2014 started with a 10 game home stretch with the D-Bags hoping to get off to a hot start inside the competitive CL East.
Opening Day was festive in Jersey, as they packed 40,000+ fans to see their new Ace Dan Macias on the mound against division rival Pittsburgh Swag. Opening turned into a slaughter. Macias gave up 6 ER in 7+ IP, and the bullpen, usually the strong point, gave up 9 runs in 2 innings. The offense wasn't any better with John Corrigan pitching a no-hitter into the 9th before Scott Powers banged out a double for the only D-Bags hit. Final score 16-0 Pittsburgh Swag.
The D-Bag bounced back though, winning the next 3 from the Swag, including 2 1-run games. A 3-1 start really was looking good after that first game. Next coming into town were the Vista Panthers, who had started out 2-0, taking 2 games from Reno to start the year. Vista came in swinging, but also pitching and left Jersey with a sweep. Vista won with scores 3-2, 6-3, and 12-4 and left the fans wondering, where's the offense?
The schizophrenic D-Bags then welcomed the newly relocated Indianapolis Lions to town and promptly swept them in 3 games. 2 3-game winning streaks and a 3-game losing streak muddled in the first 9 games of the year. This team already reminds me of last year's up and down team.
GM Josh Swain was heard speaking to another GM these words, "If you told me my ace, No 2 and No 3 starters, as well as my middle man and my setup man would all get crushed and we would still e 6-4, hell I'd take it." That is exactly what happened. Macias, Goodship, Paige, Tapia and Gomes all have ERA's over 7, while Goodship's hovers around 10 after 2 starts.
It hasn't been all bad though, Antonio Ruiz and Mike Bryant are leading the offense. Bryant is hitting a scorching .391, while Ruiz is tied atop the CL RBI list with 13, while adding 4 HR. The Bags as usual set in the Top 5 of almost every major batting category after 10 games.
Jersey will hit the road for the first time with a 3 game set with the Seattle Pikes, come home with 4 against the St. Louis Browns and then travel to St. Charles with a 3 game set with the Sheens. We hope to see some better pitching from the big guns in these 10 games.
GO D-BAGS
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Opening Day 2014!!
Spring Training has come and passed, the cuts and demotions have been made, lineups are set and predictions are being made. Are you ready for some Baseball??? The Jersey Shore D-Bags are! They finished Spring Training with a 16-8 record and escaped injury free and the roster has been cut to 25 men. For the most part the roster is very identifiable, there were some surprises though.
Making the Roster
On the pitching sides of things the D-Bags will feature the rotation we laid in ST with only one newcomer in the bullpen. Marv Williams who was the 6th option last year was sent to AAA while the team kept MR Brian White in his role on the big club. White the former AAA closer thrived in Spring Training, giving up 1 run in 8.0 IP and striking out 7. GM Josh Swain said it was a tough decision but when it came down to it, "Since White was out of options, there was no way he was going to clear waivers. It was either keep them both on the ballclub, trade one, give one away or send someone down. I know Marv Williams wants to be up here, and he will get his chance. It's nice to have depth."
The news of Milliard Cross taking his talents to Cleveland was a surprise and in his place will be 1B Derrick Wright has been tearing AAA up for 2 years and was no different in Spring Training. He finished 2nd in spring batting and 5th in slugging. He's like to see a lot of AB's against left handed pitching.
With Jerome Lindsey packing his bags for Orlando, one IF spot opened up. Many people thought that Adam Morrow was a shoe-in for the position. That wasn't the case. Alberto Lopez who also plays the corner IF positions, and can play 2B in a pinch, absolutely demolished ST pitching. He led all of baseball with .473 batting average and was 3rd with a .508 SLG%. You just can't keep that off the team. Even though he won't see starting AB's, he will be a great asset coming off the bench.
In the OF, there was one position to be decided and it too might have been a surprise to those of you following D-Bags baseball. Getting the 5th OF nod, was lefty Bob Thomas. While Thomas did not hit the ball well, he too was out of options and rather than risk losing him, the D-Bags kept him on the roster and send Harold Robinson and Sergio Rodriguez down to AAA.
