IF Seve Kava
The veteran infielder was looking for a six year deal, which the club was not anxious to give to a 34 year old. However, at a relatively low $2 million per year, it seemed a reasonable gamble for one of the lower-priced decent infielders available. Kava was a solid role player for many years in Baltimore before becoming the full-time third sacker for a year in California where he won a ring with the Crusaders. He has been a starter in Marquette the last couple of years. He can play all the infield positions and is a career .297 hitter. In fact, in three of the last four years, he hit well over .300. He will likely platoon with Homicide Carver next year, hitting mainly against righties. Carver is the third baseman of the future in Long Beach, but Kava should be a nice piece for the next few years.
3B Timothy Domino
36 year old provides more infield depth. He's been an underperformer throughout his career as his ratings say he should be a better hitter than he has been. There's a chance that Domino could end up on the waiver wire as the team will have to pare the infield depth down at the big league level, and he is out of options.
MR Juan Deguzman
34 year old provides a little depth. He's nothing to write home about exactly, but every little bit helps. He can also start in a pinch.
IF Garry Macon
Another veteran infielder, the 35 year old Macon was signed last spring as well before being released and signed by London. A long-time bench player with Madison. Macon should bring a decent eye and contact, although his career stats don't necessarily reflect that. He's an acceptable fielder as well.
The club also made a trade for another infielder as Bernardo Aguinaga returns to the fold after spending a year in AAA in the New Orleans system. He always hit reasonably well in Long Beach and is a good fielder, but he got pushed out after the 2003 season. He will still have to work to make this team, but he's got a good shot. The Surfers gave up 19 year old OF prospect Dave Wood in the deal. Wood has some tools but is a long way from ready, and the Long Beach outfield is pretty full.
The club is still in the running for Mexican reliever Pablo Romero. His potentials intrigue club management, and he's ready to step in to the major leagues in spite of having not played organized ball before.