospect
  
  
  
  OTHER PLAYERS OF NOTE
• Late in the spring I managed to convince 33-year-old veteran SP Jorge Saiz to a minor league contract as his opportunities seemed to dwindle. He still has a big arm, sitting in the high 90's. He's 43-51 2 SV 5.39 over 224 games and 125 starts. In 874 IP he's punched out 845, walked 323 to 909 hits. He's out of options and has RoR so he's in AAA until there's an emergency because once he's up he stays until I can trade him. He'll open up for Alamogordo.

[gehrig38]

2006 OPENING DAY LINEUP

2B Harris
CF Haupt
1B Foggie
RF Gilmore
DH Barranco
3B Figueroa
LF Hayashi
C Nabbe
SS Klatt

SP Barlow

Not only are there just 2 players from last years opening day lineup here, but those 2 are the only players that were IN the organization last year opening day.

• SUBJECT: WEEK 1 NOTES
  SCHEDULE: Home Opener vs St Louis (3) 3 @ New York 1 vs Las Vegas
  
  RESULTS:
• 4/3: FLA 9 STL 4 4 run 3rd and 4th 12 hits (Figueroa only starter hitless) Barranco 3 RBI Hayashi 3 R Doherty 2.1 IP W 2 H 2 BB 4 K 0 R
• Valle (STL) 3.2 IP 9 H 8 ER (L)
• 4/4: FLA 6 STL 4 Hayashi 2-3 2 HR Camp 4 IP 6 K 5 BB 95 pitches Benoit SV (1)
• Jorge Alvarado (NY) went 5-6 2B HR 7 RBI in a 17-8 win over Memphis
• 4/5: FLA 4 STL 3 Chase 7 IP 3 H 5 K Benoit 0 IP 3 BB Harris HR (1)
• Season opening 3 game sweep
• Claimed 36-year-old Catcher Bryan Holaday off waivers from Memphis today. I am going to try sneaking him through waivers. He's a legend in AAA for working with young pitching and helping develop young pitchers. I am going to put him on the 40 man and option him in hopes of him clearing.
• 4/6: FLA 7 NY 4 Ramirez 6.2 IP 7 K 2 ER Madrid SV (1) Haupt 2-3 2B HR (1) Rand 3-5 Hayashi 3-4 2 HR (4) 6 RBI
• Milwaukee snagged Miner's reliever Jake Garvin in a surprising waiver claim.
• 4/7: FLA 14 NY 5 Rand 4-6 2 RBI Figueroa, Harris Nabbe each with 3 hits Tim Agresta comes out after 2 IP, diagnosis incoming.
• Texas announced their prized offseason acquisition SP Sean Cockley has a torn UCL and will miss the 2006 season. Cockley signed a 6 year 25.4 million dollar deal this past winter
• 4/8: FLA 12 NY 7 (11) Klatt 3-6 HR (1) 3 RBI Barranco 4 RBI
• The Washington Jets signed 26-year-old Dellin Betances
• 4/9: LV 4 FLA 3 (11) Domenic Loetzsch 2-5 HR (4) 2 RBI (13) Petit 2.2 IP 5 K W (1-0)
• Hayashi HR (5)
  
  AL POTW - Eric Hecht (MEM) - .476-4-9
  NL POTW – Juan Magana (SF) .480-5-11
  
  RECORD: 6-1
  PLACE: 1st +2
  RUNS SCORED: 55 2nd
  RUNS GIVEN UP: 31 t-5th
  DEFENSE: .748 1st
  OWNER MOOD: Upset FANS 58/100
  
  Wow. I knew the club had been remade and that our record was far ahead of our starting pitching (5.29 8th) but this was nice to see. One concern, 3 different pitchers were hurt. Doherty was DtD but is fine, the same thing with Tim Agresta who's DtD for one more day. On Sunday Jace Camp came up with a strained back which will likely make him miss one start.
  