The Rotation:
Come Opening Day, Manager Kevin Davis will hand the ball to the wily veteran Dan Macias. The 6'5" righty will be making his first start on Opening Day at home against the rival Pittsburgh Swag.
The rest of the rotation will look like this:
2) Rob Goodship
3) Jerry Paige
4) Kenny Stanford
5) Jose Reyes
The Lineup:
Whether or not Pittsburg decides to send John Corrigan or the newcomer Jules Paradis to the mound Davis plans to march out this lineup to try and repeat and led the league in runs scored again this year.
1) Scott Powers RF
2) Mason Bonniface LF
3) Matt "Coffin" Bryant 2B
4) Leon Foster CF
5) Antonio Ruiz 1B
6) Manny Romero DH
7) Luis Antonio Duran C
8) Parker Morrow 3B
9) Marvin Taylor SS
If you are a season ticket holder, you will be seeing much of the D-Bags the first month of the season. They start the year with a 10 game stand with 4 w/ Pittsburgh, 3 w/Vista and 3 w/ Indianapolis. After off day they head to Seattle for a 3 game tilt, then immediately back across the the entire country for a 4 game series with St. Louis. They head to St. Charles for a 3 game tilt before their next day. They end the month with an 8 day stretch of games starting at home with 2 w/ Pocatello, 3 w/ defending CL champs Regina before heading to Greenville for their first 2 of 16 games with the 84's this season. April usually sets the tone for the season, so let's get out there and root our D-Bags on to a hot start to this one!!
GO D-BAGS
Making the Roster
On the pitching sides of things the D-Bags will feature the rotation we laid in ST with only one newcomer in the bullpen. Marv Williams who was the 6th option last year was sent to AAA while the team kept MR Brian White in his role on the big club. White the former AAA closer thrived in Spring Training, giving up 1 run in 8.0 IP and striking out 7. GM Josh Swain said it was a tough decision but when it came down to it, "Since White was out of options, there was no way he was going to clear waivers. It was either keep them both on the ballclub, trade one, give one away or send someone down. I know Marv Williams wants to be up here, and he will get his chance. It's nice to have depth."
The news of Milliard Cross taking his talents to Cleveland was a surprise and in his place will be 1B Derrick Wright has been tearing AAA up for 2 years and was no different in Spring Training. He finished 2nd in spring batting and 5th in slugging. He's like to see a lot of AB's against left handed pitching.
With Jerome Lindsey packing his bags for Orlando, one IF spot opened up. Many people thought that Adam Morrow was a shoe-in for the position. That wasn't the case. Alberto Lopez who also plays the corner IF positions, and can play 2B in a pinch, absolutely demolished ST pitching. He led all of baseball with .473 batting average and was 3rd with a .508 SLG%. You just can't keep that off the team. Even though he won't see starting AB's, he will be a great asset coming off the bench.
In the OF, there was one position to be decided and it too might have been a surprise to those of you following D-Bags baseball. Getting the 5th OF nod, was lefty Bob Thomas. While Thomas did not hit the ball well, he too was out of options and rather than risk losing him, the D-Bags kept him on the roster and send Harold Robinson and Sergio Rodriguez down to AAA.
The Rotation:
Come Opening Day, Manager Kevin Davis will hand the ball to the wily veteran Dan Macias. The 6'5" righty will be making his first start on Opening Day at home against the rival Pittsburgh Swag.
The rest of the rotation will look like this:
2) Rob Goodship
3) Jerry Paige
4) Kenny Stanford
5) Jose Reyes
The Lineup:
Whether or not Pittsburg decides to send John Corrigan or the newcomer Jules Paradis to the mound Davis plans to march out this lineup to try and repeat and led the league in runs scored again this year.
