The 2042 Winter Meetings have concluded and while the Spuds weren't the big winners during free agency, the front office is pleased with their free agent acquisitions.| PLAYER | POS | CONTRACT | '43 OUTLOOK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepe Hernandez | SP | 3 years/$15M | #4 starter for Boise |
| Dani Morse | OF | 3 years/$7.8M | 4th/5th OF for Boise |
| Simón Bautista | RP | minor league | LHP in AAA bullpen |
| Enrique Sánchez | RP | minor league | RHP in AA bullpen |
| Enrique Díaz | CF | minor league | 5th OF in AA |
The signing of Morse was meant with enthusiasm by Boise General Manager Joe Lederer. "We greatly value versatility and depth," Lederer told reporters. "We've got a tremendous outfield with Frenchy (Dennis French), Félix (Román) and Ricardo (Ruíz). Dani gives us a reliable back-up centerfielder should he need to fill-in. He plays solid defense, has nice wheels as a pinch-runner, and we think his bat will play much better for us than it did the last few seasons out in San Fernando." Morse's gritty persona and reputation as a "spark plug" fits into the club's chemistry and Lederer believes he'll be a favorite of fans who get to see him in Boise.
* * * * *
As reported two weeks ago, the Spuds were shocked at the sudden retirement of prospect Fernando Rangel. In the following days, the team has stayed in contact with Rangel's agent, Toby Quigley, about keeping a roster spot open for his client should Rangel's professional football dreams fall short. The ball club is hoping to get a final resolution from Rangel and his camp within the next two weeks.
If Rangel does spun the National Football League and return to the Brewster Baseball Association, the Spuds have said publicly they plan to use Rangel as one of the big league club's two stoppers, along with Jorge Maestas. The Boise front office continues to reach out to free agent relievers in case Rangel chooses to stay retired from professional baseball.
* * * * *
Prospects Pat Alexander and Eugenio Asseldonk were teammates for two months in Double-A Weymouth this past season, but reports are the battery-mates really clicked this past Florida Prospect League season. Alexander, 22, spoke highly of the lefty Asseldonk: "Man, Geno was like a whole different pitcher down in Florida. He was really good during the regular season and he was just starting to transition out of the bullpen before he got called up to Triple-A. But now, gee whiz, he looks like a big league starter! It's incredible."
Asseldonk started 2042 as a reliever in Single-A Tulsa, making 13 appearances (3.95 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 12.1 K/9, 0.7 BB/9) before being promoted to Weymouth. Asseldonk, 21, finished the year appearing in 30 games for the Irish and Triple-A Salt Lake City, including seven starts. Scouts have raved about Asseldonk's improvement in his control, much to the delight of Boise management, who started to plan on making Asseldonk a full-time starter in 2043. The 6'5" lefty made five starters during the FPL, leading the entire league in ERA (0.92) to go with a dazzling 0.72 WHIP, 9.5 K/9 and 1.2 BB/9.
Asseldonk is expected to being the rotation in Salt Lake City next year and looks forward to pitching one day to his former teammate. "Making a start one day on the mound in Boise would be a dream come true, and I wouldn't love nothing more than to shake off that first sign that Pat throws down in my debut," he said laughing.
When asked about his pal, Asseldonk said "Pat is a great catcher, and better teammate and friend. There's a reason why he's getting a long look at the starting job up there. It takes a special player to take over for a future Hall of Famer (Hank Brewer) as a rookie. I have faith he can handle it."