  OPENING WEEK NEWS
  Memphis SP Jared Graham announced he will be retiring at seasons end. 117-122 4.82 2000 AL Gold Glove winner

[gehrig38]

SUBJECT: WEEK 2 NOTES
SCEHDULE: 2 vs Las Vegas 3 @ Detroit OFF DAY 1 @ Chicago

RESULTS:

• 4/10: LV 4 FLA 3 Loetzsch 2-4 2 HR (6) 3 RBI (16)
• Chase 7 IP 6 H 4 K 1 ER Grider 2-5 HR (3) RBI (6)
• 4/11: FLA 5 LV 4 Barranco walk-off 3R HR Ramirez 6 IP 6 K 6 H 3 BB 2 ER Hein W (1-0)
• Loetzsch homers in every game 4 in the series.
• Milwaukee LF Utemaro Nishida ruptured his MCL and will miss the year. We dealt Nishida once we landed Harris to play 2B this winter.
• 4/12: DET 4 FLA 3 Hayashi solo HR in the 9th (6) ties it, Dan Carthen walks it off with a solo in the bottom half. Figueroa makes his 4th error
• Agresta 6 IP 3 K 3 BB 5 H 3 ER
• Punisher 3B Tony Stockwell tore his ACL and will miss the remainder of the season.
• 4/13: RAIN OUT
• Dan Goodman (BRK) went 5-5 in a 4-3 loss to Las Vegas
• 4/14: GAME 1 DET 8 FLA 2 Brooks CG 4 H 7 K 2 ER (1-2 8.62) Bullpen imploded Hein giving up 2 of 3 IR and Grab 3 in 1.1 IP. 7 runs in the 7th and 8th
• 4/14: GAME 2 DET 6 FLA 5 Masrcus Futrell 3-4 2 HR 5 RBI (GW 2R HR in the 8th) Gilmore (1) & Haupt (3) homer
• 4/15: OFF DAY Catcher Bryan Haladay cleared waivers and was sent to AAA. He'll backup Max Ramirez and spell him vs RHP every now and then as well as serve as an emergency guy should he be needed.
• Pittsburgh extended newly signed reliever Clint Mcalhaney to a 2 year 4.64m dollar extension.
• 4/16: FLA 6 CHI 3 Chase W (2-0 2.45) 8 IP 6 H 3 K Benoit SV (2) Haupt (4) Grider (4) homer
• Jacksonville righty Teagan Savoie tossed a no-hitter in a 3-0 win over KC today. He punched out 9 and walked 4.

AL POTW - Chris Hastings (MIN) 9-20 4 HR 9 RBI (ya, that Chris Hastings)
NL POTW – Zach Hogue (POR) 10-24 4 HR 7 RBI

RECORD: 2-4 (8-5 1 GB)
PLACE: 2nd
RUNS SCORED: 79 3rd
RUNS GIVEN UP: 60 4th
DEFENSE: .759 1st
OWNER MOOD: Upset (58/100)

SOME FRONT OFFICE NEWS
Season ticket sales skyrocketed 58.9% this winter and attendance through our first 6 home games is up 51.8% from 20,625 to 31,313.

ABA NEWS
Las Vegas is off to a 12-1 start. 2005 Triple Crown winner Domenic Loetzsch is tied for the AL lead with 7 HR and leading the AL with 18 RBI's.
Jonathon Doherty is 3-0 for us, having gotten the win in his last 3 relief appearances.

[gehrig38]

WEEK 3 NEWS
SUBJECT: WEEK 3 NOTES
SCEHDULE: 2 @ Chicago 3 vs Denver 2 @ Minnesota

RESULTS:

