Blowing in the Wind 2058.5: Jacksonville Parts Ways With Long Time Cleanup Hitter To Sign Draft Picks

[aaronweiner]

The Jacksonville Hurricanes have had some serious cashflow issues lately, and a lot of it stems directly from paying $45 million for Klaas Renders. Trading away staff ace Bernie Stuart lightened the load somewhat, but in drafting big bonus baby 1B Julio Navarro, possibly the best hitter in the 2058 Amateur Draft, they knew they would have to do something drastic. Jacksonville traded long time cleanup hitter Donald Miller to Nashville along with one of their more developed pitching prospects, a move that saved them enough cash to allow them to sign everyone.

"It was difficult psychologically parting ways with Donald, who has been a superstar in this league for decades and was a great veteran in our clubhouse," said Jacksonville GM Aaron Weiner. "However, as a personnel decision it was not the toughest one I've ever had to make, especially if we were going to be able to afford all of our draft picks."

For a team that currently sits one game out of the wild card and is four games above .500 on the season, the Hurricanes have certainly been making some serious moves that indicate they are rebuilding. Weiner, however, dismisses those ideas.

"We didn't draft a lot of college guys this draft, but you're going to see us start calling up some of our rookies this year, and we've got a lot of guys who are ready for major league action and just need to get a bite at the apple," Weiner said. "We're actually pretty excited about the direction of the team. Plus, I don't know if you've noticed this, but Greg Godwin is playing even better for us this year than Donald was, so that's working out, too."

Jacksonville already has moved a few players to the majors this year. Bae Pae has been up and down this season in center field, but that's to be expected for a rookie. Top pitching prospects Si-dao Yong and Dan Voelzke have held their own this year, putting in solid, not spectacular efforts, though reportedly both are unhappy that they didn't get a shot at the rotation this year. Outfielder Herman Turnbull, a 2056 third rounder, has been one of the team's better reserves. And, the team just called up 2055 #1 pick Roy O'Donnell, who crushed three levels of the minors and was excellent in a cup of coffee at the beginning of last year when starter Luis Gonzales was injured, and as a better offensive catcher than the incumbent is expected to get a fair amount of run against righthanded pitching.

"That might not be everyone, either," Weiner said. "We know that guys like Hamdan Nuh, Don Colbert, and Alfonso Martinez are chomping at the bit in AAA, and that's to say nothing of Steve Holcombe, who could be starting for us in the outfield as early as next year."

Navarro was considered a priority signing by the team, especially since 2055 first round pick Konstantin Yablochov busting has reset their strategy there. However, with fellow 2055 draft pick Nuh very likely ready to take over next year, the team felt they needed a long-term, high-ceiling prospect at the position. Jacksonville's offense might look very different - and better - next year based on all of the moves.

"Listen, we're still a good team RIGHT NOW," Weiner said. "We just happen to have some people in our organization who might make us better, and soon."

https://statspl.us/brewster/reports/new ... eam_3.html