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
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