• 4/17: FLA 9 CHI 5 Doherty 3.2 IP 1 ER W (4-0) Haupt HR (5) 3 RBI (12) Rand 2B 3 RBI (7) Ramirez ND 4.1 IP 7 K 6 H 98 pitches
• 4/18: FLA 10 CHI 8 Hayashi HR (7) 3 RBI (17) Klatt 3-5 2B HR (3) 2 RBI (8) Figueroa HR (1) Benoit SV (3)
• 4/19: DEN 14 FLA 6 Juan Castillo 4-6 2B HR (5) 2 RBI Mike Mayo 4-5 HR (5) 3 RBI Alward W (3-1 5.47) 7.2 IP 5 ER 7 K
• Barlow L (0-2) 6 ER 8 H 3 IP
• 4/20: FLA 5 DEN 2 Haupt 3-4 BB Figueroa HR (3) 4 RBI (14) Camp W (1-0) 6 IP 6 H 2 K 2 ER Benoit SV (4)
• Joe Van Kirk (TEX) (3-0 2.60) tossed a 2 hitter facing just 29 hitters on 88 pitches in a 2-0 win over Pittsburgh
• Farmington Arturo Mendoza fell to 0-3 5.40 in 3 starts. He's not throwing terrible but he has a 10/7 KK/BB ratio in 16.2 IP
• Our defensive efficiency sits at .741, which is tops in the ABA. That was a big goal this winter, to improve the defense. A goal I'd hoped to achieve over the next 2-3 offseasons and this is far sooner than expected. It's definitely one of the big reasons behind the team's early success.
• 4/21: DEN 7 FLA 6 Pat Scott 3-5 2B HR (4) 2 RBI (9)
• Figueroa 3-4 2B HBP (.344-3-14) Chase 7 ER 5 IP (2-1 4.33)
• Heading to Minnesota. Mike Haupt should be well received. Chris Hastings is hitting .262-4-9 and last years #1 overall pick Joe Linn actually broke camp with the big club and is in a long relief role.
• 4/22: FLA 12 MIN 5 A 9 run top of the 9th turned a 5-3 deficit into a 12-5 win. Former Tarpon Juan Pedemonte gave up 5 hits and 5 ER without recording an out in the 9th. Ismael Orta took a 5-0 lead into the 8th. 8 IP 6 K 8 H 3 ER ND
• Haupt 3-6 2B Barraco 3-5 2B 2 RBI (15) Grider HR (5)
• 9th inning went 1B, K, 2B, 1B, HR, Pedemonte comes in 2B, 1B, 1B, 1B, 1B
  
  CLUBHOUSE NEWS
  DH Chris Grider made comments post game that has many, including manager Kevin Jackson, in a pissed off mood. To paraphrase his comments he basically made it clear to anyone and everyone that while “I love to win”, losing “isn't something I take home”. In and of itself that's fine, but later in the interview when talking about the loss to Denver 2 nights ago “Hey man, don't look at me, I did my job”.....Stay tuned.
  
  NEWS FROM ABROAD
  Clemson ace and prize prospect Nehemiah Russaw no-hit the Duke Blue Devils today. He is a player many clubs have in the upper 1st round on their board, including us. He's 5-0 1.87 with 75.2 IP 29 H 59 K this year. Clemson is ranked #1 across college baseball and they're featuring some future ABA talent in addition to Russaw. Freshman Chris Blasberg is hitting .310-5-15 and scouts have his offense as potential 1st round ceiling.
  
  
• 4/23: FLA 12 MIN 7 Chris Hastings went 4-5 2B HR 3 RBI and reliever John Doherty apparently thought his HR trot in the 7th was a bit much. Doherty drilled the next hitter Mike Sestak and the benches cleared.
• Haupt 2-5 HR (6) 3 RBI Barranco 2-4 2B (5) HR (4) 4 RBI (19) and Chris Grider drilled a PH Grand Slam. Tim Agresta W (2-0 7.65) 6.2 IP 10 H 3 K 5 ER
• We touched up Joe Linn in 1.2 innings of work hitting a HR and scoring 3.

LEAGUE SUSPENDS TARPONS DOHERTY, HUSKIES SESTAK
A bench-clearing brawl initiated by Florida pitcher Joe Doherty saw both he and the hitter he drilled, Minnesota left fielder Mike Sestak suspended 3 games each and fined 50k.