1) Scott Powers RF
2) Mason Bonniface LF
3) Matt "Coffin" Bryant 2B
4) Leon Foster CF
5) Antonio Ruiz 1B
6) Manny Romero DH
7) Luis Antonio Duran C
8) Parker Morrow 3B
9) Marvin Taylor SS
If you are a season ticket holder, you will be seeing much of the D-Bags the first month of the season. They start the year with a 10 game stand with 4 w/ Pittsburgh, 3 w/Vista and 3 w/ Indianapolis. After off day they head to Seattle for a 3 game tilt, then immediately back across the the entire country for a 4 game series with St. Louis. They head to St. Charles for a 3 game tilt before their next day. They end the month with an 8 day stretch of games starting at home with 2 w/ Pocatello, 3 w/ defending CL champs Regina before heading to Greenville for their first 2 of 16 games with the 84's this season. April usually sets the tone for the season, so let's get out there and root our D-Bags on to a hot start to this one!!
GO D-BAGS
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Welcome to Spring Training 2013!
After what seemed like an impossibly long off season Spring Training as arrived! The players have showed up to camp, the new players greeting the old players, the fresh young faces with dreams of being stars and the joking around that goes on among friends who haven't seen each other in months. Jersey Shore enters the spring with another strong team and what looks to be another push at their the first playoff appearance. This year between 36 and 40 players will be invited to Spring Training with everyone trying to get their hands on those coveted 25 BSA roster spots. In this report, we will break down who's in, who's out, and who will be fighting for those last few spots.
Starting Pitching (5)
As usual the team will carry a 5 man rotation. Unlike last year when the team carried the same 5 starters, we have big turnover from last year. Missing from this team is Alex Torrez, Hector Hernandez and Jose Brito.
Locks:
Dan Macias, Rob Goodship, Jerry Paige, Kenny Stanford (4)
Bubble:
Jose Reyes - Yes, he has been part of the rotation for 4 years now and does hold the Jersey record for all time wins with 40, but he struggled last year to a tune of a 5.18 ERA. He will get his spring starts and will be the one to catch
Greg Shaefer - A new year and another year on the bubble for Shaef. He was primed to steal a spot in the rotation last season when an arm injury put him on the shelve for 4 months and ended his season. He has not taken advantage of the time he has had on the big squad so Spring Training might be huge for him to show he has matured.
Not Likely:
Justin Terry - The 30 year old seems destined for an AAA pitching slot. He regressed last year after posting an ERA of 3.49 in AAA in 2012. He did get one start for the big club in 2013 and was shelled to the tune of 6 ER in 5.2 IP. It would take injuries for him to see in a start in 2013.
The Bullpen (6)
The pen actually improved last year and again finished 1st in the CL in ERA. We bring back the same cast of characters and will be looking for another dominant season.
Locks:
Daniel Morris, Jose "Dog Pound" Gomes, Jaime "Mungo" Saenz, Ciro Roghi, Lucio Tapia (5)
The Bubble:
Marv Williams - Williams pitched great out of the pen in the first half of last year and ended leveling off towards the end. Ended with a 3.79 ERA and his best season in a D-Bag uniform. He will be a FA at the end of the year, and is the most likely one to get this spot, but he has company.
Gabriel Barrentez - He also seems to be in the mix. Injuries ended his 2012 and his 2013 season and the lefty looks to get back on track this season. Posted a modest 3.64 ERA in 89 innings for Tuscaloosa last season, has a shot to make the big league club.
Brian White - This 28 year old is a hard throwing righty who spent the last 2 years closing in Tuscaloosa. He throws 3 pitches, with an above average sinker. His control has always been his problem, while he has average 1K/IP over the past 2 years and only given up 3 HR 135+ IP. He is out of options, which could play into his favor.
Not Likely:
German Huerta - 2 years removed for his superb season in Jersey Huerta regressed to his normal self. While posting a respectable 3.82 ERA in AAA last year, he lacks the out pitch and walks too many hitters.
Jose Ruiz - This 21 year old was discovered in Mexico during the 2010 season. Now 21, he has worked his way through the system and spent the entire last year in AAA. Has talent and a plus fastball with an above average change. Struck out 117 batters last year in only 93.2 innings. He might not make the club out of ST but look for him to become a bullpen staple in the future.
