Back at it with the vans. Damn Daniel that River Monsters uniforms looks good
Roster construction continues at a feverish pace in the Twin Cities. Today the team dealt pitching prospect Robin Riddle to Charlotte in exchange for veteran center fielder Arthur Daniel. While not the flashiest of moves, it's a move that is necessary to reach the next level.
Offensively Daniel is a mixed bag. His eye makes his low 7 contact rating viable. While he has no power, his gap skills seem legit and should be enhanced by playing 81 games in a park suited for doubles and triples. Daniel also has some decent speed.
Daniel is expected to platoon in CF with fellow Charlotte expat Dennis Murray. Defense was put at a premium for this position as the River Monsters are projected to start Jesper Sonderlei in Right and Rory Linseman or Ted Benson in LF. All 3 are absolute butchers in the field. So whoever isn't starting in CF, will certainly see a lot of time as a defensive sub late in games.
To get something, you need to give something. Robin Riddle was Twin Cities 11th best prospect. It's no secret that the RIver Monsters, like a lot of other teams, are flush with pitching and shallow on offense. So while the cost may have been high for a two year rental who could start to decline at any moment, it was a necessary evil. If not Daniel, where do the Monsters turn for CF? Arvin Duggan?
With one more need pulled off the board. Twin Cities is still on the hunt for a 1B, 2B, SS, platoon COF, #4 starter, and lefty stopper. The team will look to the Rule 5 draft tonight where Twin Cities has the first, err 3rd? pick in the draft.