AL POTW - Domenic Loetzsch (LV) 13-26 2 HR 7 RBI
NL POTW – Chris Beard (SAN) 17-34 4 HR 14 RBI

RECORD: 4-2 (13-7 +1)
PLACE: 1st +1
RUNS SCORED: 139 1st
RUNS GIVEN UP: 108 6th
DEFENSE: .732 1st
OWNER MOOD: Upset (58/100)

[gehrig38]

WEEK 3 NEWS
SUBJECT: WEEK 3 NOTES
SCEHDULE: 2 @ Chicago 3 vs Denver 2 @ Minnesota

RESULTS:

• 4/17: FLA 9 CHI 5 Doherty 3.2 IP 1 ER W (4-0) Haupt HR (5) 3 RBI (12) Rand 2B 3 RBI (7) Ramirez ND 4.1 IP 7 K 6 H 98 pitches
• 4/18: FLA 10 CHI 8 Hayashi HR (7) 3 RBI (17) Klatt 3-5 2B HR (3) 2 RBI (8) Figueroa HR (1) Benoit SV (3)
• 4/19: DEN 14 FLA 6 Juan Castillo 4-6 2B HR (5) 2 RBI Mike Mayo 4-5 HR (5) 3 RBI Alward W (3-1 5.47) 7.2 IP 5 ER 7 K
• Barlow L (0-2) 6 ER 8 H 3 IP
• 4/20: FLA 5 DEN 2 Haupt 3-4 BB Figueroa HR (3) 4 RBI (14) Camp W (1-0) 6 IP 6 H 2 K 2 ER Benoit SV (4)
• Joe Van Kirk (TEX) (3-0 2.60) tossed a 2 hitter facing just 29 hitters on 88 pitches in a 2-0 win oFarmingtonurgh
• At Farmington Arturo Mendoza fell to 0-3 5.40 in 3 starts. He's not throwing terrible but he has a 10/7 KK/BB ratio in 16.2 IP
• Our defensive efficiency sits at .741, which is tops in the ABA. That was a big goal this winter, to improve the defense. A goal I'd hoped to achieve over the next 2-3 offseasons and this is far sooner than expected. It's definitely one of the big reasons behind the teams' early success.
• 4/21: DEN 7 FLA 6 Pat Scott 3-5 2B HR (4) 2 RBI (9)
• Figueroa 3-4 2B HBP (.344-3-14) Chase 7 ER 5 IP (2-1 4.33)
• Heading to Minnesota. Mike Haupt should be well received . Chris Hastings is hitting .262-4-9 and last years #1 overall pick Joe Linn actually broke camp with the big club and is in a long relief role.
• 4/22: FLA 12 MIN 5 A 9 run top of the 9th turned a 5-3 deficit into a 12-5 win. Former Tarpon Juan Pedemonte gave up 5 hits and 5 ER without recording an out in the 9th. Ismael Orta took a 5-0 lead into the 8th. 8 IP 6 K 8 H 3 ER ND
• Haupt 3-6 2B Barraco 3-5 2B 2 RBI (15) Grider HR (5)
• 9th inning went 1B, K, 2B, 1B, HR, Pedemonte comes in 2B, 1B, 1B, 1B, 1B
  
  CLUBHOUSE NEWS
  DH Chris Grider made comments post game that has many, including manager Kevin Jackson, in a pissed off mood. To paraphrase his comments he basically made it clear to anyone and everyone that while “I love to win”, losing “isn't something I take home”. In and of itself that's fine, but later in the interview when talking about the loss to Denver 2 nights ago “Hey man, don't look at me, I did my job”.....Stay tuned.
  
  NEWS FROM ABROAD
  Clemson ace and prize prospect Nehemiah Russaw no-hit the Duke Blue Devils today. He is a player many clubs have in the upper 1st round on their board, including us. He's 5-0 1.87 with 75.2 IP 29 H 59 K this year. Clemson is ranked #1 across college baseball and they're featuring some future ABA talent in addition to Russaw. Freshman Chris Blasberg is hitting .310-5-15 and scouts have his offense as potential 1st round ceiling.
  