Catcher (2)
Unlike last year, there will not be much drama at the C position. Jorge Lozano left via free agency and Mario Ramirez was traded to Orlando in the off season.
Locks:
Luis Antonio Duran, Albert Lopez (2)
Corner Infield (4)
As in the past, the corner infield portion of the cupboard is a stocked full one. A lot of players for a few slots, and this doesn't include super phenom prospect Matt Doyle.
Locks:
Manny Romero, Milliard Cross, Parker Morrow (3)
The Bubble:
Adam Morrow - I really would think Morrow has a great chance to make this roster here. He is 25 years old, plays 1B, 3B and SS and posted a tremendous year in AAA last year. Of course it's his spot to lose but there is competition
Derrick Wright - I think the case with Wright is being at the wrong place at the wrong time. He posts gigantic numbers in 2012 in AAA, regresses in 2013 and still puts up 36 VROP. Problem is, he only plays 1B. Would be a good trade candidate, but for now I don't see him supplanting anyone.
Alberto Perez - We might remember Perez from last season where he got his "cup of coffee" and hit .286 in 56 AB. He is a talented player, but I just see him losing in a head to head matchup between him and Morrow. He is 26 and I would expect to see him on the big league club at some point this season.
Not Likely:
Edgardo Gonzales - One of those guys you want to like. The unorthodox 1B with speed. Hit 24 HRs last year while stealing 26 bases, but where do you play him? The kid probably deserves a shot somewhere but highly unlikely it's in Jersey.
Matt Doyle - Didn't think I needed to mention him but he will start the season in AAA. Has the tools, but ther room isn't there and no reason to the clock on him started early. The kid can rake though.
Middle Infield (3)
Looking back to last year's Spring Training PR, Jerome Lindsey was the only lock. How times have changed. Lindsey was shipped off to Orlando and the youngsters get their chance this year. With Adam Morrow also being able to play SS and already mentioned above, this is a short and simple list.
Locks:
Matt Bryant, Antonio Ruiz, Marvin Taylor (3)
The Outfield (5)
Ah the outfield. Always room for debate on who should and should not be on this team. Unlike most positions there are actually spots up for grabs here.
Locks:
Mason Bonniface, Leon Foster, Scott Powers (3)
The Bubble:
Sergio Rodriguez - After punishing AAA pitching last year this right hander played in 11 games last year, bashing 2 HR and hitting .292. He plays the field very well, and I think has a good shot at making this team.
Manuel Vazquez - Manny came over from St. Charles in the offseason after shuffling between AAA and the BSA for the past couple season. He has an amazing glove, a cannon and wheels. He has shown a lot of gap power and his main competition seems to be Rodriguez, it should be a good battle.
Ramon Tavarez - After his good 2012 he took a step back in 2013. Playing in 52 games, he hit .268 and hit 7 HR. He is a switch hitter and the only one of the group who carries a BSA contract. Hit .390 in AAA last season.
Harold Robinson - A 26 year old left hander who was called up to AAA after spending most of 2013 in AA Gainesville. He looks like he could use some time in AAA, but you never know when a left handed bat will come in handy. A AA split line of .291/.393/.532 will turn heads at any level.
Bob Thomas - Thomas just continues to churn out good AAA seasons waiting for his turn. He amassed a 14.2 VORP playing in only 80 games and 190 AB. A lifetime .314 hitting in AAA, the 5th spot on a major league roster might be his next destination.
Not Likely:
Taro Kino - This Japanese product burst onto the scene last year after being called up in AA mid season. He hit .320 and bashed 21 HR in only 269 AB. That's 8 less homers than he had in almost 1000 AB's between A-AA. He looks like a future BSA regular and at 26 you would think he would be ready, but he will start the season in AAA and see what happens.
Last season we identified 15 locks for the BSA roster and this year that number has risen to 20. 20 locks means there are 5 spots to be won among 19 players. Hearts will be broken and I'm sure a lot of difficult decisions will be made to finalize that 25 man roster. Stay tuned over the next few weeks for promotions, demotions and general spring training game outcomes!
