December 9^th, 2011 10:59 PM
Jacksonville, Florida

Florida Offers Security to Key Contributors
Today, the Featherheads happily announced the extensions of Kevin McNeill, Luis López, and Franklin Browne.  Regarded as one of the best middle infielders in the game, Florida locked up McNeill through 2015 with a 2-year extension worth $16.8 million.  McNeill has been a very loyal and productive member of the Featherheads.  Currently, McNeill is the OPS league leader amongst second basemen with an OPS of .880.  His growth as an offensive and defensive player is a testament to his desire of becoming a better ball player.  The converted shortstop is easily one of most recognizable faces in all of baseball and his extension guarantees fans will see him in the Florida red and blue for quite some time. 

The Featherheads avoided future arbitration with López by inking him to a 3-year deal worth $2.15 million.  Often used as a fourth outfielder and occasional designated hitter, López enjoyed his best season in 2011.  The former Knight posted an OPS over .800, including a .900+ OPS against southpaws.  López was extremely valuable down the stretch last season, especially while filling in for the injured Zhu.  His extension gives Florida some security and depth in the outfield spot. 

Browne exploded onto the scene this past season with an All-Star selection and 20 wins to his name.  Florida won all four playoff games that Browne started this past postseason.  For his efforts, the Featherheads rewarded him with a 3-year deal worth a total of $5.4 million.  For a 20-game winner, this deal is quite the bargain.  Perhaps Browne was willing to give the home team a discount for their faith in him during his struggles.

It has been rumored that the Featherheads are in contract talks with Cedric Mosley, António Rivera and Carlos Ávila for possible extensions. 

Rule 5 Results
No Florida player was drafted in the Rule 5 draft.  The Featherheads, meanwhile, drafted infielders José González and Carlos Ríos.  The 24-year-old González has shown to be a good hitter, with a career .338 batting average in the minors.  Ríos on the other hand provides the ball club with some defensive infield versatility.  The former Dinosaurs farmhand was originally drafted in the fourth round of the 2007 draft.  Given that the Featherheads have parted ways with Michael Kelly and Roberto Merán, both Rule 5 draftees should receive ample opportunity to prove themselves on the 25-man roster.

Too Quiet in Florida?
Ever since winning the championship, GM Kevin Lewis and owner Drew Streets have been awfully quiet.  Although publicly quiet, Lewis has made some off-season waves with several key moves, including the trading of Jesse Powell and multiple contract extensions.  Perhaps Mr. Lewis has been busy preparing for the Winter Meetings?  Could there be a big move brewing Jacksonville?

Similarly, the eccentric Drew Streets has been noticeably absent in recent months.  His hands-off approach apparently has worked, given the team’s success in recent seasons.  It seems puzzling, though, that the owner of a successful franchise like Florida is nowhere to be seen after winning the Rodríguez Cup.  We shall see at the Winter Meetings if Florida makes any announcements.