With the number 22 pick in the PVBL Free Agent draft the we took LF
prospect Jose Guillen (55-53-55). The 21 year old is expected to have an
opportunity to play immediately for us.
Our second round pick was catcher George Williams (22-64-31)
followed by LHP Skel Sneed in the third round and RHP Buzz Larkin in the
fourth. Williams may be used as a pinch hitter this season, though he will
begin the year in AAA. Sneed and Larkin were both selected because they
have cool names and are not expected to have an impact this year.
FREE AGENT SIGNINGS
Over the last two days we have released pitchers Fernando Valenzuela
and Ed Golden. Catcher Daniel Remy was also sent on his way. These moves
were made to make room for the players acquired during last night's draft as
well as two acquisitions made today.
Shortstop Todd Swetonic (8-15-12), a 30 year old veteran and 26 year
old centerfielder Floyd Hoerst (13-8-13) were both given contracts today.
Swetonic signed immediately, however Hoerst has been offered the managerial
job with the Laurel Lynx. Our initial offer to Hoerst was a minor league
contract worth $65,000. However, in light of recent events we are upping
the offer to $1.4 million with a $3 million bonus for knocking 4 home runs.
We believe we have the funds to battle with Laurel if this turns into a
bidding war.
TRADES
A week ago we sent 2B Ryne Sandberg and OF Joe Carter to Hartford
for 28 year old 3B Scott Brosius (65-77-37) in a move to get younger. Until
today that had been the only trade we had managed to finalize.
This afternoon RHPs Rod Beck and Tyler Green were traded to Macon
for 27 year old OF Matt Mieske (57-87-39) and 21 year old 2B Edgardo Alfonzo
(52-34-39). Mieske will obviously step into an critical role with the ball
club while Alfonzo will serve as backup to Brent Gates for at least this
season. Alfonzo is expected to be the starting 2B in '00, and very possibly
could start in '99. We feel he is actually good enough to take that role
now should Gates play himself out of the job.
FUTURE MOVES
At this point in time we are not in negotiations with any teams or
players. However we are searching for a high quality starting pitcher. No
one is regarded as untouchable, though Juan Gonzalez is the least
touchable...followed very closely by Kevin Elster.
