Germao Traado, the big piece in return when Floyd Carter was sent packing in 2028, was sent packing himself. Traado was shipped to Havana for SP/RP Ricardo Jaramillo, and IF Fernando Martinez. Traado had spent the first 3 1/2 seasons of his career in Hawaii, turning himself into a top of the rotation talent after toiling in the minors of the now defunct EBA. It was the closing of that league that was the stroke of luck that gave Traado his chance. Selected by the Phoenix Talons in the EBA dispersal draft, he was promptly shipped to the ever rebuilding Tropics and was allowed to pitch without fear of losing his job. Traado rewarded the franchise with a sub 4.00 ERA and leadership in the clubhouse. He has continued his success in Havana, and was recently rewarded with a 3 year, almost $21M extension. the pieces received in return for Traado though are what fans of Hawaii are interested in.
Ricardo Jaramillo was spending his time on the bullpen in Havana, and hovering around a 5.00 ERA. In him, GM Mike Bieschke saw a guy who could eat some innings in the starting rotation while the club tries to rebuild itself. So far, so good. He has made six starts, and has a 2.93 ERA over 43 innings. He is doing exactly what has been asked of him, and is young enough to still be around once the team is rebuilt. Fernando Martinez is a solid hitter, a great fielder, and a good base runner who will get every chance to show what he is as well. He will mostly play 2B, which will allow Paul Backstrom to switch to DH, with occasional starts at SS. The team envisions him as the double play partner of top prospect Ernesto Alfiche for many seasons to come. Nice to see somewhat of a youth movement for a change on the islands. Look for more to come.
