Winter Spat?
December 21st, 2011 5:37 PM
Manhattan, New York
BREAKING NEWS – GM Kevin Lewis Lashes
Howdy folks! I’m here vacationing in the Big Apple and got a chance to hop onto the good ol’ Mac. Boy oh boy, do I have some juicy Winter Meetings gossip for you! I heard from some anonymous sources that GM Kevin Lewis was seen storming out of the team’s war room at the end of the meetings. Apparently, he was not too happy with something and left in a fervor. Sources tell me he was steamed, with a fully blushed face that could have lit up the entire city of New York! Allegedly, Lewis exited the premises while shouting out phrases that sounded like “Brother Tucker”.
I was not on site so I cannot comment on the validity of this, but it is safe to say that it sounds like Mr. Lewis was not quite happy with the outcome of the meetings. I wonder who he was yelling at? Did someone forget to supply him with green-only M&Ms? Was he yelling at another GM who was low-balling him? More to come later as I dig deeper into this story.
Championship Team Core Locked Up
Florida was able to make some key internal moves during the Winter Meetings. The Featherheads were able to lock up several key pitchers, including ace Cedric Mosley. Mosley signed a 5-year deal worth $50 million, with the final year being a player option. Along with Mosley, the Featherheads extended two quality relievers in Shigochiyo Hayashi and Carlos Ávila. Hayashi signed a 2-year deal worth $5.12 million in total, whereas Ávila received $10.7 million over three years including, a mutual option for the third year. Now with those pitchers locked up, the only pitcher seeking a long-term deal is António Rivera. Rivera, who had a tremendous year, should be rewarded nicely. It is thought that the two sides are currently in contract negotiations.
Baseball America’s #18 Prospect Moving North
During the Winter Meetings, Florida and West Virginia struck a deal involving two highly regarded prospects. The Coal Sox received Ronald Harmon (Baseball America #18 prospect) plus a third rounder, while Florida received Larry Martin (BA #64 prospect), veteran Glen Harris and a second rounder. The 16th overall draft pick in the 2009 draft, Harmon is a two-time minor league All-Star with a power bat. At 6’3″ and 245 pounds, Harmon gives the Coal Sox some much-needed power to West Virginia’s young nucleus. With Michael Kelly no longer on the team, third baseman Glen Harris fills an instant need for Florida. Drafted 22nd in the second round of the 2008 draft, scouts praise the former Buccaneer for his patient eye and steady hot corner defense. Martin is expected to start at Florida’s AAA affiliate.
Florida’s Top Pitching Prospects Sent to Winter Ball
Pitching prospects Danny Williams and Michael Smallbridge were assigned to Winter Ball this off-season. Coaches have made it a point to have both pitchers work on their control. Last season, Williams walked 5.7 batters per nine innings (BB/9). Smallbridge was not that much better with a 5.1 BB/9. In order to break through to the big leagues, both pitchers will need to improve on those numbers. Williams – who has incredible movement on his pitches – needs to learn how to use that skill to his own advantage while limiting the free passes. Similarly, Smallbridge needs to improve on his control if he wants to grow into a late innings pitcher. Hopefully for their sake, the experience in Winter Ball will carry over to the regular season. Both players will get a chance in Spring Training to make the ball club right out of the gate. Given the trade of Jesse Powell and François Bernard, Florida will need to rely on these young guns next season. Only time will tell if they are up to the challenge.
Roster Almost Complete?
Now that the Featherheads have acquired a third baseman, expect the team to target a catcher next to back up or compete with Charles Jeffries. Given that both Smallbridge and Williams are in the process of polishing their games in Winter Ball, expect both pitchers to be given the opportunity to make the ball club. The team also expects closer António Delgado to be ready in time for the regular season. A forgotten man, Delgado is a former All-Star with 95 career saves to his name. If he can return to form, it will be a great boost to the recently depleted bullpen.