Statement from Omaha GM(36.16)
Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2018 2:27 pm
Omaha has been the most active team over the past few weeks on the trade market, and a statement has just been released from the front office.
To Hawk Nation:
We could not be happier over the performance that our team has shown this year which has propelled us to the top of the Heartland Division and rivaled the very best teams in the BBA. It has been a long winding road since we have come into power following the 2031 season and we can’t thank our loyal fan base enough during that time period for standing with us and believing in the blueprint to a successful franchise as we waited for our time to rise to the top.
Well, the wait is over.
We firmly believe that the time is now for the organization to bring home a Landis.
To further cement that belief, we have been very active on the trade market for the past few weeks bringing in veterans who can help the team now, along with making moves for guys who are going to be difference makers in the years to come.
Over the past few weeks, we have acquired
Harlan Moore
Antonio Robles
Drees Geestman
Jesus Tonche (9/6/8 Talents, 4 - 11, 5.46 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 96 K)
Sergio Maldonado (8/8/3/3/10 Talents, .309/.338/.427, 6 HR, 35 RBI)
Martin Marin (8/8/9/5/8 Talents, .259/.308/.462, 13 HR, 34 RBI)
Let that sink in. 6 newcomers to the organization. Let me point out that 3 of which are 22 years old or younger. Have we given up some talent from our minor league affiliates? Absolutely. But we have acquired proven players to not only help us win now, but to help us win in the future.
I was specifically asked where these players fit into our lineup so I am going to briefly touch on that, which is a bit out of the ordinary because we should be focused on the right here/ right now.
Currently at first base we have had a mix of Buck Munoz (7/7/8/5/6 Talents, .229/.283/.416, 10 HR, 30 RBI) & Patrick Lue (6/8/8/6/6 Talents, .217/.288/.458, 22 HR, 45 RBI) playing. They have both played well this season, and now we add in the addition of Sergio Maldonado (8/8/3/3/10 Talents, .309/.338/.427, 6 HR, 35 RBI). Maldonado is going to be the starting first baseman, Buck Munoz (7/7/8/5/6 Talents, .229/.283/.416, 10 HR, 30 RBI) is going to be the starting first baseman, Patrick Lue (6/8/8/6/6 Talents, .217/.288/.458, 22 HR, 45 RBI) is going to be the starting first baseman. Does that clear things up? We don’t and will not run one guy out there every single day. Whoever has the hot bat at the time or a good matchup will play. Patrick has expressed interest in a coaching position with the club and very well may hang his cleats up at the end of the season. Buck is currently unsigned for next season. This leaves a void at first base that Maldonado can fill.
Same with Martin Marin (8/8/9/5/8 Talents, .259/.308/.462, 13 HR, 34 RBI). We have a great group of outfielders and this just adds one more to the bunch. We want to be as ready for October as possible and I know with the addition of Marin, we are a better team. Harlan Moore has not committed to the club next season as of right now, and does hold an option for next year in his contract. If he does opt out, Jimmy will probably shift back to shortstop, and we would have to do some additional shuffling in the outfield which is where Marin comes into play.
The BBA is truly about depth, and depth is what we are working to create.
On a last note, rumors are swirling about Emilio and his contract. Just know, we have every intention to resign Emilio Morales. He is one of our own, and we want to keep it that way.
Go Hawks!
---Justin Niles
Hawks General Manager