GO D-BAGS
Starting Pitching (5)
As usual the team will carry a 5 man rotation. Unlike last year when the team carried the same 5 starters, we have big turnover from last year. Missing from this team is Alex Torrez, Hector Hernandez and Jose Brito.
Locks:
Dan Macias, Rob Goodship, Jerry Paige, Kenny Stanford (4)
Bubble:
Jose Reyes - Yes, he has been part of the rotation for 4 years now and does hold the Jersey record for all time wins with 40, but he struggled last year to a tune of a 5.18 ERA. He will get his spring starts and will be the one to catch
Greg Shaefer - A new year and another year on the bubble for Shaef. He was primed to steal a spot in the rotation last season when an arm injury put him on the shelve for 4 months and ended his season. He has not taken advantage of the time he has had on the big squad so Spring Training might be huge for him to show he has matured.
Not Likely:
Justin Terry - The 30 year old seems destined for an AAA pitching slot. He regressed last year after posting an ERA of 3.49 in AAA in 2012. He did get one start for the big club in 2013 and was shelled to the tune of 6 ER in 5.2 IP. It would take injuries for him to see in a start in 2013.
The Bullpen (6)
The pen actually improved last year and again finished 1st in the CL in ERA. We bring back the same cast of characters and will be looking for another dominant season.
Locks:
Daniel Morris, Jose "Dog Pound" Gomes, Jaime "Mungo" Saenz, Ciro Roghi, Lucio Tapia (5)
The Bubble:
Marv Williams - Williams pitched great out of the pen in the first half of last year and ended leveling off towards the end. Ended with a 3.79 ERA and his best season in a D-Bag uniform. He will be a FA at the end of the year, and is the most likely one to get this spot, but he has company.
Gabriel Barrentez - He also seems to be in the mix. Injuries ended his 2012 and his 2013 season and the lefty looks to get back on track this season. Posted a modest 3.64 ERA in 89 innings for Tuscaloosa last season, has a shot to make the big league club.
Brian White - This 28 year old is a hard throwing righty who spent the last 2 years closing in Tuscaloosa. He throws 3 pitches, with an above average sinker. His control has always been his problem, while he has average 1K/IP over the past 2 years and only given up 3 HR 135+ IP. He is out of options, which could play into his favor.
Not Likely:
German Huerta - 2 years removed for his superb season in Jersey Huerta regressed to his normal self. While posting a respectable 3.82 ERA in AAA last year, he lacks the out pitch and walks too many hitters.
Jose Ruiz - This 21 year old was discovered in Mexico during the 2010 season. Now 21, he has worked his way through the system and spent the entire last year in AAA. Has talent and a plus fastball with an above average change. Struck out 117 batters last year in only 93.2 innings. He might not make the club out of ST but look for him to become a bullpen staple in the future.
Catcher (2)
Unlike last year, there will not be much drama at the C position. Jorge Lozano left via free agency and Mario Ramirez was traded to Orlando in the off season.
Locks:
Luis Antonio Duran, Albert Lopez (2)
Corner Infield (4)
As in the past, the corner infield portion of the cupboard is a stocked full one. A lot of players for a few slots, and this doesn't include super phenom prospect Matt Doyle.
Locks:
Manny Romero, Milliard Cross, Parker Morrow (3)
The Bubble:
Adam Morrow - I really would think Morrow has a great chance to make this roster here. He is 25 years old, plays 1B, 3B and SS and posted a tremendous year in AAA last year. Of course it's his spot to lose but there is competition
Derrick Wright - I think the case with Wright is being at the wrong place at the wrong time. He posts gigantic numbers in 2012 in AAA, regresses in 2013 and still puts up 36 VROP. Problem is, he only plays 1B. Would be a good trade candidate, but for now I don't see him supplanting anyone.
Alberto Perez - We might remember Perez from last season where he got his "cup of coffee" and hit .286 in 56 AB. He is a talented player, but I just see him losing in a head to head matchup between him and Morrow. He is 26 and I would expect to see him on the big league club at some point this season.