  
• 4/23: FLA 12 MIN 7 Chris Hastings went 4-5 2B HR 3 RBI and reliever John Doherty apparently thought his HR trot in the 7th was a bit much. Doherty drilled the next hitter Mike Sestak and the benches cleared.
• Haupt 2-5 HR (6) 3 RBI Barranco 2-4 2B (5) HR (4) 4 RBI (19) and Chris Grider drilled a PH Grand Slam. Tim Agresta W (2-0 7.65) 6.2 IP 10 H 3 K 5 ER
• We touched up Joe Linn in 1.2 innings of work hitting a HR and scoring 3.

LEAGUE SUSPENDS TARPONS DOHERTY, HUSKIES SESTAK
A bench-clearing brawl initiated by Florida pitcher Joe Doherty saw both he and the hitter he drilled, Minnesota left fielder Mike Sestak suspended 3 games each and fined 50k.


AL POTW - Domenic Loetzsch (LV) 13-26 2 HR 7 RBI
NL POTW – Chris Beard (SAN) 17-34 4 HR 14 RBI

RECORD: 4-2 (13-7 +1)
PLACE: 1st +1
RUNS SCORED: 139 1st
RUNS GIVEN UP: 108 6th
DEFENSE: .732 1st
OWNER MOOD: Upset (58/100)

[gehrig38]

SUBJECT: WEEK 4 NOTES
SCHEDULE: 1 A Minnesota 3 vs Milwaukee OFF DAY 2 @ Ohio

RESULTS:

ABA SUSPENDS TARPONS GRIDER PENDING HEARING
The ABA has announced a 5 game suspension for Tarpon DH Chris Grider after rumors surfaced he had acted 'inappropriately' during a post-game press conference the other day. A female reporter from the Miami Herald has filed a sexual harassment complaint vs the Tarpons and the ABA. Owner Juan Medina could not be reached for comment and GM Gehrig Schilling replied via email “We are looking into this matter. This is not, and never will be acceptable behavior by anyone in this organization.”

LATE NIGHT OFFICE VISIT
I Just got off the phone with Andy Viano. Andy is the 33-year-old hot shot GM for the Los Angeles Storm. LA is a GM's nightmare in that fans and media drive their agenda almost as much as real baseball decisions. I have not told anyone, nor will I, that Mr. Medina has insisted, not suggested, that I trade slugger Chris Grider. I didn't even try to defend this one. Word has it that there was a clubhouse incident and it will come out sooner or later. Given where I had him fitting here and what I was hoping to get done this changes everything and does so on a timetable that if I do not handle this right I could lose a player that should net me a legitimate return. Anyway, LA is off to a 10-11 start made all the worse by the Bears sitting at 15-6. Their offense is dead last in runs, OBP, and HR. Knowing all that prior to the call I went hard, fast. I tried to keep calm after mentioning 2005 1st rounder Jeff Faulkner. We loved him in the draft and never expected to be around in round 2, and he wasn't, going 27th overall to LA. Now having said that I made it clear it was going to need to be more than one guy, and the 2nd player in this deal had to be an ABA ready bat (which given their win it all now approach was unlikely) or another prospect. I told him I wanted AAA prospect Bobby Pergande, their #2 pick in 2002. He's got 1 option left and is making minimum but he's ready now if that needed to be the case, which it does not. We ended the discussion there. He said he needed to talk to 'his guys'. If this leaks I lose any leverage I think I may have.

