Pitcher Mike Davis, and that mega contract are headed to Hawaii by way of Des Moines. The oft-injured pitcher travels to the islands with minor league pitcher Stephen Taub, whose dad Steve Taub, actually spent a season in Hawaii in 2006. In return the Kernels receive minor league outfielder Miguel Cruz, who just never reached his potential. Maybe a change of scenery will help? Cruz will hope to maybe crack a Des Moines roster with his speed and above average power in a reserve OF role.
Mike Davis will earn his money on the rebuilding Tropics. More of a minor leaguer at this point in his career, he'll eat rotation innings, while the club eats that salary. Walks are his specialty, and he has plenty of them. Although in a rather surprising turn of events, he actually has posted a 2.12 ERA in three starts, winning two of them. On an injury ravaged team, the 17 innings he has eaten are actually very helpful. Taub though is the piece that made the deal hard to resist. He figures to me a solid middle of the rotation guy, and if he can develop more, maybe a top of the line guy like his dad. He is only 19, so there is time for him. More youth is a good thing. Will there be any more moves? We shall see.