Not Likely:
Edgardo Gonzales - One of those guys you want to like. The unorthodox 1B with speed. Hit 24 HRs last year while stealing 26 bases, but where do you play him? The kid probably deserves a shot somewhere but highly unlikely it's in Jersey.
Matt Doyle - Didn't think I needed to mention him but he will start the season in AAA. Has the tools, but ther room isn't there and no reason to the clock on him started early. The kid can rake though.
Middle Infield (3)
Looking back to last year's Spring Training PR, Jerome Lindsey was the only lock. How times have changed. Lindsey was shipped off to Orlando and the youngsters get their chance this year. With Adam Morrow also being able to play SS and already mentioned above, this is a short and simple list.
Locks:
Matt Bryant, Antonio Ruiz, Marvin Taylor (3)
The Outfield (5)
Ah the outfield. Always room for debate on who should and should not be on this team. Unlike most positions there are actually spots up for grabs here.
Locks:
Mason Bonniface, Leon Foster, Scott Powers (3)
The Bubble:
Sergio Rodriguez - After punishing AAA pitching last year this right hander played in 11 games last year, bashing 2 HR and hitting .292. He plays the field very well, and I think has a good shot at making this team.
Manuel Vazquez - Manny came over from St. Charles in the offseason after shuffling between AAA and the BSA for the past couple season. He has an amazing glove, a cannon and wheels. He has shown a lot of gap power and his main competition seems to be Rodriguez, it should be a good battle.
Ramon Tavarez - After his good 2012 he took a step back in 2013. Playing in 52 games, he hit .268 and hit 7 HR. He is a switch hitter and the only one of the group who carries a BSA contract. Hit .390 in AAA last season.
Harold Robinson - A 26 year old left hander who was called up to AAA after spending most of 2013 in AA Gainesville. He looks like he could use some time in AAA, but you never know when a left handed bat will come in handy. A AA split line of .291/.393/.532 will turn heads at any level.
Bob Thomas - Thomas just continues to churn out good AAA seasons waiting for his turn. He amassed a 14.2 VORP playing in only 80 games and 190 AB. A lifetime .314 hitting in AAA, the 5th spot on a major league roster might be his next destination.
Not Likely:
Taro Kino - This Japanese product burst onto the scene last year after being called up in AA mid season. He hit .320 and bashed 21 HR in only 269 AB. That's 8 less homers than he had in almost 1000 AB's between A-AA. He looks like a future BSA regular and at 26 you would think he would be ready, but he will start the season in AAA and see what happens.
Last season we identified 15 locks for the BSA roster and this year that number has risen to 20. 20 locks means there are 5 spots to be won among 19 players. Hearts will be broken and I'm sure a lot of difficult decisions will be made to finalize that 25 man roster. Stay tuned over the next few weeks for promotions, demotions and general spring training game outcomes!
GO D-BAGS
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Offseason Action
The last time we came to you, the offseason had just begun, free agents just filed and we were on the eve of the Rule V draft. It is not just a week from Spring Training and although there isn't a TON of news, a few moves have been made.
Rule V
Although the Bags did open up 3 players on the 40 man roster for incoming Rule V pickups, the draft came and went without Jersey selecting anyone. Asked afterwards, GM Josh Swain proclaimed that, "There were guys we wanted, it just happens our shortlist was gone by the time it got to our pick. Some of the players were placed on their team's 40 man roster before the draft and the others were taken. It is what it is."
Jersey gained no one, but also no one was selected off of Jersey's roster either. A lot of hype, and nothing changed in Jersey.
Free Agency
As we explained in the last PR, Jersey has little to no room of budget space to be signing sparkly new free agents. We have had some moves around the league but Jersey has signed not a player note worthy to the big league club.
Jersey has made two minor signings, both for minor league catchers, both 27 years of age, and both incidentally's last organization was with Jersey. Oscar Buswell, was found in South Africa back in 2011, played in AA and AA before being released last August to make room for the incoming rookies. He will be assinged to AAA Tuscaloosa. The other was catcher Jared Gallagher. He too signed a MLC in 2011, played mainly in A ball and was released last April. He will join Buswell in AAA Tuscaloosa where they can fight for the starting job.