• 4/24: MIN 2 FLA 0 Ignacio Justiniano 7.2 IP 4 H 8 K 5 BB W (2-2 4.50) Myres SV (5)
• Barlow CG 5 H 6 K
• 4/25: MIL 15 FLA 2 Geoff Wimer 4-4 2 2B 4 R 2 RBI (.258-1-8) Alfredo Ulloa 3-6 HR (2) (.380) Chris Ryan 4-6 4 RBI (.348-4-17) Jeff Black 7.2 IP 3H 2 ER
• Camp 3 IP 11 H 8 ER
• Jacksonville reliever Jonathan Jahnke will miss the rest of the 2006 season with a torn UCL.
• Chicago signed reliever Stever Ferdman to a 1 year 1.08 million dollar deal (we were trying to persuade him to think about coming here)
  
  EMBATTLED SLUGGER SENT PACKING
  The Florida Tarpons today announced they had reached an agreement with the Los Angeles Storm that will send 28-year-old Slugger Chris Grider to LA in exchange for SP prospect Jeff Faulkner and IF Bobby Pergande. Faulkner was the Storms 1st round selection in the 2005 draft. LA GM Andy Viano appeared to be surprised when he arrived at the park today as there was a rather large crowd of women picketing outside the Storms front offices. GM Gehrig Schilling was not available for comment.
  
  After the press conference, it was announced that Pergande had been added to their 38 man roster and recalled to the Florida club while Faulkner was sent to Class A Farmington.
  
  Pergande will serve as a 6th infielder as Ajani Foggie will move into the everyday lineup at 1B and Juan Barranco will serve as the clubs primary DH.
  
  
• 4/26: FLA 4 MIL 2 Chase 8 IP 9 H 2 ER Benoit SV (5) HR Gilmore (5)
• Chris Edge (SF) punched out 15 over 8 to beat KC 3-2
• 4/27: MIL 2 FLA 1 Ramirez 7.1 IP 3 H 8 K 0 R Madrid BS (1) Juan Carrasco GW HR (3)
• Omezo Yamamura 8 IP 4 H 3 K 1 ER ND
• 4/28: OFF DAY
• Much needed. Makata Hayashi started the season on fire but is just 5 for his last 50 1 HR and 4 RBI's. His slash line has gone from the 1st week of .381/.444/.952 to .187/.290/.451. Not sure how much longer I can keep running Foggie out there. He's just 3-35 on the season with 1 XBH.
• 4/29: FLA 4 OH 2 Haupt 4-5 2 HR 3 R 3 RBI (.358-5-20) Foggie 3 BB Agresta W (3-0 6.11) 8 IP 6 H 6 BB 8 K 2 ER Benoit SV (6)
• 4/30: FLA 4 OH 2 Barlow W (1-3 6.03) Loses SHO in the 9th 8.1 IP 4 H 5 BB 7 KK 2 ER Benoit SV (7) 3 HR's (Figueroa (4) Klatt (5) Foggie (1) account for all 4 runs.
• Ernesto Banderas L 7 IP 3 H 10 K 2 ER (3-3 3.43)
• In Single-A Washington Jets OF prospect Esteban Cobos hit in his 36th consecutive game. That's the all-time Professional record for players in the ABA

TARPON PLAYER OF THE MONTH – Mike Haupt .340-8-20
TARPON PITCHER OF THE MONTH – Joaquin Benoit 1-0 7 SV 2.19 12.1 IP 20 K's

APRIL POWER RANKINGS
1. Las Vegas 160.3
2. San Francisco 149.5
3. Portland Lancers 122.7
4. Florida Tarpons 114.8


AL POTW - Harland Legge (LV) 8-20 5 HR 14 RBI (.275-5-16)
NL POTW – Maxence Brun (OK) 12-23 6 HR 16 RBI (.273-11-24)
AL PLAYER OF THE MONTH – Domenic Loetzsch (LV) .388-12-29 24 R
NL PLAYER OF THE MONTH – Zach Hogue (POR) .380-11-27 24 R
AL PITCHER – Omari Samedi (AK) 4-1 1.57 43 K 34.1 IP
NL PITCHER – Eric Kowalske (KC) 5-1 1.40 39 K 38.2 IP
AL ROOKIE – Luis Figueroa (FLA) .330-4-15
NL ROOKIE – Damian Hargrow (POR) .367-7-19



Domenic Loetzch has no, led the AL in AVG, HR and RBI for the last 7 months. Mike Haupt had a great month. Winton Alward and RJ Standon right back on top of the leaderboard in the AL.

