As a way to help pass the time while waiting around for the CL to man up already, Surprise continued the painful process of finding new homes for key contributors to their recent success. This time, they sent Chase Utley and Wilin Rosario to the new Capreol team, in exchange for old friend Juan Uribe and $50K in untraceable bearer bonds. Best wishes and thanks for the memories!
Although Surprise has now at least partially addressed their most pressing needs, I'm always looking for opportunities to get better. Here are some possibilities:
1) DH - Another top 5 in the order worthy player to plug in here would be nice. Part-time big bats considered.
2) 3B - Would still like to upgrade from Sandoval if possible, although Sandoval/Uribe is a decent combo
3) 2B - Odor has an even split, but could use a RH partner to cover PA and maybe help at SS
4) C - I like Castillo, but still interested in help or an upgrade, particularly vs. RH
5) OF - Someone to help abuse LHP would be helpful
6) RH Relief - Opportunities for shutdown setup guy and good swingman to join 5th starter and long relief mix.
Trade bait may include:
1) Luke Gregerson - Happy to keep 3 quality closers, but it seems like someone might need one
2) Jared Hughes - RH reliever with 2.28 ERA for 74 AIP
3) Pablo Sandoval - Bounce back candidate who's actually decent vs. RHP
4) Desmond Jennings - Another bounce-back candidate who was mostly hurt in 2015
5) Nefali Feliz - Unlimited IP, still only 27! Was great not long ago...
6) Neil Ramirez - Injured most of season, but got healthy at the end. E for this season. Great in 2014.