A signing of note that didn't involve the D-Bags indirectly happened just this past week though. Former SP Hector Hernandez who of course was part of the D-Bags rotation for the past year and a half signed a 1 year, 4 million dollar deal with the Jacksonville Jackhammers. Seeing that Hernandez was a Type A free agent, the D-Bags will gain 2 additional draft picks for his signing. Since Jacksonville will be picking in the top half of the first round, Jersey will gain their 2nd round pick and a pick in the supplemental A round, which occurs between the 1st and 2nd rounds of the amateur draft.
On that same note, Jose Brito and Jorge Lozano still remain free agents. They both carry the same Type-A tag as Hernandez does. Rumors around the league is that Lozano's asking price is way too much. Rumors also state that there is some interest out there gaining for Brito. The Jersey brass both FA's will be signed before the season starts.
Trades
In the last PR we outlined 3 trade that the D-Bags made early in the off-season. In this PR of similiar fashion the D-Bags made 3 more trades, which actually followed the same outline, one major, one minor and one of my minor league proportions.
3B Derek Spurr to the St. Charles Sheens for OF Manuel Vazquez and $1.2M Cash. Spurr was signed as a 17 year old out of Canada last offseason for 2 years and $1.2 million. He played in A ball last year and is considered to be a legit prospect. In return the D-Bags acquired OF Manuel Vasquez. Vazquez is a 27 OF who has spent the last 3 seasons platooning between AA and AAA of the New Mexico/Denver/St. Charles system. He has above average speed, an exception glove and a knack for getting an extra base hit. Look for him to get AB's against LHP this season for Jersey.
RF Joe Hernandez to the Baffin Island Beavers for OF Yoshihide Takahashi. After acquiring Vazquez, Hernandez became expandable being they are of similar age, have a similar skill set and only room for one to get AB's. Joe has been with the D-Bags sine the inaugural draft and we wish him luck in Baffin. In exchange heading to Jersey is Japanese OF Yoshihide Takahashi, which we will immediately nickname Yoshi. Yoshi is 19 and was discovered in Japan before the start of last season. He struggled in A ball, but did manage to 10 HR there, which isn't a surprise. He hits for ++ power and has super baserunning abilities and speed, but does everything else pretty much average. He will be assigned to A level Manhattan.
C Mario Ramirez and SS Jerome Lindsey to Orlando Calrissian for SP Dan Macias. Here is the big trade of the off-season for Jersey. Leaving is one of the longest tenured players on the team and team leaders in Jerome Lindsey and Mario Ramirez who was suppose to challenge Duran for the starting catching duties. We all know Lindsey, Top 5 in every batting category for the D-Bags in their short 4 year history. Injuries have plagued his career thus far, but has still put up 120+ VORP in the last 3 years. In exchange the D-Bags acquire 33 year old Dan Macias. Finally Jersey gets someone of "ace" material. Though he is a little older, Macias will immediately step in and be the No 1 pitcher on the staff. Macias is a big righty, standing at 6'5" and brings his 3.41 ERA with him. He is an innings eater and has accumulated over 200 IP in 3 of the past 4 seasons. If he can stay healthy, we will see a better Jersey rotation than we ever have before.
Upcoming Thoughts
Though Spring Training is almost here, there have been more trade rumors swirling, so watch out for the next D-Bags move. The roster is taking shape, and the next PR should come with spring training battles like last season. Until then, take care!
GO D-BAGS
Rule V
Although the Bags did open up 3 players on the 40 man roster for incoming Rule V pickups, the draft came and went without Jersey selecting anyone. Asked afterwards, GM Josh Swain proclaimed that, "There were guys we wanted, it just happens our shortlist was gone by the time it got to our pick. Some of the players were placed on their team's 40 man roster before the draft and the others were taken. It is what it is."
Jersey gained no one, but also no one was selected off of Jersey's roster either. A lot of hype, and nothing changed in Jersey.
Free Agency
As we explained in the last PR, Jersey has little to no room of budget space to be signing sparkly new free agents. We have had some moves around the league but Jersey has signed not a player note worthy to the big league club.