In the NL San Francisco was no joke this winter and no joke in April. Top 2 K pitchers in the NL, Mike Lloyd is off to a great start and Chris Edge just had that 15 K game.



Not sure what to say. From 118 losses to leading the East at the end of April. It's just 4 weeks and lord knows I would be gleeful with an 81 win season. Our pitching is going to catch up to us and not in a good way. Las Vegas has lapped the West already. Central is the division everyone thinks will suck top to bottom and I think that means one decent month could put someone way out front.



San Francisco's aggressive winter paid off in April. Portland snuck up on most but LA is treading water at 13-13 and they're riled up. Pittsburgh off to a rare horrible start and the Central looks to be a good race this year.



The two things most impactful, well three actually, on this page.
1) Our minor leagues are horrid right now, far far worse than I expected
2) Our starting pitching peripherals are crap. We are using a seasons worth of luck in a month
3) Our defense is outstanding. And even with that there are enormous upgrades to be had at 1B and at the corners in the OF. Our pitching staff as a whole is terrible defensively.

[gehrig38]

SUBJECT: WEEK 5 NOTES
SCHEDULE:
1 @ Ohio
3 vs Memphis
3 @ Phoenix

RESULTS:

• 5/1: OH 5 FLA 3 Hayashi HR (8) 2 RBI (20) .183-8-20
• 5/2: FLA 3 MEM 2 Harris 3-3 BB 2 RBI Chase W (4-1) 8 IP 4 H 6 K 1 ER Benoit SV (8)
• Josh Mutzler CG L (4-1 3.73) 8 IP 3 ER 10 K
• In San Francisco Chris Edge tossed a CG 5 hit SHO and punched out 15 for the 2nd consecutive start, setting an ABA record for strikeouts in back to back games. I,n his last 17 innings he's given up 9 hits, struck out 30 and walked just 1. He's 3-1 3.52 and has given up just 14 hits with 58 K's in 38.1 IP. He clearly has his sights set on a 3rd straight Koufax. It was a major pitching duel as Teagan Savoie who already has the top 2 game scores (including his no-hitter earlier) also tossed a CG and fell to 3-2 2.05. He gave up 2 earned over 8 on 8 hits.
• 2005 2nd round draft pick Arturo Mendoza has been called up to AA Clovis. Our scouts believer he's ready, I disagree.
• 5/3: FLA 8 MEM 2 Haupt 2-4 HR (9) 3 R 2 RBI 2 SB Hayashi 3-4 2B RBI Ramirez W (2-0 3.79) 6.1 IP 6 H 9 K 2 ER
• Chris Hanson (KC) threw a 4 hit SHO punching out 9 and not walking a hitter in a 6-0 win over Oklahoma
• Washington prospect Esteban Cobos extended his record hitting streak to 39 games going 1-5 today.
• 5/4: MEM 10 FLA 3 Foggie 3-5 2 2B Agresta L (3-1 5.97) 6.2 IP 8 H 7 R 4 ER
• Eric Hecht 3-5 2 R 2 RBI (.358-11-32) Chris Kantor CG W (3-4) 10 H 6 K 3 ER
• Esteban Cobos went 1-4 to become the 1st player at any level in ABA history to hit in 40 straight games
• At AA Clovis Teagan Ivany went 5-5 in an 11-4 win and is now hitting .430/.514/.602 in 23 games.
• 5/5: FLA 11 PHX 2 Barranco 4-5 HR 3 R 3 RBI Barlow CG W (2-3) 10 H 5 K 2 ER
  
  
  GENERAL MANAGERS OFFICE
  2 days ago I had made the decision that Ajani Foggie needed to take a breath. Sending him to Alamogordo and getting him at bats so he could get some confidence back. He was hitting .106/.317/.244 in 64 plate appearances. I decided to sleep on it and make the move Thursday. Ajani went 3-5 with 2 doubles that night and I said “ok one more day”. Today he went 2-4 hitting his 2nd home run of the season. The only thing that's kept this from being a truly epic meltdown is the fact he's got a 12/15 K/BB ratio. He is patient, doesn't strike out much and gets his walks. I'm going to give it another day or two, and hope he's found whatever it is he needed to find to get going. He was one off the 'comforts' I fell back on in the Grider trade. I assumed Ajani would help replace the offense we were definitely going to miss.
  
