Optioned RP Abdul-Samad Imad al Din to Triple A Milwaukee.
Optioned RP Ross Brown to Triple A Milwaukee.
Optioned RP Ryan Bowers to Triple A Milwaukee.
Placed RP Raúl Santana on the secondary (40-man) roster.
Placed RP Josh Miller on the secondary (40-man) roster.
The first three starters were never in question. Hodge and Ross are joined by free agent signee Sizemore, who the Hustlers hope can have a big year as a good fit for the home park. Most expected bin Badr to be given the #4 spot, and despite some spring struggles, the Hustlers did just that. After trying out several contenders for the #5 spot, Vegas ultimately decided to go with lefty De Jesus, who didn't start any Spring games but had a solid camp.
Last year's Trade Deadline acquisition Pursell will be the closer this year from the get go, with Buckson moving back to a setup role. Buckson will be joined by former starter Jose Bray in high leverage situations to start the year. The rest of the bullpen has a markedly different look than last year's more veteran pen. Coutts, Oliveras and Noftall start their first full years in the BBA. The big surprise was sending Rasmussen III to the minors. He struggled in spring and was clearly beat out by two true rookies in Miler and Santana.
Optioned SS Kevin Corbett to Triple A Milwaukee.
1B Bryan Gill was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.
Optioned CF Jorge Pereira to Triple A Milwaukee.
Assigned RF Javier Rodríguez from Spring Training camp to Triple A Milwaukee.
Optioned RF Kenny Qasim to Triple A Milwaukee.
Assigned 1B Tommy Cochran from Spring Training camp to Triple A Milwaukee.
The loss of Charles Johnson at catcher looms large over the Hustlers. Vegas is going to have to rely on veteran Spencer Hilson and Danishmend to replace at least some of Johnson's production. Griffin, last year's rookie breakout player, will be the heavy half of a first base platoon with veteran free agent signing Wattson. The remainder of the Hustler infield remains the same as last year with 2B Geloran, Jr,, SS Turton and star 3B Wamukota. Brackett and Sandhoff are again the utility infielders, holding off former first round pick Corbett for the time being.
Another big loss in the outfield with Jim Ashford moving on. Scotty Beemeup seemed poised to take over for him after a big year, but offseason scouting reports have raised some alarms about his long term outlook. Promising rookie Chong gets a sooner than expected BBA roster spot, and will play primarily against lefty pitching to start. Ata and Rudge are, of course, Ata and Rudge. Uribe figures to be the primary DH again.