Jersey has made two minor signings, both for minor league catchers, both 27 years of age, and both incidentally's last organization was with Jersey. Oscar Buswell, was found in South Africa back in 2011, played in AA and AA before being released last August to make room for the incoming rookies. He will be assinged to AAA Tuscaloosa. The other was catcher Jared Gallagher. He too signed a MLC in 2011, played mainly in A ball and was released last April. He will join Buswell in AAA Tuscaloosa where they can fight for the starting job.
A signing of note that didn't involve the D-Bags indirectly happened just this past week though. Former SP Hector Hernandez who of course was part of the D-Bags rotation for the past year and a half signed a 1 year, 4 million dollar deal with the Jacksonville Jackhammers. Seeing that Hernandez was a Type A free agent, the D-Bags will gain 2 additional draft picks for his signing. Since Jacksonville will be picking in the top half of the first round, Jersey will gain their 2nd round pick and a pick in the supplemental A round, which occurs between the 1st and 2nd rounds of the amateur draft.
On that same note, Jose Brito and Jorge Lozano still remain free agents. They both carry the same Type-A tag as Hernandez does. Rumors around the league is that Lozano's asking price is way too much. Rumors also state that there is some interest out there gaining for Brito. The Jersey brass both FA's will be signed before the season starts.
Trades
In the last PR we outlined 3 trade that the D-Bags made early in the off-season. In this PR of similiar fashion the D-Bags made 3 more trades, which actually followed the same outline, one major, one minor and one of my minor league proportions.
Players Leaving
Lindsey Ramirez Henderson Spurr
3B Derek Spurr to the St. Charles Sheens for OF Manuel Vazquez and $1.2M Cash. Spurr was signed as a 17 year old out of Canada last offseason for 2 years and $1.2 million. He played in A ball last year and is considered to be a legit prospect. In return the D-Bags acquired OF Manuel Vasquez. Vazquez is a 27 OF who has spent the last 3 seasons platooning between AA and AAA of the New Mexico/Denver/St. Charles system. He has above average speed, an exception glove and a knack for getting an extra base hit. Look for him to get AB's against LHP this season for Jersey.
RF Joe Hernandez to the Baffin Island Beavers for OF Yoshihide Takahashi. After acquiring Vazquez, Hernandez became expandable being they are of similar age, have a similar skill set and only room for one to get AB's. Joe has been with the D-Bags sine the inaugural draft and we wish him luck in Baffin. In exchange heading to Jersey is Japanese OF Yoshihide Takahashi, which we will immediately nickname Yoshi. Yoshi is 19 and was discovered in Japan before the start of last season. He struggled in A ball, but did manage to 10 HR there, which isn't a surprise. He hits for ++ power and has super baserunning abilities and speed, but does everything else pretty much average. He will be assigned to A level Manhattan.
C Mario Ramirez and SS Jerome Lindsey to Orlando Calrissian for SP Dan Macias. Here is the big trade of the off-season for Jersey. Leaving is one of the longest tenured players on the team and team leaders in Jerome Lindsey and Mario Ramirez who was suppose to challenge Duran for the starting catching duties. We all know Lindsey, Top 5 in every batting category for the D-Bags in their short 4 year history. Injuries have plagued his career thus far, but has still put up 120+ VORP in the last 3 years. In exchange the D-Bags acquire 33 year old Dan Macias. Finally Jersey gets someone of "ace" material. Though he is a little older, Macias will immediately step in and be the No 1 pitcher on the staff. Macias is a big righty, standing at 6'5" and brings his 3.41 ERA with him. He is an innings eater and has accumulated over 200 IP in 3 of the past 4 seasons. If he can stay healthy, we will see a better Jersey rotation than we ever have before.
Players Acquired
Macias Vazquez Takahashi
Though Spring Training is almost here, there have been more trade rumors swirling, so watch out for the next D-Bags move. The roster is taking shape, and the next PR should come with spring training battles like last season. Until then, take care!
GO D-BAGS
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)