  
• 5/6: FLA 7 PHX 2 Camp W (2-2) 7 IP 5 H 9 K 2 ER Foggie 1-3 2 RBI Hayashi 2-5 2 R 2 RBI
• SS Jeremy Crimi went 4-6 2B HR 3 R and 5 RBI in a 16-4 Alamogordo win. He's hitting .306-2-18 on the year.
• Catcher Adir Ferran was a minor league FA signing just a month ago. Needing bodies to help at AA Clovis he came in and has done nothing but hit. He was 1-5 3 RBI in a 13-3 Clovis win and is at .353-5-19 in just 19 games.
• DH Dave Conover went 4-7 2B 3 R 4 RBI 1B Jake Fox 2-4 2 HR 4 RBI Teagan Beairston 4-6 and 3B Rob Fuller 4-5 3 R 2 RBI in Farmington's 17-0 drubbing of Chesapeake.
• Esteban Cobos was on the receiving end of Farmington's 17-0 beating but managed to go 1-3 to extend his record streak to 41 games.
  
• 5/7: FLA 4 PHX 3 Chase W (5-1) 8 IP 6 H 4 K 0 BB 2 ER Benoit SV (9) Figueroa 2-3 2 RBI Foggie 0-5 6 LOB
• Former Tarpon Darin Downs got the start for Phoenix and took the loss. 4 IP 4 H 4 BB 5 K 4 ER (0-4)
• Chris Mattingly (DET) shut out Chicago on a 2-hitter to move to 5-0 1.86.

LUIS MORA SCOUTING REPORT
Michigan State SS Harland Bolduc is a Canadian born 21 year old. He'll be a 1st rounder this year but the OSA and I disagree. This kid could play defensively in the ABA today and be one of the top 4 or 5 shortstops in the game. He may have more range than anyone I've ever scouted at this position. He definitely has the best hands I've ever seen. I love his strike zone awareness and he has legit power potential. He also brings a 'short' game to the park. He can handle the bat like a magician and has already surpassed the NCAA record for bunt hits in a season. My main concern is I don't think he'll ever be a guy to hit for average. I feel like we're looking at a .275 ceiling bat. But I do think that can be made up from an OBP perspective due to his zone awareness. I also think his defensive toolset far outweighs a potential negative grade on his bat. Should he go 1st overall? I think you could do worse, however I don't think he'll be around at pick 33 so that's something to talk through. I give him a 4* potential and he's likely to be ready to play A ball on draft day. Draft day grade A-

AL POTW - Jeff Clark (PHX) 10-22 3 HR 5 RBI (.259-7-14)
NL POTW – Juan Burruel (WAS) 14-27 2 HR 6 RBI (.392-10-28)

RECORD: 5-2 (21-12)
PLACE: Tied 1st w/ Detroit
RUNS SCORED: 193 4th
RUNS GIVEN UP: 159 5th
DEFENSE: .709 3rd
OWNER MOOD: Upset (55/100)
POWER RANKINGS:
1) San Francisco 140.4
2) Las Vegas 124.5
3) Florida 121.5
4) Detroit 120.5



A 2-6 day extended the streak.



Just who is this kid?
He is a 19 year old CF prospect (#98 in the ABA rankings) signed out of Mexico in 2002 by the Washington Jets. He's done nothing but hit since he left their International complex. His slash line this year is .352/.400/.500 in 27 games. He's a future gold glover in CF with olympic track star speed who can hit. He's got a lot of Vladimir Guerrero in him in that he has never seen a pitch he didn't think he couldn't hit. Our scouts have him as a 3* potential.

DRAFT POOL RELEASED




Here are the guys I've initially targeted as prospects of interest. We have picks 1, 33, 79, 118, and 142 as of today.