Fans across Scottish Highlands woke up this morning to news of a major trade of two beloved power hitters. OF Paul Oglethorpe and 3B Juan Ramos will be adjusting to a new ballpark and culture in the coming weeks, heading to Okinawa to try to lead the Shisas back to a playoff birth.

“I don’t get it. Why would we take two of our best hitters out of this lineup? We win the division two years in a row and this is what we get in return as fans?” – Graham Campbell (Claymores Season Ticket Holder)

An understandable initial reaction that many Claymores fans experienced when the trade was announced, but let’s dig deeper into the package of players coming back to the Scottish. SP Juan Rodriguez, (AAA) RP Leon Vega, (INT) 2B Elesbaan Karama, and 1B Gilberto Feliciano complete the trade for the Okinawa Shisa.

Rodriguez is a 23 year old SP with three plus pitches and a ceiling that pushes him to the top of many rotations in the PEBA. The question with Rodriguez is simple, is his floor high enough that if he doesn’t reach his ceiling that he will still be worth the price paid in the trade?

“We feel that Rodriguez already is a well developed SP, and fills an immediate need in our future. He’s got some untapped potential there and we believe he can be one of our core pieces moving forward.” – GM Sean Bain

(AAA) RP Leon Vega has primarily been used as a RP throughout his career, but appears to have the tools necessary to fill a role in the rotation as well. Three plus pitches, and the stamina of a starter have many with the Claymores excited to see what Vega can do in that role.

“One of the benefits of Vega being used as a reliever so far in his career is that he doesn’t have the same mileage on his arm as most SP would. We’ll build him up this Spring as a Starter and let him roll there in AAA this season. He’s definitely a candidate for Winter Ball next year.” – Scouting Director Jesus Marquez

(INT) 2B Elesbaan Karama is a raw and undeveloped prospect, but has shown potential to provide value as a Super Utility player. Karama can play nearly every position on the field at an acceptable level, and has the potential to be a contributor with his bat as well.

“Any time you acquire a young player, you have an idea of what they could become but ultimately there are so many things that have to go right for that ceiling to be reached. We like what Karama brings to the table, and are going to be patient with his development.” – GM Sean Bain

1B Gilberto Feliciano as part of the return was a curious addition, but ultimately salary relief was of value to Okinawa. The Scottish were able to provide that in return for more prospect capital.

Analysts around the PEBA will be discussing this trade not only this offseason, but tracking the individual players for seasons to come. Some GM’s will be kicking themselves for not reaching out about the availability of players, and the fans of those teams will be calling into radio shows across the world giving their opinions. Ultimately, both GM’s felt the deal was necessary for both clubs.

“Some may view it as an overpay, but this gives our offense a boost. Everyone knows I love me some offense!”- Okinawa GM Matt Reid